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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022 Annual Report - Police Department Mission Statement We, the members of the Tukwila Police Department, are committed to being responsive to our community in the delivery of quality services. We recognize our responsibility to maintain order, while affording dignity and respect to every individual. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all through community partnerships and problem solving to promote safe, secure neighborhoods. CHIEF’S MESSAGE The Honorable Mayor Allan Ekberg, Tukwila City Council, and Tukwila Community, On behalf of the members of the Tukwila Police Department, thank you for your contfnued support as we responded together to address the challenges our community faced related to public safety in 2022. The Department ended 2022 down 20% of our commissioned staff. This was a result of budget reductfons associated with the pandemic, as well as the contfnued trend in law enforcement that saw a decline in recruitment. Despite the reductfon in staffing, we stfll found ways to contfnue providing high-quality service to the community. We addressed the attritfon by rotatfng staff out of specialty units to cover staffing shortages in the Patrol Division, and utflizing overtfme to maintain minimum staffing and coverage for the City. This allowed us to maintain a high level of response to in-progress community issues. At the same tfme, it diminished the Department’s ability to follow up on felony property crimes and drug-related offenses, as well as reduced our ability to be proactfve. I would like to thank all the officers who have contributed to helping maintain our staffing levels. We recognize the added burdens they took on to meet the needs of the Tukwila community. To best serve our community, it is important that we gain input from our residents regarding Police Department processes, especially when it comes to our hiring and tackling the challenging task of recruitfng highly qualified officers and support staff who share our community’s values. Therefore, the Department established a committee of community members who partfcipate in our hiring interviews for all Police Department staff positfons. Although we began to use community representatfves with our hiring process in 2021 by drawing from members of our City’s Boards and Commissions, we formalized the program in 2022 with an applicatfon process and outreach to the community that established our current panel of volunteers. Our community is now directly involved with selectfng the next generatfon of law enforcement to serve Tukwila residents, businesses, and visitors. Similarly, in the Fall of 2022, we established the department’s Strategic Planning Committee, which has community members involved with helping us plan how its police department will provide public safety services to the community over the next three to five years. An additfonal way that we receive input from the community is through the implementatfon of our automated customer service platiorm that tfes in with our dispatching CAD system, which began early in 2022. The software is tfed to our dispatch and sends victfms of crime status updates on their calls and provides an opportunity to give feedback about the Department’s response to their incident. We contfnued our partnerships with the businesses of Tukwila, providing seminars on crime preventfon and safety as we addressed their specific concerns. The Community Resource Center at the Mall was reopened to provide a public safety resource in an area of the city that has a dense populatfon of our community and its visitors. What made communicatfng and meetfng the needs of both businesses and residents more fluid was the creatfon of our Community Engagement Coordinator positfon. The role of the Coordinator is to focus on the department’s outreach efforts with the community and provide educatfon regarding crime preventfon opportunitfes. An additfonal resource that we were able to draw upon for both the community and police department staff was the re-establishing of our Chaplaincy program. We brought on two volunteer Chaplains who have become a part of our Tukwila family, providing council and peer support for the wellness of all. The Department contfnued its conversatfons with stakeholders about restoring the School Resource Officer program at Foster High School and Showalter Middle School. In partnership with the Tukwila School District, we met with students, families, and staff to see how the program could best meet the needs of the students. Conversatfons are stfll ongoing, but we hope to have this valuable resource for the students and community back in the schools for the 2023-2024 school year. The members of the Tukwila Police Department contfnue to work hard to provide the Tukwila community with the level of service that it deserves. It is an honor to be a part of the community, and we look forward to contfnuing to evolve as a department as we strive to meet our community’s public safety needs. In 2022, the Tukwila Police Department’s Patrol Division faced persistent