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No, It’s Not a Nightmare:

The Spooky Tale of a Saturday Night Halloween with an Extra Hour of “Aggravated Shenanigans” By Laura McCabe LKPD Communications Manager

Rich Lockhart LKPD Chief of Police

What do you call it when Halloween, Daylight Savings time and a just past full moon happen on a Saturday night? Did I mention that Mercury is also in retrograde? A popular poet would say it is going to be, “crazy, scary, spooky, hilarious.” We thought it would be fun to explore this somewhat rare occurrence in this edition of the City Beat. One thing that will happen for sure, bars will be open an extra hour. Check out the story to see what else might happen. The intersection of 14th and Ohio is a famous spot for all of us who attended or are attending school at KU. It is also an area where the City and PD are working with a local business owner to improve safety for pedestrians. The fiftieth LKPD Academy class is in session. Policing has certainly changed a lot in that time, and we will look at those changes with one of our current academy instructors. Our first class was in 1978, want to guess what the average price for a gallon of gas was? I will tell you at the bottom. E-Bikes make it easier to get around, and many people are replacing their gas-powered cars with an e-bike. Did you know that e-bikes are not the pedal bikes that many of us grew up with. On a windy day, going downhill, and pedaling as hard as I can, I might be able to get my gravel bike up to 30 mph and that is really fast. Many of the new e-bikes can easily do 30 mph and some of them can go 40+. We thought it would be good to share some e-bike safety tips for those of you operating one or considering it. For those of you operating vehicles, make sure to look twice for those of us on two wheels. One of our most frequent calls on the overnight shift is about those loud parties. While it is a frequent call, it is one we don’t always get to because of call volume. We thought it would be good to give you the low down on the City’s noise ordinance, from a supervisor who works the overnight shift. You might be surprised by what he has to say. Other stories will include K9 Shadow winning first place in the keyless competition at the K9 games and our trunk or treat recap. Alright, for those of you wondering, a gallon of unleaded gas was about 63 to 65 cents in 1978. At 63 cents, it would cost about $15.75 to fill up my police car. I miss the old days. Enjoy this edition of City Beat and let us know what you think or if you have story ideas for future editions.

October 31, 2026

Give everyone in Lawrence a reason to dress up, sugar up, and drink up on a weekend night. Then – as Daylight Saving Time ends -give them an extra hour to extend the party. “Is it a full moon too?” asks one detective. “I’m glad I’m not working that night,” chimes in a patrol officer while another tries to bring in a positive spin: “No, it’s nice because the night goes by really fast.” Sounds like a full night of “aggravated shenanigans,” jokes her coworker. “I’m on call,” says one detective listening in, who decides he may just come in rather than wait for his phone to ring.

need to travel back to October 31, 2015, to examine the perfect party plot. It’s a frightening flashback: the same extra hour on a Saturday, plus, the Royals were playing game 4 of the World Series and it was homecoming weekend for the

Jayhawks. In the police world, this combination of events doesn’t necessarily translate into more arrests or more crimes being committed. It has, however, resulted in some curious calls. The Clown Craze “I remember one year when people were calling in reporting clowns in the storm drains, “says a Patrol Commander, “Research that.” Well, I did. Yep. It seems when the horror movie “It” came out in 2017, people in several cities

The Perfect Party Plot The last time the stars aligned to create such an event was technically in 2020, but with many Covid precautions still in place, we really

Continued on page 6

The Trail that Led to Reopening Several LKPD Cold Cases By Laura McCabe LKPD Communications Manager

Detective Josh Leitner has a knack for never overlooking the smallest detail. Once he sees a loose thread, he pulls. The last time he did, he uncovered new DNA evidence in a brutal unsolved rape case that happened in 2009. And he’s found that the more he pulls, the more he seems to unravel. The 2009 Case Arrest Last month, detectives announced the arrest of 37-year-old Matthew James Galveston-Lawrence. The case involves a 20-year-old woman who was attacked from behind and raped by a stranger while walking home at night. The woman reported the case at the time, but the investigation didn’t return any suspects. Leitner studied the case, submitted evidence to be retested and identified the suspect – a DNA match with a statistical likelihood of one in 848 trillion. The Zimbrick Genetic Genealogy Connection The trail Detective Leitner is following began even further back. In December of 2025, LKPD announced the arrest of David James Zimbrick of Raytown, Missouri. The crimes

December 2025 press conference announcing arrest using genetic genealogy, Left to right: Detectives Meghan Bardwell and Amy Price with Chief Rich Lockhart.

