Spencer Council boosts police capabilities

The Spencer Town Council addressed police technology upgrades, department staffing requests and property plat approvals during its regular bi-monthly meeting on June 15.

Council president Jon Stantz, vice president Evan McKalip and member Ginger Kohr were present to conduct the town's business, alongside clerk-treasurer Cheryl Moke. Town attorney Richard Lorenz participated in the session remotely via telephone.

Following a swift approval of the prior meeting's minutes and the standard docket of municipal claims, the council transitioned into departmental updates.

Spencer Police Department Chief Terry Sips provided an update regarding the department's fleet vehicles, reporting that a Dodge Ram truck was at the body shop for repairs. Sips estimated that it would likely be three weeks before the vehicle was fully completed and returned to active patrol service.

Chief Sips then introduced Officer Ryan Combs, who delivered a presentation to the council regarding TLO, an online investigative tool widely used by law enforcement agencies.

Combs explained that the platform significantly accelerates suspect identification and evidence gathering during criminal investigations. The service costs the town $900 annually, which accommodates an average of 75 specialized searches per month.

Combs noted that the Spencer Police Department can combine its search data and tools with Owen County law enforcement agencies for more rapid and effective information sharing across jurisdictions.

Following the presentation, the board designated Chief Sips and Assistant Chief Rannix Tinsley as system administrators, while Combs and officer Bryce Brock will serve as the primary users authorized to conduct searches.

Several town entities had no developments to report during the mid-June session. Sewer department superintendent Ryan Klaassen was absent, and no updates were submitted on behalf of the Spencer Redevelopment Commission or the Owen Valley Fire Territory.

The Spencer Town Council will meet again on July 6 and July 20. Both meetings will begin at 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building at 90 N. West St., Spencer.