A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF

Transcription

1 A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF The following document is a consolidated report of items of interest that occurred within your police department over the last year. We continue to believe that without the trust and support of the community that we serve we will not be as successful as we wish to be as a department. We also believe that transparency in our operations breeds trust within our community. We continue to self police and hold ourselves to the highest standards possible to ensure that our department maintains the level of professionalism that we are proud of. We will continue to be proactive in our efforts to address community issues as they arise and provide a high level of service to all the citizens, business owners, and visitors to our city. The contents of this report are credited to all the members of the Decatur Police Department. This includes our communications officers, investigators, administrative staff, command staff, and all of the men and women of our uniform patrol division. Their continued support and dedication is to be commended. I am proud to serve as the Police Chief for the City of Decatur Police Department and am looking forward to the future. With pride, J.M. Booker Police Chief 1

2 Mission Statement Our mission is to promote the quality of life in Decatur by providing police services with integrity and with a spirit of excellence, in cooperation with the community. Statement of Values We believe that our powers are derived from the people we serve. We will not tolerate the abuse of police powers. We recognize that our personal conduct, both on and off duty, is inseparable from the reputation of the department. We are committed to protecting the rights of all individuals. We believe our basic missions are to prevent crime and to deliver vigorous law enforcement services when crime occurs. We believe in partnership with the community. We strive to achieve our highest potential by actively involving our employees in problem solving and improving police services. We support an organizational climate of trust and respect for one another. We encourage the pursuit of higher education by our employees. We are committed to the public we serve and to safety of all citizens of the City of Decatur. 2

3 Department Organization J.M. Booker Police Chief A. Youngblood Administrative Assistant J.K. Lee Deputy Chief VACANT Community Relations Specialist W.S. Richards Captain CID/SPU K.L. Boyett Captain Patrol D.P. Hipple Captain Support Services CID Sergeant Ross SPU Sergeant Karolyi Lieutenant C.O. Clark Lieutenant M.H. Hensel Communications Lieutenant J.B. Woodward Training Lieutenant M.J. Matics Investigators (4) Latent Print Examiner Business District Officers (3) School Resource Officer Traffic Unit Officers (2) Team A Sergeant Canipe Officers (4) Team C Sergeant Jackson Officers (4) Team D Sergeant Beaupierre Officers (4) Team B Sergeant Woodruff Officers (4) Communications Officers Support Service Technician Evidence Technician School Crossing Guards (25) Background Investigator Animal Control

4 Crime Rate The current accepted measurement of criminal activity in the United States is measured by the Uniformed Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. The City of Decatur Police Department voluntarily participates in the traditional summary reporting system to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The UCR Program assembles offense information, called Part I offenses for murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The UCR Program limits the reporting of offenses known to the eight selected crime classifications because they are the crimes most likely to be reported and most likely to occur with sufficient frequency to provide an adequate basis for comparison. Uniform Crime Reports collectively provide a national and local view of crime and allows administrators to identify trends in criminal activity and adopt suitable enforcement measures. The finalized 2011 UCR for the City of Decatur showed an overall decrease in Part I offenses by 3%. A total of 691 Part I offenses were reported in 2011 compared to 712 in Assaults decreased by 23%. The clearance rate is the percentage of crimes that are solved or cleared. A case can only be cleared by one of two ways: (1) the arrest of the offender or (2) by exceptional means. A clearance by exceptional means occurs when the offender is known but for some reason, no arrest is anticipated. Examples of clearances by exceptional means include: the victim refuses to prosecute, the death of the offender, or extradition of the suspect from another state has been denied. Most cases that are cleared by exceptional means stem from the victim s refusal to prosecute. A case is not cleared by the recovery of stolen property. The closing of an active investigation does not clear a case. A case can only be cleared when an investigation has identified an offender, probable cause exists for the offender s arrest, and the case is cleared by the arrest of the offender or by exceptional means. In 2011, 31% of Decatur s Part I Offenses were cleared as compared to 29% in Total crimes against persons showed a clearance rate of 78% in 2011 as compared to 79% in Total crime against property yielded a clearance rate of 23% in 2011 as compared to 17% in The chart on page five displays a Comparative Crime Analysis of Part I Offenses for 2010 versus The chart also shows the clearance rates for Part I Offenses for 2010 and The chart on page six displays a Comparative Crime Analysis of Part I Offenses for 1996 through The charts on pages seven through fifteen provide a visual historical comparison of Total Part I Crimes for the years of The chart on page sixteen displays the clearance rates for Part I Offenses from 1997 through

5 COMPARATIVE CRIME ANALYSIS January December 2010 compared to January December Change Cleared 2010 % Cleared Cleared 2011 % Cleared Murder % 1 100% N/A N/A Rape % 3 150% 0 0% Robbery % 11 52% 9 43% Assault Total % 91 82% 74 87% Agg. Assaults % 9 122% 7 100% Simple % 82 82% 67 86% Assaults Burglary % 20 20% 26 23% Larceny % 72 17% % Vehicle Theft % 6 13% 7 15% Total % % % *Small numbers create large % changes 5 Officer Batchelder on patrol in the Northeast zone.