staffing challenges, which led to the offering of compensatfng officers at a double-tfme rate while working overtfme to address patrol shortages during weekends and graveyard shifts. Despite these challenges, the officers displayed remarkable resilience and managed to respond promptly to over 33,000 911-generated calls for service, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. During the year, there was yet another legislatfve change regarding the use of force, which relaxed some of the restrictfons imposed the previous year. This change empowered the officers to detain individuals suspected of committing a crime, allowing them to keep the suspect(s) detained while working to establish probable cause. The Department ensured that its officers were updated on the revised guidelines, enabling them to carry out their dutfes effectfvely within the framework of the law. The patrol division employed creatfve approaches to maintain community outreach and prioritfze patrols in areas with high crime rates or a likelihood of criminal actfvity. Each officer actfvely contributed to this process, emphasizing their commitment to community engagement and proactfve policing. In the fourth quarter of 2022, substantfal progress was made in preparing the Tukwila Police Department to incorporate a second mental health professional into field operatfons. This additfon aimed to provide enhanced support to officers dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crisis. Additfonally, the victfm advocate contfnued to collaborate with the city prosecutor and staff from the Tukwila Municipal Court, offering innovatfve and non- traditfonal methods to address the challenges faced by those navigatfng the criminal justfce system. The victfm advocate’s full-tfme presence, supplemented by availability for officers on a call-out basis, ensured the provision of emergent safety planning when needed. Despite the difficultfes faced, the Tukwila Police Department’s Patrol Division demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to the community's well-being in 2022. Despite the difficultfes faced, the Tukwila Police Department’s Patrol Division demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to the community's well-being. The Support Operatfons Division contfnued providing a high level of service to community members, City visitors, court staff and officers. Through the team’s diligence and caring, family members were connected, property returned to owners, stolen items properly accounted for, and problems solved. The Records Unit is often the first point of contact for people seeking non-emergency assistance from the Police Department. In additfon to greetfng people coming into the Police Department lobby, answering the phones and responding to many emails, the Records Unit processed 8,309 in-person and 1,609 online police reports in 2022, handled records retentfon requirements and provided statfstfcal data for the Natfonal Incident- Based Reportfng System (NIBRS). They administered 211 concealed pistol licenses, 638 firearm transfers, and two dealer licenses. Staff also processed 4,414 records requests and prepared almost 10,000 cases for scanning. The Evidence Unit ensured the proper security and chain of custody for property and evidence items taken in by the Tukwila Police Department. In 2022, 2,859 items of evidence and property were processed into the Department, 4,769 items were destroyed, and 456 items were donated, converted or auctfoned. In additfon, the Evidence staff assisted commissioned officers with crime scene evidence collectfon, evidence shipping, transfer and testfng. During the year, the Evidence Unit partfcipated in the Natfonal Integrated Ballistfc Informatfon Network (NIBIN) by entering casings into the system. The casings entered into NIBIN were recovered at crime scenes or entered after test firing a firearm. Fifty-eight Tukwila casings were matched with casings from other crimes from locatfons such as Portland, OR, Tacoma, WA and Sacramento, CA. Linking cases through NIBIN work gives officers one more way to solve cases. SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION The Division’s top accomplishments in 2022 were: Staffing: Added Public Disclosure Records Specialist positfon; Transferred new staff to Investfgatfons Records positfon; Brought Dispositfon Specialist on board Training: Records Unit staff partfcipated in quarterly public records training through the WA State Attorney General’s Office; Attended orders to vacate and dispositfon training Evidence Unit staff; Completed Crime Scene training; Earned Firearms Specialist Certfficatfon; Evidence Tech Lead complete NIBIN Ballistfcs training and obtained Integrated Ballistfcs Identfficatfon Certfficatfon Records Management; Prepared and scanned almost 10,000 case files from Pre-1980’s to 2008 Updated case dispositfons for 4,605 records; Scanned paper case files for unsolved homicide so the electronic files could be provided to a state investfgatfve team The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages, and other challenges in 2022 stretched the available resourc es of the division extremely