OVPD Annual Report 2021

2021

Annual report

Mission Statement

The OroValley Police Department is dedicated to courageous and selfless service in preventing crime, building trust and enhancing quality of life for our community.

Vision Statement

Table of Contents

F ro m t h e C h i e f ................. 4 C o m m a n d S ta ff ................. 5 O r g a n i z at i o n .................. 1 1 A d m i n i s t r at i o n ................ 1 2 O ffice of P rofessional S tandards P rofessional D evel . & T raining P ublic I nformation O fficer S u pp o rt S e rv i c e s D i v i s i o n ... 15 R ecords U nit C ommunications B ureau C ommunity R esources U nit C riminal I nvestigations U nit C ommunity A ction T eam P roperty & I dentification U nit S chool R esource O fficers U nit C adet P rogram T ask F orce O perations F i e l d S e rv i c e s D i v i s i o n ..... 27 P atrol B ureau C rime S tatistics C anine U nit T raffic U nit DUI E nforcement 2021 R e c o g n i t i o n s ............. 37

Policing

it ’s in our nature O ro Va lley is locat e d i n n o r t h e rn P i ma C ount y a p p rox im at e ly t h re e mi l e s n o r t h o f t he Tucs on cit y lim i t s . N e s t l e d b e t we e n t h e C at a lina a nd Tor t o l i t a mo u n t a i n ra n ge s , t he Tow n s it s at a n e l evat i o n o f 2 , 6 2 0 fe e t a nd cove rs m ore t h a n 3 6 s q u a re mi l e s .

I ncor p orat e d in A p ri l 1 9 7 4 a n d h o me t o m ore t ha n 4 7 ,0 7 0 re s i d e n t s , t h e O ro Va l l ey Police D e p a r t m e n t e mp l oy s 1 0 4 swo rn office rs a nd 3 2 c iv i l i a n s wh o s e rve t h e commu n i t y.

T he O ro Va lley Poli c e De p a r t me n t a n nu a l ly review s it s S t rat eg i c Pl a n t o e n s u re i t i s a lig ne d w it h com mu n i t y exp e c t at i o n s , t h e Tow n’s S t rat eg ic L e a d e rs h i p P l a n a n d t h e vot e r - a p p rove d G e n e ra l Pl a n . A l l t h re e, com b ine d w it h clo s e re s i d e n t i n t e ra c t i o n , a ct a s t he roa d m a p fo r h ow we d o bu s i n e s s .

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From T he Chief As we close 2021 and reflect on the year, I am proud to present to you the Oro Valley Police Department’s (OVPD) annual report. This report showcases the hard work and dedication that the men and women of OVPD have given to this community. We continue to be committed to providing the best police services to Oro Valley.

Police agencies across this country are still having to police during a worldwide pandemic that continues to have its own challenges, and OVPD is no different. Some of the challenges have been managing staffing levels with COVID exposures and ensuring that their community receives police services at their expected levels. Over this past year, I am proud to say that the leadership team has been able to manage staffing levels without a decrease in our services.

Like other police agencies, recruitment and retention are a high priority. It is imperative that we focus on hiring the best staff members for the agency to continue to ensure ethical and transparent policing. Not only do we have the concerns of policing during the stresses of a pandemic, but another priority is the health and wellness of our staff.

Police officers, crime scene technicians and public safety telecommunicators are exposed to trauma while responding to daily calls for services. Recognizing this, we created a Health and Wellness program to ensure our staff is taking care of themselves, mentally and physically.

During these times, all aspects of the law enforcement profession are being reviewed.

While the members of this agency continue to provide courageous service to this community, it is crucial we show our unwavering support for them.

I encourage you to review this annual report with pride. The men and women of the Oro Valley Police Department serve this community well and it is because of their dedication that we are one of the safest communities in Arizona.

