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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 Annual Report - Police DepartmentMission 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. EXCELL TCE• 1 0 lyirs ACCOUNTABILITY * -1011.111Mlabmw DEDICATION CHIEF' MESSAGE The Honorable Allan Ekberg and Tukwila City Council, On behalf of the men and women of the Tukwila Police Department, thank you for your support and the community support as we worked through some challenges while moving closer towards the City strategic goal of "building a broad and collaborative approach to preventing crime and increasing a sense of safety". During 2019, recruiting and retention were a priority for the department. This was an issue nationally and we have felt the impacts here In Washington State. The Tukwila Police Department developed a nationwide recruitment strategy to ensure our agency was adequately staffed, while working to ensure our police department employees were representative of the community we serve. Over the course of the year, the department recovered from a significant staffing deficit replacing 20 percent of our staff. While working toward the goal of fully -staffing our police department, the administration emphasized retention through improving officer safety and wellness strategies, leadership development, researching and considering sensible and affordable strategies (implemented by our competing agencies) such as take-home vehicle programs, which benefit the agency and the officers, relaxing traditional facial hair restrictions while maintaining professional grooming standards, and ensuring our employees have all the necessary tools to do their jobs safely. The Department made significant strides in officer safety and wellness. We solidified our peer support program, educated our employees on the vast portfolio of available support services by piloting an innovative program that involved resiliency training, supported by a cell phone application available to all employees. This application is a one -stop -shop of officer -wellness resources. The Tukwila Police Department remain committed on building trust and reducing crime in our community through community. This past year the agency engaged in several strategies to achieve our engagement goals. The mailbox program was a significant success that was appreciated throughout the community in response to a promise to problem -solve and present solutions to the mail theft problem. Our homeless outreach throughout the year has been significant and our officers have been engaging the problem with empathy while balancing the safety and security of our community members. The police department continued our engagements at our schools by assigning a second School Resource Officer while participating in several civic events at the high school. Department personnel continued their engagement at the International Rescue Coordination Center (IRC). We also met with State Department representatives and representatives of over 25 different countries, sharing successful community policing strategies on a global scale. Throughout the year, especially during the holidays, the police department engaged in several emphasis patrols focused on reducing crime in our parks, along Tukwila International Boulevard and in our Central Business District. Other crime prevention strategies include collaborating with our community and other city partners to implement crime -fighting technology such as surveillance cameras in our parks, to deter specific reported problems in securing great facilities for our community members to enjoy with the expectation of a significant level of safety. Thank you for your support and the opportunity to serve. We will continue to be good stewards of our budget and I will continue to focus on many of the above strategies while building support through strategic communication with our community members. This agency will continue moving forward to improve safety throughout our neighborhoods and our business districts. Problem solving is a team sport and I encourage everyone to engage our employees to build relationships even when there are no problems to report. We will do the same. I.. Law Enforcement Memorial Coffee With A Cop During 2019, the Inves' tasked with numerou term investigations. mainly focused on police department a vision, mission, values, The key emphasis ar goals that were speci nvestigations Division projects and long - The projects were pporting both the City of Tukwila's goals and objectives. as and department cally related to the Investigations Divisio from 2018: Improving crime reduction and community trust and I community safety, department -wide com support of those over - Investigations Divisio spe were carry-overs `ublic safety through F revention, building .gitimacy, increasing and increasing unication. In ching goals, the rsonnel conducted activities at both the emphasis street level and the regional levels. The Tukwila Anti -Crime (TAC) detectives conducted narcotics interdiction activities in federal facilities as well as at the street and mid-level dealer levels. A n partnere. wit e• state, a year, we d local ities to agencies to conduct emphasis acti identify and arrest those w crimes targeted at some ngage in f o. • vulnerable groups of citizens, juveniles. The TAC team partnered with two local hotels in order to coordinate and facilitate ve emphasis that re d n nu er hos- a in: interru Ultimate arreste a pt t ri .te by y, those in un t re nt d - le ur tac 0 te rvie mine te cc - s to res. u ces if a•ce. t h -I. to h.os- a ether than e • us ar d by th ho es 6. F a pr es a w - p si or w- pro i•e er- illi : to t p. in i . ed the iff re t o es. Our narcotics