HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 Annual Report - Police DepartmentTUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
2015 ANNUAL REPORT
A World -Class Police Department Delivering Professional Law Enforcement Services
TUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
ABOUT OUR DEPARTMENT
OUR CORE VALUES
Leadership
Excellence
Accountability
Dedication
OUR MISSION
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.
OUR ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Administrative
S ry
Chi ef-otfollce
Deputy Chief of
Po ce
Crime Anal
Transport Services
Officer
Investigations
Commander
r
Major Crimes Sgt
Property Crimes
(4�
Records Clerk
DV Advocate
Major Crimes Sgt.
People Crimes
(5)
Professional
Standards
Commander
Administrative
Support Assistant
Professional
Standards Unit Sgt.
Training
Commun ty Police
Team Sgt.
COP Coordinator
SRO
Training Pipeline
PATROL Task Force
Sgt.
Central Business
— District
TIB
Clime Prevention
1 Officer
2 Tukwila Police Department
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHIEF
Honorable Mayor Allan Ekberg
City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Boulevard
Tukwila, WA 98188
Subject: Tukwila Police Department 2015 Annual Report
It is my pleasure to present this annual report. For the first time in many
years, the Police Department began and ended the year fully staffed with
commissioned personnel, which led to meeting department goals. Along
the way we maintained our professional image, and made strides in
building community trust and partnerships with our diverse community.
Top priorities in 2015 included the reduction of both violent crime and
property crime in residential neighborhoods. Aggravated assaults
decreased by 20% from 2014. We experienced a 15 -year low in robberies,
which was a 39% decrease from three years prior. We had the lowest
number of residential burglaries in 10 years, a 56% reduction from four
years ago. Staffing levels supported foot patrol in parks and focused bike
and vehicle patrols in residential neighborhoods, as well as other efforts
involving significant team work within the Department and with other City
stakeholders.
Your Police Department continues to build and develop excellent
community trust and relations. We applied for and were awarded a COPS
grant, which will begin in 2016, to help fund two community liaison
officers. Led by Sergeant Boyd, this unit will enhance our efforts in 2016
and we will continue to build great relationships with our diverse
population.
On behalf of the world-class men and women of this Department, it has
been a pleasure to serve the Tukwila community yet another year.
Sincerely,
Michael Villa
Chief of Police
2015 Annual Report 3
IN THIS COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
The Tukwila Police Department has a Community Relations
Committee whose main goal is to reach out to the community and
form a positive relationship. This committee is made up of Police
personnel who get together to create ways to bring police -friendly
events to Tukwila. The first event was our "Night Out Against
Crime" Poster Contest at the beginning of the year. Our theme last
year was "No Excuse for Crime or Drug Use." The fifth grade classes
of the Tukwila School District were invited to enter the contest by
submitting and creating a poster with this theme in mind. The
Police Department supplied the poster board for the students. Gift
cards, toys and goodies were given to one winner from each of the
three schools and one grand prize winner was chosen from all of the
posters combined. The grand prize winner also won a pizza party for
the class. The judges who picked the winners were all employees of
the Police Department. All four winners were presented their prizes
at the D.A.R.E. Graduation held in May. Those winners were then
invited to the City Council Meeting on August 3, 2015 to present their
posters to Mayor Haggerton and the Council Members.
On June 17, 2015, the Community Relations Committee was invited
to attend the "Summer Kickoff" sponsored by the City of Tukwila
Community Center. It was a fun event for students in grades 6-12 on
their last day of school. We held our first dance contest sponsored
by our Police Department, with one of our local businesses donating
the prizes. There were four winners and lots of cheering. Many of
our officers attended and spent the afternoon playing dodge ball,
volleyball and helping with the dance contest. It was a fun event for
everyone.
On December 12, 2015, the Department held the annual "Shop with
a Cop" event. This event is sponsored by our local businesses. Two
department stores donated money for the students to buy Christmas
gifts for their family members. There were about nine children who
were carefully chosen by the School District. These businesses also
provided all the wrapping paper, bows and necessary items to wrap
their gifts. Other businesses also helped sponsor the event and
donated money and provided all the food for a wonderful lunch
for everyone. One of the members of the Community Relations
Committee attended to help the officers with anything they needed.
