BY MARK MCGEE
mmcgee@bedfordcountypost.com
Growing up on a farm doesn’t usually leave a lot of time for playing “cops and robbers” between chores and school.
Shelbyville Police Chief Jan Phillips grew up wanting to be a farmer. So even he finds it to be amazing that he is celebrating his 48th year in law enforcement.
“It has gone by fast, it really has, when I stop and think about the things I have done in the past,” Phillips said. “And in another way I feel like it has been a long time too.”
Phillips started work after graduating from Shelbyville Central High School as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). He was stationed, ironically, across the street from the Shelbyville Police Department.
“I was in the National Guard in 1971 and decided I wanted to work here at home,
Phillips said. “I started as an EMT in September of 1973. I went to EMT school and received my certification. I turned 20 the next month.”
He married his wife Mary Grace in August of 1974, the same day the EMT service moved into the building beside the old hospital.
“I worked there until January of 1977,” Phillips said. “I had friends who worked in the police department who said why don’t you come over here and join us.
“I never in my life thought about going into law enforcement. I grew up on a farm and did things like milking cows and hauling hay. I was in FFA for four years and president my senior year. I never thought about going into EMT work either. “
Phillips friends were too persuasive, and he decided to apply for a position in the department.
“Bill Mittwede was the city manager,” Phillips said. ‘They didn’t have the opening they have now. Back then you had to know somebody to get a job with the police department.
“I started when I was 23. I was one of the younger guys. Everybody else was in their 30s or older. I thought they were ancient.”
Working up the ladder
Phillips first assignment was as a dispatcher on the 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift.
“They put somebody with me for one day and then turned me loose,” Phillips said. “They put the new people in dispatch to let them get the feel for everything. I worked there until March when they hired Mike Rogers and I went out on patrol.
“It was exciting to be involved taking calls and answering calls that were positive and knowing I had helped out somebody. It was a good feeling.”
Phillips attended the police academy and graduated in October of 1977. He was promoted to sergeant in 1979.
“Back then we had four shifts and four people on a shift,” Phillips said. “We would have two cars on the street. We had a captain and a sergeant and a patrolman on each shift.
“I loved being on patrol. They are the first responders.”
Technology effects
“The biggest change Phillips has seen through the years is the increased use of technology, DNA analysis and cell phone forensics.
“When we started we bought our own weapons back then,” Phillips said. “We got our belt and a set of handcuffs.”
The license plate reader is going to be installed soon. The department has been using body cams for about three years and they have been an asset.
“Our complaints have just about gone to zero,” Philips said. “That is one of the biggest things technology-wise that has helped improve what we do.”
Drug crimes and domestic issues are the main crimes now. When Phillips was on patrol burglaries occurred on a regular basis, especially on the square. One of the more frustrating is solving missing person cases.
A brotherhood
Through all of the changes one thing keeps him coming to the office every day – comradery.
“People don’t realize how much that means,” Phillips said. “It is just different in law enforcement. We depend on each other to get home every night.
“It is a brotherhood, a comradery and until you have done it you don’t realize how important that is. The majority of people will tell you it is hard to take that badge off. It is rewarding, not moneywise, but it is a rewarding feeling to feel like you have helped somebody. We are blessed here in Shelbyville to have support of the community.”
Phillips sees the department having to respond to the continued growth in the City, but he sees some encouraging constants in the work no matter what the challenges might be.
“I feel like we are making a difference,” Phillips said. “I am, proud of our officers. We have some good officers and good supervisors. I enjoy what I do. It is just a rewarding feeling to help the community and to know we have done something good for somebody.”