detection K-9 team a • it ocating anultimately seizing over $1,000,000 in cash, one Tukwila residence that was being used illegally as a marijuana grow house, over one pound of methamphetamines, nearly a pound of cocaine, over one and a half pounds of heroin, 14.5 pounds of THC vape oil, and over 65.5 pounds of illegally manufactured marijuana. The Major Crimes Unit (MCU) detectives are on-call 24/7 and responded to numerous requests for assistance from the patrol division as well as from other agencies throughout the year. Two investigations of note are the filing of the Tukwila portion of a group of car -jacking suspects that plagued south King County for several months before being apprehended in Oregon, and a suspect in multiple felony assaults (20+) that was successfully sent to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for prosecution. In addition to maintaining proficiency in their primary investigative function for cases that happen in Tukwila, five of the detectives are members of the multi - jurisdictional response team called the Valley Investigations Team (VIT). The VIT is tasked with responding to fatal and serious injury incidents involving law-enforcement officers. During the year, the VIT team was deployed to investigate 13 of these incidents, more than a 400% increase over the number investigated in 2018. Tukwila PD was the lead investigating agency for two of those VIT callouts. One was an officer - involved shooting, the other was an in -custody death investigation. Additionally, the VIT protocols used by this inter -agency team have been accepted as best practices by the CJTC and are being pushed out state- wide as both training and operational standards for these types of teams across the state of Washington. MCU detectives also investigated one homicide during the year. The case was cleared with an arrest and the final adjudication of it is still pending in the Superior Court. MCU detectives attended weekly patrol division briefings during the year and held regular unit meetings. Additionally, MCU and TAC both continue to work on streamlining processes and procedures to improve workflow and improving communication between divisions. In 2019, we had 13 new hire or experienced lateral hire officers joined the department, and began training in either the basic law enforcement academy or the field training program. This represents a full quarter of the Patrol Division, and a substantial turnover for any team. The challenges of this turnover were mitigated through the experience of seasoned field training officers and the hiring of experienced officers from the District of Columbia, Georgia, Mississippi, and New Mexico. We also had the retirements of Sergeant Mark Dunlap and Officer Gary Leavitt. Their combined 56 years of law enforcement service included a wealth of knowledge and experience not easily replaced. Despite the significant influx of new personnel, the Patrol Division remained active and responsive to calls for service and proactive patrol within the city. A slight decrease in calls for service also resulted in the reduction of total cases taken. 8,035 cases were completed by officers while 899 cases were completed utilizing the on-line reporting system implemented in 2018. m WIN tit ions We continued to focus on problem areas along Tukwila International Blvd, the Central Business District and other areas of the City. This year was the second year of deployment of the body worn camera program. As in 2018, the use of force and officer injuries during the year continued to decline. Though not as significant as the initial year of the program the continued reduction is an indicator that the program is an ongoing success. The department also saw the implementation of a pilot take home car program for patrol personnel. To fully implement and sustain, the total size of the patrol fleet will increase, but the lifespan of the fleet will be extended resulting in long term budgetary savings. Partnerships with other units within the department, other departments within the city, and other agencies continue as community issues such as homelessness, mental health, and persons in crisis continue to rise. Previously implemented programs and strategies to target problem areas, promote communications, and streamline efforts remained effective with the shared mission of reducing crime and promoting safe and secure neighborhoods. The Records Unit processed 3,565 records requests, which took approximately 1,385 hours of time. 2,673 items of evidence and property were processed, 331 items were audited and 3,452 high - security items were inventoried. The Support Operations Division, comprised of two units, adds value to others daily by meeting records and evidence needs. The group of 12 people extends help to city residents, Puget Sound residents, other law enforcement agencies, City staff, Tukwila PD staff, prosecutors, defense attorneys, Washington State Patrol staff and many others. The Records Unit processed 8,901 police reports in 2019, handled records retention requirements and provided statistical data for the National Incident -Based Reporting System (NIBRS). They administered 183 concealed pistol licenses, 343 firearm transfers, and four dealer's licenses. Staff also processed 3,565 records requests, which took approximately 1,385 hours of time. In addition, they processed warrants and court mandated orders, as well as reviewed and sorted 110 boxes of records per retention requirements. The Evidence Unit ensured the proper security and chain of custody for property and evidence items taken in by the Tukwila Police Department. In 2019, 2,673 items of evidence and property were processed, 331 items were audited and 3,452 high -security items were inventoried. The unit continuously received, stored, and disposed of items taken into custody. Items were purged as cases are adjudicated, when they were no longer needed as evidence due to expiration of the statute of limitations, or when they were no longer needed to be held per statute (such as found property). The Division's goals for the year included focusing on recruiting and retention strategies to address department staffing shortages, leveraging technology to improve workplace efficiency and communication, and meeting all legal requirements. The accomplishments for the year were: -Hired new Police Support Operations Manager -Hired and trained three new Records Specialists -Increased workflow efficiency to and from the Tukwila Municipal court by scanning records directly to the court. -Implemented new features in Spillman, the case reporting system. -Implemented three new modules in File -On -O., the evidence tracking system that increase communication system easier for staff to use. - Received bids for scanning police case records. -Set up use of field reports in Spillman. -Successfully incorporated 2019 legislative changes firearms processes. - Processed 2006, 2007 and 2008 records for disposition. and make the regarding ROFESSIONAL STAND The Professional Standards Unit (PSU) is tasked with purchasing equipment and conducting initial training to prepare for field training. The Training Officer and Training Sergeant work together to coordinate training, make travel arrangements, purchase equipment and make sure the department maintains the required number of hours of training. Washington State requires that all commissioned officers attend at least 24 hours of in-service training each year. The department far exceeded that requirement. As a department, our employees received over 11,000 hours of training in 2019. In addition, four newly -hired officers attended the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy where they received 720 hours of academy training each. The department also hired eight lateral officers. Officers continuously train to maintain weapons qualifications, overcome physical resistance, and safely operate emergency vehicles, along with many other courses to maintain core proficiencies. Most officers attend extra training to develop and maintain expertise in areas of law enforcement including gang enforcement, interview and interrogation techniques, SWAT, civil disturbance, crisis communications and intervention, and online crimes to name a few. In-house instructors/trainers constantly attend training to maintain their certifications. This has led to an extremely well- trained staff that continues to identify and respond to the needs of our community. The PSU also maintains and updates the department policy manual called Lexipol. Lexipol provides updates based on legal decisions, state and federal law, and best practices. In 2019, we started the shift to reality -based training. Our department experts created a curriculum related to de-escalation. The eight-hour course was a mandatory training for all commissioned department members. In this class, we used reality - based training scenarios which incorporated role-playing, simulated weapons, and quick decision-making. De-escalation teaches officers to use time, distance, and shielding during an emergent situation in an effort to reduce the use of force. RDS Divisio Officer Ken Hernandez is one of the emergency vehicle operation course (EVOC) instructors. The department added additional peer support officers to provide officers in the agency the opportunity to receive emotional and tangible support through times of personal or professional crisis, and to help anticipate and address potential difficulties. For the first time, online reporting was available for the entire year. The department accepted 908 online reports total. Reports that came in through 911 take an officer approximately one hour to complete from start to finish. Online reporting was estimated to have saved 908 work hours where the officers can focus on proactive police work and patrolling neighborhoods. pecial Services The Community Police Team for preventing crime business district and the Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB) corridor. Their main goal is to establish a relationship between the Tukwila Police and the citizens and business owners, allowing for a more proactive police role in the community. Detectives from the CPT primarily work out of the Neighborhood Resource Center on TIB, and the Community Resource Center in Westfield Southcenter. The team patrols both TIB and the Central Business District on foot, on bikes, and in vehicles. They also are involved in gang enforcement and gang outreach. The CPT Team is a problem - solving team that addresses hot spots and comes up with creative solutions to community issues. The CPT communicates with various community groups through community meeting to identify specific concerns then works with the community to resolve them. The team has worked to resolve issues in several parks in the city including Riverton and Crystal Springs Park. They worked with public works to have safety cameras installed in the area and conducted proactive patrols. The team also provided extra security patrols in the Central Business District and Southcenter Mall area resulting in several major arrests. The patrols also acted as a crime deterrent especially during the busy holiday season. The school resource officers (SROs) are responsible for school safety and security and to act as a liaison is responsible in the central between the police department and the school district. Officer Schutt was assigned to be the SRO at Showalter