Ashland Police Department Ashland, VA 2007 Annual Report

Transcription

1 Ash hlan nd Policce Depaartm mentt A and, VA Ashla A Annu ual Report R t

2 Contents Introduction Department Staffing... 4 Patrol... 5 Traffic Safety... 6 Bike Patrol... 7 Investigations... 7 Training... 7 Public Information/ Crime Prevention Accreditation Initiatives Awards Goals for

3 INTRODUCTION Chief Thomas Clark The men and women of the Ashland Police Department are pleased to present our 2007 annual report was a year of dynamic change. We began the year with a renewed spirit to provide the best police service for our citizens. With this in mind, we set our standards high and our goals higher. Through our resolve we made improvements in many facets of the department. The summer months saw a transformation of police headquarters. The freshly painted walls and new tile flooring not only gave a new look to our building but also gave us a new outlook. Also undergoing transformation was our vehicle fleet. We added several new marked police vehicles but with a twist. Through our desire to set us apart from other police departments, we spruced up our cars with a new paint scheme. Our black and white cars now give us a distinct look in the community. Recruitment of new officers is paramount to providing excellent service that the Ashland citizens deserve. By reevaluating old procedures and implementing new ones we have recruited five outstanding members to the Ashland Police Department. Crime prevention and proactive policing are areas that we continue to incorporate and rely on to maintain the safety and peace of Ashland. By actively working with the businesses and citizens we have developed, not only good relationships, but also a partnership in keeping Ashland safe. The culmination of all of our efforts was the inspection, in September, by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies officials to become a fully accredited law enforcement entity. This nationally recognized award of excellence and professional achievement was the ideal ending to a momentous year. 3

4 DEPARTMENTAL STAFFING Office of the Chief Captain Administrative Assistant Chief Thomas A Clark 1 1 Lieutenant of Patrol Sergeant Corporal Patrol Officers Lieutenant of Investigations and Support Services New Hires: Wayne Donovan Douglas Goodman Jane Donovan Grant Bonistalli Scott Nuessle Andrew Peskin Susan Bischoff Investigatorss Support Services Full Time Part Time

5 PATROL Our patrol division consists of 15 men and women who work diligently around the clock to ensure the safety and welfare for all citizens, visitors, and businesses in Ashland. During 2007, patrol answered 7,541 calls for service, from locked keys in vehicles to suspicious situations. Each shift is comprised of one Sergeant, one Corporal and three Officers. Day Shift (6:30 am to 3:30 pm) Day shift officers are the faces of the department that the majority of the community sees. In 2007 the day shift answered 15 percent of all calls for service. In addition to answering calls, the officers make daily community contacts to businesses and citizens through PWT (park, walk and talk). They also handle the fingerprinting of citizens for job related or security reasons. Traffic enforcement is a major component of day shift. As Ashland is a tourist location and central to many major roads, day shift personnel are ever vigilant, not only in enforcing traffic laws but also in ensuring that the flow of traffic remains unimpeded. Evening Shift (3:00 pm to midnight) In 2007, the evening shift answered 51 percent of the calls for service. As well as answering calls, they are also responsible for traffic enforcement. Whether the traveler is headed home or on vacation, evening shift maintains a presence on the roads. Midnight Shift (9:45 pm to 6:45 am) In 2007 midnight shift officers handled 34 percent of all calls for service. One aspect of police work unique to this shift is the responsibility of assessing the safety and security of businesses closed for the day. Throughout the night, this shift makes numerous rounds on businesses checking to make sure the facilities are locked and that no signs of criminal activity are present. If there is anything amiss, they makes the business owner aware of problems by leaving a Premises Security Check form alerting the owner to any deficiencies. In addition, the Crime Prevention Officer gets this information and follows up with the business to offer any safety information. 5

