Reducing Recidivism in Riley County

In 2010, RCPD launched its Repeat Offender Program (ROP). The program is designed to hold habitual offenders accountable by monitoring their behavior and executing proactive strategies. RCPD’s Deputy Director Freidline was a sergeant at that time and now champions the program as a leader in the department.
Through RCPD’s analytical data from crime mapping and their CAD system, officers identified a list of ten habitual offenders responsible for most of the crimes committed in Riley County. These included drug offenses, property crimes, and crimes against persons. Detectives learned that many of these offenders were on probation—and, unfortunately, failing at it. They were uncooperative with probation and weren’t adopting alternative behaviors.
After identifying the repeat offenders, RCPD connected with the prosecutor’s office and community corrections to find ways to incentivize better behavior amongst these individuals. The Repeat Offender Program was born.
Today, the program has blossomed into a unit in RCPD’s Criminal Investigations Division. With a total manpower of five people, the ROP unit keeps a close eye on the career criminals in Riley County. ROP officers’ duties include investigations, surveillance, fugitive apprehension, and more.
The ROP team connects with prosecutors and a community corrections representative each month to dig deeper into open cases, previous behavior, and more to find opportunities for case enhancements—removing the potential for easy plea deals and appropriately sending these offenders to prison.
The results sent shock waves throughout the community. The habitual offenders in Riley County learned quickly that their police department was putting an end to the cycle of crime. While some offenders ended up in prison for refusing positive change, others broke the cycle and contributed positively to society.
Since then, crime rates have decreased, and the number of repeat offenders on the ROP’s list has been drastically reduced. At one point, the list was up to 20. Today, the unit hasn’t seen more than five—a direct result of removing uncooperative offenders from the streets and giving those who want a second chance an opportunity.
"Focusing on a small minute population does impact our crime.”
- Deputy Director Freidline
RCPD’s ROP is built for sustainability, though it’s not without challenges. Keeping all of the key stakeholders involved has proven difficult, but RCPD’s persistence and dedication to the end goal have contributed to its long-lasting impact.
The program's elements have remained consistent over time, but the agency is interested in exploring further enhancements. Building upon its success, RCPD recognizes opportunities to serve the community even better through reintegration efforts within its jail.
Director Brian Peete leads RCPD and recognizes the importance of the existing program and its potential for the future.
“We control the jail, too. So we can make sure our street programs are the same as our jail programs. We recently hired a reintegration coordinator in the last three months, and she works with resources in mental health, domestic violence, and witness and victim services to help people with reintroduction and reduce recidivism.”
- Director Peete
Deputy Director Freidline attributes ROP’s 15-year success in part to finding the right people for the right roles while also engraining the program into policy to further solidify its importance. Director Peete agrees.

“You need a champion that keeps these programs alive, and Deputy Director Freidline is that champion.”
- Director Peete
Looking ahead, Director Peete and RCPD established a multi-year plan outlining the agency’s priorities for years to come. This plan ensures that the program maintains momentum and enhances Riley County community members' way of life.
Learn more about RCPD’s program here.