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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-21-1998 ICPD Reports/MemosIOWA CITY POLICE ORGANIZATION CHIEF OF POLICE Captain I I I Captain 0700-1500 Patrol Planning & Research Supervisors Supervisor Officers Community Service Officers Records School Crossing Guards Supervisor Records Clerks 1500-2300 Patrol Supervisors Emergency Communications Center Officers Supervisor Community Service Officers Emergency Communications Operators School Crossing Guards Community Relations 2300-0700 Patrol Dare Officer Supervisors Crime Prevention Officer Officers F1 Power Watch Officers Animal Control Supervisor Investigations Animal Control Officers Supervisors Kennel Assistant Officers Communitv Service Officer 2125198 POLICE DEPARTMENT ROSTER SWORN PERSONNEL SWORN PERSONNEL TEMPORARY Chief R. J. Winkelhake Officer Joel Myers Records Part Time Cheryl Stevens Captain Pat Harney Officer Dave Nixon Captain Tom Widmer Officer Tony Noble Lieutenant Ron Fort Officer Deb Petersen Records Work Study Mandy Church Lieutenant Matt Johnson Officer Kristen Platz Lieutenant Dan Sellers Officer Kevin Prestegard Christine Loder Lieutenant Rick Wyss Officer Becki Sammons Jill Rohlena Sergeant Mike Brotherton Officer Ed Schultz Sergeant Bill Campbell Officer Denise Shaffer Crossing Guards Daniel Ahern Sergeant Kevin Heick Officer Chuck Singleman Sergeant Sid Jackson Officer DJ Steva Cherise Christiansen Sergeant Vicki Lalla Officer Darin Zacharias Bob Cowell Sergeant Jim Linn Grayce Fiskvik Sergeant Mike Lord NON -SWORN PERSONNEL Delores Gassman Sergeant Jim Steffen Administrative Clerk -Typist Margaret Heick Officer Chris Akers Linda White Paul Heick Officer Paul Batcheller Todd Hodgkinson Officer Kevin Berg Emergency Communications Bill Houser Officer Jerry Blomgren Nancy Sereduck, Supervisor Cheryl Manary Officer Laurie Boland Donna Bogs, Operator Jennifer Nistler Officer Dave Brucher Dawn Gerst, Operator Andy Reynolds Officer Ralph Cox Sandy Heick, Operator Teresa Scharf Officer Jenny Davis Kelly Jehle, Operator Jackie Simpson Officer Mike Delaney Kat Pence, Operator Joel Temperley Officer Dan Dreckman Lori Peterson, Operator Randy Vermace Officer Dave Droll Lakeetha Ringer, Operator Renee Willemsen Officer Steve Duffy Sandy Seelhammer, Operator Donabel Williams Officer Nicole Fjelstad April Statler, Operator Officer Steve Fortmann Lori Storm, Operator Substitutes Officer Scott Gaarde Sue Thomas, Operator Roxanne Gustayson Officer Ronnie Gist Greta Knievel Officer Dave Gonzalez Records Christine Larson Officer Doug Hart Kathy Lippold, Supervisor Officer Mark Hewlett Jo Farnsworth, Clerk TEMPORARY = 25 Officer Brent Hilzendager Marty Russell, Clerk Officer Bill Hoeft Beth Windsor, Clerk Officer Harry Huff Officer Greg Humrichouse Community Service Officers Officer Kevin Hurd Lynda Ambrose Officer Paul Jacobs Dave Harris Officer Troy Kelsay John McCreedy Officer Steve Kivi Dave Solis Officer Gerry Knock Don Strand Officer Brian Krei Officer Marty Leik Animal Control Officer Erik Lippold Misha Goodman -Herbst, Supervisor Officer Jon Luellen Amanda Cardenas, Kennel Asst Officer Larry Maurer Heather Murray, Officer Officer Ed McMartin Kelly Taylor, Officer Officer Al Mebus Chris Whitmore, Officer Officer Scott Miller Officer Dan Moore PERMANENT EMPLOYEES = 91 FIELD OPERATIONS - PATROL The patrol division is comprised of 57 sworn officers and community service officers; 1 captain - commander of field operations, 3 lieutenants - watch commanders, 6 sergeants - watch supervisors, 43 sworn uniform officers, and 4 community service officers. The department was authorized two additional sworn officers in 1997; however, due to the law enforcement academy being at capacity, those officers cannot be accepted for training until April 1998 at which time they will be hired and will begin their training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Community Policing Officers have been very active in community policing. Uniformed officers have been involved in 163 community events from March through December. These include speaking engagements, community activities, and interacting with neighborhood associations. Bicycle patrol officers have not only been in the downtown area, but also in the residential areas of our community which increases individual citizen contact. Eighteen officers are trained for bicycle patrol. Walking patrol has been increased in the downtown area and in the Plaza. Officers also walk throughout many of the larger apartment complexes in various neighborhoods of our community. Grant Activity • Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau • Iowa Alcohol Incentive Grant ($13,000) - effective October 1, 1997 • Directed overtime enforcement activities ($12,000) • Training and travel requirements ($1,000) - Requirements: 75 OWI contacts, 150 occupant protection contacts, 200 speed contacts or other violations, participate in one combined effort with the Department of Public Safety/Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau • Iowa Alcohol Incentive Grant ($8,900) - attained 11/1/96, was completed November 3, 1997. Requirements: 252 hours directed enforcement, 6 public information activities, purchase two