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Command Staff

Chief Kara M. Riley

Deputy Chief J. Larter

Cmdr. C. Olson

Cmdr. C. Hicks

Field Services Division

Support Services Division

C. Hendrix

Lt. M. Horetski

Lt. J. Teachout

Lt. M. Gracie

Lt. C. Trevizo

Lt. A. LeSuer

M. DeVault

Admininistrative Services Manager

Executive Officer

Traffic & Special Operations Bureau

Patrol Bureau

Investigative Services Bureau

Community Services Bureau

Emergency Communications Mgr.

A gency Accomplishments • OVPD staff partnered with Leman Academy of Excellence to complete active shooter training. The venue was perfect for officers to receive continued training specific to responding to an active shooter. Leman staff participated as role players during the live scenario-based training.

• Completed the Capital Improvement Plan to upgarde our Emergency Communication Center.

• The department utilized social media for community service announcements regarding suicide prevention for veterans, driving under the influence, phone scams and stimulus check scams.

• OVPD entered into an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Tucson Police Department, Marana Police Department, Sahuarita Police Department, Pascua Yaqui Police Department, South Tucson Police Department and the Tucson Airport Authority to form the Pima Regional Critical Incident Team (PRCIT).

Members of the team will be required to respond to critical incidents such as officer involved shootings, in accordance with legislation governing response to these types of incidents.

• While adhering to COVID-19 protocols, continued to support back to school and ‘Cops and Kids’ programs.

• Continued to promote traffic safety through various strategies to include Oro Valley’s High Visibility Enforcement (HiVE) deployments and participating in the Southwest DUI Task Force operations.

• Received funding in the amount of $236,014 from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety for overtime and equipment, to include the purchase of two motorcycles to support DUI enforcement, hazardous moving violation enforcement and participation during Sourthern Arizona DUI Task Force Operations.

• OVPD Officers participated in the Southern Arizona DUI Task Force deployment efforts.

• Awarded funding in the amount of $362,118 from Operation Stonegarden for equipment, overtime and mileage to combat illegal contraband / human smuggling and apprehend terrorists entering the country.

• Received funding in the amount of $31,000 from the Attorney General for body-worn cameras and personal protective equipment.

• OVPD Public Safety Telecommunicators exceeded national quality assurance expectations, with a yearly average score of 97.6%.

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Notable Cases • Patrol responded to several vehicle break-ins where multiple items were taken from vehicles. While investigation, Marana Police Department found a subject breaking into a car in their jurisdiction. Evidence located in the suspect’s vehicle tied it to several Oro Valley vehicle break-ins. A coordinated investigation with Oro Valley and Marana began.

A search warrant was served on the subject’s residence where evidence recovered lead to the subject being charged with six felony counts related to fraud, aggravated identity theft and burglary. Additional felony charges are pending as evidence is being processed. IThe arrestee in this case was a habitual offender dating back to 2008.

• A traffic officer conducted a stop on a vehicle that had an illegible temporary registration. Upon contact it was discovered that the driver had an outstanding felony warrant for robbery with a bond of $20,000.00. He was taken into custody without incident.

• Within a weeks’ time, there were three separate incidents in which the same suspects stole high-end tool sets from an Oro Valley retail establishment. Through a collaborative effort between OVPD, Marana Police Department, Tucson Police Department and the business’ loss prevention, the suspects were identified. OVPD’s CAT began an investigation and provided patrol officers the suspects’ information. A diligent patrol officer spotted the unoccupied vehicle associated with thefts and surveillance began. When the suspects returned to the vehilce, a traffic stop was conducted as the vehicle departed. CIU worked with regional partners, connecting the suspects to the thefts. The two suspects were charged with multiple felony counts of organized retail theft and trafficking in stolen property. In all, it is estimated that the value of the stolen property being trafficked from the region was approximately $17,000.00.

• Through an established cooperative relationship with federal partners, CIU received credible information pertaining to a stalking suspect. Utilizing advanced investigative techniques and technology, probable cause was established that the suspect had placed a tracking device on the victim’s vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and charged with Stalking- Fear for Safety. The diligent work by criminal investigators resulted in removing this dangerous person before his actions could escalate into violent acts.

