HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 Annual Report - Police DepartmentTukwila Police Department
Tukwila Police Department
Mission Statement
We, the members of the
Tukwila Police Department,
are committed to
being responsive to our community
in the delivery of quality services.
We recognize our responsibility to maintain order,
while affording dignity and respect to every individual.
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all —
through community partnerships and problem solving —
to promote safe, secure neighborhoods.
February I , 2007
Honorable Mayor Steven M. Mullet
City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Boulevard
Tukwila, WA 98188
Dear Mayor Mullet:
I am pleased to present the Tukwila Police Department 2007 Annual Report to
you and our community. In this report you will find photos and descriptions of
our work during 2007.
As always, your Police Department served with the highest level of excellence
during 2007. Thank you for your continuing support of our agency.
Sincerely,
r
ouio
David W. Haynes
CHIEF OF POLICE
Organization Chart
Administrative
Secretary
POLICE
CH EF
Community -
Oriented Policing
Advisory Board
Assistant
Police Chief
(Invest. Services)
Records
Manager
i
Sergeant
(Major Crimes)
Police
Officer (9)
CRerka
Clerk
Domestic Violence
Advocate
Police
Commander
(Invest. Services)
(
Police
Commander
(Traffic -Training)
Police Officer
(Training)
Community Policing
Coordinator
Assistant
Police Chief
(Patrol Services)
Police Information
Analyst
Police
Commander
(Patrol)
Sergeant 1 Sergeant ( Sergeant
(Traffic) ) (Patrol) 1 (Patrol)
Police
Officer (4)
Service Transport
Officer (in patrol)
City
Government
2007
Tukwila City Rdministration
Steven M. Mullet, Mayor
Rhonda Berry, City Administrator
Tukwila City Council
Verna Griffin, Council President
Joe Duffle, Councilmember
Joan Hernandez, Councilmember
Pam Carter, Councilmember
Jim Haggerton, Councilmember
Pamela Linder, Councilmember
Dennis Robertson, Councilmember
Tukwila Police Department Rdministration
David Haynes, Chief of Police
Lori Sutter, Assistant Chief
Darrell Baskin, Assistant Chief
Mike Villa, Commander
Don Lincoln, Commander
Dennis McOmber, Commander
Rebecca McGregor, Records Manager
Records Division
The Tukwila Police Department's Records Division operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,
and assists the citizens of Tukwila in a variety of ways. In 2007 the Division processed over I I 0
concealed pistol licenses, received and responded to nearly 40,000 phone calls, and processed
4,600 public disclosure requests. The Records Division also takes "found property" case reports
and provides a fingerprinting service to the public.
In addition to serving the citizens of Tukwila, the Records Division provides support to our
commissioned personnel. The Division assists with prisoner searches, monitors our jail holding
facility, and routinely provides searches of local, state and federal databases to assist officers and
detectives with locating information that is pertinent to their investigations and cases. In 2007,
the Records Division processed well over 9,000 cases.
When processing cases, the Records Division must ensure accurate, complete and timely
information processing. Information is entered into various local, state and federal databases.
These entries include missing persons, protection orders, stolen and recovered articles
including vehicles, and arrest warrants. Entering information into these databases must be done
in accordance with various laws and system regulations. In order to ensure a high standard
of accuracy, routine audits are conducted on these systems. In addition to internal audits,
information entered into state and federal databases is subject to audits by regulatory agencies
such as the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Records Division must continuously collect, store, and purge information. Each year case
reports and other records are reviewed to determine which need to be maintained for extended
retention, and which may be destroyed. The annual records destruction is done within the first
quarter each year, and is done in accordance with the State of Washington General Records
Retention Schedule for Law Enforcement. The Records Division currently maintains over 90,000
case files dating back as far as 1968.
Law Enforcement
Property and Evidence Division
The primary duty of the Property and Evidence Division is to ensure the proper chain of custody
for property and evidence items taken in by the Tukwila Police Department. Once items are
turned into the Property and Evidence Division, they are tracked using a bar coding system.
In 2007, over 5,000 items were taken in as property and evidence. Maintaining the chain of
custody for these items is imperative to maintaining the integrity of the Department's property
and evidence system. Internal audits are routinely conducted to ensure proper system use, and
state audits are conducted as well.
As items are continuously coming into the Property and Evidence Division for storage, they must
also continuously be purged as they exceed their retention periods. Destruction of these items
is a lengthy process of researching the status of related case reports, coordinating destruction
approval with various detectives and prosecutors, and researching court docket and sentencing
information, as well as adhering to various local, state and federal laws.