Middle School this year. Officer Tran is assigned to Foster High School as their SRO. The SROs worked with the schools to educate students about the dangers of bullying in schools through the "Bully Proof Student" program. The Division also worked with King County Library to open discussions regarding the book "A Long Way Down". The SROs and CPT engaged with a community group NOBLE to discuss issues about interacting with police at Foster High School. Community Liaison Officers (CLO) are responsible for outreach, engagement, and the education of our citizens especially our immigrant and refugee community. They liaison through houses of worship, refugee agencies, and community groups to accomplish the department's engagement goals. The CLO has also taken on the responsibility for issues surrounding homelessness throughout the city. They have worked with various community groups such as Catholic Community Services, the Salvation Army, Riverton Methodist Church, Tukwila Public Works, Tukwila Human Services, etc. to address the issues. The CLO also continues to partner with the International Rescue Committee to educate incoming refugees regarding policing in the United States to ease fears and concerns that they may have and inform them about important laws that they need to be aware of. Because of its efforts, the team was asked to give several presentations to international groups brought by the United Nation and the State Department regarding policing in an area with a high refugee/immigrant population. Together, the division is designed to engage and liaison with the community to identify issues, problem solve, and proactively address the issues to a successful conclusion. The Division also participates in annual events such as the National Night Out Against Crime, the annual Food and Toy Drive, Coffee with a Cop, Shop with a Cop, the Touch -A -Truck event, and Bulldog Academy activities. DIV he Traffic Unit is responsible for traffic safety and enforcement in the city, the investigation of major traffic collisions, and criminal traffic investigations. The Traffic Unit consists of four Motorcycle Officers and a Sergeant. Officer Ames and Officer D. Delic, were added to the team this year that brought the staffing to its current level. These officers were originally assigned to patrol working as SPRINT officers to conduct emphasis patrols in residential neighborhoods. They are a welcome addition to the full- time team. The Traffic Team has been involved in providing speed enforcement cameras in school zones. A vendor was selected, and the cameras will be installed in 2020. The Traffic team was involved in several major traffic related investigations including several fatalities. They conducted these investigations in a professional and thorough manner to ensure strong cases. They also continue to provide traffic enforcement in residential neighborhoods. EMPLOYEE Officer PROMOTIONS of sergeant effective 7/23/19 sergeant effective 7/23/19 EMPLOYEES OF Deni Delic Officer Jon Long Police Support Officer Josep Zae Officer Phi Huynh Assistant To The Chief OF THE YEAR att Valdez LIFE SAVING MEDALS Left to right: Officer Erwin Mackie, Officer Peter Tiernan, Officer Dustin Johnson DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDALS TUKWILA HE QUARTER Sergeant Bill Devlin (left), Sergeant Mark Dunlap (right) --40444 Dustin Johnson Officer Jamie Sturgill _ Lisa Harrison Jessica Armstrong Detective Officer Officer Population • Calls For Service ' Violent Crime Murder Rape Robbery Aggravated Assault TOTALS Property Crime Arson Burglary Theft Auto Thefts TOTALS Total Part 1 Crime CRIME IN TUKWILA W2019„41. 2018 2012016 2015 20,144 19,107 19,205 19,920 30,189 31,266 30,691 31,289 30,524 3 0 1 1 27 28 30 20 74 77 85 62 59 66 78 79 163 171 194 162 v.H 4 7 5 4 255 192 207 211 2,604 2,461 2,539 2,884 559 478 531 457 3,422 3,138 3,282 3,556 3,585 3,309 3,476 3,718 COMPARATIVE TOTALS WITH 3- YEAR COMP Population Budget Police Staff: Commissioned Non -Commissioned Calls For Service Traffic Citations/Infractions Issued Reported Vehicle Accidents: Injury Fatal Non -Injury (not including hit-and-run) Injury hit-and-run TOTALS 20,144 19,107 17,966,627 17,481,118 78 79 19 18 30,189 31,266 30,691 1,890 1,486 2,637 209 177 171 2 2 1 428 446 514 23 13 24 662 638 710 Police Operations Jail Dispatch King County Animal Control Services Total Expenditures Revenue Category Contracted Services Grants Response Generated Total Revenues 3udget Category police Operations tail dispatch King County Animal Control Services Total Budget (all Post Amendment) Expenditures 2019 Expenses 2018 Expenses 2017 Expenses jot r 2019 Revenue $ 15,155,622 $ 1,579,506 $ 1,131,133 $ 100,365 $ 17,966,627 2018 Revenue $ 289,770 $ 272,979 $ 185,970 $ 748,719 ANNUAL BUDGET FIGURES 2019 Budget 2018 Budget $ 15,804,875 $ 1,633,405 $ 1,168,917 $ 118,852 $ 18.726.049 $ 14,805,332 $ 1,466,963 $ 1,096,931 $ 111,892 $ 17,481,118 2017 Revenue $ 343,257 $ 462,459 $ 236,808 $ 1,042,524 2017 Budget $ 15,556,968 $ 1,484,914 $ 1,127, 358 $ 118,852 $ 18.288.092 1 TUKWILA 11111101 .15 . .7�'IX1YJ//) tIVLYRRR PIREIOR. .J&iJT/!).a OVLII 11Y61BR IIYPYOURPASSIo 510X. 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RAD NIG) CoumNING IERMTT COM IMAM SERVICES MC WOOLS KHAN RESOURCES MAYOR'S OF AO MUNICIPAL COU FIN ANCE CITY CLERK POLICE 4,24, :414,AStioy 2019 City Council ' Kathy Hougardy, President Dennis Robertson Verna Seal De'Sean Quin Kate Kruller Thomas McLeod Zak Idan David Cline, City Administrator Police Administration Bruce Linton, Chief of Police Phi Huynh, Assistant To The Chief Eric Dreyer, Deputy Chief Jon Harrison, Command Todd Rossi, Commander Eric Lund, Commander Kraig Boyd, Commander Rebecca Hixson, Senior Man