6 DECATUR POLICE DEPARTMENT UCR PART I CRIME COMPARISONS OFFENSE HOMICIDE RAPE ROBBERY ASSAULT BURGLARY THEFT MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT ARSON TOTAL

7 COMPARISON TOTAL PART I CRIMES DECATUR POLICE DEPARTMENT 1400 TOTAL PART I CRIMES

8 COMPARISON HOMICIDE DECATUR POLICE DEPARTMENT 2.5 HOMICIDE

9 COMPARISON RAPE DECATUR POLICE DEPARTMENT 9 RAPE

10 COMPARISON ROBBERY DECATUR POLICE DEPARTMENT 70 ROBBERY

11 COMPARISON ASSAULT DECATUR POLICE DEPARTMENT 250 ASSAULT

12 COMPARISON BURGLARY DECATUR POLICE DEPARTMENT BURGLARY

13 COMPARISON THEFT DECATUR POLICE DEPARTMENT 900 THEFT

14 COMPARISON MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT DECATUR POLICE DEPARTMENT 160 MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT

15 COMPARISON ARSON DECATUR POLICE DEPARTMENT 7 ARSON

16 CLEARANCE RATES (PERCENTAGES) CATEGORY TOTAL TOTAL: CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY TOTAL: CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS TOTAL CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY

17 Internal Performance Measures The City of Decatur Police Department strives to provide the utmost professional service to its residents and community members who come into contact with the department on a daily basis. The department operates with transparency offered to the public in an effort to further strengthen the bonds and trust which are required to create a partnership within the community. To ensure professionalism directs the daily activities of the department, the City of Decatur Police Department utilizes several internal performance measures, intended to guarantee continued competent service to the community. Each officer within the department is given a copy of the department s integrity requirements and must agree to conduct him/herself to the standards set forth within the statement. The statement summarizes character traits expected from within the agency and profession. Character traits such as personal honesty, integrity and impartiality are discussed within the document and are used to guide the daily actions of the officer within the capacity of his/her duties. Failure to meet the requirements at any time of employment is grounds for dismissal of employment from the City of Decatur Police Department. To further provide quality service and monitor itself from within, the department utilizes a system of checks and balances centering around Internal Monitoring Software, Internal Affairs Trak or IA Trak, designed to assist first line supervisors as well as administrators in identifying improprieties which may be developing within the department. Built into the software is an early warning system which monitors entries for each member of the department and warns administrators of excessive indicators of certain categories. It is the policy and procedure of the Decatur Police Department to investigate all citizen complaints, incidents of officers use of force, pursuit and officer involved motor vehicle collisions. The Decatur Police Department accepts all complaints from the community and conducts appropriate investigations to display its determination to provide quality service and continued desire to improve on its procedures. Although it is preferred that a complainant submit a written complaint, the absence of a written complaint does not relieve the department of its responsibility to thoroughly investigate all complaints received. Upon the reception of a citizen complaint, the first and second line supervisors conduct preliminary and fact finding investigations into the allegations and make referrals to administrators based on those findings. 17

18 Administrative Review First and Second Line Review Initial Citizen Complaint Outcomes of investigations are then given designations to categorize the findings which are described below. Sustained: Evidence discovered during the investigation is sufficient to support the allegation. In most incidents this results in disciplinary action taken against the involved officer. In rare cases, this finding could result in a change in department policies or procedures or the implementation of new training procedures. Not Sustained: Insufficient evidence was discovered in the investigation to either prove or disprove the complainant s allegation. In most incidents where a complaint in not sustained, it is because there are no independent witnesses to corroborate the allegation, no physical evidence, i.e., video recording of the incident and there are conflicting accounts of the incident. In the overwhelming majority of these incidents, the complaint concerns statements allegedly made by the officer. Unfounded/Exonerated: Evidence discovered during the investigation disproves the complainant s allegations. 18

19 In 2011 the Decatur Police Department received 24 citizen complaints. The 24 complaints were investigated and reviewed by the department s command staff. The following is a synopsis of the investigation findings: Not Sustained: 8 Unfounded/Exonerated: 15 Sustained: 1 In the incident where the allegation was sustained the officer received disciplinary action. Also, in one of investigations, the original allegation was not sustained, but another policy violation was discovered during the investigation, which resulted in the issuance of an oral reprimand. These statistics are important because it illustrates the professionalism of the members of the department. Although members of the department made 1,224 arrests and conducted 12,911 traffic stops only 24 citizen complaints were received and of those only 1 was substantiated. The nature of the interactions Decatur Police Officers often have with the public can change as police-public situations are fluid and/or the demeanor of the individual/s deteriorates. Often officers are forced to encourage members of the public to comply with lawful orders or are required to govern conditions to prevent situations from degenerating out of control. When this occurs, officers may have to use varying levels of force to encourage an appropriate outcome. Upon learning of any use of force, first and second level supervisors initiate factfinding investigations into the actions of the officer. Upon completion of those initial inquiries, recommendations are forwarded to appropriate division commanders who then conduct review of policy and procedure and compare those with the officer s actions. Appropriate action is then taken which can vary from justification of action to higher levels of reprimand. Most law enforcement agencies document use of force incidents, however there is no legal requirement to do so, nor is there a standard definition of what constitutes use of force. The City of Decatur Police Department has chosen to define use of force very broadly, and thus includes many incidents which most other departments would not. For example anytime a City of Decatur Police Officer draws their service weapon and points it at a suspect, a use of force report must be submitted and reviewed. Most agencies only consider this a use of force if the weapon is fired. The Decatur Police Department classifies all incidents where physical force is used to restrain a suspect as a use of force. 19

