New crime prevention officer ready to run

IOWA CITY — The biggest challenge for the Iowa City Police Department's new crime-prevention officer isn't finding enough to do. It's finding enough time to do it.

'There are not enough hours in the day to fulfill all of the requests I get,' said Ashten Hayes, a four-year veteran of the department.

Hayes has hit the ground running since becoming the department's crime-prevention officer in January, taking on tasks such as helping to run the Citizen's Police Academy, giving safety presentations to area schools and organizations and planning for events this summer.

But running is one the things Hayes does best, having taken part in more than 45 triathlons in her life.

Hayes said being proactive and on the go is what attracted her to law enforcement in the first place. Though she grew up wanting to be a nurse, she said police work is a better fit for her lifestyle.

'I like to be active and independent,' she said. 'It's also a very noble and honest job.'

Hayes spent her first four years with the police department on patrol and serving as a defensive tactics instructor. She said working the evening shift always kept her busy.

'It was just a very busy, very on your feet, many-calls-to-handle type of shift,' she said.

But when former crime prevention officer R.A. Mebus retired in January, Hayes leapt at the opportunity for a new challenge.

'I really like speaking with people,' Hayes said. 'I like to be able to be very community oriented.'

Hayes said she has enjoyed working with the community in her first few months as crime-prevention officer, showcasing the positive aspects of the police department.

This summer will be busy, as well. Hayes will be running the department's youth police academies for elementary, junior high and high school students and working with the Safety Village, which teaches young children about safety around the home and community.

She's also the coordinator for the city's National Night Out event in August.