MPD The Beat, 2019 Holiday Edition Issue 21

MA KI NG MOBI LE T HE S A FES T CI T Y I N AMER I C A WI TH RESPEC T F OR E V ERYON E

MPDTheBeat

HOLIDAY EDITION 2019, ISSUE 21

16 OFFICERS STRUT THEIR STUFF ON THE RUNWAY FOR CHARITY ALL ABOUT THEM BRAGGING RIGHTS! WHO’S IN THE APOST 100 CLUB

NEW COMMUNITY PARTNER: CHICK-FIL-A ‘COOKIES WITH A COP’ CRIME PREVENTION SELECTS 30 KIDS TO TAKE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT TARGET

THE BEARDED MEN OF MPD HELP RAISE CANCER AWARENESS IN NO-SHAVE NOVEMBER

Top Officer Recognition

A MESSAGE FROM THE

CHIEF OF POLICE Lawrence L. Battiste, IV

Happy New Year!

Jantzen Ward Officer of the Month, September 2019 First Precinct

January 1, 2020 brings with it newness — a new decade, new opportunities, new outlook, new adjustments, and the all famous New Year’s resolutions.

We enter now into a new decade and we celebrate it with great hope as we reflect on the past year. We will encounter new opportunities to strive more for peaceful and fulfilling times and all that encompasses. I am inspired to contribute positively to making this new decade a better part of our history.

We can have a fresh outlook on everything. We should all strive to not focus on the negatives of what has been, but rather repeat the positives and use them as building blocks for developing better outcomes in our lives, both personally and communitywide.

When considering our accomplishments and our shortcomings we can now focus on making the adjustments needed to reach our personal goals and realize our dreams.

David Reyes Officer of the Month, October 2019 First Precinct

Although we are not capable of seeing what the future will hold, we can do our part in helping to secure a more optimistic one. Whatever resolutions have been charted, start on them. We may hold fast to some of them and complete them and some will fall by the wayside, mostly as deep desires. Regardless, it took thought to come up with a decision to strive toward something positive. More often than not we do our best to achieve our goals.

Your Best

by Barbara Vance If you always try your best Then you’ll never have to wonder About what you could have done If you’d summoned all your thunder.

Blakely Miles Officer of the Month, November 2019 First Precinct

And if your best Was not as good As you hoped it would be, You still could say, “I gave today All that I had in me.”

EDITORIAL CONTACT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

Charlette Solis 208.1918 Sergeant LaDerrick Dubose 208.1926

Let us continually dedicate ourselves to life and may God bless you all.

THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Officer Alisha Davis-Sonnier, Officer Brad Penton, Laura Angle, Tonya Calhoun

ON THE COVER: Law Enforcement Officers Penton, Nettles, Looney-McKean, Long, Kriss, Raebel, Turton, Bagsby, Weathington, McCarty, Busby, Nicholas, McGee, Taylor, Battiste and Olivier Submit ideas and info for the next issue!

EMAIL: charlette.solis@cityofmobile.org

2

January 20132019 - Newsletter Template Holiday Edition | MPDTheBeat

Creating community ties one cup of coffee at a time Starbucks always welcome Coffee with a Cop at its locations. Through this unique community partnership organized by Crime Prevention, we have a meeting place to create community ties all while sipping on a great tasting cup of coffee.

For the officers who have participated in a Coffee with a Cop event, you know that it provides the department opportunity, outside of crisis situations, to get to know the citizens we serve and listen to their needs and concerns. Officers can talk to more citizens in their beat — those they would normally not meet unless responding to a call.

Captain Melvin Jones of the First Precinct meets the Starbucks staff at the Coffee with Cop event held Nov. 14 at the location near The Shoppes at Bel Air.

Visit to The Learning Tree and Woody’s Song School

Starbucks is one of the many Coffee with a Cop sites. We greatly appreciate the store’s support of law enforcement.