6 TRAFFIC SAFETY Ashland represents a refuge for travelers using the I-95 corridor. With its abundant restaurants and hotels directly off the interstate and with Route 1 as an alternate route to congestion on I-95, the police department is acutely aware of the need for traffic safety. Currently we have four officers who are trained in traffic safety techniques. Most Common Violations Speeding Fail to Yield Right-of-Way/Fail to Obey Stop Sign Fail to Obey Highway Sign Fail to Wear Safety Belt Expired/No Inspection Fail to Obey Traffic Signal Expired Registration Reckless Driving Offenses Drive While License Suspended/Revoked No Operators License Throughout 2007, the department conducted 2,160 traffic stops and issued 1,675 summonses for traffic or vehicle related violations. This is an increase of 46 percent from In 2007, the department responded to 144 reportable traffic accidents compared to 183 in 2006, a 21 percent decrease. Injuries from accidents increased by 9 percent from 42 in 2006 to 46 in Most Crash-Prone Intersections Through statistical analysis of data obtained in 2007, the department has identified the three most common crash-prone intersections. Our focus will continue to be on techniques and initiatives to decrease the number of accidents in these intersections Rt 1 and Rt 54 Rt 54 and Cottage Green Dr Rt 54 and Hill Carter Pkwy In 2007, the police department made 32 arrests for driving under the influence and/or driving under the influence of drugs compared to 16 arrests in The department investigated 12 crashes involving driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol compared to 8 crashes in While this is a significant increase, through analysis of accidents and public awareness and education, we aim to decrease this total in Using radar, selective enforcement grants and conducting roadblocks, our officers are able to identify obstacles and create solutions to ease traffic problems throughout Ashland. The department will use the information obtained in 2007 to develop and institute pro-active initiatives to decrease traffic related incidences in

7 BIKE PATROL The bike patrol is a tool the department usess to combat crime and interact with the public. This unit is comprised of three active members; Corporal Menzies and Officers Kain and Marcussen. To become a member of the bike patrol, each was required to attend a 40-hour Police Cyclist Basic School. Upon successful completion of the training, these officers were able to enhance the department s patrol opportunities by providing a more personal interaction with citizens and businesses. The bike patrol allows flexibility by permitting officers to patrol areas inaccessible to vehicles. Our bike unit is instrumental in policing apartment complexes, downtown Ashland and the parking lots of the local shopping centers. INVESTIGATIONS The Investigative Unit is comprised of threee investigators who use their specialized training to thoroughly investigatee felony crimes in Ashland. In addition to their general law enforcement training. our investigators must attend schools in interviewing and investigative techniques, forensics and drug enforcement. Currently, the department has two general investigatorss and one narcotics investigator. In 2007, the Investigation Unit handled 1711 cases and closed 109. TRAINING In complying with the Virginia Administrative Code, each sworn member of the department must complete 40 hours of mandatory legal training every two years to remain a certified law enforcement officer. Our Training Officer assures that each member is in compliance with this mandate by comprehensive recordkeeping and scheduling of classes for the officers. While the state mandates officers attend firearms training once per year, our officers qualify with their firearms twice a year. Our Firearms Training Officer schedules and conducts training. In addition to mandatory training many of our officers are selected to attend specialized schools to provide the most professional and up-to-date law enforcement techniques available. In 2007, our officers participated in hours of training. This training encompassed every facet of law enforcement from traffic accident reconstruction, school safety issues, criminal investigative training, crime prevention, to first line leadership and executive level training. The department s civilian staff is also required to attend training in Virginia Criminal Informationn Network and the National Criminal Information Center every two years and is encouraged to seek training that will benefit the department. In 2007, the civilian staff participated in 48 hours of training. 7

8 PUBLIC INFORMATION/CRIME PREVENTION As a newly developedd feature of the department, the Public Information Officer (PIO), Corporal James Shelhorse, became the face of Ashland PD for the media and the Ashland community. The public information officer is responsible for all media inquires and the release of any information deemed necessary for the safety and security of our citizens, business owners and visitors. For this purpose Officer Shelhorse uses the Town of Ashland public access channel, reverse 911, banners, flyers and radio, television and print media to keep our citizens informed. During 2007, Corporal Shelhorse issued 32 presss releases and gave 8 news interviews. As a public service, all press releases are available on the police department website. Continuing the department s commitment to proactive, community policing, Crime Prevention Officer Tommy Gilbert was instrumental in coordinating community events, attending Neighborhood Watch meetings and has been the representative of the department at local events. Through the team approach for community outreach, other officers have given tours of the police department to Boy and Girl Scout troops and school groups. In June, students from Tuckaway Daycare Center in Richmond rode the train into town and took a tour of the police department. Corporal James Shelhorse talked with the children about the department and what we do. Each child was given a goodie bag and had their picture taken in a police car as a souvenir of their trip. In June, the department, in conjunction with Dominion Skateboard, held its first annual Skateboard Competition at Pufferbelly Skateboard Park. Contestants from Ashland and surrounding areas competed in three different levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Food and beverages were free to contestants and spectators. Pete Taylor, owner of Pete s Breakfast and Lunch, providedd the cooking. All participants were given official competition t-shirts, courtesy of Ashland businesses. 8