thin in 2022. Personnel assigned to the unit contfnued their efforts to meet the expectatfons of the comm unity and the department. Most felony crimes saw a contfnued increase throughout the city compared to previous years. In order to meet th e operatfonal needs of the department, personnel from the Tukwila Anit-Crime team were temporarily reassigned to other assignments within the department. Of note, the Department’s K9 narcotfcs interdictfon team, Officer Jamie Sturgill and Apollo remained actfve with our regional partners while reassigned to the Patrol Division. As in previous years, detectfves from the Investfgatfons Division worked c losely with personnel from the King County Prosecutor’s Office as they completed investfgatfons of felony crimes occurring in the city. Detectfves assigned to the division remained actfve partfcipants of multfple regional teams including the Valley Independent Investfgatfve Team (VIIT), who is responsible for conductfng investfgatfons into officer -involved shootfngs and in-custody deaths that occur in the region; In 2022, they responded to 11 VIIT callouts. Valley SWAT Team (VSWAT) who’s responsible for conductfng high risk search and arrest warrants while also on call and available to respond to in progress events requiring specialized skills and equipment; Valley Crisis C ommunicatfon Unit (VCCU) who is responsible for communicatfng and negotfatfng with persons in crisis; and Valley Civil Disturbance Unit (VCDU) who is responsible for responding to passive and actfve demonstratfons or events involving civil disobedience. The Professional Standards Unit (PSU) is responsible for training coordination, the purchasing of equipment, accreditation, the intake of new officers, and policy development and implementation. The PSU consists of a commander, a sergeant, a training officer and a public information officer/recruiter. The PSU is also tasked with recruiting both entry level, certified entry level and lateral officers. The PSU housed a primary recruiter for several months in 2022, resulting in a more focused approach to recruiting. During the year, two entry level officers were trained prior to entering the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Once they completed the Academy, the officers received post academy training before beginning field training program. Two lateral officers were also onboarded and trained through the PSU before beginning field training. Officers continuously train to maintain weapons qualifications, de - escalation techniques, 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, as well as 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 continue 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. The department’s policies can be accessed by members of our community by clicking on a link on the City’s website. The PSU continued to update the department’s documentation to maintain accreditation through the Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs (WASPC). Accreditation assures that the Tukwila Police Department’s standards are consistent with state and federal policies and laws. The PSU continued to lead the way in expanding outside agency training at the Tukwila Justice Center. This allowed Tukwila Police Department personnel to receive extra training at little to no cost to the agency. Special Operations DIVISION T he Community Police Team (CPT) and Community Liaison Officer (CLO) programs remained actfve throughout the city and region, working with local and regional partners to target hot spots within the city. These teams contfnued working closely with our partners at the SHAG building, Marvelle, and Airmark apartments as each of these propertfes experienced challenges throughout the year. One of the common challenges contfnued to be the effects of a rising homeless populatfon and criminal actfvity that often accompanies this populatfon. The CPT and CLO worked closely with regional partners like the Salvatfon Army and Catholic Community Services to obtain resources to assist this populatfon with the goal of moving them into better living conditfons. The Department’s co-responder program remained a vital asset to both the Special Operatfons and the Patrol Divisions assistfng those in crisis or simply needing support negotfatfng the mental health care systems. Additfonal resources became available late in the year as two tfny home locatfons, Mircale Village and Riverton Park Village became operatfonal and began acceptfng residents. Almost simultaneously, the department was able to welcome our new Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC). The CEC quickly dove into her new dutfes assistfng both the CPT and CLO coordinatfng community meetfngs and events. The Traffic unit remained operatfonal, though due to staffing shortages, personnel were often tasked to assist the Patrol Division in order to maintain minimum staffing levels, ensuring tfmely and appropriate responses to in-progress calls. The school zone speed cameras deployed near Foster High School and Showalter Middle School remained operatfonal, assistfng with speed control and enforcement on S. 144th St. The