Concord NC Police Annual Report 2020

Concord Police Department

2020 Annual Report

Table of Contents OUR MISSION

2

OUR VISION

2

OUR CORE VALUES

3

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE

4

2020 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

6

2021 DEPARTMENT GOALS

7

QUICK FACTS ABOUT CONCORD

8

STATISTICAL DATA

9

GRANTS RECEIVED IN 2020

9

DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2020

10

OPERATING EXPENDITURES

13

THREE YEAR COMPARISON

15

TEN YEAR COMPARISON

15

PATROL BUREAU

16

OPERATIONS BUREAU

19

ADMINISTRATION BUREAU

22

ON THE MOVE

23

2020 COMMENDATIONS

24

REMEMBERING JASON SHUPING

26

Our Mission In partnership with the community, we will reduce the levels of crime, fear, and disorder through evidence-based community policing strategies. We embrace transparency and accountability, provide exceptional service, and are committed to a culture of excellence.

Our Vision A community where citizens and police work together, in harmony, to achieve the highest standards of public safety.

Annual Report

PROJECT MANAGER:

Lieutenant Cydney McGhee

2

Concord Police Department

Our Core Values Leadership

We are prudent stewards of the public’s grant of authority

We seek to influence human behavior to achieve

and resources. We are accountable for the quality of our performance and the standards of our conduct.

organizational goals that serve the public while developing individuals, teams and the organization for future service.

We accept our responsibility to be leaders, both within the community and among our peers, and for the actions of our colleagues and ourselves. We are all responsible for the performance, reputation and morale of the department.

Courage

We place the safety of others before our own and accept

our moral responsibility to take action against injustice and wrongdoing. Coworkers are expected to take prudent risks on behalf of the public.

Respect

We hold life in the highest regard. We treat all citizens

Integrity

and colleagues with dignity and respect, and are fair and impartial as we perform our duties. We openly and effectively communicate with the public and each other by sharing information and soliciting feedback to accomplish the department’s vision and mission.

We recognize the complexity of police work and exercise

discretion in ways that are beyond reproach and worthy of public trust. Honesty and truthfulness are fundamental elements of integrity. It is our duty to earn public trust through consistent words and actions. We are honest in word and deed.

Restraint

We use the minimum force and authority necessary to

accomplish a proper police purpose. We demonstrate selfdiscipline, even when no one is listening or watching.

3

2020 Annual Report

Competence

Concord Police Department

2020 Annual Report

equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, gowns, and hand sanitizer. We were also quite fortunate to work alongside staff from the Cabarrus Health Alliance, Cabarrus County EMS, and Concord Fire Department as we collectively navigated the unchartered waters of a global pandemic. I’m proud of my officers for their balanced approach to enforcing the governor’s executive orders – through guidance, education, and reminders. And I’m grateful for the community’s patience and understanding as we all transitioned into a new way of protecting each other against community spread.

In May and June the deaths of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks sparked protests and civil unrest across the country.

The nation was reminded that there’s much work to be done in order to form a more perfect union, as the Constitution calls for. Local protests and individual meetings we held with concerned stakeholders provided the department with an opportunity to remind the public of all the work it had done and all the training it invested in long before this past summer.

Training in de-escalation techniques, Fair and Impartial Policing, Implicit Bias, Racial Equity, and more, provided staff with an abundance of knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues that confront our profession. Best practice policies and procedures that meet or exceed the standards put forth by Project Zero’s #8CANTWAIT were put into place years ago. And as a department that practices an evidencebased community policing philosophy, existing relationships we have with organizations like the NAACP, Black Political Caucus of Cabarrus County, El Puente Hispano, and individual neighborhoods across the city, we were all able to engage in meaningful dialogue and avoid the disorder, property damage, and violence that so many other communities experienced.

Message From The Chief Of Police I present to you the Concord Police Department 2020 Annual Report. I trust that you’re as pleased with 2020 coming to an end as we are. It’s an understatement that 2020 was a challenging year. But we got through it, and we’re looking forward to seeing what 2021 has in store for us.

As I began to draft this message in early December, I had every reason to believe that COVID-19 and civil unrest across the country would have been the most consequential topics to discuss. Unfortunately, that changed on the evening of December 16, 2020. Officers Jason Shuping and Kaleb Robinson encountered an armed male who opened fire upon them in an unprovoked attack. Kaleb was shot and wounded.

Fortunately, he has recovered physically and continues to serve the City of Concord. Jason, however, sustained a fatal wound and died in the line of duty while protecting this community. Jason was 25 years old and served this department with distinction for 18 months. We will never forget Jason or the ultimate sacrifice he made trying to keep the City of Concord safe. I want to thank the Concord community for the abundance of support it provided to the department, as well as to the Robinson and Shuping families. The department is working on a permanent memorial at police headquarters to honor Jason, his service, and his sacrifice. I’ll provide more information with the public as plans develop.

