HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 Annual Report - Police DepartmentTu iia Pc,lice Diepartmient
Law Enforcement ExcelI n
wq�y City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, Washington 98188 Jim Haggerton, Mayor
May 12, 2010
Honorable Mayor Jim Haggerton
City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Boulevard
Tukwila, WA 98188
Dear Mayor Haggerton:
It is a pleasure to present the Tukwila Police Department 2009 Annual Report. This year's report is
dedicated to Sergeant Mark Renninger of the Lakewood Police Department who was killed in the
line of duty on November 29, 2009.
There were multiple major responses during 2009 that required significant resources from
the Department. The Howard Hanson Dam was damaged during a major flooding event and
that damage required a massive preparation effort for possible flooding in the Green River Valley.
We participated in the first Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, which brought 25,000 runners from across the
country to our start line that was located at 42nd and Interurban. Through all this we continued
our efforts with the Police Department Citizen's Academy, COPCAB, and our Block Watch pro-
gram.
During the fourth quarter of the year our communities were faced with the murders of police
officers from the Seattle Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, and the Pierce County
Sheriffs Office. One of the murdered officers was former Tukwila Police Officer Mark Renninger.
As always, the members of the Tukwila Police Department served our community with the highest
level of excellence. It was a pleasure to work side by side with each and every one of them.
Thank you for the support you have provided to the men and women that serve.
cerely,
David W. Haynes
Chief of Police
Phone: 206-433-1800 • City Hall Fax: 206-433-1833 • Website: www.cLtukwila.wa.us
TUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
VISION STATEMENT
Law Enforcement Excellence
through Leadership,
Philosophy and Mission
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.
ORGANIZATION CHART
CHIEF OF
POLICE
Community -
Oriented Policing
Advisory Board
Assistant
Chief
(Invest. Services)
Assistant
Chief
(Patrol Services)
Police Information
Analyst
Commander
(Investigative
Services)
Community
Policing
oordinator
OFFICERS:
School
Resource
Training
Accreditation
Crime
Prevention
4
ANNUAL REPORT 2009
CITY GOVERNMENT
2009
Tukwila City Administration
Jim Haggerton, Mayor
Rhonda Berry, City Administrator
Tukwila City Council
Joan Hernandez, Council President
Joe Duffie, Council Member
Pamela Linder, Council Member
Dennis Robertson, Council Member
Verna Griffin, Council Member
Kathy Hougardy, Council Member
De'Sean Quinn, Council Member
Tukwila Police Department Administration
David Haynes, Chief of Police
Mike Villa, Assistant Chief
Lori Sutter, Assistant Chief through June 2009
Don Lincoln, Assistant Chief beginning August 2009
Dennis McOmber, Commander
Eric Dreyer, Commander
Bruce Linton, Commander
Rebecca McGregor, Records Manager
Phi Huynh, Administrative Secretary
5
TUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
RECORDS
The Tukwila Police Department's Records Division operates 24 hours a day and 365 days
a year, assisting the citizens and businesses of Tukwila in a variety of ways. In 2009,
the Division processed nearly 100 Concealed Pistol licenses, 130 professional licenses,
received and responded to nearly 35,000 telephone calls, and processed over 4,600
Public Disclosure requests. The Records Division also provides fingerprinting services to
the public, assists with community education programs, and takes found property cases.
In addition to serving the citizens of Tukwila, the Records Division provides support to
the commissioned staff. Records staff works in tandem with officers on the street to as-
sist them with their patrol duties. The Division routinely provides searches of local, State,
Federal and even international databases to assist officers and detectives with locating
information that is pertinent to their investigations and cases. The Division also monitors
Tukwila's jail holding facility and assists with prisoner searches.
During 2009, the Records Division processed approximately 8,600 case reports.
When processing case reports, the Records Division must ensure accurate, complete
and timely information processing. Information is routinely entered into various local,
State and Federal databases. These entries include stolen and impounded vehicles,
warrants, protection orders, missing persons, and stolen and recovered articles. Enter-
ing 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 internal audits
are conducted on these systems. In addition, information entered into State and Federal
databases are subject to audits by regulatory agencies such as the Washington State Patrol
and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
The Records Division operates in a
continuous cycle of collecting, storing
and purging information. Within the
first quarter of each year, case reports
and other records are reviewed to
determine which need to be maintained
for extended retention and which should
be destroyed. The annual records
destruction is completed in accordance
with the Washington State General
Records Retention Schedule for Law
Enforcement Agencies.