Pictures were taken and the students had a great time.
We also received donations of candy canes from the different
departments within the City of Tukwila. A few days before Christmas,
patrol officers were provided with bags of candy canes and stuffed
animals to hand out to children and citizens when they went out on
their calls.
4 Tukwila Police Department
IN THIS COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE
IN THIS COMMUNITY
SHOP WITH A COP
A partnership of Police,
the Tukwila School District,
department stores and
other business sponsors
that makes the holidays
a little brighter for families
in our community.
6 — Tukwila Police Department
IN THIS COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY POLICING
The Community Policing Team is a proactive unit that works throughout the City of
Tukwila. The main goal of the CPT is to establish a relationship between the Tukwila Police
Department and the citizens and business owners, allowing for a more proactive police role
in the community. The CPT primarily works out of the Neighborhood Resource Center. The
team consists of a sergeant, four officers, and two volunteers. It patrols by foot, bicycle, and
patrol vehicle. During 2015 the team focused on residential neighborhood safety, transit
center security, and retail district safety. It often assists other detective units including the
Major Crimes Unit, TAC Team, VN ET, and the Auto Theft Task Force. The Community Policing
Team also partners with the Community Relations Committee, the Tukwila Police Explorers,
and the Tukwila Community Center on events like Touch -a -Truck, the Food and Toy Drive,
and Shop with a Cop.
2015 Annual Report 7
IN THIS COMMUNITY
DARE PROGRAM
The Tukwila Police Department's Drug Abuse
Resistance Education (DARE) curriculum was
developed by Pennsylvania State and Arizona
State universities. This new curriculum was
implemented in the Tukwila schools in 2013.
It is a science -based curriculum that teaches
young students a variety of important life
skills including responsible decision-making,
relationship and communication skills, how
to respond to peer pressure, recognizing signs
of stress, and developing self-awareness.
The 2015 D.A.R.E. graduation was held at the
Foster High School Performing Arts Center.
Approximately 230 students from Tukwila
Elementary, Thorndyke Elementary, and
Cascade View Elementary were recognized
for their hard work and completion of their
10 -week "Keepin' it... Real" education.
The D.A.R.E. program continues to grow with
the successful leadership of Officer Schutt,
Officer Shuck, and Sergeant Mettlin, and we
are already seeing the growth in the local
students, who will help to make Tukwila the
"City of Opportunity & Community of Choice"
The Tukwila Police Department is proud to
offer this program to fifth grade students
within the Tukwila School District.
OUP
8 Tukwila Police Department
IN THIS COMMUNITY
POLICE EXPLORERS
The Tukwila Police Department continued to mentor and develop the next
generation of law enforcement officers by maintaining its Explorer Program. Police
Explorers are a group of highly motivated and dedicated youth ages 14-21 that desire
to learn more about law enforcement. They volunteer countless hours and continue
to impact the communities that they serve. This year was no different. The Explorers
served Tukwila by assisting the Police Department with Family Fourth at the Fort, the
Holiday Toy Drive and Shop with a Cop, to name a few. Our Explorers also attended
both Summer and Winter Academies. Valentina Palma, a Tukwila Explorer, took the
honor of "Top Cop" at Winter Academy. Any youth interested in being a part of this
program can call 206-433-1808 to speak with an Explorer Advisor.
2015 Annual Report 9
SERVING THIS COMMUNITY
PATROL - UNIFORMED OFFICERS
The Patrol Division is the Department's largest
division. In 2015, the Patrol Division was comprised of
a commander and four patrol shifts. Those shifts are
staffed by four patrol sergeants and 34 patrol officers.
These four teams are the first responders who provide
around-the-clock service and protection for the
Tukwila community.
The Patrol Division is responsible for responding to
911 calls for service; the protection of life and property;
the patrol of Tukwila's neighborhoods; the prevention
of crime; the apprehension of criminals; and the
enforcement of federal, State and local laws. In 2015,
the Patrol Division handled 32,985 calls for service in
the City, and took 9,395 case reports.