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Notable Cases Continued • Patrol officers responded to check the welfare of a subject reference a “man down” call for service. The reporting party advised a male was in a vehicle that was parked crooked, passed out and non-responsive. Officers contacted with the subject who displayed signs of impairment. Prior to officers being able to secure the keys to the vehicle, the driver fled the area at a high rate of speed. He was ultimately located parked in a nearby retail establishment. He was parked in a secluded area of the lot between other vehicles. As an officer approached in his patrol vehicle the suspect accelerated in reverse, backing his vehicle into the patrol vehicle. He was subsequently taken into custody. The suspect was investigated for impaired driving. At the conclusion of the investigation, he was charged with Aggravated DUI, Aggravated DUI-3rd offense, unlawful flight from law enforcement, and two counts of felony criminal damage.

• A traffic officer conducted a traffic stop reference speeding. The officer looked beyond the initial reason for the contact and cued in on indicators of possible drug possession. At the conclusion of the contact, over 30 grams of illicit mushrooms, 94 doses of LSD, marijuana and THC vape cartridges were recovered. Criminal investigators interviewed the suspect and found it was his intention to sell the illegal drugs. There were indicators that the target audience of the drug sales was to be the high school youth of the community.

• In June 2021, members of the CIU began an investigation into the allegation of a former Ironwood Ridge Highschool teacher who allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a student, approximately 20 years prior. Investigators found the suspect was now teaching in the Aurora School District in Colorado. Despite the acts happening almost two decades ago, investigators were able to establish probable cause for three counts of sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 15, 1 count of sexual abuse of a minor and 17 counts of sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 18. The case was presented to the county attorney and once an indictment was issued, a probable cause warrant was obtained.

Investigators responded to Colorado, worked in partnership with Aurora’s fugitive taskforce, and took the suspect into custody.

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Notable Cases Continued • Patrol officers responded to an unconscious male whose lips were reportedly turning blue. The first arriving officer began CPR. The second arriving officer administered two doses of Narcan while the first officer continued CPR. Shortly after the second dose was administered, the subject began breathing, regained his faculties and attempted to sit up. Care was transferred to responding medical personnel. The subject admitted to recreational use of illicit drugs.

• During a High Visibility Enforcement (HiVE) deployment a traffic officer conducted a stop on a motorcycle for failing to display a visible license plate. Upon contact it was discovered that the driver, who has a history of armed robbery, had an outstanding, no bond, felony warrant reference burglary. He was also found in possession of a firearm that had the serial number filed off, despite being a prohibited possessor. The suspect was taken into custody for his warrant and charged with weapons related charges.

• Oro Valley officers assigned as Pima Regional SWAT operators, negotiators and Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) responded to a regional call out. The suspect in the incident had killed his girlfriend during a domestic dispute. While fleeing from authorities the suspect took five innocent uninvolved people hostage and barricaded himself in a hotel room, armed with a handgun. Responding Oro Valley personnel endured 100+ degree temperatures and were directly instrumental in tasks specific to operational tactics and negotiating with the suspect. As a result of their actions the Tucson Police Department thanked the Pima Regional SWAT Team for their assistance, notably for “negotiating the safe release of the four children and their mother.” Each Oro Valley officer received a written commendation from our Chief of Police for their actions that went above and beyond in successful resolution to a highly volatile situation.

• School Resource Officers (SRO) received an anonymous tip reference a 14-year-old female student that was planning to run away after school. The SROs started an investigation but found she had already departed campus. The evidence obtained supported that she had left on her own volition. Additional details uncovered that indicated she had run away with another female, and they may have been lured away by an adult male. Social media and press releases were utilized to disseminate information to the public. Patrol received over 60 supplemental calls reference potential information 9

Notable Cases Continued about the girls’ possible location. CIU received additional tips and leads, all of which were followed up on. Members of the CIU coordinated with local, state, and federal partners, as well as state investigators from multiple states. Using advanced investigative techniques, CIU was able to identify the females were in the company of a 33-year-old male in the Tucson area. A warrant was obtained for his residence and the two females were recovered safe. The adult male was arrested and charge with multiple crims involving minors.