took place from 2000 through 2003. Leitner’s colleagues, Detectives Amy Price and Meghan Bardwell, identified Zimbrick through a relatively new (and expensive) investigative technique called Genetic Genealogy, which combines DNA testing with traditional genealogy research. He’s accused of luring young children into wooded areas at Naismith Valley Park and sexually assaulting them. The case is within the judicial process now. “I started looking at old police reports, trying to find cases that may relate to Zimbrick,” says Leitner. “What we found is multiple cases from that time

frame that appear to be worth a second look.” Unraveling the Past “I was looking for something where we still had evidence in our evidence room,” says Leitner, “or maybe something that wasn’t tested as thoroughly as it could have been, or where technology has changed enough that we can get a profile where back then, we couldn’t have.” Leitner doesn’t necessarily rely on novel DNA techniques to find additional evidence, explaining that even traditional Continued on page 6

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Everything You Need to Know About Motorized Rides in Lawrence By Molly May LKPD Police Officer

Thanks to a boom in affordability and popularity, e-bikes are zipping through Lawrence in record numbers. Children and teens, especially, can be seen riding around after class and on weekends. The Lawrence Kansas Police Department’s Officer Cody Keenan offers some insight into e-bikes, their safety, and things people and parents should consider before investing in a battery-powered vehicle of any kind. What is an E-Bike? An e-bike looks much like a traditional bicycle. Legal e-bikes must have pedals that are fully operational and an electric motor of 750 watts or less. The state of Kansas recognizes three classes of e-bikes: Class 1 – These e-bikes are pedal assist only bicycles. The motor assistance on a class 1 e-bike stops at 20mph. Class 2 – These e-bikes are throttle-assisted and can move without pedaling. The motor propulsion stops at 20mph. Class 3 – These e-bikes are pedal assist only. The motor stops helping at 28mph, and they have to have a speedometer. The operator of a class 3 e-bike must be at least 16 years old. What is not an E-bike? It’s important to differentiate e-bikes from what many call motorbikes or e-motos. Some high-powered bikes with non-functioning pedals are marketed as e-bikes. They’re not. As a general rule, it is not considered an e-bike if the pedals are nonfunctional, if it has no pedals, or if it is capable of reaching speeds of 30 miles per hour or more. Motorized vehicles must dis-

Molly May, LKPD Officer

play a license plate. Motorbikes generally don’t have VIN numbers, can’t be registered, and are only legal to ride on private property and in closed courses. Rules of the Road (and Sidewalks!) Lawrence City Code currently recognizes e-bikes as regular bicycles. Here are a few things you need to know: • Helmets are required for anyone aged 15 and younger. • Bicycle traffic rules apply. • No sidewalk riding in the Downtown Commercial District. • E-bikes must yield to pedestrians. Speed and Safety – What do medical statistics show about the risk of injury on E-Bikes? Simply put: e-bikes are faster, and with more speed comes more (and more severe) injuries. According to data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System

(NEISS), an estimated 15,121 pediatric e-bike injuries were treated in emergency departments between 2019 and 2023. 49.8% of those injuries occurred in 2023. This tells us that pediatric injuries from e-bikes are increasing quickly. To bring the numbers a little closer to home, “We are very focused on identifying ways to reduce these injuries in our community and improve safety for everyone, says Lawrence Memorial Hospital’s Trauma Program Manager, Rachel O’Keefe.” From January through September of this year, Emergency Department caregivers treated 58 people who were injured on an e-bike or scooter, 20 of them were under the age of 18. Approximately 35% of the pediatric patients had to be transferred to a higher level of care when only about 3% of the pediatric patients involved in vehicle crashes required transfer for a higher level of care. Smooth Operators: Advice for Parents, Kids, and Commuters Before investing in motorized transportation or giving one as a gift, Officer Keenan has a few suggestions: First, consider the age and maturity level of the rider. Class 3 e-bikes are illegal for anyone under the age of 16. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes don’t have an age requirement to ride, but careful consideration should be taken to ensure everyone’s safety. Weigh these factors first: • Is the rider a highly proficient bicycle rider? Before ever adding power to the mix, the rider should be very good at riding their bicycle. This means using speed when safe and appropriate, the ability to recover quickly from a near crash, and knowing what circumstances may dictate an unsafe riding environment (For sidewalks, think particularly rough sidewalks, grass and leaf covered sidewalks, and areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. For streets, think fast-moving traffic and the absence of bicycle lanes). • Does the rider demonstrate good decision-making skills? Riding an e-bike can add an extra layer of danger to the rider as well as people, vehicles, and oth-