The department now has three officers certified to instruct Fair and Impartial Policing training to all new hires. Every sworn

The coronavirus began affecting our operations in March.

Given the initial uncertainty of the virus, almost all proactive policing strategies were discontinued. Fortunately, we were prepared and had an adequate supply of personal protective

Pall bearers at Jason Shuping's memorial service.

4

"In This Together," an event to support all front line workers during a diff icult time

City Council also budgeted six (6) additional patrol officer positions in FY 2020/21, and approved a $1,000,000 COPS hiring grant for eight (8) more patrol officer positions effective July 1, 2021. This strategic growth is in line with the geographic and population growth the city has experienced over the last decade. These additional patrol positions will also enhance our visible presence and improve our service delivery as calls for service continue to trend higher year after year.

Overall Part 1 crime continued to decline in 2020. However, violent crime rose slightly (+7 incidents) as a result of an increase in criminal homicides and rape compared to 2019.

Property crime decreases were driven by burglary (-25%), larceny from motor vehicle (-12%), and shoplifting (-23%).

Motor vehicle thefts continued to rise in 2020 (+29) as it did in 2019 (+24), which follows a national trend. Significant reasons for that increase include unlocked vehicles, unoccupied vehicles left running, and unoccupied vehicles with key fobs left inside. I strongly encourage the public to help us combat these types of crimes by locking your vehicle and not leaving any valuables inside of it (including the keys).

In April the department embarked upon a multi-year initiative to achieve accreditation through The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). In order to achieve the CALEA credential the department must Follow Us meet close to 200 professional concordncpolice standards covering both administrative and operational Concord NC Police practices. Only around 5% of law enforcement agencies @ConcordNCPolice in the United States achieve @concordncpolice CALEA accreditation and we hope to do be able to do

I hope you enjoy reviewing our 2020 annual report. Be safe and be well. #ForwardTogether

Gary J. Gacek

CHIEF OF POLICE, CONCORD, NC

5

2020 Annual Report

In the fall, the department was one of twenty-five law enforcement agencies in North America to be accepted into Georgetown Law’s Innovative Policing Program. A new curriculum called Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) is based upon social science research that helps police officers intervene when necessary to prevent their colleagues from causing harm or making a costly career-ending mistake.

I sought out this training opportunity not because of a lack of trust in my staff or because of a specific incident, rather because it was the right thing to do in order to better prepare my staff for the potential challenges they may face during their careers. The department was accepted into the ABLE program through a competitive process that was based upon having existing community partnerships in place and an effective track record of community policing. Three sergeants and a master police officer are certified to teach ABLE, and all employees will receive this training during 2021 to include ongoing refresher training thereafter.

Concord Police Department

so by 2022. City Council even budgeted for an additional police lieutenant position to command the newly created Professional Standards Division. This person manages the CALEA process, oversees all department training, and conducts or supervises internal investigations.

employee has completed this cutting-edge training to better understand the science of implicit bias to ensure our actions are consistent with the law and our core values.

2020 Organizational Chart Gary J. Gacek Chief of Police

Concord Police Department

2020 Annual Report

Executive Assistants

Deputy Chief James Hughes, Jr.

Major Keith Eury

Major Robert Ledwell

Patrol Bureau

Administration Bureau

Operations Bureau

Captain Deckster Barlowe

Chuck Brock

Captain Jeremy Baggarly

Executive Officer

Code Enforcement

Adam District

Community Outreach & Education

Captain John Tierney

Captain Patrick Tierney

Watch Command

Criminal Investigations

Baker District

Forensics & Property Control Captain Alan Lee

Lieutenant Lance Brooks

Major Crimes

Charlie District

Captain Todd McGhee

Special Operations

Captain Vashon Clark

Lieutenant Ramon Gonzalez

Public Safety Unit

David District

Street Crimes Vice & Narcotics

Airport Unit

Mounted Patrol

Lieutenant Denan Sabanija

Mobile Field Force SWAT

6

Crime & Strategic Analysis Information Technology Lieutenant Larry Hubbard Professional Standards

Accreditation Training Lieutenant Cydney McGhee Support Services

Customer Service Planning & Logistics Recruiting

2021 Department Goals Continue to reduce Part 1 Crime,

particularly motor vehicle thefts

Develop a permanent fallen officer memorial

at police headquarters

Establish a 501(c)3 Concord Police Foundation Establish a Child Sex Crimes and

Human Trafficking Task Force

Concord Police Department

Fill all budgeted sworn positions to include the eight additional positions slated for 7/1/21 Continue to diversify the department so that it matches or exceeds the minority and female representation of the community it serves Complete the land acquisition and

design/engineering phases of the joint police and fire training facility Provide ABLE training to the entire department BLET Firearms class