9 First place winners in each category received an awards package donated by skateboard companies. Friends and family enjoy the skateboarding competition In August, the departmentt hosted a free pool party for Ashland residents between the ages of 13 and 17. This event, held at Carter Park Pool, was the place for food, fun, music and prizes. The police department, in conjunction with Ashland businesses, provided pizza, ice cream and drinks for all the participants. Events included music and door prizes. The department hosted National Night Out on August 7 th, at Pufferbelly Park. This event, free to the public, encourages partnership between neighborhoods and the police in keeping communities safe. Each Neighborhood Watch displayed crime prevention informationn and handed out goodies. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks were free to all participants. Included in the entertainment was a dunking booth manned by police officers, a moonwalk, and live music. 9

10 ACCREDITATION From September 29 to October 2, 2007, every facet of the department was inspected to determine the agency s compliance with internationally accepted law enforcement professional standards. This assessment was conducted by three independent assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. (CALEA): Major Paul Baggett of the Polk County Sheriff s Office, Florida; Captain Joseph Bartlett of the Greenvillee Police Department, North Carolina; and Sergeant Jaquelinee Luthcke of the Ridgewoodd Police Department, New Jersey. The inspection team conducted their assessment through a review of agency records, policies, inspection of equipment and interviews with agency members. The team also took public comments during a publicized call-in period held on Sunday, September 30 th and a public hearing in Town Council Chambers on Monday, October 1 st. Sergeant Callahan answering questions. At the conclusion of the inspection, the assessment team found the department to be in 1000 percent compliance with all 291 mandatory standards applicable to their function, and in compliance with 96.4 percent of the optional standards. Although the accreditation statuss will not be formally confirmed until a full meeting of CALEA Commissioners in 2008, the department is very pleased with the inspection team s findings. Captain Joseph Bartlett, Sergeant Jaqueline Lutchke, Chief Thomas Clark, Major Paul Bagett, Captain Douglas Goodman. Corporal Lopez answering questions from the accreditation team. 10

11 2007 INITIATIVES Decoy Cars Starting in January 2007, all police vehicles not in use by patrol officers were placed in various locations throughout Ashland to help deter criminal activity. Each shift supervisor determined locations and times vehicles were placed so that no discernable pattern emerged. This has proven so effective that the department has received calls from various businesses asking how they can be put on the list for placement of the decoy vehicles. Project Lifesaver In July 2007, the Ashland Police Department joined with the Hanover County Sheriff s Office Project Lifesaver to work together to provide specific coverage in the Ashland community. Special needs citizens in our community, who are eligible, are fitted with a device that allows officers to track them should they become lost. The officers are equipped with locating devices that utilize radio waves to locate the transmitterss that the program clients are issued. Ashland officers trained with the Sheriff s Office to become certified in tracking and locating individuals in the community who are enrolled in the program. Currently, there are four officers trained in Project Lifesaver. Ashland Police Department Website On September 21, 2007 the Ashland Police Department went live with our website at The website offers informationn regardingg crime statistics and traffic safety issues in Ashland, crime prevention tips, press releases and APD employment opportunities. We encouragee visitors to the website to provide comments on the performance and/or professionalism of the Ashland Police Department. 11

12 Child Safety Seat Installation Checks In November, three of our officers attended 16 hours of training on proper installation of child safety seats. At the end of this training Corporal Menzies and Officers Gilbert and Kemp, became qualified to give guidance to parents and caregivers on how to correctly secure a child in an appropriate child safety seat. Through public education and child safety seat inspection events we expect to ensure the safety and well being of our smallest citizens. Holiday Patrol While the holiday season brings out the best in most people, the department realizes that it can also bring out the worst. To better serve the community, the department has instituted a holiday patrol. Starting in mid November and continuing until after the holiday season, officers on bike, foot and in vehicles patrolled all the shopping areas of Ashland. These extra patrols not only helped to deter crime, but also were used as a tool for crime prevention awareness. Officers patrolled area shopping parking lots and left crime prevention notes on cars that were unsecured. In addition, safety tips posters were given to storess to display in a prominent location. Shop With A Cop The department, in conjunction with Hanover Social Services, Ashland Christian Emergency Services, and area businesses has been able to provide presents for disadvantaged children and their families. Each year, our sworn members adopt a child for a few hours and take them shopping for presents for themselves and family members. After the shopping trip, the children are brought back to the departmentt to wrap the presents. It has been our privilege to be able to spread holiday cheer to some of the most deserving members of the Ashland community. 12