In early 2007, Evidence Technician Susan Holaday provided testimony at a public hearing which
was pivotal in helping pass House Bill 1268, which allows for Police Departments to donate
usable property and evidence items to non-profit organizations once they have exceeded the
necessary retention period. (Previously the law only allowed for the donation of bicycles and
toys.) This benefits local citizens in that many useful items — previously disposed of as garbage
— are now donated to local charities. This is a great example of recycling in our community.
Detective Early
looks for evidence
at a crime scene.
Tukwila Police Department
Patrol Division
A tenet of the Tukwila Police Department's Mission Statement is being responsive to our
community in the delivery of quality services. During 2007, the Patrol Division, led by Assistant
Chief of Police Darrell Baskin, provided strong leadership in fulfilling this mission.
Commander Dennis McOmber and Commander Don Lincoln, along with Sergeants Steven
Gurr, Doug Johnson, Mark Howie and Rick Mitchell were the supervisory team that managed
the Division during the year. This group of leaders provided vision, training and motivation to
create a collaborative and team -based patrol force.
Over the course of the year, Officer Rick Mitchell was promoted to Sergeant, and Sergeant
Johnson took on extra duties by serving as an acting patrol commander. One of our officers
remained on military leave throughout the year.
Patrol officers responded to 32,119 calls for service during 2007, a decrease of almost 5% in
calls for service. Officers responded to calls across the entire spectrum. There were over 9,000
case reports that ranged from death investigations to abductions, rapes, robberies, burglaries,
assaults, domestic violence assaults, missing persons reports, alarms, drug crimes, prostitution,
suspicious circumstance calls, and numerous other categories.
Our Patrol Division, consisting of 36 officers and sergeants, remains the backbone of this
Department. They are a highly -trained and dedicated group of officers focused on providing
the best service possible to our citizens. They serve with a sense of pride and professionalism
that is often recognized by our citizens and visitors who frequently take the time to recognize
their dedication and superior service through numerous complimentary letters to the Chief of
Police.
Officer Cullens interviews
a citizen regarding graffiti.
Law Enforcement
Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU)
Commander McOmber served as a Valley CDU Commander along with Patrol Sergeants Gurr
and Howie who served as Team Leaders. The Tukwila CDU consists of 16 officers who are
part of the multi -agency Valley CDU Team. The Valley CDU team is focused on mutual support
during civil disturbance incidents. The Valley CDU conducts their capstone annual training at the
Camp Rilea Military Training Reservation, which provides state-of-the-art training facilities and
resources. The Valley CDU is one of the largest CDU teams in the State of Washington.
The Civil Disturbance Unit at training at Camp Rilea.
Excellence
lf-9
A K9 team consists of a commissioned officer and a police dog that has successfully completed an
approved Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission 400 -hour certification course.
The team is assigned to and supports a night shift patrol squad. Although their primary mission is
to track and locate serious crime suspects who have fled the scene, they also help find evidence,
search buildings, and improve the overall safety of our officers and community.
Tukwila Police Department has two K9
teams. In 2007 Officer Eric DeVries was
selected as a handler along with K9 Stryker
to become Tukwila PD's seventh K9 team in
our history. Stryker is a German Shepherd
from west Germany and was two years old
when selected. They attended the necessary
training and hit the streets in April. Throughout
the remainder of 2007, Officer DeVries and
Stryker did an outstanding job in assisting the
Police Department to fulfill their mission to the citizens of Tukwila. Our second team was vacant
during 2007. We expect to fill that vacancy and see a second team in the field in 2008.
collisions. The
Tukwila Police Department
Officer DeVries directs K-9 Stryker.
Traffic Unit
With three motor officers and a sergeant, the traffic unit issued nearly 1,200 notices of infraction,
took 534 case reports, and handled 379 collision reports. They made 84 misdemeanor and
nine felony arrests. They investigated 21 injury and 367 non -injury hit & run
Traffic Unit took nearly 40% of the 1,065
reportable collisions that occurred in the
City. They also investigated eight car -versus-
pedestrian collisions and one fatality collision.
The traffic unit was called out over 15 times
for serious injury collision investigations. In
addition to the above, they participated in
numerous community events and regional
enforcement activities.
Officer Lecompte investigates a one -vehicle collision.
Law Enforcement
Explorers
The Tukwila Police Department has an active Police Explorer post, offering the youth of Tukwila
and the surrounding area an opportunity to learn the many different facets of law enforcement.
This program builds self-esteem as well as teamwork, cooperation and respect. The program is
open to youth between 14 and 21 years of age.