Graduated BLET Class 2020

7

2020 Annual Report

Complete CALEA process and be positioned for accreditation by 2022

Quick Facts About Concord Concord Tourism PROVIDED BY CABARRUS

COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

PROVIDED BY CONCORD-PADGETT REGIONAL AIRPORT

700,000 Demographics

VISITORS

Decrease In Allegiant Enplanements

ACS 5-YEAR ESTIMATES)

Down 50%

 11%

2020 Annual Report

(U.S. CENSUS BUREAU – 2019

Concord Police Department

 51%

95,453 Current Population

7TH

LARGEST Municipality In The

State By Land Area.

84% Concord’s Share Of Lodging

In Cabarrus County

 32% Decrease

10TH

Hotel Rooms

Municipality In The

490,000

LARGEST State By Population.

36,101

Increase Overall Airport Operations

Utilized

GUESTS

City Growth 2017-2020

Hotel Usage

PROVIDED BY CITY OF CONCORD GIS

Annexations:

Single-Family Residences

1.06 SQUARE MILES

36.8

Total Area:

63.6 SQUARE MILES

Median Age 8

Statistical Data Citywide Foot Patrol Bike Patrol

Grants Received In 2020 North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety ProgramTraffic Safety Enforcement OT

Hours/Minutes 8,632 / 30 640 / 03

$25,000

32,675

(Started October 2020)

Traffic Stops

Reports Taken

3,042 Arrest Reports

5,957

$1,000,000

Citations Issued

for hiring eight police officers over three years (Matching % changes each year)

26,067 Warnings Issued

BJA Jag Grant for COVID-19 supplies over two years

Accident Reports

$34,597 30,864 Property Checks

1,453 Parking

Citations Issued:

Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership

76,463

$28,597

Officer-Initiated Calls

(50% match)

3,138 Field Contacts

61 Voided

Touch A Truck Event

935 Paid

457 Unpaid 9

2020 Annual Report

3,210

Concord Police Department

3,245

US DOJ COPS Hiring Grant

Concord Police Department

2020 Annual Report

2020 Department Highlights

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Off icers supporting the Warrior Jace Foundation in the drive to kick out DIPG.

Dr. Seuss Day with Sgt. Merritt

CPD Golf Tournament 2020

10

New Hire COVID group swear-in

FR1 Karting Challenge at the Go Pro Motorplex

2020 Annual Report

Chief for a Day with Josh Barnette

Sgt. Marckese at Blood Drive

Concord Police Department

FR1 Event: Charlotte Checkers Hockey Game

Cracker Barrel thank you food donation with Det. Johnson

Chalk Challenge

11

Police Week

2020 Annual Report Concord Police Department

During the onset of this pandemic, community members supported our department by making mask as well as donating PPE items.

Fairness In Policing Instructors Sgt. Blalock, Sgt. Parker, Off icer Nichols.

Sgt. Ramos giving local news crews an interview about ABLE Training.

12

Operating Expenditures

1%

68%

ABLE Trainers Sgt. Mearite and MPO Soares.

Personnel

10%

4%

Capital

Cost Allocations

17%

Operations

Total 2020 Expenditures:

$14,197,488

Concord Police Department

Debt Service

BUDGET TO ACTUAL SPENDING BUDGETED

ABLE Trainers Sgt. Merritt and Sgt. Ramos.

ABLE Project (Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement) The Concord Police Department (CPD) is partnering with Georgetown Law’s Innovative Policing Program to prepare officers to successfully intervene to prevent misconduct and harmful behavior; and, to further develop the department’s organizational culture, which supports peer intervention. CPD was one of twenty-five initial law enforcement agencies in the US and Canada to be selected.

PERSONNEL

ABLE is a nationally recognized and evidence-based program.

Three Police Sergeants and a Master Police Officer have gone through the program's train-the-trainer training. The department was one of the first law enforcement agencies in the state to facilitate ABLE training.

