By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
A large-scale, controversial event geared toward college students occurred without a major ruckus when it returned this year, based on recent comments from the head of the Whitewater Police Department.
Chief Aaron Raap provided the Whitewater Police and Fire Commission with a report on Spring Splash, which was held May 4. Raap’s meeting with commissioners took place days later, on May 8.
“The event, overall, went very well, primarily from a law enforcement perspective, but also from some input from citizens,” Raap said.
Tensions within the community — particularly residents living in close proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus — swelled several years ago as reports of fights, rowdy behavior and littering were reported.
In the years since, city officials have touted proactive measures, including meetings with the organizers behind Spring Splash, which is a private event and not sanctioned by the city or UW-Whitewater.
Raap in his recent report credited the minimal disruptions with an organized, concerted approach within the department he oversees.
“There was a lot of planning and effort that went into this year’s event,” he said. “It was a good day overall. It was a long day overall.”
From the feedback Raap received directly, and the comments aired on social media, most of the community response was positive. But Raap confirmed negative comments were shared as well, particularly from residents who desired Spring Splash not to take place.
“The event is what it is,” Raap said, in response to the negative comments, pointing out the agency can respond accordingly with its measured, plan-ahead approach.
Although specifics were not shared, Raap indicated there were arrests. At a future meeting, he indicated he will reveal the number of persons taken into custody, as well as overtime hours logged, in relation to this year’s event.
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In other matters May 8, the Police and Fire Commission:
- Selected officers for the appointed body through next spring. Annually, the commission resets itself after each spring election.
Glenn Hayes again was selected to serve as president of the commission. Other officers include Jerry Grant, as vice chair, and Beverly Stone, as secretary.
“Thank you very much, my fellow commissioners,” Hayes said in response to being unanimously selected to helm the group. “I am honored.”
- Heard a report from Raap about recruitment efforts for sworn personnel. Two officers have resigned from the force in recent months, Raap said, and efforts to fill the vacant positions are underway.
Ninety-five applicants responded to a job posting, Raap said, and 58 showed up to take the written test as a first step in the screening process.
A series of additional review processes have since taken place to narrow the field of candidates, including in-person interviews. The top four candidates will undergo a background check, Raap said.
Raap said he was encouraged by the response from the job posting.
“The City of Whitewater Police Department has not seen these numbers in a number of years,” he said. “It’s a good sign for us.”