Aside from meeting twice monthly, the Explorers also participate in many community events,
such as Tukwila Days, crime prevention programs, domestic violence awareness events, and
SeaFair They are continually asked to participate at various fund-raisers and charity events.
The Explorer program also offers Explorer academies, camp -outs, and numerous challenges
and competitions with other posts from the Northwest, as well as other fun events. The Post
has acquired trophies and awards from various competitions where Explorers competed with
Explorer posts from across the country, taking part in various law enforcement scenarios like
traffic stops, domestic violence, arrest/search, and white collar crime.
Explorers take part in competitions at explorer academies.
Top: Sergeant Chung, Explorer Karns.
Bottom: Explorer Gebremariam, Lieutenant Curtis, Chief Sarkisyan,
Sergeant Tran, Explorer Kumar, Explorer Hollander.
Training Division
2007 was another busy training year for the Police
Department. We coordinated the in -processing and
training of five new employees; and coordinated a
wide variety of training, including:
• Legal Update
• Homeland Security
• Handgun Proficiency
• Impact Weapons
• TASER
• Rifle Proficiency
• Unarmed Defensive Tactics
• Communicable Disease
• Accreditation
• Emergency Vehicle Operations
• Radar/Lidar
• The Street Crimes Seminar
• Emotional Survival
• Active Shooter
• CPR/ First Aid
Active Shooter training provides an
opportunity for Officer]. Mitchell and
Detective Corrigan to search Foster
High School for shooting suspects in a
controlled setting.
Sergeant Howie, Officer Vivet, Officer
Hernandez, and Officer Mettlin
use protective gear during training.
Law Enforcement
Annual Report 2007
Investigations Division
Assistant Chief Sutter and Commander Villa managed and led the Investigations Division during
most of 2007. The Division includes the Major Crimes Unit and the Tukwila Anti -Crime
Team, as well as our School Resource Officer and personnel assigned to Crime Prevention and
Accreditation —all providing a variety of service to the community and to our Department.
Tukwila 'Intl -Crime (TRC) Team
Detectives and officers assigned to the TAC team are primarily responsible for the investigation of
narcotic and vice cases. "Team" is the key word in this unit. Although they worked the majority of
the year with unit vacancies, many of their accomplishments came as a result of teamwork. TAC
Team members worked in coordination with the Major Crimes Unit to successfully investigate
a major computer theft case, as well as providing other miscellaneous services. Sergeant Mark
Dunlap supervises the team, which includes three detectives and one uniformed officer. One
additional TAC Team detective is assigned to the regional Valley Narcotic Task Force (V -Net),
made up of members from local law enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
V -Net conducts investigations into high-level drug trafficking cases that impact our region. Our
TAC Team and V -NET provide each other with support and assistance when needed.
Major Crimes Unit
This unit, supervised by Sergeant Dreyer, is comprised of detectives who investigate a variety of
serious criminal cases, including homicide, assault, domestic violence, missing persons, fraud and
forgery, auto theft, and other felony crimes. Unit members participated in a community project
to evaluate our efforts to assist children who are impacted by domestic violence crimes.
(L -R) Detective Baird, Detective Corrigan, Domestic Violence Advocate Adams,
Detective Heckelsmiller,
Specialist Lawrence,
Detective Lancaster,
Detective Koutouvidis,
Detective Sotace,
Detective Early,
Detective Glover,
Detective Stock,
Sergeant Dreyer.
Tukwila Police Department
administrative Sergeant
Sergeant Suzi Sacha assumed the Administrative Sergeant Position during 2007. She supervised
the diverse challenges and accomplishments of our School Resource Officer, Accreditation
Officer, and Crime Prevention Unit.
accreditation Officer
The purpose of accreditation is to assure that our police services provided to the community
meet standards as determined by the use of best practices. Our Accreditation Officer Mike
Murphy worked throughout the year on refining our General Orders and recommending
fine tuning to our operations that are in line with accreditation standards. Additionally he
participated in the accreditation assessment of other agencies within the state.
Crime Prevention Unit (CPU)
Working with our community is a priority function of the Crime Prevention Unit. Officer Gerry
Myklebust and Community Policing Coordinator Robbie Burns provided a variety of services
and training during the year, including crime prevention training, security assessments, and
managing our Safety in Overnight Lodging and Crime Free Mufti -housing programs. The Unit
developed and conducted our first I I -week Citizen's Academy, and coordinated the City-wide
participation in the annual "Night Out" event, designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and
encourage police/community partnerships. Staffed by Officer Myklebust and several volunteers,
the Neighborhood Resource Center continued to serve as a visible police point of contact on
Tukwila International Blvd.
Participants in Citizen's Academy
practice writing police reports.