preliminary breath testers, participate in DPS/GTSB approved training (workshop) ➢ Directed enforcement: $7,000 ➢ Training and travel: $1,000 ➢ Purchase preliminary breath testing equipment: $900 • Tobacco Grant, Iowa Department of Health ($1,000) - January 1, 1997 to December 31, 1997. Requirements: Tobacco retailer compliance checks (underage purchase) in conjunction with MECCA. $50 Mailing expenses - informational packets $450 Educational material and radio announcements $500 Enforcement expenditures • On -going COPS Grant paid salary and benefits for six officers in 1997. Special Response Team (SRT) During 1997 the SRT was organized and equipped to deal with high -risk incidents. All applicants for the team were required to successfully complete a battery of testing, which included psychological and physical fitness criteria. One captain, two sergeants, and fifteen officers have received the first phases of training. The advanced phase of training will be completed in 1998. Three negotiators to work with the team have received training and will receive advanced training in 1998. The team was used in one situation in November 1997. The assignment was successfully completed, and resulted in two arrests without any injury. Use of Force Summary Use of force reporting was instituted and 1997 was the first year of reporting. The reports include issues from handcuffing to drawing side arms to destruction of injured animals. Members of the police department used force 218 times in 1997. The instances of force used each month is as follows: January = 11 April = 13 July = 12 October = 19 February = 24 May = 22 August = 20 November = 29 March = 18 June = 19 September = 19 December = 12 Calls For Service 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Calls for Service In 1997 the Iowa City Police Department responded to 65,364 calls for service which was an increase of 8,352 calls for service when compared to 1996. 1 1 1 1 1 Reports Taken 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Reports Taken In 1997, Iowa City police officers, community service officers, emergency communication personnel and investigators took 12,100 reports, which was an increase of 712 reports over 1996. Arrests 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Arrests In 1997, Iowa City police officers made 7,175 arrests, which reflects an increase of 1,227 arrests over 1996. A n^^n 1 Traffic Tickets Issued 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Traffic Tickets Issued In 1997, Iowa City police officers issued 8,021 traffic tickets. This is 1,251 fewer than 1996. Parking Tickets In 1997.. Iowa City police officers and community service officers issued 13,889 parking tickets. INVESTIGATIONS The investigations unit is comprised of seven sworn officers and one community service officer; one lieutenant - unit commander and drug task force project manager, one sergeant - evening supervisor and investigator, and five investigators. Two of the investigators are paid through grants. One through a Drug Task Force Grant and that investigator is assigned as a full-time drug investigator. The second grant investigator began in late 1997. The investigator deals mainly with problems of violence against women; however other domestic violence crimes are also investigated by this officer. The grant is from the Governor's Alliance on Substance Abuse (GASA) in Des Moines. Information on the grant investigator's statistics are maintained outside the investigative unit and are sent directly to GASA through monthly, quarterly, biannual, and annual reports. Activities • The investigation unit conducted an intensive background check on 22 police applicants in 1997. The process took investigators two weeks to complete. • In May 1997, the investigative sergeant reopened a closed case. New information had been received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicating a possible suspect in an Iowa City sexual abuse case. Information was coordinated through many different law enforcement agencies. A meeting was held in June 1997 to determine the most reasonable and effective way to handle the complicated investigation. The suspect had been identified through a DNA match and a positive response to the Iowa City case was received. The suspect was arrested by New Jersey authorities in June 1997. The case gained national attention due to the many jurisdictions involved and due to the fact that the suspect was deemed a serial rapist. • In September 1997, officers of the Iowa City Police Department responded to a call about a missing female, by her husband upon his return to Iowa City. Evidence at the residence gave officers concern for the missing female's safety. Two days later, the victim's body was found lying in a ditch near Rockford, Illinois. A vehicle taken from the residence at the time of the incident was located two months later in New Jersey. This case has taken officers across the country. The homicide investigation continues and remains open. 0 1997 Investigations Summary Case # of Cases Average Days Open Criminal Mischief 6 48.3 Harassing/Obscene Phone Calls 8 5.9 Threats 4 62.5 Terrorism 1 37 Domestic Abuse 35 14.3 Child Abuse 5 9.6 Fraud/Forgery 89 38.8 Theft By Check 142 36.7 