Neighborhood Watch
Rural Pottawattamie County seeing a ‘significant’ uptick in homeless passing through towns
A person can use the non-emergency number (712-328-5737) if they know it isn’t an immediate threat to life or property. However, at no time should someone feel they shouldn’t call 911 if they feel it’s an emergency.
- Lieutenant John Cool, Uniformed Patrol Division, Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office
As the weather improves, we typically see an increase in individuals that live a nomadic lifestyle. With the beautiful hills and wonderful campground we have in the area around Crescent, this seems to be a more welcomed travel route than the typical I-29. Walking on the interstate is also a lot more dangerous for people that are wanderlust than highways or county roads.
When Should You Call the Authorities
As for when someone should call 911, there is no hard answer.
According to Lietenant John Cool of the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office, "Call 911 if you need 911 even if it seems insignificant to you at the time. All 911 calls are important to us here at the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office and we will respond. A person can use the non-emergency number (712-328-5737) if they know it isn’t an immediate threat to life or property. However, I want to be clear that at no time should someone feel they shouldn’t call our direct line if they feel it’s an emergency.
Trespassing is a crime. Walking in town is not. We do care if an individual is putting themselves at risk or others by walking in the middle of a road, see above threat to life or property. For mental health, it becomes a question of Iowa 229 law, and someone can call if they are uncomfortable, and we will handle it accordingly. Public intoxication is a crime."
The Sheriff’s Office will serve the people of this county in accordance with the laws of the United States, State of Iowa, and ordinances of the individual towns/cities. Freedom is a valuable thing. We will do everything we can to uphold the individual freedoms we all share while ensuring the safety of all citizens in this county, be that living here or passing through.
BIG Thank You to Lieutenant John Cool 78-48, Uniformed Patrol Division, Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s OfficeFor the Information and Being There For Us in Crescent and Honey Creek!
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