Law Enforcement
Assistant Chief Sutter, Officer
Wollan, and Assistant Chief Baskin
congratulate DARE students in the
yearly graduation ceremony.
School Resource Officer
Research has found that having a school resource officer in the schools can reduce the workload
of patrol officers, improve the image of officers among students, create and maintain strong
relationships with schools, and enhance the Department's reputation in the community. Our
school resource officer Lisa Mills spent the school year with faculty, staff and students at Foster
High School and Showalter Middle School. Lisa was elected president of the Washington
School Safety Organization, and was the regional director for the National Association of School
Resource Officers. She and Officers Ted Rutt and Brendan Kerin also provided students in our
elementary schools with the D.A.R.E program to help them develop the skills to resist drugs
Employee of the Year
Officer Don Dart was honored as the 2007 Police Department Employee of the Year. Officer
Dart is a 24 -year veteran officer with six years of experience before being hired by Tukwila in
1989. He is one of our traffic officers responsible for investigating hit and run collisions, major
traffic accidents, and conducting traffic enforcement and education. In addition to his primary
duties, Officer Dart has given many hours, invaluable energy, and professional guidance to the
cadets in the Explorer program. Officer Dart was the catalyst for and continues as the coordinator
of our Traffic Volunteer Program. We recognize and thank Officer Dart for his tireless dedication
to the Department and the Tukwila Community.
Night Out Rgainst Crime
Everyyearthe Tukwila Police Department is proud to sponsora City-wide "Night Out" celebration
to raise awareness of local crime-free and anti-crime programs. In 2007, the National Night Out
Against Crime was held on Tuesday, August 7 and we had 23 registered neighborhoods that
participated. During National Night Out, the Tukwila Police Department works with citizens to
send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and they are fighting back. This
in turn strengthens neighborhood spirit and partnerships within the community. Members of the
Tukwila Police Department, Tukwila Fire Department, Mayor's Office, City Council and Code
Enforcement, along with other City departments, visited each neighborhood that registered
their event with us. This is a great way for people to get to know their neighbors and to meet
representatives from the Police Department and other City departments.
Law Enforcement
Special Olympics of Washington
Each year the Tukwila Police Department raises funds for the Washington Special Olympic and
this year was fantastic! In 2007, the Police Department raised about $24,000 through the Law
Enforcement Torch Run Campaign. This again placed the Tukwila Police Department in the
Special Olympics of Washington "Circle of Honor." Some ofthe events included Tip -a -Cop at Red
Robin, Acme Bowl and the World's Largest Truck Convoy. All funds raised for the Washington
Special Olympics are used to provide year-round sports training and competitions for children
and adults with intellectual disabilities in Washington State. This year, Tukwila Police Officer
Rutt, who spearheads our events, was asked to speak at the International Law Enforcement
Torch Run Conference held in Oklahoma. The Police Department is proud to raise funds and
awareness for the Special Olympics of Washington.
ABOVE: Volunteers from the Department,
Explorer program, and community support the
Tip -A -Cop fund-raiser at Claim Jumper.
LEFT. Officer Rutt bowled for 24 hours straight
to raise funds for Special Olympics athletes like
Zach Smith.
Community -Oriented Policing Citizens' Rdvisory Board
This City board consists of nine members including residents, business representatives, a
school representative, and a student. The Board meets monthly with the Police Chief, making
recommendations on issues of public safety and community matters. The 2007 COPCAB
members were:
REPRESENTING:
Residents: Art Rosengren (Chair) Business: Victoria Lindsey
Jun Castillo Donna West
Lynn Churchill School District: Jeff Baker
Sylvia Erskine Student: Vacant
The Board attended many community meetings and events in 2007. The highlights for the year
included representing COPCAB at Tukwila Days, which was held in July; and attending Night
Out Against Crime in August.
Law Enforcement
Volunteers
In September more than 100 City volunteers and staff enjoyed a volunteer appreciation event
held at the Tukwila Community Center.
City staff members expressed their appreciation for the volunteers who donate their time to
serve on City boards and commissions, and those who volunteer regularly for City projects and
events.
The Tukwila Police Department would like to recognize individuals who take time out of their
day to help us to better serve the citizens who work and live in our community. They are Mary
Hulvey, Joanne McManus, Dottie Sangl, Bob McManus, and Peter Okicich, These volunteers
assist with various divisions within the Police Department including traffic assistance, fingerprinting,
police explorers, and the Neighborhood Resource Center staffing.
Chaplains
Service requests are one facet of our volunteer police chaplains, Al Patterson and Lowell Welker.