20 2011 Use of Force Incidents Arrests not involving the use of force = 1186 Arrests involving the use of ASP baton or OC Spray = 4 Arrests involving the mere presentation of firearm = 24 Arrests involving empty hand use of force =

21 The three main divisions within the police department are Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations & Specialized Patrol and Communications/Support Services. Each of these branches provides different services and requires various skills, but all must work together. In 2011 the Captains assigned over these three divisions were reassigned from the divisions they had supervised since 2006 and took over new roles and responsibilities. These changes were made as a part of the succession planning Chief Booker envisions for the police department. The goal of succession planning is to identify and develop employees with the potential to fill key positions in the agency. Succession planning increases the availability of experienced and capable employees that are prepared to assume these roles as they become available. This practice also creates opportunities for employees to do something new, to take on different responsibilities, to learn new skills and to bring a fresh perspective and ideas to a position. This practice also serves to cross train employees so that they can complete the various tasks required of the agency as a whole and can more seamlessly take over in the absence of a fellow employee. Lastly, having employees serve in and supervise in the various divisions promotes a better understanding and working relationship between all of the employees. Captain Hipple, Lt. Hensel & Sgt. Karolyi on the scene of a critical incident. 21

22 Uniform Patrol Captain K.L. Boyett The Uniform Patrol Division, led by Captain K.L. Boyett, is responsible for the daily protection of residents and visitors. The majority of incidents and requests for service received by the Decatur Police Department are handled by the Uniform Patrol division. The patrol division is the largest unit within the Decatur Police Department. The officers are divided up among four patrol shifts given an alpha numeric designation. The patrol teams Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta each work 12-hour shifts running 7 a.m.-7 p.m. or 7 p.m.-7 a.m. The teams rotate from days to nights and back every four months. Each team is supervised by a Sergeant who reports to a Lieutenant. The shifts are made up of four or five Police Officers and Master Police Officers. The actions and services performed by the members of the Uniform Division are also the most recognizable, visible and scrutinized within the agency. Patrol officers enforce traffic and other criminal laws while patrolling the city. In addition they are the first responders for various incidents occurring within the city, conduct preliminary investigations and develop positive community relations. Over time, they learn what areas of law enforcement they are most interested in and focus on those areas. Some may choose drug enforcement while others look toward traffic enforcement or DUI, for example. Patrol officers who show an interest and aptitude in these specialty areas can apply for reassignment to Specialized Units when positions become available. During the 2011 year, 6,413 reports were generated and officers made 10,380 traffic stops. The average response time for a police officer to respond to a call for service in 2011 was less than two minutes. The Uniform Patrol Division in combination with the Traffic Safety Unit and Criminal Investigation Division affected the arrest of 1,224 individuals, with Uniform Patrol conducting most. During 2011, Patrol Officers initiated 103 driving under the influence arrests, 183 VGCSA (Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act) arrests and 193 active warrant arrests. 22

23 Sgt. Jackson checking a business on a burglar alarm call. In 2011, Uniform Patrol responded to 2,175 alarm calls. In addition, officers worked 733 traffic accidents with 13 accidents involving pedestrians and 6 involving bicycles. Officers also conducted 7,593 park-and-walks, 14,848 location checks and 1,024 vacations checks throughout the city in Officer Alexander & MPO Wragg conducting a park-and-walk on the downtown square.

24 Criminal Investigation & Specialized Patrol Division Captain W. S. Richards The Decatur Police Department has a Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and Specialized Patrol Division, led by Captain W.S. Richards. The investigators and officers in these units are selected from the patrol division after learning basic police investigative techniques and responses to crimes. After doing so, they are allowed to apply for a position within the Investigations and Specialized Patrol divisions once a position becomes available. Upon transferring into the Investigation Division, officers are charged with investigating and solving crimes against persons and property. The investigators work Monday through Friday but are on call for investigations twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The staff is trained in modern methods of investigation in areas including white-collar crimes, juvenile crimes, identity theft, homicide and crimes against property and persons. The Specialized Patrol Division is comprised of Business District Officers, School Resource Officer and Traffic Safety Officers who receive specialized training pertaining to their assignments. These officers have varied schedules set to meet the needs of their individual assignments. Captain Richards also compiles and reports all information for the agency s participation in the Uniformed Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and supervises four certified Traffic Accident Investigators. The Traffic Accident Investigators investigate accidents involving fatalities, serious injuries and also hit and run accidents. 24

25 Criminal Investigations Division The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is made up of one Sergeant, four criminal investigators and one part-time certified latent print examiner. In addition, one investigator is assigned to maintain the property room where all evidence and items are held for safekeeping and stored. The investigators are responsible for investigating crimes that occur within the City, processing scenes and evidence, performing applicant background investigations and also providing prevention and safety information to community members upon request. Another important function of the investigators is to gather intelligence about current trends and patterns in criminal activity and known suspects. It is also crucial for investigators to build relationships and communicate with members of nearby police agencies in order to work together in identifying potential problems, crime trends and suspects who pass in and out of neighboring jurisdictions. Every reported crime generated within the City of Decatur is reviewed to determine its level of solvability and then assigned to an appropriate investigator. Investigators receive advanced specialized training in interview & interrogations, crime scene processing, financial crimes, death investigations, sexual assault investigations and crime involving juveniles. Inv. Hall processing a crime scene to recover evidence. 25