In addition to performing general patrol duties, many
officers are responsible for specialty duties. These
specialties include firearms instructors, defensive
tactics instructors, emergency vehicle operations
instructors, civil disturbance unit officers, DARE
officers, honor guard, field training officers, SWAT
team members, and police explorer advisors.
The Patrol Division hired six new officers during 2015.
Five of these officers came to us laterally from other
police departments across the country. The sixth
officer, new to law enforcement, attended the Basic
Law Enforcement Academy before receiving his field
training. The Patrol Division also promoted one new
Sergeant during 2015.
10 Tukwila Police Department
SERVING THIS COMMUNITY
PATROL - UNIFORMED OFFICERS
Several members of this division
received awards for their outstanding
performance. These awards included
Certificates of Commendation,
Meritorious Service Medals, and Life
Saving Medals.
Officers voluntarily performed numerous
hours of community outreach projects
in an effort to support and give back
to the community in which they serve.
They participated in events such as Shop
with a Cop, Night Out Against Crime,
fundraising for the Tukwila Pantry food
bank, holiday caroling, and distributing
candy and toys to children in the
community.
2015 Annual Report 11
SERVING THIS COMMUNITY
PATROL - TRAFFIC UNIT
The primary responsibility of the Traffic Unit is responding
to collisions, enforcing traffic laws, investigating and filing
felony traffic cases, and responding to parking complaints
and reports of abandoned vehicles. The Unit investigated
568 collisions, 151 of those involved injuries with zero
fatalities. During 2015 five felony traffic cases (vehicular
assault and eluding) were filed.
Sergeant Eric Lund led the Traffic Unit which consists
of two traffic officers. Sergeant Lund has 19 years of
law enforcement experience and is the Department's Emergency venicie uperation uourse
Sergeant. The EVOC team conducted training in 2015 at Pacific Raceways in Kent, where all officers
were trained in emergency driving, and the Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT).
Officer Greg LeCompte has 31 years of law enforcement experience with 13 years in the Traffic Unit.
Officer LeCompte is certified by the State as an Accident Reconstructionist.
Officer Eric Hines has 25 years of law enforcement experience with 13 years in the Traffic Unit. Officer
Hines is certified by the state as an Accident Technician.
The Traffic Unit has partnered with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and participated
n several regional grant -funded emphasis
atrols. These patrols included seat belt,
peeding, cell phone/texting, and DUI-
ocused patrols. The WTSC reimbursed the
Department $7,800 in overtime expenses to
onduct these targeted patrols. WTSC also
eimbursed the department $1,325 for school
one enforcement. These funds were used to
urchase new rain gear for the traffic officers.
12 Tukwila Police Department
SERVING THIS COMMUNITY
PATROL - CANINE UNIT
The Tukwila Police Department K9 Unit consists of two teams: Officer Brent Frank and K9 Ace, and
Officer Mike Boehmer and K9 Doc. Officer Frank and K9 Ace have worked together since June of
2013. Officer Boehmer and K9 Doc have been working together since July 2014. The teams are
supervised by Sergeant Todd Rossi. The primary mission of the K9 Unit is tracking and locating
suspects who flee crime scenes and attempt to evade arrest. They also conduct searches for
evidence associated with criminal activity. The K9s Ace and Doc handle specific duties that would
be dangerous or difficult for officers to handle, and keep officers out of harmful situations. These
teams primarily work night shift, but remain available for call -out seven days a week, and work in
partnership with other K9 teams in the region. The K9 teams also participate in community events
throughout the city.
During 2015, the teams were responsible for the capture of 28 suspects involved in many types of
serious crimes. In July, K9 Doc was awarded a ballistic vest through the Vested Interest K9 Program,
a non-profit organization based in Massachusetts, which provides ballistic vests free to K9s meeting
specific criteria throughout the country. In addition local Girl Scout Troop 41107 graciously donated
money to the K9 Unit, allowing for the purchase of a much-needed bite suit to aid in advanced
training of both current and future K9 teams.