• During grant funded interdiction efforts, Stonegarden, officers made traffic contacts resulting in multiple arrests.

Highlighted below is are the results of two separate traffic contacts: • An officer recovered a large quantity of methamphetamine (over 18 grams) along with counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. The suspect was also in possession of a firearm. He was ultimately charged with various drug possession related crimes to include transportation of the drugs for sale. He was also charged with possession of a firearm during a drug offense as well as possession of a firearm despite being a prohibited possessor. It should be noted that an Oro Valley K9 officer had responded to assist with the stop. The K9 had a positive alert on the vehicle, furthering the investigation.

• An officer recovered fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, a rifle and a handgun. The handgun had its barrel length cut down and the serial number filed off. While an officer was transporting the subjects, the female arrestee removed additional fentanyl pills she had concealed in her groin area and attempted to discard them. The two occupants were charged with various drug possession related crimes, misconduct involving weapons to include possession of a defaced firearm, possession of a firearm during a narcotic offense and possession a firearm despite being a prohibited possessor.

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O rganizational C hart A dministrative S ervices M anager

Senior Office Specialist

Chief of Police

E xecutive O fficer L ieutenant P ublic I nformation O fficer S ergeant D eputy C hief O f P olice P rofessional S tandards (H omeland S ecurity ) S ergeant P olice W orkforce S pecialist S upport S ervices D ivision F ield S ervices D ivision C om mander P rof . D ev . & T raining C ommander S ergeant Senior Office O fficer Specialist

Communications Bureau

P atrol B ureau

T raffic & S pecial O perations B ureau Community Services Investigative L ieutenant S upervisors L ieutenant Bureau Services Public Safety Lieutenant Bureau T raffic U nit Telecommunicators S quad 1 Lieutenant S ergeant S ergeant I nvestigator O fficers S chool R esource O fficer U nit O fficers C riminal I nvestigations S ergeant U nit S quad 2 O fficers S ergeant DUI U nit S ergeant D etectives O fficers O fficers MHST O fficer C adets I nvestigator S quad 3 K-9 U nit Records Unit S ergeant O fficers T ask F orce O perations Supervisor O fficers O fficers Records Specialists S quad 4 Office Assistants Fleet Maintenance S ergeant C ommunity A ction T eam O fficers Property/ID Unit S ergeant Crime Scene Tech Supervisor S enior O ffice S pecialist O fficers S quad 5 Crime Scene Technicians S ergeant C rime A nalyst O fficers Pima Regional Assignments C ommunity R esources U nit S ergeant S quad 6 O fficers S ergeant O fficers C itizen V olunteer 11 A ssistants P rogram M anager

Office Of P rofessional S tandards M i ss i o n S tat e m e n t : It is the mission of the Oro Valley Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards to utilize thorough and impartial internal investigations to ensure the integrity of the Department and to ensure its members are serving the community at the highest standards of professional conduct while also protecting members from frivolous or false accusations.

The Office of Professional Standards (OOPS) is supervised by a sergeant who oversees and investigates citizens’ complaints and internally ordered inspections. OOPS also maintains records of use of force incidents, vehicle pursuits and policy revisions. OOPS conducts the hiring process and background investigations for interested police department applicants.

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P rofessional D evelopment & T raining M i ss i o n S tat e m e n t :

Providing officers relevant and timely training to ensure readiness for duty and enabling career excellence while striving to maintain officer health and wellness.

In support of the community policing philosophy, training ensures OVPD staff provides the most efficient and effective public safety service. Staff is trained to deliver a high level of service that exceeds the community’s expectations and allows our staff to maintain professional certifications.