13

OPERATIONS

CAPITAL

COST DEBT ALLOCATIONS SERVICE

2020 Annual Report

SPENT

Concord Police Department

2020 Annual Report

MURDER RAPE ROBBERY AGGRAVATED ASSAULT BURGLARYLARCENY MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT ARSON TOTAL VIOLENT TOTAL PROPERTY CRIMES TOTAL CRIMES PART 1 CRIMES

PART I CRIMES TEN YEAR COMPARISON up 62%

Murder

down 6%

Rape

down 42%

Robbery

up 9%

Aggravated Assault

Burglary

down 66%

down 41%

Larceny

up 14%

Motor Vehicle Theft

Arson

down 68%

up 7%

Total Violent Crimes

Total Property Crimes

down 12%

Total Part 1 Crimes down 41%

 Ten Year Average  % Change 2020 HIRING REPORT RACE SEX

EDUCATION PRIOR EXPERIENCE

SWAT

TOTAL

14

White

27

Black

3

Hispanic

3

Male

31

Female

2

HS

19

AA

7

BA

6

MA

1

Prior LE

16

Military

9 33

THREE YEAR COMPARISON 2017

2018

2019

3 YEAR AVERAGE

2020

% CHANGE FROM 3 YEAR AVERAGE

Murder

2

3

4

3.0

6

+100.0%

Rape

7

9

0

5.3

9

+68.8%

Robbery

31

39

30

33.3

25

−25.0%

Agg. Assault

54

40

54

49.3

54

+9.5%

295

196

153

214.7

114

−46.9%

1,456

1,428

1,348

1410.7

1,165

−17.4%

64

70

94

76.0

122

+60.5%

Violent Crime

Property Crime Burglary Larceny Theft MV Theft

4

1

8

4.3

3

−30.8%

Total Violent Crimes

94

91

88

91.0

94

+3.3%

1,819

1,695

1,603

1705.7

1,404

−17.7%

1,913

1,786

1,691

1796.7

1,498

−16.6%

2017

2018

2019

3 YEAR AVERAGE

2020

% CHANGE FROM 3 YEAR AVERAGE

Dispatched

42,838

42,873

44,570

43427.0

44,361

+2.2%

Self Initiated

93,145

84,349

82,338

86610.7

76,463

−11.7%

135,983

127,222

126,908

130037.7

120,824

−7.1%

Total Property Crimes Part I Total ACTIVITY

Total

TEN YEAR COMPARISON 2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

10 YEAR AVERAGE

2020

Murder

4

2

3

7

2

5

5

2

3

4

3.7

6

+62.2%

Rape

11

11

10

11

13

11

13

7

9

0

9.6

9

−6.3%

Robbery

57

36

40

51

43

55

46

31

39

30

42.8

25

−41.6%

Agg. Assault

59

46

38

55

40

55

54

54

40

54

49.5

54

+9.1%

Violent Crime

Property Crime Burglary

354

461

473

435

351

294

345

295

196

153

335.7

114

−66.0%

2,378

2,584

2,498

2,174

2,006

1,983

1,783

1,456

1,428

1,348

1963.8

1,165

−40.7%

MV Theft

167

132

137

105

106

95

104

64

70

94

107.4

122

+13.6%

Arson

23

10

20

6

8

7

8

4

1

8

9.5

3

−68.4%

Total Violent Crimes

131

95

91

124

98

126

118

94

91

88

105.6

94

−11%

2,922

3,187

3,128

2,720

2,471

2,379

2,240

1,819

1,695

1,603

2416.4

1,404

−41.9%

3,053

3,282

3,219

2,844

2,569

2,505

2,358

1,913

1,786

1,691

2522

1,498

−40.6%

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

38,701

38,935

38,775

39,729

39,558

41,032

43,602

42,838

42,873

44,570

41061.3

73,832

93,145

84,349

82,338

61627.7

76,463

+24.1%

102689

120,824

+17.7%

Larceny Theft

Total Property Crimes Total Part I Crimes ACTIVITY Dispatched Self Initiated

55,877

50,470

39,990

38,085

39,992

58,199

Total

94,578

89,405

78,765

77,814

79,550

99,231

15

117,434 135,983 127,222 126,908

2020 44,361

+8.0%

2020 Annual Report

2010

% CHANGE FROM 10 YEAR AVERAGE

Concord Police Department

Arson

Concord Police Department

2020 Annual Report

Patrol Bureau The Patrol Bureau is the first line of response provided by the Concord Police Department.

Under the command of Deputy Chief Hughes, the Patrol Bureau is responsible and accountable for leadership, performance, efficiency, and general good conduct of the department. DC Hughes delegates responsibilities of patrol as prescribed by the Chief of Police.

taking corrective action when deficiencies are noted; monitors response to calls for service to ensure timely response and proper disposition; ensures all personnel perform their duties in a timely manner and follow prescribed policies and procedures; ensures departmental equipment is being utilized as intended and is properly maintained; monitoring overtime usage and reducing unnecessary overtime expenditures; conducting an initial review of administrative investigations as directed by the Chief of Police; and other duties as prescribed by the Chief of Police.

Deputy Chief James Hughes, Jr.

K-9s

Captain Barlowe is responsible for Watch Commanders, Community Outreach and Education, and the administrative aspects of the department’s K9 Officers.