The Coolest Photo! ‘Shop with a Cop’ at Academy Sports+Outdoors

Officer Alisha Davis-Sonnier spearheads our outreach to individuals with developmental disabilites, including autism. Davis-Sonnier and Cadet Katelyn Morgan visited The Learning Tree and Woody’s Song School before the holidays on Dec. 11. They handed out candy canes to the students. It’s important to the MPD to build positive relationships between police and those with special needs year-round.

January 2013Edition - Newsletter Holiday 2019 |Template MPDTheBeat

3

Bragging Rights!

The APOST 100 Club

NCIS New Orleans actors portray MPD SWAT Unit In Season 6, Episode 5 “Spies and LIes” that aired Oct. 22, NCIS New Orleans actors portrayed the MPD SWAT Unit. To make sure the actors looked like our SWAT officers, the show’s uniform costumer reached out to us. Click here to watch the episode via CBS All Access.

The portrayal of the MPD SWAT Unit appears near the end of the episode. It’s not exaclty how our SWAT officers would respond in real life.

Officers working security at Alabama-LSU game thanked Firearms Instructor Brad Penton on the course.

Those who take their marksmanship seriously and practice, your firearms instructors call that personal commitment. It has earned you bragging rights!

The following personnel are recognized for their skilled marksmanship for the year 2019. All shot a perfect score on the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Duty Pistol Course, achieving the level of Combat Master.

Officer James Ainsworth Officer Mark Ainsworth Officer Jacob Allen Officer Andrew Anderson Director James Barber *Officer Engi Bottros Officer Mark Breslin Officer Jimmy Byrd Officer William Byrd *Officer Nguyen Cambell Corporal Steve Chandler Officer Brent Collins Officer David Condit Sergeant Michael Cook Sergeant Jeffrey Corley *Sergeant Joe Cotner Corporal Richard Curd Captain James Cunningham Officer Rashad Cunningham *Officer Logan Davis Sergeant Trey Davis Officer Alisha Davis-Sonnier Officer Charles Dewberry Lieutenant David Evans Officer Colton Futral Sergeant Chris Giattina Sergeant Joshua Gibbs *Officer Lawrence Goff Officer Aaron Goleman Officers Andrew Hanks Sergeant Mark Hearn Sergeant John Hicks Officer Corrie Hoium *Sergeant Paul Hosford Sergeant Jirasak Ingram Corporal Dennis Johnson Captain Melvin Jones Officer Jerry Lewis

4

Corporal John Lowry Officer Daniel McCarthy Sergeant Mark McCracken Officer Ryan McElhenney Officer Santuan McGee Officer Deron McMichael Officer Blakely Miles Officer James Mistrot Officer Jonathan Myers Corporal Kevin Naman Officer An Ngo Corporal Dennis Owens Corporal Adam Partridge Officer Brad Penton Sergeant Chad Pezent Lieutentant Lee Pierce Officer Hunter Pinneo Officer Michael Pozobyt Officer Ian Rebhorn Lieutenant Brian Reeher Officer Brian Rivers Corporal Tilford Sanders Sergeant Michael Shavers Corporal Henry Sieck Officer William Stallings Officer Antione Stewart Lieutenant Leland Terrell Sergeant Larry Toland Officer Nicey Turton Officer Robert Walker Sergeant William Walker Corporal John Walstad Officer Tyleem Watson Lieutenant Darryl Williams Sergeant Paul Workman Sergeant Tina Zanka *No longer with the department

From left, Officer Leslie Little, Officer Justin Hill and Officer John Baker.

From left, Officer Jayvien Banks, Corporal Ryan Blakely, Officer Anthony Black, and Officer Joshua Pounds

The Alabama-LSU football game needed extra security and escorts due to President Donald Trump attending.

Several Mobile police officers worked the event. They were thanked by the University of Alabama Police Department. The game was held Nov. 9.

Bienville Square, April 18th 11:30AM-2PM Holiday Edition | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2019 - Newsletter Template

K9 Unit joins Aftermath K9 Grant Competition, thousands vote for Pedro

Heroes & Helpers: MPD teams up with Target to take 30 kids Christmas shopping The Crime Prevention Unit teamed up with Target to give 30 kids a Christmas shopping spree.