Sexual Abuse 43 35.6 Child Sexual Abuse 25 34.7 Death Investigation 15 21.9 Theft 84 116.8 Assault 23 41.7 Burglary 27 135.8 Burglary - Vehicle 5 69.8 Receiving Stolen Property 1 Robbery 6 43.0 Homicide 1 Arson 7 13 Other 21 18.3 Total Number of Cases Investigated 548 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES A change of command took place in 1997. Captain Don Strand retired prior to the start of 1997. He was replaced by newly promoted Captain Tom Widmer in February 1997. Along with the responsibility for records, emergency communications, animal control, planning and research, community services and uniform issue/control, Captain Widmer retained responsibility for the police department training. Items of note for 1997 are as follows: • Computerized the uniform inventory system • Delegated task of alarm billing to records supervisor • Delegated task of photo handling and documentation to property room CSO • Developed department vide training for OC pepper spray certification • Developed department wide training for building searches • Researched "Judgmental Use of Force" training system for purchase by Department Training Over the last few years, the police departments training has developed into an expanded offering of basic and advanced skills needed to perform the evolving task of law enforcement. In 1997, 78 different schools or blocks of training were offered on a variety of topics. Four of the training sessions were mandatory for all sworn personnel (48 total hours per officer). Seventy-four topics were offered on a voluntary selection basis. A total of 8,451 total hours of training was completed for an average of 134.14 hours per officer. The bulk of the training (20 schools) continues to be with the Mobile Team Training Unit IV in East Moline, IL. For an annual fee of $60 per officer, the department is allowed to attend training that would cost the department $400-$500 in tuition per officer. It has proven to be a very cost-effective means of acquiring quality training. The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy accounted for 12 of the schools, 10 schools of training were conducted "in-house". Three days of the mandatory training for every officer was conducted. The yearly training is known as MATS (Multi -Agency Training System). The MATS training covers most of the mandatory instruction needed for yearly certification and legislative mandates. In addition, the key training areas were identified, such as firearms qualification, OC pepper spray certification and building searches. Iowa City officers also assist the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy sending officers to assist in instruction of PR-234, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, and Drug Recognition. We also train employees of licensed liquor establishments how to serve alcoholic beverages safely and within the law. It is the responsibility of the Administrative Captain to produce a monthly training report to the Chief of Police. This process which began in March of 1997 is expected to continue in the future. Goals • Have the process for the Department Accreditation in place and making satisfactory progress • Set up a bidding process for officer uniform contract • Implement a systematic F.A.T.S. (Judgmental Use of Force) training program • Take on responsibility for supervision of the evidence/property function PLANNING AND RESEARCH Sergeant Jim Steffen is in charge of the Planning and Research function. The most time consuming aspect of planning and research is the daily report review. In 1997, he reviewed 12,100 submitted case files, checking for completeness and possible errors. This requires constant communication and accountability with all supervisors and officers on the department. Documenting the submitted reports, a monthly report is produced stating each officer's production in several pertinent areas. In the event Sgt. Steffen is ill or on vacation, the backup responsibility for report review rests with the Records Section Supervisor. Sgt. Steffen began producing a daily information bulletin that is used at all the watch meetings. The log assured that all-important information is being disseminated in a unified and timely manner to department personnel. Sgt. Steffen also tracks car -deer accidents within the city and produces a monthly and yearly summary. Sgt. Steffen has responsibility for the bi-monthly "Use of Force" review committee and produces the Use of Force report for public release. The Planning and Research Sergeant also serves as the Public Information Officer, responsible for providing information to the various Iowa City media. He serves as the contact person and department spokes person for people wanting information about various crimes, trends, procedures, etc., concerning the police department. He is responsible for the daily update of police department info placed on the Government Cable Channel 4. Additional duties include responsibility for the lost and found function which involves logging the items, identifying possible owners, and returning/disposing of items in the prescribed manner. Included in this process are found/stolen bicycles. Goals • Turn lost and found function over to the evidence custodian • Continue to develop the daily information bulletin to include more precise trends and patterns • Communicate with officers in a more accurate and meaningful manner the areas where the officers reports can be improved • Improve department's response to the needs of the media COMMUNITY SERVICES Community Services is comprised of two uniform officers. It encompasses the DARE unit, the crime prevention unit, and the community relations unit. Both officers are cross -trained in all three areas. ♦ DARE In 1997, the lead officer for the Iowa City DARE was reassigned to Officer Joel Myers. The program was presented in all twelve Iowa City elementary schools to over 500 fifth and sixth grade students. Instead of doing large joint parent nights and culmination's, the events were changed so that each school is allowed to have it's own unique program to showcase the school and students. There has been an increased involvement between the University of Iowa Woman's Gymnastics Team and the Iowa City DARE program. Student gymnasts are being utilized as role models/mentors in the classroom and culmination's. The team also sponsored a DARE event at one of their home meets where the DARE students were V I P's. An additional officer was trained in DARE instruction this year to accommodate the need for a substitute to fill in when the other two officers have conflicts. ♦ CRIME PREVENTION Kevin Berg continues as the lead officer in this area. In 1997, he organized and coordinated 95 Neighborhood Watch areas encompassing approximately 1500 homes. As a part of this program, he developed and distributed four editions (quarterly) of the Sentinel Voice, Iowa City's newsletter to the neighborhood Watches. In addition, every residential burglary victim in our city was sent a letter containing information on home security and the Neighborhood Watch Program. With assistance from a Coralville police officer, the Iowa City crime prevention officer developed and organized the second "Citizen's Police Academy". This twelve -week program once again proved very successful in graduating 22 students (included all members of the newly formed Citizen's Review Board). Coordinated the development of the Iowa City Police Department web page. This service is an attempt to make information about our department and the services that we offer more accessible. Kevin spoke to more than 60 groups in 1997, is involved in the Juvenile Shoplifting Prevention Program, and serves as the President for the Iowa Crime Prevention Association. ♦ COMMUNITY RELATIONS Officer Berg developed the format and submitted monthly reports on Community Relation activities in which the department participates. The majority of these events are coordinated through the office of community services. In the months of March through October, there were 114 officer contacts in 163 community events for 308 hours involving more than 8,300 citizens. The unit plays a leading role in summertime playground activities, as well as involvement with the Johnson County Safe Kids Coalition, Safety Village of Iowa City, and is charged with making safety presentations throughout the community. They worked with FOX -TV in Cedar Rapids producing bike safety promos involving Iowa City officers. They also worked with the patrol unit in operating a traffic safety checkpoint emphasizing child safety seats. Street for two years. The animal control supervisor also set on the committee exploring methods to control the deer population within the City. Increased utilization of City Infovision, cable access television, as well as radio and print media was utilized to promote animal adoption. Staff conducted a weekend "Adoptathon" aided by local merchants, which resulted in 25 animals being adopted. The "Adoptathon" is planned as a yearly event due to the success we experienced. The operation of the shelter continues to be aided by the animal control advisory board. This dedicated group of individuals makes recommendations, provides insight, and oversees the administering of special private funds donated to the shelter. Goals • Develop contract with local veterinarians for medical treatment service and vaccinations • Landscape the exterior grounds of the shelter • Formalize the contract for service with the University of Iowa • Begin work on a formal micro -chipping program for identification of pets EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS The emergency communications center is staffed by non -sworn personnel. The center is supervised by Nancy Sereduck. Currently there are 9 full-time dispatchers along with two part-time positions. One of the part-time positions (20 hours) was new in 1997. There has been some turnover this year. Four full-time dispatchers terminated their employment in the emergency communications center which resulted in a strain for the other employees due to the necessity of recruitment, hiring, and training of new personnel. The center is currently at full strength with one dispatcher who will complete training in early 1998. The job of dispatching continues to evolve into a more technical operation with the increase in the amount of information employees must process on a daily basis. In 1997, dispatchers handled 65,364 police department