Community Outreach & Education

The Concord Police Department Canine Unit serves the department and community in several different areas. Each patrol rotation is assigned a Canine Unit that works to assist patrol. The unit also performs several hundred public demonstrations throughout the year.

All canines are trained and tested in obedience, aggression control, tracking, building search, area search, and narcotics detection. Each canine is assigned to one officer and stays with that officer throughout his career. When a canine retires, the officer/handler usually keeps the canine.

Captain Deckster Barlowe Executive Officer

The Community Outreach and Education Unit is comprised of two sergeants and 20 school resource officers. The unit's ultimate responsibility is to ensure a safe and secure environment for students, faculty and others who work and visit our schools, while providing educational programs to the students. Community Outreach officers during school also provide operational support to the Patrol Bureau during periods when school is not in session.

On October 12, 2020 Concord Police Department sustained the loss of K9 Wolf following a medical emergency. Wolf worked alongside of MPO Patterson and served the citizens of Concord for over two years.

Watch Commanders

Watch Commanders shall be responsible for oversight of all department field operations to include: oversight of patrol activities by ensuring basic police functions are efficiently and effectively carried out; inspecting staffing to ensure the department can meet service demands and

Lance Brooks

Lieutenant Watch Commander

Ramon Gonzalez Lieutenant Watch Commander

K-9 Wolf

MPO Patterson and Wolf

Denan Sabanija

Lieutenant Watch Commander

16

Adam District

The Baker Patrol District encompasses an area of approximately 18.3 square miles and has a residential population of approximately 27,375 residents. There are 7 educational institutions within the district as well as 6 recreational parks and facilities. Baker District has 11 active neighborhood partnerships and has 29 officers serving the district. Baker District is also home to the Hartsell Ballfield complex that has on several occasions been the host of the AAU baseball tournaments and championships.

Captain Jeremy Baggarly

Adam Patrol District

29 Officers

8.7 Square Miles

Officers

16,744

18.3

Population

Square Miles

 10%

Baker Patrol District

27,375 Population

 38% Increase in Violent Crimes

 5% Decrease in Property Crimes

Increase in

Violent Crimes

Off icer Hernandez at Concord Children's Academy

 24%

CADET Program introduction

Decrease in

Property Crimes 17

Recently hired Off icer Culp in training

2020 Annual Report

29

Captain Patrick Tierney

Concord Police Department

The Adam Patrol District has an area of approximately 8.7 square miles and has a residential population of approx. 16,744. Within the district, there are 9 educational institutions and 7 recreational parks and facilities. With 29 officers assigned to the patrol district, Adam District has community partnerships with 8 established neighborhoods. Major employment and economic facilities within the district include ACN, Atrium Health - Cabarrus and the Carolina Mall.

Baker District

Concord Police Department

2020 Annual Report

Charlie District

Charlie Patrol District has an area of approximately 20.9 square miles and has a residential population of approx. 33,289. Within the district, there are three private schools and five public educational institutions. With 26 officers assigned to the patrol district, Charlie District has community partnerships with 26 established neighborhoods and two recreational facilities. This district continues to grow with a mix of commercial and residential construction.

Csubi spreading the COVID message

David District

David District has an area of approximately 15.4 square miles and has a residential population of approx.

18,045 residents. The district contains one high school and one middle school. With 29 officers assigned there, David District has community partnerships with five established neighborhoods and contains popular attractions such as Great Wolf Lodge, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Concord Mills Mall.

Captain Alan Lee

Charlie Patrol District

26

Officers

20.9

Square Miles

 38%

33,289

Decrease in

Population

Violent Crimes

 38%

 15%

Decrease in Violent Crimes

Decrease in

Property Crimes

 14%

Captain Vashon Clark

David Patrol District

29

Officers

15.4

Square Miles

18,045 Population

AIRPORT UNIT

Increase in Property Crimes

The department's airport unit is comprised of a sergeant and four officers that are responsible for enhancing the safety of its visitors and employees of the Concord-Padgett Regional Airport. In addition to responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, the unit protects the airport from security breaches by using a combination of foot, bicycle, and motor vehicle patrols while conducting frequent inspection of secure and non-secure areas.

5

CPD Mounted Patrol working with Turning Point Academy Summer Exposure Experience

Officers

18

Operations Bureau The Operations Bureau is responsible for providing operational support to the Patrol Bureau via specialized teams, intervention strategies, and tactics. Commanded by Major Robert Ledwell, this bureau partners with patrols, schools, and the community, and works collaboratively to reduce the Major Robert Ledwell levels of crime, fear, and disorder in neighborhoods; improve the quality of life for Concord’s citizens, visitors, and businesses; and have a positive and lasting impression on the lives of student-aged youth.