Annually in December, Target gives public safety agencies the opportunity to join its Heroes & Helpers program which is geared to promote positive interactions between youth and law enforcement. It’s another way MPD can bring joy to families and celebrate the holiday season.

The K9 Unit joined the Aftermath K9 Grant Competition and entered Pedro as its nominee. Through popular vote, communities across the country determined the grant recipients. With great support from our city casting votes daily, Pedro received honorable mention and earned $500 for the K9 Unit. The winners were announced on Nov. 6.

Kids, ages 5 to 13, were given $100 to purchase gifts for themselves, family or friends and get other items they may need. Officers and cadets were paired with the kids for the shopping spree.

The Heroes & Helpers event took place at the Target Schillinger location on Dec. 17.

The Mobile Kennel Club heard about the grant competition and also wanted to support our K9 Unit. The Mobile Kennel Club donated $2,000. Sergeant Pat McKean said the funds will be used to acquire specialized equipment and training.

Cadet Katelyn Morgan pictured with two of the Heroes & Helpers participants.

Rodney Tower of Aftermath Services presents Sergeant Pat McKean and Officer Lawrence Battiste with a $500 grant for the K9 Unit.

Cadet Ethan Matherne helps one of the participants find Christmas gifts.

Members of the Mobile Kennel Club along with Councilwoman Bess Rich makes a visit to headquarters to donate $2,000 to the K9 Unit.

January 2013 Edition - Newsletter Holiday 2019 Template | MPDTheBeat

Cadet Willie Tolbert pictured with one of the helpers.

5

New Community Partner: Chick-fil-A hosts ‘Cookies with a Cop’ It was the case of the missing cookies. Police presence was needed. On Dec. 16, kids and their parents packed the Chick-fil-A restaurant at Dauphin Street for a “Cookies with a Cop” event.

Following the clues, the kids learned about fingerprints with Lieutenant Stan Ladnier of the ID Unit. Then they got the scoop on 911 with Officer Gary Owens of the Crime Prevention Unit. McGruff, along with the Chick-fil-A cow, welcomed and entertained the kids and took pictures with them. Other activities included cookie decorations and coloring sheets. Everyone in attendance received a free cookie and small drink. Yes, the scrumptious treats were located!

Chick-fil-A hosted the community event to recognize local officers. Several officers from the Third Precinct attended.

Top photo, Lieutenant Stan Ladnier teaches a little police fan how fingerprints are used as the parents look on. Bottom photo, Officer Gary Owens gives a reward to one of the partcipants after a short quiz on 911. Left photo: Officer Jonathan Kriss with daughter Waverly taking a pic with the Chick-fil-A cow and McGruff.

Promotion Ceremony: 14 members move up in rank In a promotion ceremony held Nov. 22 at the Government Plaza Multi-Purpose Room, the department recognized 14 officers promoted to sergeant and corporal. Congrats to new sergeants Jeffrey Booth, Christopher Giattina, Bradley Hudson, LaTonya Thompson and Larry Toland.

Those promoted to corporal included Sarah Badon, Jeremy Burch, John Forward, Jarod Gee, Bryan Johnson, Dorothea Long, Darlene LooneyMcKean, Darryl McMillan Jr. and Dennis Owens.

Left photo: Corporal Bryan Johnson of the Robbery Unit embraces wife after she pins his badge Right photo: Sergeant Jeffrey Booth of the Special Crimes Unit and family.

6

Holiday Edition | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2019 - Newsletter Template

Meet the ‘Bearded Men of the MPD’ supporting No-Shave November

To support No-Shave November officers of the Mobile Police Department said they would forego shaving to raise cancer awareness. They called themselves “The Bearded Men of MPD.” Together, they raised $800 to help eradicate cancer one whisker at a time.

Pictured from left, Detective Stephen Sam, Officer Brad Penton, Officer Michael Pozobyt, Lieutenant Scott Hanks, Major John Barber, Corporal Shonee Mingo, Sergeant Chris Reed, Officer Matthew Butler, Corporal Raymond Grissett, Detective Bryan Johnson, Chief Lawrence Battiste and Corporal Jermaine Rogers.

