5 Shocking Updates And Key Facts About The Ankeny Iowa Police Department In 2025
The Ankeny Iowa Police Department (APD) remains a central pillar of public safety in one of Iowa's fastest-growing cities. As of late 2025, the department has been actively involved in several high-profile cases and continues to prioritize community-based policing initiatives to maintain its reputation for safety and service. This article dives into the most current updates, major investigations, and the core programs that define the APD's mission today, offering a fresh and comprehensive look at their operations.
Operating out of their headquarters at 411 SW Ordnance Road, the men and women of the Ankeny Police Department are tasked with serving the citizens of Ankeny, a key suburb in the greater Des Moines metropolitan area within Polk County. The department’s commitment to transparency and proactive engagement is evident in its ongoing efforts to keep the public informed about significant law enforcement activities and community outreach programs, a vital component of modern policing.
Leadership, Structure, and Commitment to Service
The Ankeny Police Department is led by a dedicated command staff, setting the strategic direction for the city's law enforcement efforts. Chief Darius Potts has been at the helm of the department since August 2018, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.
The APD’s structure is designed to maximize efficiency and community impact, featuring specialized units that address the city's unique needs. This includes patrol officers, detectives, and the increasingly important Community Engagement Team (CET).
- Chief of Police: Darius Potts, who previously served as a Bureau Commander before his appointment in Ankeny.
- Headquarters Location: 411 SW Ordnance Road, Ankeny, IA 50023.
- Jurisdiction: The City of Ankeny, located in Polk County, Iowa.
- Core Mission: To provide exceptional public safety services, uphold the law, and foster a strong partnership with the community through education and outreach.
The department takes pride in its role in maintaining a safe environment. Data confirms these efforts are successful, showing that the overall crime rate in Ankeny is approximately 43% lower than the national average, a significant achievement for a rapidly expanding city.
High-Profile Investigations and Arrests in Late 2025
Despite Ankeny's low overall crime rate, the Police Department has handled several serious and high-profile incidents in the latter half of 2025, demonstrating its capacity for complex investigations and rapid response to major crimes. These cases often dominate local news headlines and require significant resources from the department's investigative division.
Recent Major Incidents and Public Safety Alerts:
Sexual Abuse and Lascivious Acts Arrest (September 2025):
One of the most disturbing cases of the year involved the arrest of a school teacher. On September 10, 2025, the Ankeny Police Department arrested Michael Scott Burrows (50) of Ankeny. He was charged with three counts of lascivious acts with a child, a case that sent shockwaves through the local school district and the wider community.
Death Investigation (September 2025):
APD officers were called to a scene on September 16, 2025, to conduct a death investigation following a report around 12:57 p.m. The department has been meticulous in its process, ensuring a thorough examination of the circumstances.
Missing Person Alert (December 2025):
In a direct appeal to the public for assistance, the Ankeny Police Department issued a request on December 6, 2025, to help locate Noah Olson (26), who was last seen in the city. Public cooperation is a critical component in resolving missing person cases, and the APD leverages its social media and news channels for these alerts.
Home Invasion and Attempted Murder Charges:
The department also successfully apprehended suspects charged with multiple felonies, including attempted murder, following a violent home invasion. An elderly victim suffered serious injuries in the incident, underscoring the department's commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens and bringing violent offenders to justice.
Community-Focused Policing and Engagement Initiatives
A core philosophy of the Ankeny Police Department is proactive community engagement, which is seen as essential for building trust and preventing crime. The department offers several popular programs designed to connect officers with residents and provide educational resources. These initiatives are crucial for maintaining the city's low crime rate and fostering a safer environment.
Key Community Outreach Programs:
- The Citizen Police Academy (CPA): This is one of the APD's most popular programs, typically offered annually. The CPA provides citizens with a hands-on, in-depth look at police operations, including training, tactics, and the decision-making process officers face daily.
- Community Engagement Team (CET): The CET is a specialized unit, authorized with two Police Officers and one Sergeant, specifically dedicated to community outreach and educational events. This team focuses on building positive relationships and addressing neighborhood concerns proactively, often working closely with the Ankeny City Council and local groups.
- Ride-Along Program: Designed to enhance the relationship between the community and the police, the Ride-Along Program allows approved citizens to observe an officer during a typical shift. This provides a unique perspective on the challenges and responsibilities of law enforcement in Ankeny.
- Educational Events: APD officers, such as Sgt. Trevor McGraw, are often involved in educational events throughout Polk County, focusing on topics like connecting to the community and public safety awareness.
These programs serve as critical bridges between the police and the public, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration. The department believes that an informed and engaged citizenry is the best defense against crime and a vital partner in maintaining the quality of life in Ankeny, Iowa.
Future Outlook and Continued Commitment
The Ankeny Police Department continues to evolve alongside its rapidly growing city. With a strong foundation in community policing, evidenced by the success of the CET and the Citizen Police Academy, the department is well-positioned to handle future challenges. The ongoing efforts in complex criminal investigations, such as those seen in late 2025, confirm the department's rigorous standards and commitment to justice.
For residents and those interested in law enforcement, the APD’s dedication to transparency and public service remains unwavering. By focusing on both responsive policing—handling emergencies and major arrests like those of Michael Scott Burrows and the home invasion suspects—and proactive engagement, the Ankeny Police Department is actively shaping a safer future for the entire community. Anyone seeking the latest information or looking to engage with the department is encouraged to visit the official City of Ankeny website or contact their non-emergency line at 515-289-5240.
Detail Author:
- Name : Leilani Farrell
- Username : csmith
- Email : schinner.ova@gmail.com
- Birthdate : 1995-04-05
- Address : 917 Reinger Park Suite 767 Powlowskiview, NM 16293
- Phone : 352.597.3308
- Company : Murazik, Paucek and Hintz
- Job : Recreational Therapist
- Bio : Eaque modi ad totam sunt tenetur qui corporis. Temporibus eius saepe sunt ex. Ipsa ullam deserunt ut iure aliquam. Sint quisquam sapiente numquam commodi soluta.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@einar.rodriguez
- username : einar.rodriguez
- bio : Veniam distinctio et reiciendis modi magni eaque.
- followers : 4044
- following : 1667
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/einar_rodriguez
- username : einar_rodriguez
- bio : Et dicta delectus nostrum tempore qui sed. Harum magnam dolor quo provident.
- followers : 2020
- following : 1211