6
ANNUAL REPORT 2009
PROPERTY AND EVIDENCE
The primary duty of the Property and Evidence unit 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. Maintaining and properly documenting the chain of custody is
imperative to maintaining the integrity of the Department's evidence and property
system. Evidence personnel also, at times, assists with crime scene processing and the
collection of evidence. Evidence personnel is available 24 hours a day to assist other
divisions of the Department with any forensic or evidence packaging questions.
The Property and Evidence Division operates within a continuous cycle of accepting,
storing and disposing of items taken into custody. Items are purged when they are no
longer needed as evidence due to the expiration of the statute of limitations for the
associated crime. This involves a lengthy process of researching the status of related
case reports; coordinating approval with various officers, detectives, prosecutors and
other personnel; researching court dockets; and researching sentencing information.
Destruction of these items must also be done in accordance with various local, State
and Federal laws. Certain new or gently used items are routinely disposed of by donat-
ing them to a non-profit organization called Treehouse. Bicycles are also donated to a
non-profit organization called Bikeworks.
During April 2009, Evidence Technician Susan Holaday received her certification from
the Washington State Patrol as a Leaf Marijuana Identification Technician. Along with
fellow certified technician Sergeant Eric Lund, they have tested over 70 cases since
their certification in April. 2009 also marks Evidence Technician Susan Holaday's 20th
anniversary with the Tukwila Police Department.
7
TUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
PATROL DIVISION
During 2009, the Patrol Division was under the direction of Assistant Chief Don Lincoln,
Commanders Bruce Linton and Eric Dreyer. The Patrol Division fulfills many different
operational needs — the Patrol function, Traffic, K-9, Police Explorer Program, Emergency
Preparedness and Transport Officer.
er access
and furnishings were
Central Business District Team.
The City of Tukwila sponsored the Start Village for the inaugural Tukwila to Seattle —
Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in June 2009. Here in Tukwila 25,000 runners and walkers
gathered in the Gateway area on Interurban Avenue in the early morning hours to begin
that race. The Patrol Division coordinated the traffic control, the command and control,
logistics and planning to ensure the safe execution of a world-class event. Marathon
participants included Tukwila citizens, local runners and other enthusiasts who came
from across the U.S., along with international runners from 18 countries. The event was a
huge success and that success spoke well for the professionalism and competency of
this police agency. A job well done!
Tukwila Police Patrol representatives
participated in the City-wide flood response
planning group which drafted a comprehensive
plan for potential flooding in the valley. The
Patrol representatives developed the Police
Department portion of the flood response
plan and the Police Department Continuity
of Operations Plan. The Patrol Division
conducted extensive training in flood response
operations and equipment was purchased to
support that response.
The Mall Tukwila Police office was resourced to
support patrol officers. Telephone, fax, comput-
established in preparation/anticipation of the grant -funded
8
ANNUAL REPORT 2009
TRAFFIC UNIT
The Department's Traffic Unit is comprised of one sergeant and three officers.
These officers are responsible for traffic enforcement and traffic -related issues in the
City. The officers operate on police motorcycles equipped with state-of-the-art traffic
enforcement and investigation equipment. These officers have advanced training and
investigation experience in the handling of traffic accidents, hit and run accidents, and
DUI enforcement. Traffic volunteers assist the Department with parking enforcement
and the handling/removal of abandoned vehicles.
In 2009, the Traffic Unit issued over 1,000 traffic -related tickets and made 100
misdemeanor and 12 felony arrests. Additionally, they handled over 550 case reports.
The Unit was called out over 15 times for serious injury and/or fatality collision
investigations. They investigated three fatality collisions and were also involved in
numerous community events as well as regional enforcement efforts. The Traffic Unit
handled nearly 400 hit-and-run collision investigations, including 22 injury hit-and-run
investigations. Additionally, traffic officers were assigned to augment patrol operations
for about four months during the year.
Traffic officers also provided approximately 450 hours of training to Department
members in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, RADAR/LIDAR operations, Firearms,
Defensive Tactics, Taser, and Drug Recognition.
TUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
TUKWILA POLICE EXPLORERS
Explorers are a group of young adults ranging in ages from 14-21 with a desire to learn
about law enforcement. They also perform community service projects while assisting
the Police Department.
2009 brought many new faces to Tukwila's Explorer program — a new start in a new year.
In January, there were approximately 10-15 applicants waiting to take the place of several
veteran Explorers who left the program after reaching the maximum age limit. During the
upcoming year, these new Explorers faced many challenges. They tackled two one-week
academies where they learned law enforcement techniques, marching, military drill and
— most of all — the confidence and ability to do a job well. They were also involved
in weekly meetings, community service and charity events. Many of the remaining
experienced explorers found themselves being leaders and role models to the recruits.
Advisors:
Officer Don Dart and Officer Ted Rutt
Civilian Advisor: Mary Hulvey
Post #2999 Explorers:
Chief Andi Delic
Sergeant Crystal Roth
Sergeant Spencer Little
Zoila Barron Summer
Ryan Bentley Academy
Tanessa Burns
Rudrkesh Chand
Tylor Curry
Lacey McWade
Benjamin Morris
KeShawn Mounday
Jackie Scott
Alex Shoopman
Ranveer Singh Explorers working
Ernest Thomas Keystone Kops
10
ANNUAL REPORT 2009
TRAINING DIVISION
2009 once again proved to be another busy training year for the Tukwila Police
Department. The Division coordinated the in -processing and training of six new em-
ployees, and scheduled a wide variety of Departmental training.
Utilization of 2009 Training Hours
Administration
20%
Crime Prevention
9%
Traffic
10%
TAC Team
Detectives
8%
• Active Shooter
• Communicable Disease
• Emergency Vehicle Operation Course
• Handgun Proficiency
• HAZMAT
• Homeland Security
Patrol
36%
Records
2%
Major Crime
Detectives
15%
• Impact Weapons
• Personal Protection Equipment
• Rifle Proficiency
• TASER
• Unarmed Defensive Tactics
11
TUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
Tukwila's Investigations Division — approximately 1/3 of the total commissioned staffing
for the Tukwila Police Department — is lead by Assistant Chief Mike Villa and Commander
Dennis McOmber. Within this Division are the Major Crimes Unit, the Tukwila Anti -Crime Team
and the Crime Prevention Resource Team. This Division is also home to the Department's
Accreditation Processes, Training and School Resource Officer.
Major Crimes Unit (MCU)
The Major Crimes Unit is a team of one sergeant, nine detectives, one support specialist,
and one domestic violence victim advocate. The MCU detectives investigate felony crimes
including homicide, robbery, burglary, assault, theft, fraud, forgery, sexual assault, and motor
vehicle theft. Unit detectives are available 24 hours a day for call -outs and crime scene
investigations. In addition, MCU detectives investigate missing persons, monitor registered
sex offenders living in Tukwila, and conduct pre-employment background investigations
on people seeking jobs as police officers. In 2009, the MCU detectives were assigned to
investigate 437 new felony cases, and
responded to 15 crime scene call -outs,
including two officer -involved shootings.
The MCU detectives also successfully
concluded several high-profile cases
including a murder -for -hire case where
three suspects were arrested, a rape/
robbery case where the suspect was
found guilty after a trial, and a homicide
at a local restaurant where the suspect
subsequently plead guilty in court.
Tukwila Anti -Crime (TAC) Team
The TAC Team, comprised of a sergeant and three detectives, is essentially the 'undercover'
arm of the Police Department. Charged primarily with investigating prostitution and drug-
related crimes in the City, the unit had a busy year. The Team made 60 prostitution arrests
during the year and put 36 drug dealers in jail. An additional detective is assigned to VNET,
the regional drug enforcement task force. That unit — charged with investigating mid- to upper-
level drug dealers — was kept busy during the year, primarily working marijuana grow opera-
tions and dealers of the prescription drug Oxycontin. Through their efforts, thousands of pills
and marijuana plants were seized and many dangerous drug dealers were charged, some in
Federal court. Putting their undercover expertise to work, the TAC Team assisted other units
throughout the year in their efforts to capture homicide suspects, identify and interview gang
members, and curb vehicle break-ins. When a particular problem needs 'special attention,'
the TAC Team is ready to respond.