total speed zone tfckets issued in 2022 was 3,487. The Traffic Sergeant and three Traffic Officers also worked closely with other divisions within the department and the city, providing direct support to the Patrol Division, the Investfgatfons Division, as well as the city’s Code Enforcement personnel. In additfon to their day-to-day dutfes, personnel assigned to the Special Operatfons Division are also actfve members of the Valley Civil Disturbance Unit (VCDU), and instructfonal cadre for department training teams including Firearms, Defensive Tactfcs, and the Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC). A s the newest division to the Tukwila Police Department, Emergency Management (EM) is tasked with preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters and emergencies that happen within the City of Tukwila. In 2022, EM made significant strides towards making Tukwila even more prepared for an emergency or disaster. To help move the work along, the EM department hired an Emergency Management Coordinator. The team made significant strides in developing community partnerships, practfcing emergency plans, and educatfng the community about disasters. Preparing the City for Emergencies & Disasters Following an emergency or disaster, city staff may be called to the Emergency Operatfons Center (EOC) to help with the city’s response. To ensure everyone is ready for that responsibility, the EM conducted an EOC set -up drill, teaching them how to get the EOC set-up and running shortly after a disaster. They also took steps to ensure that city staff were prepared by conductfng several preparedness presentatfons with several of the city ’s departments, including Public Works, Department of Community Development, and Municipal Court. As a part of the preparedness efforts, the EM also partfcipated in Cascadia Rising Exercise. Cascadia Rising is a city, county, state, and federal exercise designed to help individuals at all levels of government practfce their plans and talk through and problem solve several likely scenarios. In partnership with the Parks & Recreatfon Department, the EM conducted an inventory of all sheltering supplies as a first step in developing sheltering plan. The inventory process gave the EM a clearer perspectfve on what they have, what they need, and what they were able to do to provide a disaster shelter in the community. Preparing People for Emergencies and Disasters While it’s important that the city be prepared to respond to an emergency or disaster, it’s as important that the community be prepared. Often, in an emergency or disaster, community members must be their own first responders untfl help can arrive. To be your own first responder, you must have the necessary skills, which is why the EM revived the Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) this year. CERT was taught in partnership with Burien and Des Moines with a graduatfng class of 20 people. Individuals learned how to extfnguish fires, turn off utflitfes (gas/ water), provide basic first aid, and search and rescue skills. In partnership with Tukwila Community Center Preschool, the EM developed a preschool -friendly preparedness program because even the youngest community members need to know what to do if an emergency or disaster happens. The course curriculum included topics such as: fire safety, water safety, how and when to call 911, earthquake preparedness, flood awareness, and more. To raise awareness about emergency management and their role in the community, the EM attended Natfonal Night Out where they had the opportunity to meet with community members. Tukwila EM partnered with King County EM and several other local jurisdictfons to create a workbook designed to help individuals and families make a disaster plan. The content was developed in 2022 and the workbooks are expected to go to print early 2023. If you are interested in learning more about their free preparedness classes or to schedule a preparedness class for your family, neighborhood or business, please visit the EM website at www.tukwilawa.gov/emergency -management/contact-us. Building Relationships The EM focused on developing several relatfonships within the community, across the county, and even internatfonally. Through a partnership with EM, King County Regional Homelessness Authority, and Pastor Jan Bolerjack, the EM were able to facilitate the relatfonships necessary to open a cold weather shelter at Riverton Park United Methodist Church. Regionally, they have partnered with Puget Sound Fire Regional Authority Emergency Managers and Public Educators who represent the Citfes of Kent, Covington, Maple Valley, and SeaTac. Their monthly coordinatfon meetfngs with the Fire Authority allow for seamless relatfonships and fire efforts, minimizing a duplicatfon of efforts. Through an internatfonal partnership with the Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initfatfve (YSEALI), Tukwila EM hosted two young emergency management professionals from Indonesia and the Philippines for a month. During their tfme in Tukwila, the interns toured several facilitfes and learned emergency management best practfces that could be taken back to their home countries for implementatfon. