![]() ![]() Weapons of any kind are prohibited on the fairgrounds for visitors and, although security has implemented metal detectors to conduct an initial check before entry at all walk-through gates, Mollenhauer and Jones knew that additional technology would boost operational efficiency and strengthen detection precision. Jones also spent more than 30 years with the Iowa State Patrol previously, and together, with their collective experience, Mollenhauer and Jones set their sights on leveraging video analytics to greatly increase operational and response efficiencies. We also have support from a number of other agencies, including the local Polk County Sheriff’s Department, Des Moines Police Department, Polk County Emergency Management, The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, The National Guard’s 71st Civil Support Team, Juvenile Court Services, the USDA, The Polk County Attorney’s Office and local community leaders,” Jones says. The Des Moines Fire Department medical and fire response. “We partner with the Iowa Department of Public Safety, providing primary support from the Iowa State Patrol, Division of Criminal Investigation, Division of Narcotics Enforcement, The State Fire Marshal and the State Fusion Center. ![]() In addition, with 100,000 or more people visiting the Fair per day, a big part of the job for the Fair’s police department is liaising and collaborating with public and private partners at every level. “During Fair time, we will staff nearly 28 civilian security staff and upwards of 30 armed security and more than 27 police officers,” says Randy Jones, Commander for the Iowa State Fair Police. The organization now has four full-time corporals, 36 part-time officers and four reserve officers year-round. ![]() Within less than six months, the Iowa State Fair had its own certified police officers. When Mollenhauer came on board to the Iowa State Fair about five years ago after retiring from a more than three-decade-long career with the Iowa State Patrol, he was tasked with building a certified police department for the organization. ![]()
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