er cyclists around them. Is the rider capable of making potentially split-second decisions to keep themselves and others safe? • Are you comfortable with the potential speed? On a Class 1 and 2 e-bike, the power stops at 20mph, and 28mph on a class 3. These speeds are significant. While a normal adult bicyclist may hit 15mph somewhat regularly on level ground, children 10-16 years old typically average 8-12mph. Constant speeds of 20+mph create new challenges and more potential for injuries. Second, be sure your budget has room for the helmet. Regular bicycle helmets are not suitable for e-bikes! There are different levels of helmets, but safety experts recommend an NTA 8776 rated helmet for e-bike use. These helmets are tested against higher-energy performance requirements and offer more protection, including material around the temples and back of the head. There are cost-effective options for NTA 8776 helmets, and Officer Keenan points out that special features (including lights, visors, and turn signals) are just features, not safety certifications. Third, consider where the bike will be ridden. For example, if the rider (or rider’s parent) prefers the sidewalk, remember that sidewalks were not built with speed in mind. They are at a higher risk for cracks, holes, weeds, and foliage, which can all be dangers to riders. Roadways are better maintained for speed, but streets are also not without risk. Consider the streets and sidewalks in your neighborhood before investing in an e-bike. If any parents still aren’t sure whether or not an e-bike is a good fit for their kiddo, Officer Keenan advises, “Just because it’s legal for them to operate an e-bike, that does not mean your child or teen is developmentally ready to operate one. A parent or caregiver should consider the individual child’s maturity level and experience before allowing them to ride an e-bike.” Officer Cody Keenan from the Lawrence Police Department has 8 years of law enforcement experience, is part of the Accident Investigation Unit, is a Child Passenger Safety Technician, and is the Department Liaison for SAFE Kids Douglas County.

Celebrating the 50th Basic Recruit Academy Working Together to Improve

By Laura McCabe

Safety in the Triangle

LKPD Communications

The Lawrence Kansas Police Department’s 50th Basic Recruit Academy marks a valuable milestone of teaching and training officers who will work in Lawrence, right here within the community they serve. The 22-week program just finished its 10th week with this landmark class of seven recruits, and training officers have already seen impressive cohesion. “This group transitioned into a team very early on,” says Training Officer Andrew Morgan. “Their work ethic and engagement have set a strong foundation for the remainder of the academy.” Reaching a 50th academy represents a long history of training officers locally. While the LKPD Academy must meet, and often exceeds, state-mandated curriculum requirements, the department can tailor additional training to directly meet the community’s needs. “The LKPD has high expectations for our officers,” says Morgan. “By having our academy here, we are able to instill these expectations early on in their law enforcement training.” As research and industry standards evolve, the local Basic Recruit Academy also provides flexibility. Historically, recruit training mirrored traditional schooling with long lectures, memorization, and a lot of classwork and written testing. Over the years, research has shown that focusing more on experiential learning through drills and scenarios leads to better retention and understanding. “Don’t get me wrong, we still have classroom work they have to complete, but more work is now more hands on to help them apply the knowledge as they learn it,” says Morgan. Page 2

By Laura McCabe LKPD Communications

Today, the department combines classroom instruction on Kansas statutes, constitutional law, search and seizure rules, and report writing with active drills and scenarios. The training staff describes the learning, thus far, as a heavy “academic grind” before transitioning to more scenario-based training. “I think they are looking forward to this next chapter and are eager to show that their work in the classroom has paid off,” says Morgan. Watching recruits transform is rewarding for the instructors as well. Morgan says, “Knowing that the habits, ethics, and mindset we instill in them throughout this academy will protect both them and our community for the next 20 to 30 years makes it one of the most rewarding assignments in the department.” The 50th Basic Recruit Academy is set to graduate in January of 2027 and will begin their mandatory field training assignment. In the meantime, the application process to become a part of the 51st LKPD Basic Recruit Academy opens toward the end of November. For more information, visit www.JoinLawrencePD.org

From patrol officers on the streets to the Office of the Police Chief, the “Triangle” has drawn a lot of attention from LKPD this fall. For generations, the 14th St. Corridor between Tennessee and Ohio has attracted hundreds of people on ordinary days and even thousands during major celebrations. In September, LKPD began its Fall Safety Initiative, which put extra officers in the area, mainly on foot, to prevent harm and provide education. During that time, officers have seen everything imaginable. From a student who was found sleeping on a couch in the wrong house, to window peepers, streakers, and burglars, nothing surprises them anymore. Experts involved believe pedestrian and vehicle traffic has grown beyond the area’s original design. LKPD leaders are now working with the city’s traffic engineers to try to help find a more sustainable solution. “The problem is the amount of pedestrian traffic and the lack of pedestrian safety controls,” says Sergeant Drew Fennelly. “The danger that causes, in combination with it being nighttime, having intoxicated people, and potentially intoxicated drivers, creates unsafe conditions.” Officers see long lines overflow from sidewalks into the streets along with pedestrians trying to navigate around the crowd. Add in limited lighting, steep hills that create blind spots, and rideshare vehicles frequently pulling over to drop off passengers, and it’s an injury waiting to happen. Sergeant Fennelly notes. “Over the years we’ve seen people hit by vehicles, killed by vehicles, and it’s just a situation that needs some addressing,” notes Fennelly. While officers are there to enforce laws, Major Hayden Fowler says the objective of the special patrol is to deter crime. “Officers are tasked with building a rapport, coaching people on how to remain vigilant and safe, and typically lean on educating rather than issuing citations or making arrests,” Fowler says. By combining active officer outreach with longterm engineering solutions—such as improved street lighting, adjusted traffic controls, and enhanced pedestrian crosswalks—the collaborating team aims to permanently reduce risks in the area and preserve a safe nightlife environment.