2015 Annual Report 13
SERVING THIS COMMUNITY
INVESTIGATIONS - MAJOR CRIMES
The Major Crimes Unit is responsible for investigating felony crimes against
persons and property, and all cases against children and vulnerable adults. Here's a
breakdown of the cases sent over to the unit to investigate in 2015: two homicides,
78 felony assaults, 62 robberies, 32 sex offenses, 38 crimes against children and
vulnerable adults, 13 felony harassment cases, two kidnappings, 13 felony domestic
violence restraining order violations, nine registered sex offender violations, 38 death
investigations, 62 missing person cases, five felony firearms violations, five arson
cases, 219 burglaries, 454 auto thefts, 637 felony theft cases, 47 felony possession of
stolen property cases, and 118 fraud/forgery cases. The total number of cases sent
over to the MCU was 1834, which is a two -percent rise over2014.
A much -anticipated increase in staffing in the Major Crimes Unit occurred in 2015.
One detective and a second sergeant were added to the Unit. Three of the Unit's nine
detectives joined the Unit during 2015 and quickly became effective investigators.
The additional staffing resulted in a slight decrease in the caseloads assigned to
each detective, making their caseloads a little more manageable. Also contributing
to the success of the Unit is a domestic violence advocate and a support specialist.
As well as conducting the above-
mentioned criminal investigations,
the Unit is also responsible for
conducting pre-employment
background investigations. Two
detectives are primarily responsible
for this very important process, and
between them they conducted 19
investigations in 2015 while also
juggling a felony caseload.
14 Tukwila Police Department
SERVING THIS COMMUNITY
INVESTIGATIONS - TAC TEAM
The Tukwila Anti Crime (TAC) Team is a multi -faceted unit comprised
of one sergeant and three detectives. The Team is responsible for a
diverse number of services within the City of Tukwila, which include the
enforcement of laws and ordinances, surveillance, and strategic planning
with operations related to gangs, prostitution and narcotics offenses.
The TAC Team works closely with federal and local law enforcement
agencies to actively engage criminal activity that affects the City of
Tukwila and its surrounding jurisdictions.
During the past year, the TAC Team successfully conducted a three-
month undercover operation at Foster High School. Two students
and one adult were arrested for selling illegal narcotics on campus. In
another operation, a major drug dealer associated with an Asian gang
was arrested and charged federally after dealing out of the Extended Stay
Motel. Guns, narcotics and cash were seized, and the motel was spared
further monetary loss after it was uncovered that an employee was using
the motel for personal gains without management's knowledge.
With multiple operations conducted throughout the year, the TAC Team
arrested 25 offenders from "Buyer Beware John Stings" and 20 females
engaged in prostitution, along with three juvenile victims from Spokane.
The TAC Team also processed multiple narcotic -related seizures,
resulting in over $11,000 in cash seized.
Afourth detective is assigned to the Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team
(VNET) that is integrated with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
In 2015, detectives from VN ET seized one million dollars in cash and 100
pounds of meth, heroin and cocaine, in addition to more than 20 guns.
2015 Annual Report 15
SERVING THIS COMMUNITY
SPECIAL SERVICES - RECORDS UNIT
The Tukwila Police Department's Records Unit operates 24
hours a day, 365 days a year, assisting the residents and
businesses of Tukwila in a variety of ways. In 2015, the
Unit processed hundreds of firearm -related licenses and
applications, as well as hundreds of professional licenses,
handled more than 10,000 telephone calls, and processed
nearly 6,000 public disclosure requests. The Records Unit
also provides fingerprinting services to the public, assists
with community education programs, and takes found
property cases.
In addition to serving the residents of Tukwila, the Records
Unit provides support to our commissioned staff. Records
staff works in tandem with officers on the street to assist
them with their patrol duties. The Unit routinely provides
searches of local, State, federal, and even international databases to assist officers and detectives in locating
information that is pertinent to their cases and investigations.