2020 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS CASES ASSIGNED Aggravated Assaults

Burglary

28

75%

Larceny

15

33%

Physical Assaults

15

87%

Rape & Sex Off

45

65%

Robbery

18

78%

Homicide

4

100%

−23%

Investigations

2356

+55%

4

28

+600%

Garbage & Waste (bulk piles, leaves & etc)

98

90

−8%

Minimum Housing Standards

69

59

−15%

7

7

0%

31

19

−39%

Parking Violations (tickets, commercial vehicles, etc.)

279

246

−12%

Vehicle Violations (front yard parking)

161

95

−41%

Vehicle Violations (junk & abandoned)

602

692

+15%

Zoning Violations

126

189

+50%

In 2020 the division was assigned over 313 cases, which included incidents of homicide, serious assaults and crimes against women and children.

Forensics & Property Control

Forensics & Property Control is comprised of a sergeant, two forensic investigators and two civilian property control custodians. The section is responsible for the operation of all identification systems, the maintenance of criminal, fingerprint,

19

2020 Annual Report

1496

1517

Concord Police Department

1937

Miscellaneous (livestock, stormwater, etc.)

100%

The Criminal Investigations Division is comprised of a captain, three sergeants and 10 investigators. The division is responsible for providing the patrol bureau with operational support through the investigation, relentless follow-up, and case management of felony crimes that are complex and severe in nature; Captain providing forensic and other crime John Tierney scene services; assisting in the Criminal Investigations collection and storage of evidence and other property coming into the department’s possession; managing property control and identification processes and records; conducting vice and narcotics related investigations; and, investigating any other crimes as directed by the chief of police.

% CHANGE

Property Nuisance

Stagnant Water

3

Criminal Investigations Division

2020 CODE ENFORCEMENT STATISTICS

BB Goals/Obstructions

83%

of properties and public facilities for violations of minimum housing, zoning, and historic preservation standards, receive and investigate complaints regarding substandard housing conditions, hazardous conditions, improper use of dwellings and commercial structures, nuisance conditions, and other code related issues on public and private property within the city.

The Code Enforcement Division consists of one manager, a senior code enforcement officer and seven enforcement officers.

The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and executing the enforcement of the city code and ordinances as set forth by City Council.

Other duties of the division Charles Brock include: conduct field inspections Code Enforcement

2020

29

Arson

Code Enforcement Division

2019

CLOSED

2020 Annual Report Concord Police Department

and photographic records, forensic examination of friction ridge skin impressions, documents and surveillance video as well as crime scene and other evidentiary support to the department. The section continues to conduct complex forensic crime scene investigations, while providing training and equipment to crime scene technicians assigned to the patrol bureaus.

STREET CRIMES UNIT

2020 MAJOR CRIMES CASE TYPE

The Street Crimes Unit presently consists of one sergeant and two officers. The unit is utilized throughout the city in areas that are susceptible to crime and disorder. During the execution of their duties, the unit provides highly visible and proactive policing aimed at stopping and preventing street-level crime and disorder, while assisting patrol resources in reducing crime and disorder through evidencebased community policing strategies. The unit will be deployed in areas dictated by the needs of district captain’s utilizing tangible crime and data analysis. The ultimate goal of the unit is to facilitate safe, sustainable neighborhoods and public spaces within the City of Concord.

% CLEARED

Homicide

100%

Rape

57%

Robbery

78%

Aggravated Assault

83%

Burglary

75%

Larceny Theft

75%

A crucial responsibility of Forensics & Property Control is maintaining secure custody of property and evidence that comes into the possession of the department. Both civilian custodians maintain certification from the Association of Property and Evidence. In 2019, over 5,100 individual pieces of property were submitted to the department’s property control section.

VICE & NARCOTICS

The Vice & Narcotics Section is responsible for the proactive investigation of crime such as the sale and manufacturing of illegal narcotics, gambling, prostitution and the gathering of gang intelligence. The investigator officer responsible for ABC investigations is responsible for ensuring that local establishments selling alcoholic beverages are compliant to the state regulations and have updated and proper permits

Major Crimes Unit

The unit is responsible for investigating major criminal cases such as homicide, sexual assault, serious assaults, crimes against children and the elderly, and any crime deemed to be exigent in nature.

The Concord Police Department’s Special Operations Division has concluded a year-long drug investigation aimed at those responsible for distributing narcotics throughout the City of Concord and their involvement in the organized drug trade.

Special Operations Division

The Cabarrus County District Attorney’s Office, United States Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and Kannapolis Police Department all provided assistance and support with the investigations.