October 31, 2026

By Drew Fennelly LKPD Patrol Sergeant

Why does it sometimes take an officer a while to arrive after I call the police? When you call the police, your call is prioritized based on the circumstances and information available at the time and categorized as a type of call. For example, an armed robbery in progress, shooting, or stabbing “call type” is a Priority 1 call, and a parking violation is a Priority 7 (the lowest level). A theft in progress, shoplifter, or a welfare check are all Priority 4. There are a whole lot more call types in between, these just give you a general idea. Officers responding to or on scene of non-emergency calls may be redirected to a higher priority call based on the number of officers available across the city. Priority 7 calls are generally not dispatched on the radio, and an officer will just respond to them when they see them on the dispatch screen and have time to respond. That’s why a parking violation may take 5 minutes to get a response, or potentially 5 hours if it’s a busy day.

By Amy Rhoads-Nettles Lieutenant – Office of Professional Accountability

The Teams: The partnership between the Lawrence Kansas Police Department and Evolution Athletics began in the fall of 2018, when Evolution began working with LKPD’s 40th Basic Recruit Academy. Evolution has worked with every recruit class since that time and is currently supporting the 50th Basic Recruit Academy. How it works: Evolution Athletics provides structured fitness training to help prepare recruits for the physical demands of law enforcement. Recruits participate in individual assessments, receive workout plans and have access to trainers, along with group workouts throughout the academy. The partnership later expanded as part of LKPD’s broader Wellness Program, which focuses on supporting the overall health and well-being of de-

What should I do if I see a suspicious vehicle? Observe from a safe location and note the vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate and direction of travel, along with what made the activity seem suspicious. The way you articulate the reason the vehicle is suspicious will dictate the level of response. If it just “doesn’t belong in the area,” that will probably get a lower response level than “the occupants were putting on ski masks and driving toward the bank.” Don’t approach a suspicious vehicle or put yourself in danger. If you believe a crime is occurring or someone is in immediate danger, call 911. What is one thing residents can do today to help prevent crime? Well, first and foremost, don’t commit crimes. If you’re a law-abiding citizen already, then pay attention to what’s happening around you. Lock your vehicles and homes, remove valuables from vehicles, secure outdoor property and report suspicious activity when you see it. Small steps taken consistently by many residents can make a meaningful difference in community safety.

partment employees. With grant funding, Evolution began developing workouts tailored to LKPD employees’ fitness needs and individual goals. Why it matters: Law enforcement can be physically and mentally demanding, and maintaining overall wellness is important throughout an employee’s career. The partnership provides employees with professional fitness resources while encouraging strength, conditioning, injury prevention, and healthy habits. The outcome: What began with one recruit class in 2018 has grown into an ongoing partnership focused on the health, wellness, and readiness of LKPD employees. By investing in employees from their first days in the academy and throughout their careers, LKPD and Evolution Athletics help build healthier, more resilient employees who are well-prepared to serve the Lawrence community.

PROUDLY SERVING THE LAWRENCE COMMUNITY

October 31, 2026

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appraised of new research and best practices in providing a trauma informed response to those impacted by sexual violence. I think often of a quote by Hannah Gadsby, “There is never a straight line to be found through a life punctuated by trauma.” Tell us a weird fact you happen to know for no reason. A young platypus is called a platypup.

Detective Amy Price Radio #: 468 Hired: 8/7/1995 Assignment: Detective in the Special Victim’s Unit What is your superpower? Knowing that every person responds differently to sexual trauma; no one can predict or control their response to it or know how it will affect them in the short term or future. I stay

What would be your walk-up song? “Victorious” by Motherwolf What is your favorite place in Lawrence? Frasier Hall, where my mind was enriched; and Liberty Hall, where my husband and I were married. We had booked Danforth Chapel for the wedding ceremony and Liberty Hall for the reception, but a spring microburst damaged the chapel’s roof a couple of weeks before the wedding and all the booked weddings there were cancelled. We decided to have the wedding ceremony at Liberty Hall, which was fantastic. We enjoy going to shows there, too. What do you most enjoy about your job? Holding sexual offenders accountable and, if possible, helping to minimize the shame that victims often feel. “Shame has to change sides” - Gisèle Pelicot.