In 2015, the Records Unit processed over 9,000 case reports. When processing case reports, it 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 property. 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 internal audits are conducted on these systems. In addition, 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 Investigations.
he Records Unit operates
n a continuous cycle of
ollecting, storing and purging
nformation. Within the first
uarter of each year, case
eports and other records are
eviewed to determine those
hat need to be maintained for
xtended retention, and those
hat should be destroyed. The
nnual records destruction is
ompleted in accordance with
he Washington State General
'ecords Retention Schedule
or Law Enforcement
gencies.
16 Tukwila Police Department
SERVING THIS COMMUNITY
SPECIAL SERVICES - EVIDENCE UNIT
The primary duty of the Evidence Unit is to ensure the proper
security and chain of custody for property and evidence items taken
in by the Tukwila Police Department. The Unit utilizes barcoding
software to track and document the items collected by Department
members. This year the Department went completely online with
evidence processing, eliminating the need for any paper when
processing evidence. This year 5,878 items of evidence and property
were processed by the Evidence Unit.
The Evidence Unit is available 24 hours a day to support the
Department with crime scene processing, collection of evidence,
and any forensic or evidence packaging questions. Evidence
processing training was provided to all commissioned personnel
in 2015 as part of the transition to online evidence processing.
he Evidence Unit operates within a continuous
ycle of receiving, storing and disposing of
tems taken into custody. Items are purged as
ases are adjudicated, when they are no longer
eeded as evidence due to the expiration of
he statute of limitations, or when they are no
onger needed to be held per statute (such as
ound property items). This involves a lengthy
rocess of researching the status of related
riminal case reports, coordinating disposition
pproval with various officers, prosecutors and
ther personnel, researching court dockets,
nd researching sentence information.
isposal of these items must also be done
n accordance with various local, State and
ederal laws. Biohazards, hazardous materials,
nd confidential documents are disposed
fthrough secure means. This includes a
ocumented destruction of items such as illicit
arcotics and firearms. In 2015 the Tukwila
olice Department acquired a new evidence
acility and will move in during the 2016
alendar year.
2015 Annual Report 17
AT OUR FINEST
HONOR GUARD
The Honor Guard consists of Officers Chris Daugherty,
Isaiah Harris, Larry Hann, Reed Lancaster and
Sergeants Kraig Boyd and Todd Rossi. The Honor
Guard's mission is to represent the Tukwila Police
Department at memorials, parades, ceremonial
functions, and other special events. They serve as
ambassadors of the City of Tukwila at events locally,
across the state, and at the national level. The Honor
Guard and its members strive to represent the highest
standards of integrity, professionalism, and dedication
to duty. During the year members of the Honor Guard
participated in several events including opening
ceremonies for the Sounders S2, the annual Law
Enforcement Memorial day, regional training hosted by
the Behind the Badge Foundation, and sadly several
memorial events for law enforcement and fire service
personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
18 Tukwila Police Department
AT OUR FINEST
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
The Professional Standards Unit is a support unit within the Police
Department tasked with crime prevention and enforcement, training, Lexipol
policy implementation and management, internal affairs management,
WASPC accreditation, the school resource officer program, public information,
chronic nuisance ordinance management, and grant management.
The unit is also closely associated with and participates with numerous
public relations and community outreach programs. During the year of 2015,
it continued to work toward getting the Department's policy manual up and
online. As the year closed, finishing touches were put on it in preparation for
an early 2016 launch.
2015 Annual Report 19
Phi Huynh
Dawn Zuger
✓like Schlotterbeck
David Cruz
AT OUR FINEST
STAFF RECOGNITION
20
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2015 EMPLOYEES OF THE QUARTER
3rent Frank
Stephanee Myers
)an Lindstrom
Erik Kunsmann
1
1
Tukwila Police Department
2015 EMPLOYEE
OF THE YEAR
David Cruz
Detective Cruz was recognized for his
exemplary effort and investigative
determination that brought two major
investigations to successful conclusions.