They responded to 12 requests in Tukwila and 38 as mutual aid for other City departments and
local agencies. All of the city and county chaplains in our South King County region are dedicated
to the commitment that a chaplain will respond any time one is requested. They provide service
to ensure the care of the community in a time of need or crisis.
Both chaplains continued their care for department personnel through station visits and the
ride -along program. They also attended trainings, graduations, special award ceremonies, and
memorial services. Al and Lowell attended Pastoral Crisis Intervention training at the Washington
State Criminal Justice Training Center, and Lowell attended the International Conference of
Police Chaplains in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Law Enforcement
Police Officer's Prayer
As I go about my duty, God,
Every step along the way,
Help me make a difference
In this world each passing day.
Give me a heart to be concerned,
A mind that knows what is right.
Give me the eyes and ears to see and hear
The truth as in Your sight.
Give me protection from things unseen,
Strength to face each test,
Help me to stand for law and order,
To daily do my best.
Give me the courage to defend the weak,
Compassion for those oppressed.
Help me lift up the ones who've stumbled,
Give a hand to those who are distressed.
Give me grace to face my final hour,
To give my life in service.
Let your strong hand and loving heart
Protect the ones that I hold dearest.
Year flt R Glance
With Comparative Totals for 2005 and 2006
2007 2006 2005
Population
17,930 17,930 17,110
Budget
$ 11,135,282 $11,130,078 $ 10,804,350
Police Staff:
Commissioned 68 68 68
Non -Commissioned 16 16 14
Calls for Service
30,375 33,685 32,922
Part 1 Crime
3,069 ■ 3,403 ■ 3,873
Traffic Citations/Infractions Issued 3,618
4,128 3,345
Reported Vehicle Accidents:
Injury 189 228 213
Fatal
2
2
Non -injury 517 455 418
Injury Hit -and -Run 23 16 24
Total 730 701 657
Emergency Response Time (in minutes):
Priority 1 2.95 3.4 3.5
Priority 2 8.47 9.95 10.7
Non -Emergency Response Time (in minutes) 14.98 18.3 18.2
Law Enforcement
Annual Report 2007
2007 Police Budget
Patrol
41%
Training
2%
Training
Administration
Investigations
TAC Team
Dispatch
Records
Crime Prevention
Jail
Traff c
Patrol
Total 2007 Budget
Administration
10%
Investigations
II%
Traffic
5%
Jail
7%
TAC Team
' 8%
Dispatch
4%
Records
7%
Crime Prevention
5%
207,104
1,168,285
1,222,350
849,43 I
392,683
812,946
501,328
770,000
539,433
4,671 ,722
11,135,282
Crime in Tukwila
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
Population
17,930
17,930 17,110
17,240 17,230
Calls for Service
30,375 33,685 32,922 30,032 30,337
Violent Crime:
Murder 2 I 2 I I
Rape 13 18 22 19 23
Robbery 80 91 89 80 87
Aggravated Assault 64 68 84 75 89
Totals
159 178 197 175 200
Property Crime:
Arson 2 10 13 14 15
Burglary
298 312 342 303 296
Theft
1,976 2,271 2,505 2,340 2,102
Auto Theft
634 632 816 637 541
Totals 2,910 3,225 3,676 3,294 2,954
Total Part 1 Crime 3,069
3,403 3,873
3,469 3,154
Crime Clearances
403 464 771 806 895
Clearance Rates - Part 1
2007 Crime Number Percent
Totals Cleared Cleared
CRIME:
Murder 2 0 0%
Rape 13 5 38%
Robbery 80 21 26%
Aggravated Assault
64 24 38%
Burglary 298 18 6%
Theft
1,976 325 16%
Motor Vehicle Theft 634 10 2%
Arson
2
0 0%
TOTALS
3,069
403
13%
Law Enforcement
Annual Report 2007
Calls for Service/Case Files
Year
Case Calls for
Files Service
2002 8,611 30,106
2003 8,853 30,337
2004 8,668 30,032
2005 9,401 32,922
2006 9,242 33,685
2007 9,004 30,375
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
35,000
30,000
25,000 "
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0 —2002
2003 2004
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
250
200
Incidents of 150
Violent Felony Crime 100
50
0
Incidents of
Property Crime
2006
2007
+�e
AIS
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Organizational Philosophy
We, the members of the
Tukwila Police Department,
in the spirit of partnership with our community,
strive for excellence as professional men and women,
ethically and morally dedicated to
providing quality law enforcement
to the citizens of our community.
As professionals, we embrace
the highest principles of public service
in the performance of our duty
and we hold fast these values.
Tukwila Police Department
Patrol Districts
TI
T-3