LKPD Returns to “Old School” Policing

By Adam Heffley LKPD Deputy Chief

Each quarter, for the City Beat, we try to provide statistics and timely data from our dispatching and record systems like “Response Times” and “NIBRS Crime Data” reporting data. National stories that report out this information are typically for the previous year or older. In previous editions, we’ve been able to provide our local numbers to you because of the integrated computer systems that assist local first responders in dispatching and state crime reporting. Our goal is to provide current information that shows our communi-

ty what is happening now, here in Lawrence. As you’ve undoubtedly read by this point, in early August we lost access to the dispatch and records system data that we would typically pour through to tell you the story of what has been happening around town. This computer service interruption forced us to immediately revert, in part, to policing and investigations without those computer systems. While there were some struggles and frustrations at times, Officers, Detectives, and Records Technicians quickly adapted to policework that looked and felt more like 1996 than 2026, at least in report writing and some information systems. Hopefully, most of the public did not feel or see any changes in our services, which is a credit to public employees’ ability to adapt and keep moving forward while those systems were being restored. We have started the work of going back and entering all those handwritten reports and information into the computer systems. This will take some time to complete and unfortunately will end with some missing data. During the outage, first responders prioritized public safety and properly documenting incidents for the courts systems and community members. One of the losses of this outage will be some things like “Response Times” and our ability to share crime stats from the last few months with you right now. Later this year when our recovery work is done, we will have all Police Reports entered

Holiday Celebrations: How Much Noise is Too Much? By Jared Hedge LKPD Patrol Sergeant

We’re heading into the holiday season. As an overnight Patrol Sergeant, I know that means holiday parties with large gatherings and, frankly, a lot of fun! We want you to enjoy the season and get no pleasure out of preventing a good time. But it’s also a good idea to make sure your neighbors don’t despise you on January 1st. So, let’s explain the city’s noise ordinance. What Counts as “Disturbing the Peace”? One of the biggest misconceptions I hear on the streets is that there are certain “quiet hours” in the city’s ordinances related to noise. That’s not true. The laws apply 24/7. It’s always risky to set up large speakers on your porch and blast music – and an easy way to get a ticket. At its core, the general noise rule prohibits making noise that is unusually loud or disruptive to an average person’s day-to-day life. It’s subjective, but if one of your neighbors calls to complain, it’s likely disrupting them and the responding officer can use discretion. House parties and private gatherings have specific guidelines. If a party gets out of hand and an officer responds to clear it out, attendees must leave and can be cited. While residents don’t have to leave their own home, they are required to assist officers in getting folks to leave or can be cited for having the party. Officers give a lot of warnings, but repeat warnings aren’t tolerated. Continued violations can lead to a home being declared a nuisance home in violation of city code. Having code enforcement involved can lead to fines and even eviction. Permitted Block Parties & Street Closures When a neighborhood or community group applies for a city permit to host a block party or street event, different standards apply:

• Community Activity Exemption: The city code explicitly exempts noise from temporary activities planned by community, school, university, or governmental groups. • Approved Event Sound: Obtaining an official permit (such as a street closure or right-of-way permit) protects organizers operating authorized events. Sound amplification or music broadcast during an approved event is recognized as a legal exception under city regulations. Vehicle Noise and Loud Sound Systems Car audio is regulated under a specific rule (Section 17-127). It is illegal to operate a vehicle’s sound amplification system if it is audible at a distance of 50 feet or more. How it’s measured: Law enforcement measures this by direct sight and sound. Heavy bass reverberations count, even if words or songs aren’t distinguishable. Exceptions: Emergency vehicles, motorists calling for emergency help, and vehicles involved in city-approved events (like parades or festivals) are exempt. Everyday Sound Exemptions Aside from permitted events and standard noise limits, the city exempts necessary daily operations: • Emergency vehicles, alarms, and urgent repairs • Trash and waste pickup • Trains and aircraft • Lawn mowers, weed eaters, and air conditioners • Active construction operations • Church bells and campus chimes A final reminder, when you’re operating a vehicle, it’s your responsibility to ensure you can also hear emergency vehicles and other noises that allow you to safely operate it. So, earbuds or music turned up so loudly that you can’t hear sirens, are also prohibited. In short, the rules aren’t meant to stop everyday life or silence celebrations— they’re just there to make sure everyone can enjoy their neighborhood without constant, uninvited disruptions. Have a great holiday season!

Officers rely heavily on mobile computer systems for information exchange, incident details, and valuable investigative updates.

and will be able to tell you what “crime” in Lawrence looked like in 2026. But, when you see some statistics and information about 2026 in the future, you’re going to see an asterisk. That asterisk, just like in any sports record, will be a painful re-

minder. It’ll remind local first responders of the brief time in their career when penmanship became important again, we all realized how integrated computer systems have improved our work, and that we can do hard things.