2015 SERVICE AWARDS
AT OUR FINEST
STAFF RECOGNITION
5 years
10 years
15 years
Brent Frank
Dan Lindstrom
Dale Rock
Ceith Cullens
Alan Baalaer
Chris Danninger
Matt Ludwig
Zack Anderson
Trina Cook
John Perry
Erwin Mackie
Todd Rossi
Eric DeVries
20 years Wendy Butterworth
Craig Gardner
25 years Greg LeCompte
Steve Donnelly
2015 Annual Report 21
AT OUR FINEST
STAFF RECOGNITION
PROMOTION
DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE MEDALS
FOR 20 -YEAR SERVICE
LIVE SAVING MEDALS
CERTIFICATES OF
COMMENDATION
Zack Anderson to the rank of
Sergeant - August 1, 2015
Wendy Butterworth
Craig Gardner
David Pollett Joseph Zaehler
Jake Berry Matthew Valdez
Sanjay Prasad
Jamie Suedel
Kraig Boyd
Trina Cook
4
22 Tukwila Police Department
REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
CIVIL DISTURBANCE UNIT
The Tukwila Police Department Civil Disturbance Unit trains and deploys with other police
departments in the region as part of the multi -agency Valley Civil Disturbance Unit (VCDU). Tukwila
CDU Officers have responded to handle incidents of civil unrest and crowd control throughout the
Puget Sound area. The team also traveled to Bellevue and Yakima for annual training during 2015.
The team is led by Commander Rick Mitchell and four sergeants, with twelve officers serving on the
team. Team members have received highly specialized training in less lethal munitions, chemical
crowd -control agents, and crowd -control techniques for the safe removal of protesters and protester
devices, as well as police bicycle response.
2015 Annual Report 23
REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
AUTO THEFT TASK FORCE
The PATROL (Preventing Auto Theft through Regional Operational Links) Task Force is a multi -
jurisdictional team comprised of more than 20 different agencies in King and Pierce Counties
that have signed an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement supporting the Task Force's mission:
To aggressively pursue and prosecute prolific offenders
related to auto theft through multi -agency cooperation. 'U
Currently there are five detectives from four King and Pierce County Departments that
make up the Task Force (Tukwila, Auburn, Federal Way and Bonney Lake), as well as a crim
analyst from Bonney Lake. They are overseen by Commander Eric Dreyer from the Tukwila
Police Department. Expenses covering the Task Force wages, benefits, equipment and trai
funded by a State -awarded grant from the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WA
During 2015, the Task Force investigated 126 new cases of auto theft, possession of stolen vehicles,
taking motor vehicles, and title fraud, which resulted in charging 76 prolific auto thieves with 189
felony charges. Detectives also recovered 177 stolen vehicles worth $2,541,700 in value, which is
a 25% increase from 2014's record year. They also assisted the FBI in serving a homicide search
warrant in Bonney Lake on the property of a task force confidential informant, which recovered a
murdered and dismembered human body.
VNET
The Tukwila Police Department assigns a detective
to the Valley Narcotics Enforcement Task Force
(VNET), a regional drug enforcement unit made up
of detectives from several local police departments
and agents from the federal Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA). This combination of federal
and local law enforcement officers is able to
handle drug investigations that are beyond the
scope of the local individual police agencies. That
unit, which is responsible for investigating mid- to
upper-level drug dealers, was kept busy during the
year working primarily drug interdiction operations
and dealers who illegally sell prescription drugs.
Through their efforts, VNET Detectives seized over
one million dollars in 2015, recovered over80
pounds of methamphetamine, 15 pounds of heroin
and 4 pounds of cocaine, and took 22 firearms off
the street.
24 Tukwila Police Department
REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
VALLEY SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS
The primary mission of the Valley SWAT team is to save lives,
and support the Department and agency goals/objectives of all
member entities: Auburn, Federal Way, Kent, Renton, Tukwila,
and the Port of Seattle. Each participating agency provides five
officers, one sergeant, and a commander to the team. The team
is available to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. During
2015, team members were called out to over50 situations that
required additional specialized training and/or tactics to resolve.
The team provided primary security for visits from the President and Vice President
of the United States, cabinet -level dignitaries, and numerous foreign heads of state.