The Special Operations Division is responsible for providing operational support by utilizing a variety of special teams, intervention strategies, and tactics. In 2020, Special Operations continued to partner with the Patrol Bureau to achieve the overall goal of reducing the levels of crime, fear of crime, and disorder while improving the quality of life for the citizens, as well as its visitors.

The division is comprised of three units: Public Safety Unit, Street Crimes Unit, and Vice & Narcotics.

As a result of the investigation, 59 people were charged on 140 criminal charges. Also during the investigation $1,000,942.00 in US currency was seized along with 21 firearms. Investigators recovered 450 pounds of marijuana, 17.25 ounces of cocaine, 6.07 ounces of methamphetamine, 5.82 ounces of heroin/ fentanyl, 2.7 ounces of MDMA, and 27 dosage units of various controlled substances.

Captain Todd McGhee

Special Operations

The year 2020 was a challenging year due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, yet organized drug distributors continued their illicit narcotics operations, only exacerbating the damages their criminal conduct causes to the community. The Concord Police Department will continue to work diligently

PUBLIC SAFET Y UNIT

This unit consists of one sergeant, two traffic officers, and two park patrol officers, along with nine crossing guards.

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to identify actors responsible for the distribution of illicit drugs within the City of Concord and are committed to holding those accountable that contribute to crime, fear, and disorder.

SWAT

Concord Police Department

The SWAT team consists of one team commander, one reserve team commander, two team leaders, one assistant team leader, sixteen operators, and four snipers. The team is responsible for evaluating search warrants and assessing the risk associated with executing the warrants as codified by department policy and procedure. The team also executes search warrants deemed “high risk” and any other warrants as directed by the chief of police. Finally, the SWAT Team provides the department with a highly motivated, technically and tactically proficient special operations team capable of responding to a variety of critical incidents and resolving them with minimum risk to officers, suspects, and innocent parties.

2020 Annual Report

Operation Concord Clean Up: Marijuana seizure.

Cash seized during Special Operations' year-long drug investigation conducted throughout the City of Concord.

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Concord Police Department

2020 Annual Report

Administration Bureau CRIME & STRATEGIC ANALYSIS UNIT

Commanded by Major Keith Eury and support staff, the Administration Bureau is responsible for numerous aspects of the department outside of normal patrol and investigative functions. The bureau reviews policies and procedures to ensure they are up to date with current laws and court rulings. Budget oversight Major remains a major component of Keith Eury the Administration Bureau, as it Administration continues to be responsible for Bureau budget management and preparation.

Other responsibilities of the Administration Bureau include: staffing, grants, facilities management, information and vehicle technology, strategic planning, career development program, secondary employment and the administering and planning of promotional processes.

The crime analyst is responsible for collecting, collating, analyzing, disseminating, and evaluating crime data to identify emerging trends, patterns, and changes in criminal activity using mapping and analytical software. The analyst prepares crime data that is used to make recommendations for deployment and resource allocation, measures and forecasts long-term public safety activities related to problem solving, intervention, and crime reduction efforts.

Professional Standards Division

CALEA

In 2020, the Concord Police Department began the accreditation process with CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) The CALEA Accreditation Process is a proven modern management model; once Lieutenant implemented, it presents the Chief Larry Hubbard Executive Officer (CEO), on a Professional Standards continuing basis, with a blueprint Commander that promotes the efficient use of resources and improves service delivery – regardless of the size, geographic location, or functional responsibilities of the agency.

Support Services Division

Lieutenant Cydney McGhee Support Services Commander

As head of the support Services Division, Lt. McGhee is responsible for recruiting new officers, conducting the hiring process, coordinating career development, and managing secondary employment through extra-duty solutions. The Support Services Division also oversees records management, the OMAP unit, and customer service.

TRAINING

The Training Division is responsible for managing training for all officers to include state mandated in-service.

Fair and Impartial Policing is implicit-bias-awareness training for law enforcement in the US and Canada. The course curriculum applies modern science of bias to law enforcement; officers are trained on the effect of implicit bias and provides information and skills law enforcement officers need to reduce and manage their biases. The training addresses biases that include racial, ethical, gender, sexual orientation and social-economic status.

Office Of Management, Analysis And Planning

This office is responsible for research, analysis, project management, tactical and strategic planning, fleet management, and creating and maintaining partnerships with community organizations and other government agencies.

OMAP. manages two aspects for the department:

Complaints

PLANNING AND LOGISTICS

This aspect of OMAP includes a sergeant that is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating department personnel for special events, and any other gatherings as directed by the chief of police. The are also responsible for Center City, which consists of a center city officer, a city hall officer, and a parking enforcement officer.

2019

2020

External

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10

Internal

23

18

The total number of complaints received by the department.