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October 31, 2026

K9 Shadow Recounts His Winning Performance By K9 Shadow Translated by Corporal Josh Doncouse

I guess it wasn’t all fun and games. I really thought we were just playing, but Corporal Josh says it’s a much bigger deal than that. He says I won first place (whatever that means) in the “Keyless Entry” contest. Who knew it was a contest? I kinda got the idea something was up when Sheriff Hill

called my name and all the cameras came out. For the last 3 years, we’ve gone to a really big playground with a lot of dirt and a lot of other dogs like me. We take turns playing games. Corporal Josh points out the suspect, and I LISTEN. I run my fastest. I jump my highest. And I sniff my best. It’s the same thing I do every day, but this was different. I heard I won what Corporal Josh calls

a “first place trophy”. It’s nice, but it doesn’t smell very appealing or taste good at all. Once the cameras all got put away, the crowds of people left, and I got a lot of AWESOME belly rubs, I just pranced on back to work like I normally do with Corporal Josh. I hope to see you all next year for the 4th Annual Shawnee County Sheriff’s K9 games.

PODCAST ALERT: Detectives and Attorneys Discuss Lawrence Double Murder

By Laura McCabe LKPD Communications Manager

True crime followers, don’t miss this behind-the-scenes podcast. LKPD’s lead investigators and prosecutors from the double murder case that shocked Lawrence in 2022 discuss more than 4 years of work that ended in a conviction. In August, Rodney Marshall was given two consecutive life sentences for killing Shelby McCoy and William “Dale” O’Brien then shooting at several officers during a high-speed pursuit down K-10. Scan the QR code or go to www.klwn. com, click on podcasts, and choose the

From left to right: LKPD Crime Scene Technician Coordinator Jana Ramsey, Detective Meghan Bardwell, and Detective M.T. Brown.

September 28th episode of According to the Record with Kim Murphree.

2026 LKPD Trunk or Treat Events: Courtesy of Lawrence Blue Santa By Laura McCabe LKPD Communications Manager

Every year, organizations from around the city invite LKPD employees to come join the fun and help provide a more safe environment for all the celebrants. This year, we’ve participated in several and enjoyed them all. “Chase”, our robot dog, seems to either frighten the kiddos or they adore him – sometimes both. We can assure you, he’s very well-behaved and enjoys the attention. A special thanks to Blue Santa for providing us with candy this year!

In the center of the photo is Douglas County District Attorney Dakota Loomis with Senior Assistant District Attorney Eve Kemple in the foreground.

S o u t ppor d u o t Pr

Law Enforcement & First Responders TRAVIS OLIVER PRESIDENT

October 31, 2026

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Revving up for November

Thanks Baldwin City for inviting the LKPD Motorcycle Patrol Officers to participate in the Maple Leaf Festival October 17th and 18th.

By Laura McCabe LKPD Communications Manager

Maybe you’ve seen them on the streets – the Lawrence Kansas Police Department’s new Motorcycle Patrol Unit.

They’ve been out all summer, but a group of newly trained officers is about to hit the streets on November 1st. “I cannot believe I get paid to ride a motorcycle at work every day,” says Sergeant Ryan Robinson who has been riding his

entire life, but just started patrolling again this summer. He was a part of the team when LKPD had motorcycles before. You may have even talked to him one day in August when he pulled over several cars in a school zone during training. “We made a lot of car stops and a short amount of time,” says Robinson. “I probably made 10 or 12 car stops in an hour and many were 10 miles an hour over the limit.” That day, he didn’t issue citations and says, “A lot of the people I stopped had kids and they said, ‘You know what? You’re right’ and some even said, ‘We need a reality check.’” He also chuckles slightly, knowing ci-

tations could have changed the mood, “It was, kind of the utopic community policing experience, right?” And admits, “It’s not always going to be like that.” But he does believe motorcycles break down invisible barriers. “I’ll pull up on calls where people are screaming at each other and screaming at us, and I just pull up and park, and it diffuses them,” says Robinson. “On the streets, people smile and wave, and you can smile and wave back --not always be a terse cop.” Although Robinson is already a skilled rider he knows, “Motorcycles are dangerous and being a police officer is dangerous, and now we’re combining those two things.” That’s why LKPD partnered with the tenured supervisors of the Topeka Police Department to implement a 2-week field training program after each officer attended Motor School to become a certified operator. Although the officers in the unit have years of experience policing, there are standard techniques that need to be mastered when policing on a motorcycle in order to use it to its full potential. Robinson says motorcycles can respond to any call a traditional unit can, but the motorcycle’s maneuverability makes them great for traffic enforcement and patrolling areas a car can’t easily enter -like bike and walking trails. They can also quickly respond to medical calls that may occur in an area inaccessible to vehicles. Beginning November 1st, LKPD will have a total of five Motor Unit officers trained and ready to ride. Chief Rich Lockhart, who is also trained, makes six. If you see them out, be sure to wave.

NIGHTMARE

Continued from page 1 LKPD Motorcycle Unit Training at Rock Chalk Park.