Training focuses on developing the skills, abilities, knowledge and talents to maintain professional and expert service.

This program is also responsible for new officer orientation and field training. This program is provided to prepare new officers for the stresses of attending a police academy along with orienting them to Oro Valley. During 2021, OVPD hired five full-time officers to fill attrition vacancies.

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P ublic I nformation O ffice M i ss i o n S tat e m e n t : The Public Information Office is dedicated to transparency and increasing public awareness related to the Oro Valley community using internal and external communications, press releases, marketing, advertisements, and social media while building and ensuring a strong and consistent brand that will strengthen community relationships and partnerships.

The Public Information Officer (PIO) works closely with media and constituents to ensure police specific information is managed and disseminated timely and accurately. Areas of responsibility of the PIO include: • Coordinating press releases and informing the media of: • Major or actively developing incidents of public concern, • Traffic/roadway hazards like significant collisions, spills and malfunctioning lights, or • Gas line breaks or significant power outages.

• Respond to daily phone calls from the media inquiring police scanner activity.

• Work cooperatively with local government and regional partners.

• Maintain social media profiles such as Facebook and Twitter.

• The utilization of social media was instrumental in the dissimenation of information during the Bighorn fire. It has proven successful in identifying suspects during criminal investigations.

2021

2020

Facebook Likes

16,710

13,020

Twitter Followers

6,716

6,087

Instagram Followers

2,015

1,603

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Support Services Division

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R ecords Unit M i ss i o n S tat e m e n t : The Oro Valley Records Unit’s mission is dedicated to maintaining and ensuring the integrity of criminal record data generated by the Oro Valley Police Department. The Unit strives to provide prompt and efficient services to the public, law enforcement and government agencies.

The Records Unit is responsible for processing, distributing and maintaining all public law enforcement records generated by the Oro Valley Police Department. The Records Unit scans all documents into our records management system and follows our state approved records retention schedule for destroying records. The Records Unit adheres to the release policy mandated by state law. The Unit is also responsible for the handling of vehicle impound releases, verifying the required documentation through the Motor Vehicle Division, preparing the proper paperwork and collecting the necessary fees. The Unit also reviews and redacts AXON video for release to the public and/or media when requested.

Impounds Cases/Miscellaneous Incident/Warnings 16

2021 184 13,179

2020 115 12,848

2019 99 15,780

Communications B ureau M i ss i o n S tat e m e n t : The Communications Bureau provides a vital link between the public and emergency services. To accomplish our mission, we will: • Assist all customers by dispatching appropriate responses to their concerns • Be compassionate and empathetic in our delivery of service • Be proactive in providing a safe and secure community for all those who live in and visit Oro Valley • Protect those in harm’s way by providing resources to assist them • Work as a team within our department, within our town and with other agencies

The Communications Bureau is the answering point for all 9-1-1 calls in Oro Valley. The Bureau operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The emergency communications center is staffed with highly skilled full-time public safety telecommunicators who answer 9-1-1 emergency and non–emergency telephone calls, while managing radio communications for the department. Public safety telecommunicators determine the nature and urgency of calls, initiate police or other public safety personnel action and maintain close contact with field units to monitor response and needed support requirements.

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Community Resources U nit M i ss i o n S tat e m e n t : The Oro Valley Community Resources Unit’s (CRU) mission seeks to engage and educate our community on public safety, personal safety, and crime prevention.

CRU offers a wide range of presentations and programs that provide relevant and current information to the public.

CRU also parterners with the Town of Oro Valley and outside vendors to coordinate, assist, and plan special events.

This includes identifying public safety needs and filling the staffing requirements to allow these events to safely occur.

Community Education and Presentations: CRU staff creates public safety related educational presentations and presents them to various groups within the community of the greater Oro Valley area. These presentations run a gamut of topics to include: fraud, personal safety, home safety, child safety, human trafficking and general public safety education.