13 AWARDS BANQUET On May 16, 2007 the department held its 24 th annual awards banquet. The banquet gives us the opportunity to reflect on the loss of fellow law enforcement officers in the line of duty and on our roles in the safety and well being of the Ashland community. We take time to honor those members who have distinguished themselves in the past year. Safe Driving Awarded to officer(s) who have had no at-fault accidents for a period of 3 years. Safe Driving Award - Corporals Lopez and Menzies MADD Award Awarded to an officer who demonstrates exceptional enforcement efforts during the year in getting drunk drivers off the streets. Police Commendation Award Awarded to any member for an act or achievement above that which is normally required or expected. MADD Award - Officer Kemp Police Commendation Award -Corporal Shelhorse, Officer Jenks, and Officer Burnette In November 2006, construction equipment was stolen from a church construction site in Ashland. Corporal Shelhorse received information regarding a truck pulling a trailer during the time of the thefts. He then relayed that information to Investigator Jenks, who, with the assistance of Corporal Shelhorse, was able to track down the stolen equipment and apprehend the involved subjects. Working as a team, these officers were able to solve a serious larceny and recover the stolen property for the owner. During October 2006, Officer Burnette researched and assisted in updating the equipment needed for the department s new police vehicles. He was also instrumental in the new color scheme and graphics for the new police vehicles. 13

14 Excellent Police Duty Corporal James Shelhorse On June 11, 2006 officers were dispatched to a local hotel in reference to a disorderly guest. Upon his arrival, Corporal Shelhorse observed the subject displaying a knife and making threatening motions. Additional assistance was requested through the Hanover Sheriff s Office. The decision was made to introduce CapStun into the room and subdue the individual. Corporal James Shelhorse received the Excellent Police Duty award for his leadership ability in managing a stressful and potentially deadly situation to a successful conclusion. Citizen of the Year Reverends Rick Dill and Robert Burruss, Sr. The recipients of the this award are extremely integral to the health and well being of the members of the police department. A few years ago, Reverends Rick Dill and Robert Burruss, Sr., approached the chief with the idea of forming a chaplaincy program. Upon the chief s approval these two individuals have attended training, ridden with officers, helped plan community events, and are available to assist with death notifications. They always make themselves available to alll the members of the department and we thank them for what they have done for the Ashland community. Business of the Year Wal-Mart Since first opening its doors in June 2003 Wal- have willingly partnered with the police Mart has been incredibly supportive of the police department. Throughout the year, they departmentt in such events as Shop With-A- Cop, 5K Pumpkin Run, the Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run and the APD First Annual Skateboard Competition. With their support, the department has been able to provide ample opportunities for outreach to the Ashland community. Wal Mart - represented by Mr. Lee Swegle 14

15 Support Services Employee of the Year-Angie Walsh The Support Services employee of 2006 has not only excelled in her specific job duties but also has taken on other responsibilities for the department as well. She helps to maintain the evidencee and property room, is the point contact for any and all records retention issues, maintains the VCIN/NCIC records and volunteers for community events sponsored by the department. Officer Of The Year Officer Scott Menzies We are honored that the Ashland Kiwanis have sponsored this award for over ten years. The Officer of the Year is nominated by his or her peers and supervisors and selected by the Chief of Police for their exemplary performance during the year. Corporal Menzies has continued to prove his commitment to the department and his fellow coworkers while maintaining a positive attitude. 15

16 GOALS FOR 2008 As the department continues its course of dynamic change, we have begun setting goals for These goals will be attainable not only through the dedication and resolve of the men and women of the Ashland Police Department, but also through the support of the Town government and community. Enhance the partnership between this agency and the community by adding at least four new Neighborhood Watch programs. Increase our public education efforts by conducting three public education presentations per month. Offer security assessments to each new business and each burglary and robbery victim. Enhance our partnership with the youth of the community by creating and implementing youth recreational programs sponsored by the police. Maintain CALEA status and prepare for our next assessment in August Encourage citizen input through satisfaction surveys. Continue to provide training to all police personnel to ensure professionalism and knowledge of proper policies and procedures. Create a citizens advisory committee to work with the police department regarding crime. Continue to ensure prompt responses to citizen needs through adequate staffing to maintain emergency response time of 60 seconds and non-emergency response time of four minutes or less. Decrease the number of traffic collisions by 2 percent. Reduce the incidents of impaired driving through increased DUI checkpoints. Increase the number of criminal arrests by 2 percent, We look to 2008 as we continue to excel at providing professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate service for the citizens, businesses and visitors to Ashland, The Center of the Universe. 16