In addition, Valley SWAT is the backup SWAT team for the Secret Service, King County
Sheriff's Office, and Seattle Police Department SWAT teams when they require
assistance. Along with their normal police duties, assigned VSWAT officers attend
additional monthly training and week-long training twice per year. The training is to
ensure the team is proficient and prepared for the successful completion of hostage
rescue, barricaded subject apprehension, aircraft rescue, and low light operations.
2015 Annual Report 25
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
COPCAB
In May 2015, long-time Community -Oriented
Policing Citizens Advisory Board (COPCAB) member
Lynn Churchill retired from the Board. Lynn served
on COPCAB for many years since February 2007 as
the Chairperson.
The theme of 2015 was change. During the year
three new board members were appointed. John
Lindsay and Austin Hackett were confirmed by the
Tukwila City Council in the first part of 2015, bringing
new perspectives to COPCAB as residents of the City.
Additionally, Reverend Jan Bolerjackwas appointed
to a long -vacant business position during the last
part of the year, after several months of attending
meetings.
On an annual basis, COPCAB makes awards to a
Tukwila Police Department Employee and a Tukwila
community member based on their service to ideals
of Community -Oriented Policing in Tukwila. In 2015
awards were given to:
Officer Zack Anderson - Officer Anderson was
transferred from his duties as Crime Prevention
Officer to Recruiter. His efforts are the reason the
Tukwila Police Department is at full staffing for
officers for the first time in many years. Not only has
Officer Anderson been finding qualified candidates,
he has changed the recruiting process to include
pre-screening before an officer from out of state
comes to Tukwila for the first time to prevent
less competitive candidates from wasting time
and travel expenses and ensure that the Tukwila
Police Department hires only the highest quality
candidates.
Along with his more than just full time recruiting
duties, Officer Anderson has also been active with
the Community Police Team in attending community
events such as the Foster High School Summer Kick-
off. He also participated in Christmas caroling and
handing out toys and candy to children during the
holiday season.
Jim Davis, Doubletree Hotel General Manager -
Jim has been active in the Tukwila community
for many years. He is a long-time supporter of
the Tukwila Police Department. A few of the
many services he has provided include finding
space in the hotel to host the East African Studies
Conference, and lending support and space for
meetings between the hospitality industry and
law enforcement working together to end human
trafficking.
Becky Smith, Westfield Southcenter Mall Manager
- Due to the hard work and support of Becky Smith,
the Tukwila Police Department once again has an
office at Westfield Southcenter Mall. Prior to the
expansion and remodel at the mall, the Tukwila
Police Department office was closed many years
ago. After the remodel was completed, prior mall
managers tried to find a space for a Community
Resource Center accessible to the public, but were
unable to do so. This changed shortly after Becky
Smith became the new Westfield Mali manager.
TUKWIIA
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
COPCAB
COMMUNITY
ORIENTED
POLICING
CITILENS
MCISORT BOARD
MUM
sAs
TUKWILA
COMMUNITY
COPCAB Members: Jerry Thornton, Chair Resident
Kim Karns, Assistant Chair Business
Laurie Clark, member School District
John Lindsay, member Resident
Jun Castillo, member Resident
Austin Hackett, member Resident
Reverend Jan Bolerjack, member Business
26 Tukwila Police Department
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
The Police Department has been greatly aided by the citizens who volunteered
valuable time during 2015.
Currently the Neighborhood Resource Center is fully staffed with two dedicated
volunteers: Darleen Thornton and Lenny Autio. Each of them comes in for 6-8
hours per week to watch the cameras along Tukwila International Boulevard. They
alert officers to suspicious activity, assist members of the public who stop at the
center for information, and perform other administrative work to help the officers
assigned to the Neighborhood Resource Center. They also have taken on the task
of keeping the Neighborhood Resource Center neat and tidy when the officers
assigned to the station are too busy for housekeeping.
In the Professional Standards Unit, Joanne McManus spends two days a week,
four hours a day calling to remind citizens of their court dates in Tukwila Municipal
Court. The Court has noted a big change in the number of people coming in for
court dates when Joanne is on the job. When she has a spare minute, she assists
the office staff with administrative tasks.