Anti-bullying program in demand at local schools

The Office of Strategic Initiatives presents its Anti-Bullying/You Still Have a Choice program throughout the school year. So far this school term, the program has been delivered to more than 3,700 students. It is facilitated by Family Intervention Specialist Katina Randolph and Officer Nathaniel McCarty. The “Burying Bullying” presention was first introduced by Randolph fall of 2018. The photos above were taken at Alba Middle School on Nov. 6.

CRO Sandra Johnson featured in Mobile Bay Magazine Sandra Johnson is a school traffic guard assigned to Gilliard Elementary School. A social media post shared about Johnson’s radiant energy and smile found its way to the senior writer of Mobile Bay Magazine. Johnson is featured in the December 2019 issue in a section titled “Joy to the World.” The story tells about Johnson and six other locals whose countenance radiates and whose kindness lingers long after the encounter is over.

January 2013 - Newsletter HolidayEdition 2019 Template | MPDTheBeat

7

McCarty and Weathington crowned Mr. & Ms. Gulf Coast Finest MOD Pizza with Gamers N’Geeks raised $400 for the Family of the Fallen in the inaugural event “Mr. & Ms. Gulf Coast Finest” where Detective Ophelia Weathington and Officer Nathaniel McCarty were crowned with the honors.

The contestants on the runway included 14 Mobile police officers and two law enforcement officers from MCSO. Thanks to organizer Sergeant Tina Zanca, the event gave the community opportunity to see the men and women who serve and protect in a fun way for an important cause. The event was held Dec. 11.

Photo above: McCarty and Weathington with MOD staff and the judges. Below: Officer George Busbee (Fourth Precinct GID), Officer Darlene Looney-McKean (TFO), Officer Joseph Raebel (Central Events) and Detective Dorothea Long (CAC).

8

Holiday Edition | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2019 - Newsletter Template

Civilian Employee of the Month Recognition

Keyshawn Womack, Civilian Employee of the Month for September 2019. Womack began her employment with the police department in February 1999. As a public safety dispatcher II in the Communications Unit, she serves as a floor supervisor who leads by example.

Clarissa Robbins, Civilian Employee of the Month for October 2019.

Since March 2018, Robbins has been assigned to the Planning and Research Unit and is responsible for completing accreditation standards.

Her co-workers describe her as honest, dependable, and eager to learn.

Anita Otis, Civilian Employee of the Month for November 2019.

Otis is a records specialist for the Second Precinct. She has been an employee with the department since September 1996. Otis is commended for the excellent performance of her administrative duties and dedication to ensure the precinct functions efficiently.

Civilians honored with luncheon and powerful message about work

“Work for something bigger than yourself, “said Chaplain Phillip Snodgrass as he spoke to the honored recipients of the Civilian Employee of the Month Award. Snodgrass was the guest speaker for the annual luncheon held Dec. 16 in the JOC. Although there is satisfaction to work unto yourself, there is greater satisfaction when you serve others and work unto God. That is the most noble of all circumstances, he said.

Snodgrass referenced Colossians 3:23-24: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

January 2013 Edition - Newsletter Holiday 2019 Template | MPDTheBeat

“It ain’t all about you,” Snodgrass said as he explained another important workplace principle. “Jesus said if you want to be great, you must become a servant to all. The higher you go up the ladder, the more you have to serve.

Internalize this and realize you are here to serve the people around you and their needs.”

Chief Battiste and Captain Jonathan Lee presented to the award plaques to Carol Carroll, Angela Spurlock, Selenia Westbrook, Ashley Foster, Kindra Perryman, Eric Schultz and Keyshawn Womack, all from the Communications Unit.

Martha Barton (Fourth Precinct), Angela Finch (Real-Time Crime Detail), Clarissa Robbins (Accreditation Detail), and Anita Otis (Second Precinct) were among the other civilian employees to be honored.

9

Purchasing recyclable tree

City of Mobile annual tree lighting

Several cadets and Academy Class 63 recruits pictured at the City of Mobile annual tree lighting ceremony held at Mardi Gras Park.

