WPD accepting applications for its Citizens Academy
The Winchester Police Department (WPD) announced that they are accepting applications for its 24 annual Citizen Police Academy for the spring of 2023.
This year’s academy begins March the 21 at 6 p.m. at the Timbrook Public Safety Center and meets every Tuesday from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The academy gives citizens an inside look at police operations.
Participants will be able to see how Criminal Investigations are conducted also given an inside look at the Patrol Division and Emergency Communications Center.
There is a list of other academy activities and additional information available here.
The Academy will conclude with a graduation dinner on May 16.
Applications are available for download here.
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Four Winchester residents arrested after search warrant
The Winchester Police Department executed a search warrant on Thursday, February 23rd at 4pm on the 400 block of South Cameron Street that led to the arrest of four Winchester residents.
During the search, officers recovered several grams of Crack-Cocaine, 70 unknown pills, a handgun and $1,600 cash.
Rondelle Jackson, 51, was charged with Failure to Appear for a Warrant.
Barron Gordon, 36, was charged with Contempt of Court.
Marvin Cooley, 54, and Tavious Jones, 25, were charged with Possession of a Schedule I or II Drug.
Jones also violated his probation.
Additional charges may be made at a later date.
Link to the press release, here.
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SABF prepares to name Honorary Grand Marshals
As the 96th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival continues to draw closer, President Sharen Groomling will announce the two Honorary Grand Marshals this week.
On Tuesday at noon, the Honorary Grand Marshals will be announced at a press conference at The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
All are welcome as the festival recognizes two individuals who have dedicated their lives to making this community special.
Some of the previous Honorary Grand Marshals include the Winchester Police Department’s K-9 Kota, Wounded Warrior Capt. Leslie Smith, and former Senator Harry Byrd Jr.
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WPD investigate hit and run
The Winchester Police Department is investigating a hit and run at Cody’s Auto on 32 West Cecil Street.
A white mini van possibly an older style Honda Odyssey or Dodge Caravan driven by a woman described as a petite Asian female caused property damage at the Cecil Street location and drove away.
Anyone with any information in the incident should contact the Winchester Police Department’s Officer Crosby.
Contact information and a picture of the vehicle is available at the Winchester Police Department Facebook page.
You can also use the P3 Tips App to leave a tip anonymously.
Winchester Police investigate potential stabbing
The Winchester Police Department is investigating a possible stabbing that occurred on Thursday around 4:30 pm in the 300 block of East Piccadilly Street.
Officers responded to a report of an altercation where they spoke with a 27 year old female victim who claimed she was in a verbal altercation that turned physical.
The victim displayed two puncture wounds likely caused by a bladed item.
She was transported to a medical facility with non-life threatening injuries.
The victim was known to the suspect, Kennedy Broy, 21, of Winchester.
Detectives obtained charges of malicious wounding and a warrant is outstanding for her arrest.
For a picture of the suspect, click here.
If you have information on this case, contact WPD’s Detective Bansal or use the P3 Tips app.
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WPD investigate an incident of people held against their will
The Winchester Police Department (WPD) report resolving a situation involving a firearm and captives inside a residence.
The incident occurred in the 200 block of East Fairfax Lane shortly after 2 p.m. Dec. 20.
Several people inside the home including children were being held by a person with a gun.
A perimeter was established, and an entry team was organized to make their way into the home.
All the people including the two children were successfully removed from the home with no injuries occurring.
With the assistance of the Winchester City Sheriff’s Office Winchester Police Officers were able to resolve the situation quickly with a handgun being recovered from the home.
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Local law enforcement aids in National Drug Take Back Day
The DEA and local law enforcement agencies are partnering for the 23rd National Drug Take Back Day.
From 10 am to 2 pm today, over 4000 locations across the country will accept the anonymous disposal of any unwanted, unneeded or expired medications.
These medications are the most susceptible to theft, abuse, or poisoning.
Last year, over 107,000 Americans died of drug poisoning.
Collection sites will not collect syringes or illicit drugs.
Vapes are now accepted along with their cartridges as long as the lithium battery is removed.
Click here to locate the nearest drop-off location.
Over 15,000 hospitals, pharmacies, businesses, and local police departments also offer year round disposal locations.
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WPD has a new Chief and promote personnel
The Winchester Police Department (WPD) held their annual promotions ceremony at Jim Barnett Park’s War Memorial Building Oct. 21.
First the swearing in of the first female Police Chief in the Department’s 200 year history took place.
Amanda Behan took the oath of Office at 2:30 p.m. after which she promoted Officer Frank Myrtle to Captain, Jason Poe to Lieutenant along with Adam Orndorff.
Ryan Oravec, Jason Braithwaite and Nate Perry were all promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Behan was joined by her husband Dave and two children at the ceremony.
A video of the Promotions Ceremony is available here.
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WPD promotes their personnel in a ceremony today 10/21
The Winchester Police Department (WPD) announced that they will hold their Promotions Ceremony Oct. 21.
The annual event will be held at the Jim Barnett Park Recreation Center at 2 p.m.
This will include the promotion of several of the department’s personnel including the promotion of Deputy Chief Amanda Behan.
The 20 year veteran of the WPD will be sworn in as the City of Winchester’s first female Police Chief.
Behan was promoted to Police Chief after Chief John Piper was appointed to the Deputy City Manager Position in a recent Administration reorganization by City Manager Dan Hoffman.
Piper is now in charge of all safety divisions for the City of Winchester.
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WPD receive trauma kits from WMC
Because Law Enforcement are often the first on any scene needing to secure it before Emergency Personnel can even enter the area medical kits have been requested and received.
Often Law Enforcement need to provide life saving measures before Emergency Medical Services can even arrive.
It is vital that those Officers have the equipment and training to provide those measures.
According to Winchester City’s website this is why the Winchester Trauma Leadership have requested and received $10,000 worth of equipment.
The request included 45 kits of medical grade trauma management products.
The kits are provided by the Winchester Medical Center (WCM) Foundation and will be regularly updated and swapped out for hospital use before they expire.
These kits include all the items necessary for Officers to begin lifesaving measures immediately.
Training of Law Enforcement personnel will be provided by Winchester Fire and Rescue Personnel.
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