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On the Move 2020 Promotions

PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF MASTER POLICE OFFICER

PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF SERGEANT

Steven Zollars

Patrick Merritt, Jr.

Gary Mearite

Christian Coe

Matthew Scott

Fred Riddick

Spencer Ward

David Holmes

Augusta Allen

Ryan Corl

Hayward Martin

David Mertz

Rachel Klein

PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF LIEUTENANT

MPO Lopez receiving Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate Denan Sabanija

Sgt. Merritt's promotion

RETIREMENTS

Alexander Zeigler

Charles (Eric) Billings receiving his retirement plaque from Chief Gacek Charles Billings

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Martin Ritchie

2020 Annual Report

Zachary Brown

Concord Police Department

Adam Bost

2020 Commendations Life Saving Awards

2020 Coworker of the Month Awards

Deputy Chief Hughes receiving the Robert Eury Award

January Ramon Gonzalez

Concord Police Department

2020 Annual Report

Stephen Hollifield (March)

February Joel Patterson

March Matt Scott

April Eric Cox (August)

Lt. Sabanija is recognized for 10 years of service as a SWAT operator

Joel Patterson

May

Excellence in Police Service Award

None

June Cole Cantrell

Eric Hamilton (August)

July Josh Shaver

August

Brenda Sherrill, Katanya Kelly, Chrystal Romero (October). This award was received for their diligent work on the biennial NC SBI DCIN security audit.

Eric Cox &

Eric Hamilton

September Brian Pizzino (October)

Distinguished Service Award

Paul Rodriguez

October Ramon Gonzalez

November Vance McGee Hilbert Harrison (November)

Det. Julian receiving Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate

December Jason Shuping

David Alexander

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Medal of Valor

Kaleb Robinson

Kyle Baker

Purple Heart

Paul Stackenwaldt

Concord Police Department

Jason Shuping

2020 Annual Report

Jason Shuping

Kaleb Robinson

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Competenc

Remembering Jason Shuping

On December 16, 2020 at approximately 10:30pm officers

2020 Annual Report

responded to a report of a vehicle that had crashed into a guardrail on Bruton Smith Blvd. Responding officers located the vehicle, which was unoccupied. A citizen who was driving by alerted officers to a suspicious male who had just tried to get into her car at a nearby restaurant. Officers began looking for this person under the belief he was likely the driver of the vehicle that had crashed. Moments later two officers, Jason Shuping and Kaleb Robinson, along with a special agent from NC Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), approached a male subject who matched the description given to officers by the passing motorist. The subject immediately pulled out a handgun and fired multiple rounds at the ALE agent and officers. Officer Shuping returned fire as Officer Robinson moved towards cover. Officer Shuping sustained a fatal gunshot wound and Officer Robinson sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound.

Concord Police Department

In the moments that followed, two additional officers responded to the scene. Officers Kyle Baker and Paul

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Leadership

ce, Courage, Integrity,

Jason’s peers describe him as a perfect teammate. The stories they tell of his persistence for them to be in a good mood and his hard work and dedication to working cases are overwhelming. Jason also embodied what Irish philosopher Sir Edmund Burke called “a good man”. Burke wrote, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing.” We pay tribute to a good man. A good man who did something. A good man who stood for something.

On this day the Concord Police Department faced something that none of its employees had faced before. As a family and a community we came together, to honor Jason. Jason was not just a cop but a loving husband, a beloved son, and a cherished brother, nephew, and uncle. His dream was to be an officer and he did just that. He was sworn in on July 12, 2019 and served this department with distinction. Jason exemplified exactly what our profession is about, and he embodied our Core Values of: Competence, Courage, Integrity, Leadership, Respect, and Restraint.

Jason and Kaleb confronted the evil that Burke wrote about, and they did so without hesitation. So too did Kyle and Paul. They made the decision to head toward danger – a risk every brave officer does on behalf of their community. Jason paid the ultimate sacrifice while trying to keep the City of Concord safe. We will never forget Jason or his sacrifice. His unit number, 4434, was retired. It belonged to Jason, and will remain with Jason. The Concord Police Department has a new guardian angel watching over us as we continue Jason’s work here on earth.

Concord Police Department

Stackenwaldt saw that Officer Shuping was down and Officer Robinson was wounded. Yet these two officers advanced towards a vehicle that the male subject had broken into.

Upon the officers’ approach of the vehicle, the subject pointed his gun at the officers from a broken driver’s door window.

Gunfire was again exchanged between the subject and officers.

The subject was mortally wounded, and fortunately Officers Baker and Stackenwaldt were unharmed.

2020 Annual Report

p, Respect, Restraint 27

concordnc.gov/police 41 Cabarrus Ave. W Concord, NC 28025