MPD Praise & Recognition from the Community Shout out to the male and female mounted officers who came over to my 18 wheeler after I beeped. I was lost and they got me back on track to the docks. They were amazing! Thank you officers for all you do! Someone give them a hug for me! —Kate Welcome, Hernando, FL

Office of Strategic Initiatives gift-giving event Christ Church Cathedral sponsors the Office of Strategic Initiatives annual Christmas gift-giving event. There were 80 gifts to be distributed among 20 selected children. The event was held at the Harmon Recreation Center on Dec. 20. The Office of Strategic Initiatives served lunch to the children and their parents, who also attended.

Family Intervention Specialist Gloria Hill takes a picture with the sponsors from Christ Church Cathedral.

Officer Nathaniel McCarty and Sergeant Jeremy March welcome the children and their parents before the gift giving.

Family Intervention Specialist Meosha Hart helps present the Christmas gifts to the children.

One of the participants, pictured with his mother, after receiving his Christmas gifts.

10

Holiday Edition | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2019 - Newsletter Template

Angle designs new port security boat

Lieutenant John Angle designed the new port security boat built by Metalcraft in New York. It is named “Guardian.” The 34-foot boat was purchased with funds awarded by the DHS-FEMA Port Security Grant. It will be used in fighting crime on the port, guarding against terrorism and participating in search-and-rescue efforts. A press conference and tours of the boat were held Jan. 7 at the floating dock between Cooper Riverside Park and GulfQuest. WATCH NEWS COVERAGE

DHS-FEMA commends Homeland Security Unit DHS-FEMA conducted a site monitoring visit on July 17-18 to assess the readiness of the Port Security Zone Enforcement provided by the MPD Marine Detail and K9 Detail.

as “best management practices.” Lieutenant John Angle, Officer Justin Hill, Sergeant Pat McKean, Officer William Byrd and K9 Pedro are commended for their excellent work.

The results of the site monitoring visit were of such high calibre that DHS-FEMA stated that they would be releasing the protocols established by the MPD Marine Detail and K9 Detail to other agencies across the country

DHS-FEMA also reviewed the administration of the Port Security Program grants held by the City of Mobile.

The results were indicated as excellent grant file maintainance.

Academy Class 63 firearms training

Congrats to the Mobile Police Academy Class 63 for passing the Firearms Qualification and Combat Shooting Training.

The recruits training was held Dec. 16 - 27.

January 2013 Edition - Newsletter Holiday 2019 Template | MPDTheBeat

11

Celebrating the holidays with an employee Christmas party Every year civilian and sworn personnel, along with their family and friends, come together for an evening to eat, dance and fellowship all in a festive atmosphere for the annual MPD Christmas Party. It’s a holiday event organized by Chaplain Ed Connick. The party was held Dec. 17 at The Locale. Fun was had by everyone.

Special thanks to the Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association who helped host the Christmas Party.

Lorie Smith (Payroll), Chief of Staff Clay Godwin, Laurina Parker (Central Events), Chief Lawrence Battiste, Angela Battiste (wife of Chief Battiste), Evon Etheridge (Payroll)

Officer Santuan McGee (Narcotics/Vice), Officer Rashad Cunningham (Second Precinct), Officer Julian Nettles (TFO) and from the Homicide Unit Sergeant Kenneth Gillespie, Detective Julius Nettles, Detective Glenn Barton, Detective Riley Stewart Jr.

Detective Riley Stewart (Homicide) with wife

Officer Nicey Turton (Mounted Unit) and Officer Gregory Palmore (Third Precinct GID) with family of former Officer Berry O’Daniel

Officer Roderick Cotton (First Precinct)

Corporal Miranda Hayes-Ingram (ID Unit) and Sergeant Jirasak Ingram (Third Precinct)

Officer Roderick Cotton served as the DJ for the annual Christmas Party. Chaplain Connick secured the door prizes so that a few lucky ones got a chance to take something special home.

12

Holiday Edition | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2019 - Newsletter Template