COLD CASES

Continued from page 1 DNA testing has improved dramatically over time: “The amount of DNA, or genetic material, it used to take to get a suitable profile was significantly more back then than it takes to get accurate results today.” Motivated by Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt As several new cases now sit on Leitner’s desk, either waiting to be investigated further or waiting for lab results, he describes in emotional detail the pain victims endured, both emotionally and physically, as one of his motivations. “There are certain reports you read where you can see how awful it was something really awful - and victims deserve every bit of effort we can put in,” says Leitner. “If we can catch the

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Detective Josh Leitner bad guy and prevent any new crimes, even if it’s, you know, decades later, we should do it.” He’s also a self-professed analytical guy and knows, “It’s not feelings that solve cases, right?” In fact, he believes success comes from not relying on his gut. “My gut is not based in any statistical calculation”, says Leitner. “You find a path and you work it until you’ve either proven it’s statistically likely or not. Facts are what matter to jurors and what proves a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.”

were tying balloons to storm drains. The movie was based on Stephen King’s 1986 novel about a clown who hid in storm drains and used red balloons to entice his victims. The fear of clowns, however, was well-documented in Lawrence the year before the film’s release when a sorority went into lockdown and reported “stalking clowns” to emergency dispatchers. Police arrived, found no danger, and quelled the panic. That same year, “waving clowns” were reported to be walking through business parking lots in west Lawrence. Officers responded and the investigation revealed the clowns were, in fact, simply waving hello to passers-by. No crime committed. Stephen King himself even tried to calm the clown craze a year before the movie’s release posting: “Hey, guys, time to cool the clown hysteria – most of em are good, cheer up the kiddies, make people laugh.” Clearly, that didn’t work. This year, we’re already seeing re-

ports in other cities about red balloons reappearing as a tribute to actor Tim Curry, who passed away this summer and famously played Pennywise the Clown in the 1990 television miniseries. Regardless of your plans for this spooktacular Saturday, one thing’s for sure. It will be busy and officers are standing by to answer the call if you need them. “I think it’s exciting,” says Lieutenant David Ernst. “You get an extra hour for the young people to enjoy themselves and it just brings an extra level of fun to the evening.” Officers also hope you remember Stephen King’s advice when it comes to clowns this year. And they have one small request: No red balloons on storm drains. It really is just a bit spooky.

October 31, 2026

Get to Know Your SRO’s

If you haven’t stopped to meet your School Resource Officer, here’s your invitation. LKPD’s partnership with Lawrence Public Schools serves as more than a law enforcement presence. The officers are trained by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) and focus on educating, mentoring and building positive relationships with students and staff, while helping to create a safe, supportive learning environment. Stop in and officer them the traditional LKPD high-five.

Corporal Maurice Henry soars through the halls of Free State High School alongside Freddie the Firebird.

Corporal Mickey (like the mouse) Ramsey cheers for both the Bulldogs and Warhawks as he covers Southwest and West Middle Schools.

Officer Dan Affalter (nickname: Officer “A”) clearly has an excellent sense of humor and a has enjoyed settling into his role as a Chesty the Lion fan at Lawrence High School.

Officer Lindsay Bishop and LKPD’s Rosie, the therapy dog, love spending time with young students and fit in perfectly at all the Elementary Schools.“Rosie and I are so glad to be back in the elementary schools,” says Bishop. “It has been wonderful seeing our friends and getting high fives and hugs again.”

Officer Anthony Harvey Jr. (Just call him Officer Harvey) can be seen spinning through the Cougar and Mustang halls at Liberty Memorial Central and Billy Mills Middle Schools. (Students: Have you found a “way back” picture of him in the halls yet? Let him know where you saw it!

Taste of Lawrence

The Lawrence Kansas Police Department offered Muncher’s donuts at the 2026 Taste of Lawrence hosted by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. Eventgoers also saw the West Middle School School Resource patrol vehicle and an LKPD motorcycle. LKPD’s robot dog Chase drew crowds.

Douglas County Valor Awards Banquet February 25, 2027 For questions or to be added to the invitation list email hello@dgcovalor.org

October 31, 2026

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The LKPD Brothers Who Take Their Work Home and Around the World

M.T. Brown takes a selfie with his South Korean students during the brothers’ 2024 visit.