26 During the 2011 calendar year, Decatur CID investigated/assigned 929 crimes which occurred within the city. Of those, 133 cases were resolved with the initiation of arrest warrants or other means (missing persons and/or runaway persons located are considered cleared), 96 cases were cleared by exceptional means (most due to lack of want of prosecution), 56 were unfounded (it was later proven the crime either did not occur or did not occur in the jurisdiction of the City of Decatur) and 628 were suspended for lack of leads or other investigatory reasoning. The remaining cases are in warrant status. In 2011, CID was able to obtain a second digital SLR camera by having an investigator accepted into an advanced digital crime scene photography school at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Brunswick, GA. The cost of the training, the camera and other photography equipment were part of the training package provided at no cost for a select few investigators from various agencies around the state. Additional training for other investigators and equipment needed to perform latent and impression fingerprint photography was obtained and investigators are now able to obtain evidence through digital photography that previously had to be sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI). Inv. Bellis photographing latent print evidence. Fingerprint obtained via photography. 26

27 In March 2011, the Decatur Police Department hired Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) Patricia Gilbert on a part-time basis and purchased the AFIX Tracker System. This has allowed our fingerprint evidence to be worked in-house rather than being sent out to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. Prior to March 2011, officers and investigators would process scenes and evidence and recover latent prints and those prints would be submitted to the GBI. Due to backlog, obtaining results back from the GBI could take 4-6 weeks and sometimes 6 months or longer due to the high volume of cases the GBI works for agencies throughout the state. This wait would at times result in a suspect repeatedly targeting locations in Decatur. The ability to quickly identify a suspect who is committing burglaries and entering autos helps prevent additional crimes. Certified Latent Print Examiner Patricia Gilbert Ms. Gilbert joined the Decatur Police Department after opting for the early-out retirement after twenty-five years with DeKalb County Police Department where she was assigned to the Crime Scene and Latent Print Units; ten of those as an Identification/Evidence Supervisor. She earned her M.S. degree in Criminal Justice/ Public Administration from Georgia State University. Ms. Gilbert has logged nearly 2000 hours of specialized training in crime scene, latent prints, photography, and more. She is one of approximately 855 Latent Print Examiners certified by the International Association for Identification (IAI) worldwide. She has been instrumental in solving numerous cases involving latent prints obtained from crime scenes through the use of the AFIX Tracker and the FBI Identification Systems. Ms. Gilbert is an expert in her field and the Decatur Police Department is extremely fortunate to have her join our agency. 27

28 The AFIX Tracker system is a PC-based Automated Fingerprint Identification System used to identify criminals from fingerprint and palm prints left behind at crime scenes. Statistically, at least 85% of the crimes being committed inside your city limits and in surrounding communities are being committed by local offenders. Officers and investigators actively search for latent print evidence at crime scenes. Backlog at state crime labs results in a delay in identifying suspects. In many states when local officers develop latent prints at a crime scene but don t have a suspect, those latent prints are submitted to the state AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System), where they are queued behind all of the other cases waiting to be processed. Also, the AFIS system currently only contains fingerprints, not palm prints. The AFIS system is expensive to purchase and keep updated and was not a feasible option for the Decatur Police Department. The decision was made to purchase the much more affordable AFIX Tracker system with the use of seized drug funds. With the AFIX System in place, CLPE Gilbert began building a database of arrestee s fingerprint and palm prints for all persons arrested by the Decatur Police Department and print evidence recovered from scenes are entered into the system and compared to the print database for Decatur as well as any other agency that has the AFIX Tracker system which includes the Dekalb County Police Department. CLPE Gilbert is also able to send print searches to the FBI in cases where a match is not obtained through the use of the AFIX Tracker database. Example of a fingerprint comparison. Between March-December 2011, CLPE Gilbert generated 1,557 searches with the new AFIX Tracker system. She worked latent print evidence in 151 cases resulting in hits or matches in 50 of those cases. 28

29 Specialized Patrol Division The Specialized Patrol Division is made up of one Sergeant, three Business District Patrol officers, one School Resource Officer and two Traffic Safety Officers. Business District Patrol Business District Officers utilize vehicle, foot and bicycle patrols to cover the business district areas. The use of foot and bicycle patrols allow for officers to more effectively cover the areas while maintaining a high level of visibility and interpersonal conduct with community members and business owners and employees. The officers coordinate with business owners and employees to identify and correct issues that arise in the business district areas. The officers can regularly be found visiting businesses as well as patrolling the business district areas. Officer Nembheard on bike patrol around the downtown square. 29