12
ANNUAL REPORT 2009
Crime Prevention Resource Team (CPR Team)
The CPR Team, supervised by Administrative Sergeant Suzi Sacha, had a full and pro-
ductive year. Among their functions, members of the Crime Prevention Resource Team
provide training for crime prevention, Crime -Free Multi -Housing and the Citizen's Police
Academy, plus assist with Block Watches. The Neighborhood Resource Center, staffed by
Officer Gerry Myklebust and Tukwila Police volunteers, serves as a central Police point of
contact on Tukwila International Boulevard. From this location, Officer Myklebust also
manages the City's Safety In Overnight Lodging program. Operating out of Suite #211 in
the 6300 Building, Community -Oriented Policing Coordinator Chris Partman coordinates
services in the area of Crime -Free Multi -Housing, Apartment Managers Network, Crime
Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) reviews, and Night Out Against Crime
in addition to other assignments. Other members of the CPRT include School Resource
Officer Lisa Mills, Accreditation Officer Mike Murphy, and Training Officer Ted Rutt.
School Resource Officer
For ten school years Officer Lisa Mills has been assigned to Foster High and Showalter
Middle Schools. She works closely with school security and staff to address concerns
related to security and criminal activity on and around campus. The program's success
has been the relationship between the Tukwila School District and the Police Depart-
ment. Additionally, having a police officer on school campus furthers positive interactions
between police and students. In addition to the School Resource Officer position, Officer
Mills serves as the President of the Washington School Safety Organization and as Region
9 Director and national instructor for the National Association of School Resource Officers.
Accreditation Officer
Officer Mike Murphy, a member of the Crime Prevention Resource Team, is the
Department's Accreditation and Public Information Officer. He assures the Department
maintains professional standards in compliance with WASPC guidelines. He publishes
Department policies and procedures. Officer Murphy is the Department's contact with
the news media, working to fill requests for information. He is also the regional Valley
Civil Disturbance Unit training coordinator.
13
TUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
2009 EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
Employee of the Quarter
1st quarter: COP Coordinator Chris Partman
Officer Don Ames
2nd quarter: Officer Ceith Cullens
Detective Keith King
3rd quarter: Officer Gary Leavitt
Officer Mike Murphy
4th quarter: Officer Randy Rusness
Detective Ron Corrigan
Distinguished Service Medals for
20 Years of Service with the City
Officer Brendan Kerin
Detective David Heckelsmiller
Officer Don Dart
Assistant Chief Don Lincoln
Sergeant Mark Dunlap
Detective Ron Corrigan
Sergeant Steve Gurr
Evidence Technician Susan Holaday
Officer Ted Rutt
Employee Of The Year Award
ISO Juan Delgado
Mayor's Award
Assistant Chief Mike Villa
14
ANNUAL REPORT 2009
NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME
Tukwila celebrated National Night Out Against Crime in style in 2009.
On Tuesday, August 4, nineteen different neighborhoods sponsored events,
demonstrating to criminals that they are not welcome in this City.
Through National Night Out, the Tukwila Police Department strengthens
neighborhood spirit and partnerships with the community. They work with
citizens to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized
and they are fighting back.
The Tukwila Police Department organized this special night, from register-
ing the get-togethers to providing some of the drivers for the many City of
Tukwila employees who volunteered to visit the events representing the City.
Other Departments participating were Fire, Public Works, Code Enforcement,
Parks/Recreation and Human Services, in addition to many elected officials.
The Police Badge stickers were a big hit at all the parties!