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES OF THE QU Lana Umbinetti Victim Advocate Katie Gehring Records Specialist PROMOTIONS EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Officer Henry Linehan Marina Castillo Administrative Assistant Aaron Zwicky Officer LIFE SAVING MEDALS Brian Hunter Commander Andi Delic DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL Officer Jamie Sturgill Records Supervisor Jeff Richards Sergeant Joseph Zaehler EMPLOYEES OF THE QUARTER Zach Anderson Sergeant Elias Hiatt Officer Mike Schlotterbeck Detective Christina Titialii Records Specialist Phil Glover Sergeant LIFE SAVING MEDALS CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION Officer John Perry Officer Marc Schutt Victim Advocate Lana Umbinetti DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL Officer Jamie Sturgill Records Supervisor Jeff Richards BUDGET ONLY INCLUDES GENERAL FUND Expenditures 2022 Expenses 2021 Expenses 2020 Expenses Police Operations $ 16,453,228 $ 15,485,743 $ 15,323,581 Jail $ 1,104,288 $ 1,276,212 $ 1,069,946 Dispatch $ 1,202,737 $ 1,160,308 $ 1,174,997 King County Animal Control Services $ 108,265 $ 99,017 $ 113,507 Total Expenditures $ 18,868,518 $ 18,021,280 $ 17,682,031 Revenue Category 2022 Revenue 2021 Revenue 2020 Revenue Contracted Services $ 429,300 $ 373,188 $ 98,904 Grants $ 134,755 $ 27,605 $ 133,142 Response Generated $ 64,866 $ 194,895 $ 158,082 Total Revenues $ 628,921 $ 595,688 $ 390,128 ANNUAL BUDGET FIGURES Budget Category 2022 Budget 2021 Budget 2020 Budget Police Operations $ 17,412,014 $ 15,927,973 $ 16,946,733 Jail $ 1,087,076 $ 1,087,076 $ 1,100,146 Dispatch $ 1,169,251 $ 1,133,816 $ 1,212,591 King County Animal Control Services $ 144,700 $ 137,800 $ 131,250 Total Budget (Post Amendment) $ 19,813,041 $ 18,286,665 $ 19,390,720 2022 2021 2020 Population 22,402 21,299 21,229 Calls For Service 33,078 29,985 28,646 Crimes Against Persons Murder 4 2 3 Rape 20 25 31 Robbery 90 77 64 Aggravated Assault 55 72 50 TOTAL CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS 169 176 148 Crimes Against Property Arson 4 16 13 Burglary 319 220 223 Larceny 3184 2,573 2,295 Auto Thefts 932 609 547 TOTAL CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY 4439 3,418 3,078 2022 2021 2020 Population 22,402 21,299 21,229 Budget $18,868,518 $18,021,280 $17,682,031 Police Staff: Commissioned 77 78 78 * Non-Commissioned 24 21 21 * Calls For Service 33,078 29,985 28,646 Traffic Citations/Infractions Issued 737 586 838 Reported Vehicle Accidents: Injury 169 154 149 Fatal 0 2 4 Non-Injury (not including hit-and-run) 438 383 292 Injury hit-and-run 17 17 7 TOTALS 624 556 452 CRIME IN TUKWILA COMPARATIVE TOTALS WITH 3-YEAR COMPARISON The Tukwila Police Department submits its crime data through the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). WASPC then sends the state’s crime data to the FBI. The FBI has mandated that all reporting starting in 2021 is done via the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) rather than the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) standards. In previous annual reports, UCR data was reported, but in compliance with the FBI, we are now reporting NIBRS data. The same categories are used, and the 2017 and 2018 data was updated to NIBRS standards in this report. The numbers reported here are pulled from the WASPC website; additional data points are researched for analysis. “The officers involved did an excellent job and we're very professional and patient.” “I appreciate the dispatcher taking all the information after I stated it was non emergency, and the personal call back from the officer just proves to me that you Folks are truly there to serve and protect, I appreciate your 100% support.” “Service was prompt, the detective was awesome, thank you.” The 2 officers that responded to the report were very nice and made me feel comfortable after they checked out the situation.” “We have an amazing police force and thank you for all you do to serve our community” “I am the night manager of a hotel here in Tukwila and we call the police for assistance often. I have been very impressed with how quickly they respond and they do not leave until the situation is under control and/or resolved. “ALL individuals I corresponded with at the Tukwila PD went above and beyond to help me during a stressful situation. I share my gratitude. “Keep up the good work. I appreciate Tukwila police very much. Thank you for protecting our residence and property.” 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. Police Administration Eric Drever, Chief of Police Eric Lund, Deputy Chief Todd Rossi, Commander Kraig Boyd, Commander Dale Rock, Commander Andi Delic, Commander Rebecca Hixson, Senior Manager 2022 City Council Council President Thomas McLeod Council Member Kathy Hougardy Council Member De’Sean Quinn Council Member Kate Kruller Council Member Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson Council Member Mohamed Abdi Council Member Tosh Sharp City Administration Allan Ekberg, Mayor David Cline, City Administrator