C i t i z e n V o l u n t e e r A ss i s ta n t s P r o g r a m ( C VAP) CVAP is an essential part of the daily operations of the Oro Valley Police Department. They provide assistance to the officers and community in several ways to include: fingerprinting, traffic control during special events and major crashes, Darkhouse checks, Dispose-A-Med events, National Night Out, Community Assistance Program (CAP) and so much more! The time donated by our CVAP participants allows the police officers to focus on more complex community concerns and law enforcement emergencies. Our CVAP’s bring an assortment of skills and training from their own backgrounds. Currently there are 70 active CVAP members.

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Community Resources U nit Continued OV Safe Return The OV Safe Return program is a community resource service provided for members of the vulnerable population community who work, live, go to school, or receive treatment within the Town of Oro Valley. This would include, but is not limited to, children or adults who may have a diagnosis of: •

Autisim

•

Down’s Syndrome

•

Dementia

• Alzheimer’s

This program will provide parents and caretakers with a mechanism to share crucial information with police officers who are responding to calls for service involving these individuals. Information on the vulnerable person, their parent(s), or responsible caretaker and an additional safe contact person will be collected through registration. A current photograph of the registered individual is requested to assist in locating the registered person if he or she is ever missing.

Citizen’s Academy The Citizen Academy gives the public information on the Oro Valley Police Department. It consists of twelve free classes, held once a week from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. A different topic is covered each week, requiring a weekly commitment. Instruction is provided by sworn police personnel and civilian staff who work in those particular areas of the department.

The slogan of the Citizen Academy is “Understanding Through Education”. The goal is to provide the citizens information to dispel suspicions and misconceptions. The citizens, in turn, provide the officers and civilian staff feedback on their feelings and concerns. This dynamic helps to build rapport between citizens and Department personnel. The students are also able to meet and talk with officers and civilian support staff in the Department.

We hope the graduates will take their new knowledge back into the community and educate others when the opportunity arises. That they will have heightened awareness and better information when making decisions which affect the Town and Police Department.

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N e i g h b o r h o o d W at c h P r o g r a m Neighborhood Watch consists of a cohesive body of concerned residents addressing issues that affect their neighborhood. OVPD has one officer who organizes, trains and provides consistant information to these local neighborhood watch programs.

As part of the Department’s ongoing goals of outreach to the community to prevent crime through education, numerous Neighborhood Watch events took place including attendance at block parties, HOA meetings and special presentations. CRU provides the fraud school upon request.

Criminal I nvestigations Unit M i ss i o n S tat e m e n t : In a fair and impartial manner, the Oro Valley Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) works with victims of cime to investigate, find truth and provide resolution to enhance the quality of life in our community.

CIU is the primary investigative arm of the Oro Valley Police Department and investigates any crime requiring further investigation. The Crimes Against Persons suad is staffed with a Detective Sergeant, four (4) Detectives and a Mental Health Support Team Investigator. The Property Crimes squad is staffed with a Detective Sergeant, four (4) Detectives, an Investigator and Crime Analyst. Detectives work with victims of crime to investigate, find truth, and provide resolution.

The CIU works as a team to investigate varios types of crimes committed in our community. The CIU also works closely with our Community Action Team and networks with other task force groups outside Oro Valley to enhace the service to our community.

Year 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017

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Cases Assigned to Detectives Currently Closed Total Active 70 576 646 56 537 593 7 608 615 2 701 703 2 728 730

Clearance Rate 89.16% 90.56% 98.86% 99.72% 99.73%

2021 1 6 1 10 18

2020 1 2 8 9 20

2019 1 5 2 9 17

2018 0 6 3 9 18

2017 0 2 4 12 18

5 year Avg. 0.6 4.2 3.6 9.8 18.2

Burglary Larceny Vehicle Theft/Recovery/Attempt Arson Property Crime Totals

18 212 17 0 247

23 195 20 0 238

28 206 26 0 260

38 169 21 0 228

50 169 15 1 235

31.4 190.2 19.8 0.2 241.6

Molesting Child Molesting Exposure & Peeping Obscene Phone Calls Lewd & Lascivious Acts Sex Offenses - Other Sex Crime Totals

