According to a press release on Friday, the Sedalia Police Department began using the Problem-Oriented Policing model in designated areas in 2018.

Problem Oriented Policing focuses on the problems that are a concern for the public and community by taking a proactive approach.

In 2019, as part of this effort, the Crime Resolution Unit, or CRU, was formed. Since the beginning of 2021, the CRU performed 30 hours, of special operations here in Sedalia,

The CRU consisted of up to eight Police Officers operating as a coordinated unit to increase law enforcement presence in areas identified as high crime areas through citizen complaints and crime mapping.

The CRU’s mission was to identify individuals moving through high crime areas, by foot or vehicle, and proactively investigate information received about increased suspicious and drug activity directly connected to the 3000 block of West Broadway.

During the 30 hours of operation, the CRU initiated 32 different incidents, including 27 traffic stops, three subject checks, and two area checks.

In addition, eight arrests were made and several other charges were submitted to the prosecutor for review.

The following arrests were made:

Albert Nash (25) of Sedalia was stopped in the area of W 2nd St and S Prospect Ave and arrested for a Pettis County Misdemeanor warrant and taken to the Pettis County Jail.

Pamela Hoskins (59) of Sedalia was stopped in the area of W Broadway Blvd and Industrial Ave. She was arrested, taken to the Pettis County Jail and is pending charges of driving while suspended, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gonzaldo Esqueda (39) of Sedalia was stopped in the area of W Main St and Winchester Ave. He was arrested, taken to the Pettis County Jail and is pending charges for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Austin Gruber (24) of Sedalia was stopped in the area 3800 block of W Broadway Blvd. He was arrested, taken to the Pettis County Jail and is pending charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gonzaldo Esqueda (39) of Sedalia was stopped in the area of W Broadway Blvd and Winchester Ave. He was arrested, taken to the Pettis County Jail and is pending charges for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christopher Ford (45) of Sedalia was stopped in the 2400 block of W Broadway Blvd. He was arrested, taken to the Pettis County Jail and is pending charges for No Operator’s License (6 priors) and No Insurance.

David Cechvala (20) of Lawson, Missouri was stopped in the area of S Limit Ave and W Broadway Blvd. He was arrested, taken to the Pettis County Jail and is pending charges for possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Joseph Marquess (23) of Kansas City, Missouri was stopped in the area of S Limit Ave and W Broadway Blvd. He initially provided incorrect identification and then when efforts were made to correctly identify him he resisted. Upon his arrest, he was searched, which revealed his true identity and also methamphetamine was discovered. Joseph was arrested, taken to the Pettis County Jail and is pending charges for possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), resisting arrest and identify theft.


 

--It is the mission of the Sedalia Police Department to provide the highest quality of service to the residents of Sedalia. Citizens can expect to see an increase of police presence in their communities in a coordinated effort to deter crime and increase public safety. Consequently the Sedalia Police Department will work to solve problems that create significant crime issues within the city. As always, we are here to serve the community. Several of these arrests were the direct result of police presence in areas identified through citizen complaints as high crime areas. The community is often the eyes and ears of the Police Department – if you see something, say something!

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