DES MOINES, Iowa– The Des Moines Police Department said it is cutting its “loop squad,” initially assigned to constantly patrol downtown Des Moines throughout the summer nights.
The “loop squad” started in 2024 with six officers and one sergeant who were tasked with being proactive in mitigating crime in downtown and the Western Gateway Park area. The squad was cut this year due to staffing concerns.
Data shows that last year, the squad issued 2,800 citations, 1,400 warnings and 100 arrests. Now, that burden falls onto officers trying to do their day-to-day work…