30 In 2011, two additional officers were assigned as business district patrol officers. In prior years, there was one officer assigned to concentrate mainly on the downtown business and square area. Having three officers assigned to conduct business district patrol has allowed for more coverage during evening hours, weekends and for the other areas of the city with business districts. Officer Kersey checking in with an employee at The Yogurt Tap. The Business District Officers also work special events such as the many festivals in Decatur, attend the monthly Decatur Business Association meetings and conduct investigations of crimes that occur in the business district. In 2011, Business District Officers also conducted several theft sting operations and crosswalk enforcement operations. During the crosswalk enforcement operations a total of 40 drivers were cited for failing to yield to pedestrians and additional citations were issued for other observed infractions. In 2011, Business District Officers were also equipped with body worn cameras. Many of the encounters patrol officers have with suspicious persons and suspects are captured on their incar video systems which can serve as evidence in a case or to vindicate an officer when they are accused of wrongdoing. Officers on foot patrol and bike patrol did not have access to this type of technology in the past. 30

31 School Resource Officer The City of Decatur Police Department had one officer assigned to the City of Decatur Schools in 2011 to ensure the safety of the students and faculty within the system. The officer works closely with the administration of all the schools within the Decatur School System and is a liaison for the department with the school. The officer has many responsibilities and often must wear many different hats as the environment they work in consists mainly of juvenile students. The officer first provides law enforcement and police services to the school, school grounds and areas adjacent to the school. The officer will investigate allegations of criminal incidents, enforce state and local laws and ordinances and make appropriate referrals to juvenile authorities or other governmental agencies. The officer also serves to mentor, provide a positive influence for students and staff and establishes a relationship throughout the school system in order to attempt to prevent and reduce instances of juvenile delinquency. The officer also works closely with school administrators to establish emergency crisis measures and address any security issues that may arise during the school year. The officer also works school events during after school hours which vary from sporting events to formal events and award presentations. SRO Taylor with students at Decatur High School. In 2011, SRO Taylor attended training to implement the G.R.E.A.T. program (Gang Resistance Education And Training) into City Schools. The program is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership for children in the years immediately before the prime ages for introduction into gangs and delinquent behavior. SRO Taylor is currently teaching the curriculum at Renfroe Middle School. 31

32 Traffic Safety Unit MPO Lindsey conducting laser speed detection on Church Street. In 2011, the police department continued to address the growing concerns for traffic safety. There are two officers assigned to the traffic unit, one primarily on a motorcycle and the other in a vehicle. The focus of the traffic safety unit is to emphasize the importance of keeping city roadways safe and orderly. The goal is to reduce the number of traffic accidents, injuries and deaths while promoting safety through enforcement, visibility and education. To do this traffic safety officers focus on speed reduction, high risk driving behavior, DUI patrol and pedestrian traffic safety. In 2010, the two officers assigned to the traffic safety unit issued a total of 5,211 citations/warnings and made 169 arrests for various traffic infractions related to the motor vehicle code. The officers assigned to the traffic unit are often called upon to respond to specific areas of concern which have been identified by citizens and police administration. The traffic safety unit focuses heavily on the school zone speed limit enforcement throughout the city in an attempt to promote a safe environment for juvenile pedestrians and their parents during designated times in the morning and afternoon. Traffic safety officers also attend monthly MATEN (Metro Area Traffic Enforcement Network) meetings to stay current in trends which are changing within the traffic enforcement community. The network, which has been designated by the Governor s Office of Highway Safety, is designed to enhance traffic enforcement activities through networking, training and legislative updates. 32

33 To further emphasize the Decatur Police Departments recognition of the importance of traffic enforcement, additional measures have been implemented to assist the traffic safety unit in enforcing traffic laws within the city. First, all uniform officers are required to receive training in the operation of laser speed detection devices for speed enforcement. Second, all officers are also required to receive training in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests to detect and arrest drivers suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Third, patrol shift supervisors use safety checkpoints to detect unbuckled drivers and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Fourth, patrol supervisors assign officers to conduct speed enforcement inside school zones throughout the city of Decatur. Finally, officers are selected to participate in statewide traffic campaigns including Summer HEAT and Operation Click-It or Ticket within the City of Decatur. Aside from traffic enforcement, the Decatur Police Department uses another resource to increase traffic safety. The department has a computer device, called a Stealth Stat, which can measure the speed of cars and record the number of cars traveling on a certain roadway. Once the Stealth Stat has completed its survey, the results can be printed out and evaluated. The survey results can be used by the Command staff to determine if more resources or directed patrols are needed for a particular roadway. The Stealth Stat also displays a visual speed, which is clearly visible to the driver, as it travels on a particular section of a roadway. The goal behind the visual depiction of speed is that drivers will see their speed and will modify their speed to stay within posted speed limit. Officer Zachery conducting traffic stop on West Howard Avenue. 33

34 Communications / Support Services Captain D.P. Hipple The Communications/Support Services Division, led by Captain D.P. Hipple, is responsible for 911 and Police/Fire Dispatch as well as Training, Recruitment & Applicant Background process, Support Services & Animal Control, Evidence Technician and School Crossing Guards. Captain Hipple also oversees the CAPS Citizens Assisting Public Safety Volunteer Program. Communications A fast and reliable communications division is vital to providing lifesaving services to the community it serves. Receiving and dispatching calls for service is the Decatur Police Department Communications Division s main responsibility. The Communication Division employs state of the art equipment and is E-911 Phase 2 compliant. The ability to locate E-911 calls utilizing GIS, even if the call is coming from a cell-phone, saves time and insures that help will arrive quickly. All Decatur Police Department Communications Officers are state certified and have attended the basic Communications Officer Class at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. The City of Decatur Police Communications division is a 24-hour operation ensuring citizens who require service are given prompt attention despite the time of day. In addition to dispatching responsibilities for the Police Department, the Decatur Communications Division also dispatches all Decatur Fire Department related services as well as relays call information as it pertains to Dekalb EMS. In 2011, the Communications Officers moved to a 12-hour rotating shift schedule the patrol division is on and each patrol team has dedicated communication officers. 34

