COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS

The Community Service Officers are non-sworn members of the Merriam Police Department. Their job is to assist the public with various police-related functions that do not necessarily need to be performed by law enforcement officers. Merriam's CSO staff is comprised of Charlie Yocum and Jaime Gilchrist. You can reach the CSO officers by calling the Merriam Police Department at (913) 322-5560.

Duties:
CSOs are assigned to many different tasks. They are a "jacks-of-all-trades." They must be able to cover school crossings, perform records management functions, civilian fingerprinting, and routine walk in reports. They are also responsible for court security and bailiff duties. They can assist patrol with traffic control needs, motorist assistance, and other support functions.

The Community Service Officers' number one responsibility is animal control. This includes picking up strays, enforcing animal control ordinances, and helping control nuisance animals.

In 2010, the Merriam Police Department impounded 216 stray animals - 109 cats, 107 dogs and one rabbit.  Only 4 of the impounded cats were reclaimed, and 34 of the impounded dogs were claimed by owners.

The following is a list of average call/activities per month of Merriam's two CSOs:

• Answer 40 animal control calls.
• Write 24 animal control related reports.
• Confirm 7 warrants.
• Serve 5 warrants.
• Answer 85 phone calls.
• 27 hours per month in court related duties.
• Take 10 walk-in police reports.
• Perform 22 civilian fingerprint requests.