15
TUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
SPECIAL OLYMPICS WASHINGTON
Once again the Tukwila Police Department was among the leaders in Washington State
for fundraising in 2008. The Police Department raised over $39,000 through the Law
Enforcement Torch Run campaign. The events this year included Tip -a -Cop at Claim
Jumpers and Red Robin restaurants, sitting on the roof of Kripy Kreme for three days, and
the World's Largest Truck Convoy where 189 semi -trucks traveled 75 miles on 1-5 to raise
awareness for special needs children. The Tukwila Police Department has been involved
with Special Olympics for over 15 years, and would like to invite you to volunteer your
time at one of their events.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
ATHLETE'S PLEDGE
"Let me win, but if I cannot win,
let me be brave in the attempt"
Officers and Police Explorers
at Claim Jumper Restaurant
raising money for the
Special Olympics
16
ANNUAL REPORT 2009
COMMUNITY -ORIENTED POLICING CITIZENS'
ADVISORY BOARD (COPCAB)
In 2009, COPCAB attended many community meetings and events. One of the Board's
2009 goals was to continue with the visibility and involvement of COPCAB within the
community. They fulfilled this goal by designing polo shirts with Community Police Volunteer
and City of Tukwila logo, and purchasing their own shirts to wear at various events. Board
members' involvement within the community was accomplished by representing COPCAB
at Night Out Against Crime, Tukwila Days, Bike Rodeo, Citizens' Academy, Rock n' Roll
Marathon and DARE Graduation, having an offsite meeting at Shabelle Internet Cafe owned
by Abdisamad Egal, and holding another meeting in conjunction with the Tukwila International
Boulevard Action Committee (TIBAC) at the Tukwila Community Center
Every year, COPCAB nominates two excellent individuals to receive COPCAB Awards —
the Citizen Award and the PD Employee Award. The Citizen Award went to Sharon Mann,
an active member of TIBAC, and the PD Employee Award went to Don Lincoln, the Assistant
Chief in charge of the PD Patrol Division. Both truly deserved to receive these recognitions.
This was a tough year for the Board. Longtime member Donna West passed away from an
illness in early 2009. Donna served on the Board as a business representative and is greatly
missed by everyone.
While losing Donna, the Board gained three members: Abdisamad Egal (business representa-
tive), Rashaun Johnson (student representative) and Mike West (business representative).
These members were appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Council, each to serve a
four-year term.
COPCAB Members representing:
Residents: Art Rosengren (Chair)
Jun Castillo
Lynn Churchill
Sylvia Erskine
Business:
School District:
Mike West
Abdisamad Egal
Jeff Baker
Student: Rashaun Johnson
17
TUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICE VOLUNTEERS
Volunteerism is alive and well in the Tukwila Police Department. The Police use 25
volunteers to enhance Police services throughout the City. Volunteers can provide a
variety of services, ranging from filing in the Administrative section to writing parking
tickets and towing cars in the Traffic Unit. One volunteer provides fingerprinting services
for people applying for teaching jobs, concealed weapons permits, real estate jobs, etc.
The Traffic Unit uses volunteers to monitor parking spaces for disabled drivers. They ticket
cars that do not have disabled permits. They also tour the city looking for abandoned cars
or responding to complaints of abandoned cars. Once they find one, they put a warning
notice on the car. If the car is not moved in three days, they will have it towed away.
The Crime Prevention Unit has volunteers who staff the Neighborhood Resource Center
on Tukwila International Blvd. They keep the door open for citizens having questions
about obtaining Police and other services. They assist with the closed circuit TV system
and record video evidence to be used in court. They also help out with the Safety in
Overnight Lodging program by helping to monitor calls for service.
Who are these unsung heroes? Most of them are retirees. Some are middle-aged
working people and some are teenagers. They spend anywhere from one hour a day
to 16 hours a week — whatever their schedule can bear. Their dedication resulted in
countless hours that they've donated to the Police Department in 2009.
18
ANNUAL REPORT 2009
SWAT
Special tactical needs of the City are served by Valley SWAT, a regional team com-
prised of six officers and a commander from each of the cities of Tukwila, Renton,
Kent, Auburn, Federal Way, and the Port of Seattle police departments. Although
these 36 officers train hard and are subject to callout any time of day/every day of
the year, SWAT is not a full-time job — each of the officers has a primary assignment
within their own agencies, be it as patrol or traffic officers, detectives or the like.
Historically, the team conducts over 60 operations per year, most of which are high-
risk warrant service operations. Other common deployments involve dignitary pro-
tection details, arrests of dangerous suspects, and responses to barricaded subjects.
The team trains three days per month and conducts one week-long training session
per year.
The team has developed into one of the most -respected tactical units in the State
and boasts some of the best equipment. Of note, the Tukwila contingent was elat-
ed to receive delivery this past year of its new equipment vehicle, pictured above
with the current team members. The vehicle provides for safe storage and transport
of the specialized tactical equipment needed by team members.