35 In 2011, Decatur Communication Officers received a total of 90,105 calls into the 911/Communications Center. These calls generated 53,392 incidents communications handled between police and fire service. The average dispatch time of a call received by Communications Officer in 2011 was 1 minute or less. Communications Officers not only field emergency and non-emergency calls for police and fire service and dispatch for police and fire personnel, they also handle a constant influx of calls from the public seeking general information such as directions and arrest and bond information. They also receive and handle calls for officers, investigations and administration. Communications Officers further monitor video surveillance for court and the police department, monitor weather conditions, conduct background checks for citizens, perform clerical duties and assist anyone coming into the police department with a problem, question or request. CO Hardmon & CO Pickett working in the Communications Division. 35

36 POLICE OFFICER TRAINING Mandatory Training Decatur Police Department Annual Review 2011 Training In order to meet the State of Georgia s accreditation requirements, the department must train all of its sworn personnel in specific topics of study. This training includes: Semi-annual Firearms Training Annual Shotgun Training for Qualified Personnel Annual Training for Back-up Weapons Use of Deadly Force Ethics & Professionalism Motor Vehicle Pursuits ASP Baton Recertification OC Pepper Spray Legal Updates Bias-Based Profiling Elder Abuse Officers completing firearms qualification. 36

37 Also for state accreditation, the department must conduct annual training related to critical tasks. In 2011, all sworn personnel received training relating to the following critical tasks: Search & Seizure Transportation of Detainees Domestic Violence Property and Evidence Off Duty Conduct Sexual Harassment Selection and Hiring Citizen Complaints/Internal Affairs Dealing With Mentally Ill or Persons with Diminished Capacity In 2011, in-service training was conducted by the Decatur Police Department Training Unit. This training was based on a needs analysis formulated from current trends, supervisor and officer input, high liability topics, officer safety issues, training needs, costs and availability of resources. First, it was identified that officers needed training in shooting in low-light or no light situations. Statistically, officers are more likely to be involved in a shooting in a low-light or no light scenario. Officers also needed firearms training that included scenarios where an officer must decide to shoot or not shoot. All officers attended a firearms training session at the new Douglasville Police Department indoor firing range. This was comprehensive and intensive training day which covered deadly force, flashlight techniques, shooting in dark and low-light environments, and judgmental shooting. 37 Officers training for shooting in low-light situations.

38 Second, a recent trend in law enforcement is police officers having violent encounters with sovereign citizens including a high profile case involving the murder of two Memphis-area police officers. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (F.B.I.) came to the Decatur Police Department and taught an in-service course entitled, Sovereign Citizen Movement. Third, the State of Georgia has adopted a complicated series of laws relating to how its citizens can carry firearms and other weapons. Not only does this pose officer safety issues for law enforcement, but it also requires officers to become knowledgeable about the laws to avoid violating someone s Fourth Amendment rights. An instructor from the Atlanta Police Academy taught an in-service course called, Firearm Carry Law. Fourth, the City of Decatur has evolved into a community where many of its citizens walk or bike. There has also been an increase in the development of bicycle lanes, bicycle paths, and roadways outlined by sharrows. With this new trend, officers will need more training about bicycle safety, bicycle law, and traffic enforcement. In response to this, all officers attended an in-service course named, Traffic Enforcement for Bicycle Safety. The course was taught by Georgia Bikes. Training slide for Traffic Enforcement for Bicycle Safety course. Fifth, several local banks have tracking equipment to help apprehend bank robbers. A selection of police officers and communications personnel received in-service training in how to use this tracking equipment in a course called Electronic Satellite Pursuit. Finally, the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.) developed a training video to educate officers about steroids in law enforcement. Each police officer was assigned to watch the video 38

39 and pass an examination in a class titled, Wrong Arm of the Law - Steroids and Law Enforcement. Specialized Training Specialized training was offered to officers in the department to enhance their skill sets and provide them knowledge to enhance their jobs. Here is a list of specialized courses attended in 2011: Professional Ethics Training Managing Emotions Under Pressure Stress Management Leadership Skills for Challenging Times Supervision Level I & II Management Development Program (MDP) Level I 39 Managing the Patrol Function: A Data Driven Approach Effective Recruitment Police Applicant Background Investigations Internal Investigations Seminar Instructor Training Administrative Investigations for First Line Supervisors Excited Delirium & Sudden In-Custody Death Instructor Departmental Training Officer DUI Detection & SFST Instructor Update Implementing Physical Fitness Programming in Law Enforcement Bulletproof Mind Defensive Tactics Instructor Shotgun Instructor Basic Handgun Course Semi-Auto Pistol Level I & II High Risk Warrant Service Response to the Active Shooter GA Commission of Family Violence Conference Gang Investigator Course Automatic License Plate Reader Street Crimes Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training Search & Seizure for Law Enforcement Evidence Presentation Criminal Procedure Criminal Apprehension for Patrol Law Enforcement Response to Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line-of-Duty Criminal Drug Interdiction G.R.E.A.T. Officer Training Governor s Office Highway Safety (GOHS) Conference