calls for service (15.8% increase over 1996). This includes 1,930 emergency medical dispatches and approximately 15,000 "911" calls. Additionally there were 3,213 fire department calls for service. Goals • Increase the available amount of quality training dispatchers are allowed to attend • Successfully transition into the Windows -driven dispatch system • Terminate direct alarm monitoring responsibilities ANIMAL CONTROL Animal control is made up of non -sworn personnel. Misha Goodman -Herbst is the supervisor, assisted by three animal control officers and one kennel assistant. The care of the animals and the upkeep of the facility are aided by over 200 different volunteers. A total of 1,952 animals were impounded in the shelter last year. This represents a 3% increase from 1996. Additionally, there was a 5% increase in adoptions (661), a 2% increase in reclaims (675), and a 5% reduction in animals euthanized. The majority of animals euthanized were due to sickness, injury or aggressive disposition. Only .02% (34) animals were destroyed due to lack of cage space. Although not totally finished, the old portion of the shelter was renovated in 1997. This much needed project allowed for an increased number of kennels, a locker and break room for staff, greater storage capability, and a more efficient, comfortable and sanitary facility. Also repairs were made to outside kennels, a new floor was installed in part of the facility, and a new phone system installed. The phone system allows menu driven answers to common questions, as well as increased phone line capacity for direct contact with staff. No more busy signal! 1997 also saw the adoption of a new animal permit ordinance for Iowa City. The animal control supervisor worked with the city council and city legal to bring about passage. The process was initiated to obtain a formal contract between the University of Iowa and the Iowa City Animal Shelter for animal control services much the same as the agreement between Coralville and Iowa City, which continues to function effectively. The animal control staff was instrumental in a project to gain council approval for the installation of the wildlife reflector warning system on Dodge Street between the cemetery and 1-80. This is the same type of system successfully utilized on Dubuque Street for two years. The animal control supervisor also set on the committee exploring methods to control the deer population within the City. Increased utilization of City Infovision, cable access television, as well as radio and print media was utilized to promote animal adoption. Staff conducted a weekend "Adoptathon" aided by local merchants, which resulted in 25 animals being adopted. The "Adoptathon" is planned as a yearly event due to the success we experienced. The operation of the shelter continues to be aided by the animal control advisory board. This dedicated group of individuals makes recommendations, provides insight, and oversees the administering of special private funds donated to the shelter. Goals • Develop contract with local veterinarians for medical treatment service and vaccinations • Landscape the exterior grounds of the shelter • Formalize the contract for service with the University of Iowa • Begin work on a formal micro -chipping program for identification of pets RECORDS The records section of the Iowa City Police Department is staffed by non -sworn personnel. It consists of one supervisor, Kathy Lippold, and three full-time staff. In addition, a temporary position is utilized for an average of one day per week. A University student work-study program was undertaken to accomplish filing and data entry. In 1997, two students were hired in the spring semester and three in the fall. Each student works an average of 12 hours per week. A total of 12,100 cases were processed in the records section. That was an increase of 700 cases over 1996. Conservatively estimating that each file contains a minimum of five pages that would indicate a handling of more than 60,500 pieces of information in the initial handling of the case files alone. There were 6,837 property data entries and the maintenance of 5,783 new arrest files. In addition to gathering and entering all the required information for the Uniform Crime Report, the records section took on the task of doing the data entry for all traffic tickets issued by the Iowa City officers. A total of 8,021 were entered in 1997. The records supervisor took responsibility for the tracking and billing of police response to false alarms. Last year a total of 1,590 false alarms were responded to by Iowa City police officers. This billing generated fines of $14,700. The records supervisor is responsible for tracking "use of force" incidents and providing the planning and resource supervisor with that information on a regular basis. The records section also took on the assignment of updating and creating a new business callback list. This entailed a letter being sent to all businesses in Iowa City, as well as recording the information received in response to the inquiry. Goals • Installation of a new records management system (hardware and software • Acquisition of an imaging system to eliminate the need to put old cases on micro -film