2015 Annual Report 27
A
SERVICE BY THE NUMBERS
ACTIVITY STATISTICS
TUKWILA DATA
(3 -year comparison)
2015 2014 2013
Population 19,920 19,765 19,486
Budget $17,044,299 $15,729,238 $15,125,412
Police Staff
Commissioned 79 75 75
Non -Commissioned 18 18 18
Calls For Service 30,524 29,840 27,455
Part 1 Crime 3,718 3,588 3,453
Traffic Citations/Infractions Issued 2,970 2,649 3,147
Reported Vehicle Accidents
Injury 181 183 191
Fatal 0 2 0
Non -Injury (not including hit-and-run) 519 507 452
Injury hit-and-run 32 18 18
TOTALS 732 710 661
Emergency Response Time (minutes)
Priority E, 1 3.96 3.56 3.82
Priority2 9.20 9.74 8.38
CRIME IN TUKWILA
(5 -year comparison)
Non -Emergency Response Time (minutes)
16.51 17.88 13.36
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
Population
19,920 19,765 19486 19,100 19,050
Calls For Service 30,524 29,840 27,455 28,042 26,893
Violent Crime
Murder 1 1 0 3 0
Rape 20 8 29 22 17
Robbery
62 80 78 101 97
Aggravated Assault
79 97 52 93 85
TOTALS
162 186 159 219 199
Property Crime
Arson 4 8 1 6 6
Burglary
211 249 224 287 319
Theft 2,884 2,674 2,669 2,595 2,224
Auto Thefts
457 471 400 400 441
TOTALS
3,556 3,402 3,294 3,288 2,990
Total Part 1 Crime
3,718 3,588 3,453 3,507 3,189
Crime Clearances
308 355 313 386 348
28 Tukwila Police Department
CASES TAKEN /
CALLS FOR SERVICE
INCIDENTS OF
PROPERTY CRIME
INCIDENTS OF FELONY
VIOLENT CRIME
SERVICE BY THE NUMBERS
ACTIVITY STATISTICS
35000
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
2010 2011
2012 2013
2014
■ Cases Taken
■ Calls for Service
2010
8777
29154
2011
8790
26893
2012
9312
28042
2013
9280
27455
2015
2014
9008
29840
2015
9168
30524
3400
3200
3000
2800
2600
2010 2011
2012 2013
■ Cases Reported
2010
2976
2011
2990
2012
3288
2014
2013
3294
2015
2014
3402
2015
3556
200
150
100
50
0
2010 2011
2012 2013
■ Cases Reported
2010
154
2011
199
2012
219
2014
2013
159
2015
2014
186
2015
162
2015 Annual Report 29
2015 TOTAL POLICE BUDGET
Administration $1,664,666
Patrol $6,254,825
Traffic $536,833
Investigations $1,955,955
Crime Prevention $1,968,662
Training $341,552
Records $1,037,814
Jail $1,258,000
Dispatch $916,661
TAC Team $868,291
Other $241,040
30 Tukwila Police Department
POLICE OFFICER'SRAER
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 Yoursight.
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.
2015 Annual Report 31
TUKWILA POLICE DEPARTMENT
6200 Southcenter Boulevard
Tukwila, WA 98188
General information: 206-433-1808
Emergency call: 911
Non -emergency call: 206-241-2121
POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION
Mike Villa, Chief of Police
Bruce Linton, Deputy Chief
Rick Mitchell, Commander
Jon Harrison, Commander
Dennis McOmber, Commander
Eric Dreyer, Commander
Leon Richardson, Records Manager
Phi Huynh, Assistant To The Chief
TUKWILA CITY ADMINISTRATION
Jim Haggerton, 2015 Mayor
David Cline, City Administrator
2015 TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
Kate Kruller, Council President
Joe Duffle, Councilmember
Dennis Robertson, Councilmember
Allan Ekberg, Councilmember
Verna Seal, Councilmember
Kathy Hougardy, Councilmember
De'Sean Quinn, Councilmember