40 Intoxilyzer 5000 Recertification Standardized Field Sobriety Testing DUI Case Preparation & Courtroom Presentation Traffic Accident Reconstruction Level I, II, III, IV & V Pedestrian/Bicycle Crash Investigations Finding Words Basic Crime Scene Photography Child Abuse Investigation Get Confessions: Going Beyond the Interview Crime Scene Technology & Evidence Collection Sexual Assault Investigations Law Enforcement Digital Photography Training Program Practical Kinesic Interview, Phase I Homicide Investigation & Crime Scene Management Training Elder Abuse-VALERI Program Search Warrants & Affidavits Advanced Examiner s Course in Truth Verification Human Trafficking Cell Phone Technology & Forensic Data Recovery Financial Investigation Fundamentals Basic Forensic Response to Missing & Abducted Children Supervision/Leadership Training Lt. M. Hensel completed a twelve (12) week leadership program at the Southern Police Institute in Louisville, KY. Deputy Chief J. K. Lee attended the 55 th Command Institute for Law Enforcement Executives in Rock Hill, SC. Lt. C. O. Clark completed the first level of the Management Development Program (MDP) sponsored by the University of Georgia. Sgt, Jackson completed Supervision Level I while Sgt. Ross and Sgt, Beaupierre completed Supervision Level II at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC). Instructor Training Sgt. Jackson became certified by P.O.S.T as a General Instructor. Officer A. Acker became certified by P.O.S.T. as Defensive Tactics Instructor. NIMs Training Police officers and communications personnel are required to take National Incident Management (NIMs) training. The following is a breakdown of the training including: 40

41 New Police Officers & Communications Officers must take Introduction to Incident Command System (IS100), NIMs (IS700), and ICS for Single Resources (IS200). All new police officers hired in 2011 have satisfied this requirement for all three (3) courses. A new mandate by GEMA also required additional NIMs training for The directive required all police and communications personnel to complete training in the following courses: o Multi-Agency Coordination Systems (MACs) - IS701a o Public Information Systems - IS702 o Resource Management - IS703a o Communications & Information Management - IS704 o Intrastate Mutual Aid IS706* * New Course in 2011 All police and communications officers completed the required NIMs training as outlined in the GEMA directive. Supervisors are required to additional courses including: o National Response Plan IS800 o Basic Incident Command System IS300 The Decatur Police Department had one supervisor, Sgt. E. Jackson, promoted in Sgt. Jackson completed and passed both courses. All other supervisors have satisfied this requirement. COMMUNICATIONS Communications personnel did a combination of both online and classroom training throughout This a list of the major coursework completed by Communication Officers in 2011 including: First Emergency Medical Responder of the Care Team Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training Dispatch Judo Electronic Satellite Pursuit Terminal Agency Coordinator Refresher Training 41

42 Recruitment & Applicant Background The Decatur Police Department actively recruits from the community, colleges & universities and at job fairs when there are job positions available. Applicants must go through the initial application process, entrance exam, panel interview, in-depth background investigation, voice stress analysis exam, psychological testing, medical exam and an interview with the Chief of Police during the hiring process. In 2011, 306 police officer applicants and 75 communications officer applicants entered this process. Officer M. Barner-Lane joined the Decatur Police Department in

43 Support Services The duties of the support services technician are many and varied. Support services is responsible for the maintenance, inventory and responding to requests for vehicles, equipment and uniforms. In addition, the support services technician handles internal, external and court mail pick-up and delivery as well as taking care of the supply needs for the police department. Officer Cantrell takes care of all vehicles and equipment. Animal Control Ofc. Cantrell is also currently serving as the part-time animal control officer who assists the department with the growing need to be able to enforce animal control laws and ordinances within the City of Decatur. In addition, the department works with Dekalb County Animal Control to provide adequate service to its residents, when the Decatur Animal Control Officer is off duty. The Animal Control Officer is also responsible for protecting citizens from wild, stray and aggressive animals. Officers respond to document instances of animal bites, stray animals, sick animals and requests to trap animals. In 2011, officers responded to 299 animal control calls. Officer Cantrell setting a trap on a stray animal complaint call. 43

44 Evidence Technician The evidence technician receives, stores and maintains chain of custody of all evidence and items taken in for safekeeping and returns property back to owners when called for. The chain of custody of the evidence is crucial to ensure the integrity of evidence between collection and court prosecution. The evidence technician also handles all requests for evidence from the court system and handles all evidence submissions to the GBI. In addition, the evidence technician is responsible for maintaining inventory and following the protocol to destroy evidence after a certain time period for cases that have been disposed of. The evidence technician further transports and oversees the destruction of drugs and firearms at the GBI. Inv. Strawn securing evidence in the property room. Inv. Strawn also serves as the direct supervisor for the School Crossing Guards. On a daily basis she manages the scheduling and needs of the guards as well as remains visible in the school crossings and monitors for any issues that arise. Inv. Strawn also works the various school crossing locations when the assigned guard is absent. 44

