Iowa City to introduce new downtown liaison officer

IOWA CITY - A new downtown liaison officer will soon be patrolling Iowa City.

The public has a chance to welcome Colin Fowler, the Iowa City Police Department's new downtown liaison officer, during a reception Oct. 5 at the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St. Community members also will be able to say farewell to outgoing Downtown Liaison Officer David Schwindt, who has been in the position since it was created in 2013.

Fowler is a University of Iowa graduate and has been with the police department since 1999. During his career he has done patrol and bike patrol and has been assigned to the downtown beat for several years. Fowler also has served on the police department's Special Response Team, is a field training officer and an instructor for the department's crisis intervention and ALICE programs. ALICE - Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate - is a violent offender response program.

During his time as downtown liaison officer, Schwindt implemented several community policing programs and helped to establish the winter zero barrier homeless shelter. He also worked on the Frequent Users Systems Engagement Housing First project. Schwindt will be continuing to work on jail diversion as part of the Data-Driven Justice Initiative.

The Oct. 5 reception takes place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Donuts and coffee will be provided.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com