19
TUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
2009 CHAPLAIN REPORT
Statistically, Chaplains Lowell Welker and Al Patterson responded
to 71 callouts. They volunteered a total of 928.5 hours. These
hours include time spent with officers during station visits and ride -
a -longs. It has been a privilege to come alongside and encourage
new officers as they graduate from the academy, work their way
through Field Training, and complete their probationary period.
It was a very difficult final few months of 2009, for the chaplains
as well as officers. They made themselves available to Depart-
ment members while watching along with them in horror the
tragic murders of friends and fellow law enforcement members.
The memorial services were beautiful and memorable but also
very painful, as all relived the reality of the world they serve.
As chaplains, their focus for 2010 will be the ongoing support of
officers, staff and community in the discovery with each other of
the new "normal".
The Chaplains continue to train and meet regularly with other
chaplains in the South King County area. They debrief, encourage
and respond for or with them to meet the needs of those in their
communities. Of the 71 responses, 39 were in adjacent commu-
nities. Tukwila's Chaplains continue to count it a privilege to serve.
Chaplain Al
Chaplain Lowell
20
ANNUAL REPORT 2009
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.
21
TUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
YEAR AT A GLANCE
With Comparative Totals for 2008 and 2007
Population
2009 2008 2007
17,092 18,080 17,930
Budget $12,851,964 $12,442,964 $1 1,135,282
Police Staff:
Commissioned 68 68 68
Non -Commissioned 16 16 16
Calls for Service
30,132 31,148 30,375
Part 1 Crime
Traffic Citations/Infractions Issued
Reported Vehicle Accidents:
3,446 3,015 3,069
2,894 3,594 3,618
Injury 183 191 189
Fatal 2 4 1
Non -injury 420 436 517
Injury Hit -and -Run 23 27 23
Total 628 658 730
Emergency Response Time (minutes):
Priority 1 3.04 2.9 2.95
Priority 2 7.04 7.5 8.47
Non -Emergency Response Time (minutes) 13.78 13.2 14.98
22
ANNUAL REPORT 2009
2009 POLICE BUDGET
Training $ 225,990
Administration 1,288,609
Investigations 1,404,752
TAC Team 698,650
Dispatch 556,142
Records 837,547
Crime Prevention 616,724
Jail 1,183,284
Traffic 594,186
Patrol 5,445,464
Total 2009 Budget $12,851,348
Training
(2%) Administration
(10%)
Patrol
(42%)
Investigations
(11%)
Traffic
(5%)
Jail
(9%)
Crime
Prevention
(5%)
TAC Team
(5%)
Dispatch
(4%)
Records
(7%)
23
TUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Crime in Tukwila
Population
Calls for Service
Violent Crime:
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
17,092 18,080 17,930 17,930 17,110
30,132 31,148 30,375 33,685 32,922
Murder 1 7 2 1 2
Rape 22 15 13 18 22
Robbery 88 91 80 91 89
Aggravated Assault 57 68 64 68 84
TOTALS
Property Crime:
168 181 159 178 197
Arson 11 13 2 10 13
Burglary
Theft
327 374 298 312 342
2,584 2,038 1,976 2,271 2,505
Auto Theft
TOTALS
Total Part 1 Crime
Crime Clearances
356 409 634 632 816
3,278 2,834 2,910 3,225 3,676
3,446 3,015 3,069 3,403 3,873
?? 456 403 464 771
Clearance Rates - Part 1
2009 Crime Number Percent
Totals Cleared Cleared
CRIME:
Murder 1 1 100%
Rape 22 9 41%
Robbery
Aggravated Assault
88 29 33%
57 25 44%
Burglary 327 18 6%
I Theft
2,584 302 12%
Motor Vehicle Theft 356 5
Arson
1%
1 1 0 0%
TOTALS 3,446 389 11%
24
ANNUAL REPORT 2009
Calls for Service/
Case Files
Case Calls for
Year Files Service
2004 8,668 30,032
2005 9,401 32,922
2006 9,242 33,685 1
2007 9,004 30,375
2008 8,355 31,148 1
2009 8,525 30,132
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
2004
2005
2006
2007 2008
250
200
Incidents of 150
Violent Felony Crime
100
50
0
2004
2009
Incidents of
Property Crime
197
175
1
178
159
181
168
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
25
TUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
REMEMBERING MARK RENNINGER
Sergeant Mark Renninger was brutally murdered
in the line of duty on November 29, 2009. The
memorial service for Sergeant Renninger, along
with the three other Lakewood Officers murdered
on that tragic day, was in the Tacoma Dome. Ap-
proximately 20,000 people — including members
from law enforcement, corrections, and the military
from all across the nation and Canada — attended.