45 School Crossing Guards In 2011, the number of School Crossing Guards was increased from 21 to 25 to address changes made within the school system to include the opening of the 4/5 Academy at Fifth Avenue in Oakhurst. Also, the time crossing guards are on duty was expanded to cover the varying school schedules. The School Crossing Guards are members of our community that have stepped up to take on the important responsibility of helping the students who walk and bike to school to arrive safely. School Crossing Guards at FAVE helping the students cross as school lets out for the day. 45

46 Monthly Crime Meetings Command staff and supervisors attending a monthly crime meeting. In 2011, the practice of having monthly crime meetings continued. Command staff and supervisors for every division and each patrol team meet once per month to go over the crime stats for the prior month. The monthly crime meeting focuses on crimes against persons and property, mainly robberies, burglaries, entering autos and thefts of motor vehicles. Crime patterns and trends are discussed and each attendee is asked to contribute any information they feel is relevant and ideas on possible solutions. This is a time for all officers in supervisory positions to share information which often includes details about known offenders being released and/or seen around Decatur. This helps the department take a proactive approach in investigating crime. The opportunity for all supervising staff to come together is important as many do not see each other on a regular basis due to the varying hours of their shifts. Also, the crime meetings allow for open discussion to voice concerns about potential problems such as vandalism, ongoing complaints at a specific location, requests for extra patrol and repetitive contact with the same known offenders. Lastly, any events occurring in the previous month that deserves special recognition are discussed. 46

47 Community Policing Initiatives The main foundation of philosophy in the Decatur Police Department in its attempts to curb crime within the City of Decatur is building a partnership with the community to more effectively allow the department to perform its function. To enhance the partnership, the Decatur Police Department utilizes and implements Community Policing Initiatives. Patrol supervisors ensure zone officers conduct daily Park-and-Walk patrols of their residential and commercial areas. The purpose of the Park-and-Walk patrols is to have the police officer park their patrol car and conduct foot patrols in different areas of their assigned zone. This allows officers to be visible in the community as a crime deterrent and makes them accessible to members of the community. Officers use Park-and-Walk patrols to discover the problems and issues firsthand by interacting with people from the community. Officer Horton conducting a park-and-walk in the Winnona Park neighborhood. 47

48 The Decatur Police Department values participation in numerous programs and initiatives which are designed to educate and promote a partnership with the community. The following is a list of some of the programs and activities members of the police department participated in during 2011: Christmas Decatur-A Season of Giving program MLK, Jr. 3-Day Service Project. Attended community meetings to answer questions and provide information Conducted crime prevention sessions Conducted demonstrations at local camps Conducted security surveys National Night Out - National Night Out is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). This national event involves citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, and neighborhood organizations from all over the country. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs, to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and to send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Touch a Truck Sgt. Karolyi and a volunteer at a bike registration event. In 2011, a bicycle registration program was implemented and several registration events were held through the year. This allows for serial number information to be kept on file so that a lost or stolen bicycle can be returned to its owner if recovered. 48

49 CAPS Citizens Assisting Public Safety Volunteer Program Some of our CAPS volunteers with members of the police department. In 2011, CAPS volunteers continued to serve their community by providing assistance to the police department in various ways. CAPS members are called upon to serve in various ways. Special Events During special events the duties of CAPS members are focused on public safety functions. These duties might include the staffing of the Mobile Incident Command (MIC) unit, patrolling the event site and reporting hazards or suspicious activity, staffing crime prevention booths, operating barricades and controlling the flow of traffic through closed roadways, providing directions to motorists, etc. Business District Patrol CAPS members also provide a presence on the downtown square, Oakhurst business district, and other commercial districts in Decatur. This greatly increases the visible public safety presence and creates an atmosphere of increased security when viewed along with the assigned business district Police Officer. Exam Proctoring CAPS member have been asked to assist with proctoring promotion or proficiency exams or exercises. Role Play CAPS member take part in role playing exercises that are part of officer training. Disaster Response In case of a major weather or other event in the City, CAPS members may be called upon to assist with traffic control or provide other assistance to Police and/or Fire/Rescue personnel. CERT trained members might provide an additional level of support. The assistance of CAPS members is invaluable during events such as the Publix Marathon, Fireworks displays, parades, the many large festivals on the downtown square and in Oakhurst and as extra eyes and ears patrolling during Halloween and the Christmas holidays. 49

50 In 2011, we had an officer participate in the Publix Marathon. Officer Fiksman running the 2011 Publix Marathon. Also, three officers represented the Decatur Police Department in the 2011 Police Unity Tour. The Police Unity Tour is an annual 300 mile bicycle ride that originates in New Jersey and travels to Washington D.C. The primary purpose of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty. The secondary purpose is to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer s Memorial and Museum. Sgt. Canipe, Officer Sibley and Officer Fiksman during the 2011 Police Unity Tour. 50

51 Officer Kersey, Chief Booker, Captain Richards, Officer Nembheard, Deputy Chief Lee, Sgt. Canipe, Sgt. Karolyi & Sgt. Beaupierre at the Decatur rally for Georgia Rides to the Capital. The Decatur Police Department continues to participate in the annual Georgia Rides to the Capital Event. Candidates selected for promotion in 2011: Promotions Lieutenant C. Clark / 12 years of service Sergeant E. Jackson / 7 years of service 51