By Laura McCabe LKPD Communications Manager

Meet the Browns. M.T. and Dean are brothers. They’re also detectives in the Lawrence Police Department’s (LKPD) Investigations Unit. They could easily spend their off-the-clock hours unwinding after pouring through intense criminal cases. Instead, they spend a significant part of their “leisure” time traveling the globe, teaching law enforcement officers how to master video and data collection. From VHS Tapes to Digital Forensics The brothers’ journey into digital forensics began when surveillance video was rapidly shifting the landscape of police work, but many departments weren’t prepared to handle it. M.T. was working in the Juvenile Investigations Unit. Dean, an officer working in the IT department, had degrees in mathematics and computer science. As brothers do, Dean teases his sibling about how their journey began: “Well, he was interested in video, and he would always come to me for help. It’s just like now. He’s always coming to me for help.” Their search for further guidance led them to LEVA (the Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association) and a foundational class at Quantico in 2001. That’s when the brothers began building a dedicated forensic computer at LKPD. “We went to it, and then after that class, we were able to buy our first Avid machine,” M.T. recalls. In the early days, “video evidence” usually meant clunky VHS tapes and grainy frame captures from CCTV multiplexers. Officers had to grapple with technical hurdles that could easily derail a prosecution if defense attorneys attacked date-and-time authentication and more. Over the next two decades, technology exploded. Today, the Browns are certified forensic video technicians through LEVA and leaders in their field. A grant also allows MT to expand his knowledge through an organization called the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence, and he’s certified by the International Association for Identification. The “Caught on Tape” Myth One of the biggest hurdles the Browns now face—both in court and when training young officers—is correcting public misconceptions about video evidence. “The biggest thing that I think the public and many law enforcement officers get incorrect, is they see video as a black and white that is interpreted by everyone the same,” M.T. explains. “Video is not a reflection of what people saw. It’s a reflection of maybe what the video recorded, but it is not always; even body cameras don’t reflect what an

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The Brown’s traveled to the Sultanate of Oman, a county in the southeastern Arabian Peninsula in West Asia, in 2016 to teach.

officer saw.” Factors like camera angles, lighting limitations, frame rates, and digital compression mean that a video records data, not perception. As M.T. notes about a high-stress instance he encountered, “I was so zoomed in... and if I would have had a camera that time, it’s recording a very wide angle, but I’m looking at a microscopic view of this guy trying to pull a gun and I don’t see all around me.” Video is a powerful investigative support tool, but as the brothers emphasize, it tells part of the story—it is never the entire case on its own. “Digital evidence is like the Air Force,” Dean jokes, “They are really good air support, but they’ve never taken any ground.” Discovering the Truth and Clearing the Innocent While digital evidence is often viewed as a tool to lock up suspects, the Browns emphasize that its true power lies in uncovering the objective truth—which frequently means clearing the innocent. M.T. stresses that video and data analysis don’t just point fingers; they provide an indisputable timeline that can entirely clear someone of wrongdoing. “It can also show other things to help you say, ‘hey, we need to look at this, or that exonerates this person,’” M.T. explains. “It doesn’t always have to show the event to be of use.” By painstakingly synchronizing disparate digital pieces—such as matching security footage with cell phone metadata, receipts, and digital logs—the Browns help construct an accurate, chronological sequence of events. This meticulous synchronization helps the entire judicial process. It cuts

through conflicting witness statements and mistaken assumptions, ensuring that prosecutors present an objective narrative to the court. The Sweet Spot and Resource Realities Navigating this digital landscape requires a delicate balance of resources, and law enforcement agencies across the country handle it very differently. Smaller departments may lack the time, expertise, or specialized equipment to process complex video and cell phone data in-house. Conversely, some massive metropolitan agencies may deal with such a staggering volume of violent crime and detectives simply don’t have the hours required to analyze every piece of digital footage. In many ways, the Lawrence Kansas Police Department sits in a unique “sweet spot.” Thanks to a manageable volume of major crimes, LKPD has carved out the capability to train certified technicians and thoroughly process digital evidence. To meet these demands, this year, the investigations commander added a specialized team called the Technical Forensics and Services Unit, which focuses exclusively on the digital aspects of cases. Global Educators The Browns’ expertise extends far beyond Lawrence. As certified instructors for LEVA, they travel several times a year, training law enforcement personnel across the United States and even internationally. Teaching forces them to stay at the absolute cutting edge of their discipline. As M.T. pointed out, “When you teach,

you’re teaching this, but they’re going to ask questions, and it forces us to research what we’re talking about.” Dean adds, “We probably learn as much or more than we teach because the methods we use now are developed out of those interactions.” The residents of Lawrence also benefit from their specialized training, as it keeps LKPD ahead of the curve. Several detectives are now LEVA-certified technicians, and the department routinely hosts free training courses, ensuring local officers and investigators remain adept at recovering and authenticating digital evidence. Managing the Data Deluge As the policing industry enters the era of smart devices, geofencing, and advanced artificial Intelligence tools, the nature of crime-solving continues to rapidly evolve. Yet, this digital revolution brings a new challenge: information overload. “I’m more worried about how to manage that data and how to separate the wheat from the chaff,” Dean notes. When a single major investigation yields terabytes of data from dozens of sources, detectives face a monumental bottleneck. Going through every digital frame and metadata log requires immense time and resources. Looking ahead, the Browns believe the future of policing will rely heavily on advanced analytical tools, real-time crime centers, and strategic organizational oversight to bring together mountains of data into actionable and factual evidence. For now, the Brown Brothers remain on the front lines and teaching officers around the world how to bring clarity to a digital-first world.

October 31, 2026