Before becoming an officer at Lakewood Police
Department, Sergeant Renninger was a member
of the Tukwila Police Department and had gained widespread respect. He served as a US
Army Ranger from 1989-1996. In a letter recommending him to the Tukwila Police De-
partment, Major Raymond Thomas said "Mark Renninger represents the best of what our
society has to offer... He is the consummate professional who strives for perfection in all
his endeavors. SSG Renninger will be a valued member of your (Tukwila's) organization
and will undoubtedly make a lasting and positive impact."
Sergeant Renninger worked with the Tukwila Police Department for eight years, from
1996 until 2004. He was a patrol officer, Civil Disturbance Unit team member, SWAT
team member, Acting Sergeant, Department Instructor, and president of our Officer's
Guild.
Sergeant Renninger excelled as a police officer. His work ethic, investigative skills and
instinct led to the arrests of many dangerous criminals, including his arrest of one of
America's Most Wanted — a murder suspect from Oklahoma — who had been staying at
a local hotel in 2004.
Although Sergeant Renninger was an outstanding patrol officer, his calling was SWAT.
The purpose of SWAT is saving lives: saving the lives of hostages; saving the lives of in-
nocent bystanders; saving the lives of other officers by providing them with specialized
training, weapons, and tactics; and many times saving the lives of the people that present
the threat in the first place. Sergeant Renninger did all of these things on numerous occa-
sions. We don't know how many lives Sergeant Renninger saved by his years of service,
both directly and indirectly through the others that he trained. Sergeant Renninger was
an asset to the civilian and the police communities in this entire region. His dedication to
public service and training others to excel in life saving skills was a service to all of us.
Valley SWAT has a SWAT coin and on one side of the coin it says "Through team we
achieve strength, unity, knowledge and success in Mission" Sergeant Renninger was an
integral part of this team. He was a leader that was dedicated to learning tactics and
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ANNUAL REPORT 2009
pushing himself to excellence, but also pushing the team to operate at the highest level and be
successful on every mission. He had a natural ability for tactics, teamwork, and making split-
second good decisions during the most stressful situations. He led by example, was coura-
geous, and willing to put himself in the front when confronting the most dangerous criminals.
It was a loss to our team when he left Tukwila, but another team gained. Once going to Lake-
wood he then joined the Metro Pierce County regional SWAT team in 2005. He was an op-
erator, Assistant Team Leader, and a Team Leader. During his eight years of SWAT experience
Valley SWAT and Metro SWAT responded to over 300 missions. Sergeant Renninger was with
his team members during most of those missions.
King and Pierce County were made safer on the days and nights that Sergeant Renninger
worked. He got up each day and put on the vest, the uniform, and the badge and walked out
the door knowing the risks and the threats that he would face. He did it with dedication, with
honor, and with courage. One of the Metro team members said "you knew it was going to be
okay when Mark got there, no matter what the operation was." He went on to say, "We are a
better team because of him. Mark made the team what it is today."
He became a Department Defensive Tactics Instructor for us in 2002. He also became a
SWAT instructor in a variety of different disciplines. His teaching skills were recognized by
others and in 2006, he began teaching for the Washington State Tactical Officers' Association.
He taught SWAT Basic In March of 2006, and every SWAT Basic class after that. He taught
Advanced SWAT, Tactical Mindsets; Breaching, and a course he and Jeff Selleg developed called
Mission, Tactics, & Entry Techniques.
He loved his wife and children. He was a family man whose demeanor always changed slightly
from the tough Pennsylvania SWAT guy to a sincerely loving father and husband when he
spoke of his kids and wife.
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Tukwila Police Department
Patrol Districts
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