45 Beat Webpage
Maintained by: Officer D.G. Oblinger
Patrol North Community Policing
Atwater Neighborhood City Hall
2755 E. 19th, Wichita, KS 67219
(316) 688-9500
(316) 303-8019
doblinger@wichita.gov
Lasted updated: 5-26-09
Introduction
I am Officer Dan Oblinger. As the new 45 Beat Coordinator, I encourage communication between citizens and the Police Department, analyze crime data, focus police resources on specific neighborhood problems, manage city warrant service in this area, and work with the Office of Central Inspection and Environmental Services to identify blighted areas that contribute to crime in our community. Please contact me with questions or concerns about this portion of the city, or for general information about what I can do for you as a resident of 45 Beat! Check this webpage monthly, as I update crime trends, safety tips, and important ongoing projects. My contact information is listed above. The most efficient way to reach me is to e-mail me at doblinger@wichita.gov. My normal work days are from Monday to Thursday during afternoon and early evening hours. Stay Safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the more common questions and cocnerns I receive by phone, e-mail, or through Neighborhood meetings. Take some time to educate yourself about how to handle neighborhood based problems.
Q. I need an officer to come to my house for an emergency or to investigate a crime/suspicious activty! What number do I call?
A. 9-1-1! Even when it is not an emergency, you must call 911 to have an officer dispatched. Sometimes the dispatcher may recommend you make a report over the phone. This is sometimes better for you and for the department, but you will only know your options if you call 911.
Q. I just need to get general information about the Police Department, or ask an officer a question. Who do I call then?
A. Call Patrol North at (316) 688-9500.
Q. My neighbor's dog is barking and disturbing my peace. What can I do?
A. Politely ask them to keep their dog from barking. City Ordinance requires dog owners to train or take measures to ensure their anmal is not a nuisance by barking. If the problem persists, contact Animal Control at (316) 268-8378. If it is early in the morning, you can call 911 in serious cases and have an officer make a report. Such cases can be prosecuted in Environmental Court depending on the facts of the case.
Q. There's a car abandoned on the city street, what can be done?
A. Contact me at Patrol North, (316) 688-9500. If it is abandoned and on the street longer than 48 hours, I can mark it for tow, and tow it in an additional 48 hours if it is not moved. If the car is on private property, you might politely inquire about the car with the property owner. If they will not remove it, and it is an eye sore, call OCI Neighborhood Inspectors at (316) 268-4460. Police officers do not impound these cars from private property.
Q. What is the city ordinance say about loud music?
A. If the music is coming from a car, then it can not be audible at a distance greater than 50 feet, whether the car is driving, parked in a driveway, or on a parking lot. If the music is coming from a home or boombox, than the standard is whether the music is "disturbing" your "peace". If so, you may call 911 and officers will try to gather facts that show a reasonable person would be disturbed by this musical nuisance, such as time of day, volume, proximity to your home, and other concerns.
Q. I don't get along with my neighbor, can you help?
A. It is difficult to make neighbors get along. If neighborly relations deteriorate to the point that a police officer must mediate, then the odds of a successful resoultion of the dispute is doubtful. The best advice is not to resort to "legalism", or wanting criminal or administrative action for every violation of law. Work with and communicate with your neighbors about what is a nuisance. Consider the perspective of your other neighbors as unbiased third parties. Your community policing officer can help establish communication between neighbors, and enforce laws. We cannot settle civil law disputes. Consult an attorney in these matters.
Q. Can Wichita Police Officers enforce divorce, child custody, evictions, or settle other civil disputes?
A. No. WPD officers can only enforce violations of criminal law that may occur in these incidents, or enforce "EX PARTE" orders issued by judges in civil matters. If the decree does not include specific instructions for any law enforcement officer to enforce the order, we can not participate. For further information, contact the Sedgwick County District Court at (316) 660-5800.
Q. I'm depressed, or need to talk to someone about mental health related issues, OR my friend of family member needs mental health care. Who can help?
A. If anyone is danger or could be dangerous, call 911. If you just need options, resources, or to talk to someone, call Sedgwick County COMCARE at (316) 660-7500.
Q. I need to report specific information that could solve or prevent a crime, or lead to an arrest of a wanted person. How?
A. To make an anonymous tip with the intention of receiving a reward, call Crimestoppers at (316) 267-2111. To leave information about ongoing suspicious activity with a specific address on the beat, call me at (316) 688-9500, or e-mail me at doblinger@wichita.gov. If you know where a person is who has warrants, or something suspicious or illegal is going on RIGHT NOW- call 911.
Community Meetings
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." - Edmond Burke
Informed and involved citizens are the greatest resource for a safe community. There are many citizen-driven groups who inform and unite neighbors on our beat. Get involved and shape your community!
DAB - The District Advisory Board is the voice of the citizens to their elected City Council person.
-
Fairmount Neighborhood Association meets on the first Tuesday each month at Fairmount Park Shelter, located at 16th and Fairmount, at 6:00pm. The president is James Van Milligen.
-
Crestview Heights Neighborhood Association meets on the 3rd Thursday each month at First Evangelical Free Church, located at 1825 N. Woodlawn, at 7:00 pm. The president is James Crowder.
-
The Ken Mar Neighborhood Association meets on the 2nd Thursday each month at the Community Housing Service, located at 4620 E. 13th, at 7:00 pm. The president is Eric Williams.
-
District 1 Advisory Board meets on the first Monday of each month at 7:00pm, at the Atwater Center, 2755 E. 19th. Councilwoman Lavonta Williams is the District 1 Representative.
-
Rental Owners, Inc. - Did you know approximately 50% of residents in Wichita are in rental or leased properties? Are you a landlord or property owner in the Greater Wichita area? Rental Owners Inc. is an association of landlords geared towards promoting best business practices in the rental industry! Join them on the second Thursday of every month, at 7:00 pm at 901 N. Porter in the Civitan Building.
Resources
WPD Community Affairs Section - The Community Affairs Section handles larger community-based projects. They are specially trained to perform business and residence safety surveys. Officers assigned to the section also publish great information about general safety and crime prevention. 268-4101
Office of Central Inspection - Improper or no household trash collection, trash on premises, tall grass and weeds, run down buildings and illegal dumping. RVs or boats improperly stored, signs in public right of way, emergency board up of vacant houses. 268-4460