2 8 2 0 0 15 27

1 1 0 0 1 20 23

0 0 2 0 1 19 22

1 4 3 0 3 28 39

2 6 1 0 0 13 22

1.2 3.8 1.6 0 1 19 26.6

Other Assaults Criminal Damage Forgery/Counterfeiting Fraud Embezzlement Death Other Case Totals

14 13 1 45 1 34 108

20 18 3 73 1 28 143

9 8 6 80 3 27 133

14 7 6 63 4 30 124

14 9 4 89 2 43 161

14.2 11 4 70 2.2 32.4 133.8

All other Assigned Cases

246

169

183

294

294

237.2

Total Detective Assigned Cases

646

593

615

703

730

657.4

Homicide Sexual Assault Robbery Aggravated Assault Violent Crime Totals

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Community Action T eam M i ss i o n S tat e m e n t : The Oro Valley Community Action Team (CAT) is the department’s proactive and intelligence-based community impact unit focused on habitual offenders, current crime trends, and problem areas. CAT strives to ensure issues impacting our residents are addressed efficiently, enhancing the safety, and the quality of life of the community we serve.

The Oro Valley Community Action Team (CAT) serves as the department’s proactive and intelligence based community impact unit. CAT focuses on habitual offenders, current crime trends and problem areas utilizing intelligence derived from proactive investigative techniques, crime analysis and regional networking. CAT routinely works with our local, state, and federal partners to gather and share intelligence, as well as work complex investigations and criminal syndicates. CAT is commonly tasked with locating and apprehending criminals that have victimized our community. In addition to this, CAT works closely with local businesses and community partners to identify and arrest individuals who have negatively impacted our citizens. The members of CAT closely work with the Oro Valley Police Department’s Patrol Bureau, School Resource Officers and Criminal Investigations Unit to ensure issues impacting our residents are addressed efficiently enhancing the safety and the quality of life of the community we serve.

Education of the community is a key component to enhancing the safety of our residents. CAT members actively participate in educating the public in the police department’s crime prevention model.

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P roperty & I dentification Unit M i ss i o n S tat e m e n t : The Oro Valley Property and Identification (ID) Unit’s mission is to provide the highest quality forensic support to the members of the Oro Valley Police Department and to ensure the integrity and security of all items of property and evidence that we are entrusted with.

The Unit is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for forensic crime scene response and consists of two Crime Scene Technicians and one Crime Scene Technician Supervisor. Property & ID performs crime scene photography, processing, and collection of latent fingerprints and processing and collection of forensic evidence (blood, semen, hairs, fibers, DNA, etc.). The Unit is trained and equipped to respond to a broad range of cases from recovered stolen vehicles to complex death investigations.

The Unit also maintains the department’s property and evidence warehouse. The unit also has one part-time Evidence Disposal Reserve Officer. All submitted evidence is carefully logged and tracked with bar coding.

Property & ID personnel are the liaisons between officers, courts and prosecutors to track property and evidence for release, disposal, and destruction.

Property Items Submitted Property Into Items Evidence Disposed 2021 4,634 1,883

Call Outs 213

Axon Video Uploaded 31,401

DNA Swabs DNA Collected Hits 170 1

Latent Print Latent Cards Print Collected Hits 270 32

Scenes Photographed 158

2020

4,308

1,567

166

26,199

74

3

138

19

125

2019

4,773

3,131

196

29,354

90

1

178

20

169

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School Resource O fficers U nit Mission Statement: The Oro Valley School Resource Officers Unit’s mission is to provide a safe environment, have positive interactions and build partnerships with the school community as law enforcement officers, teachers, and informal counselors.

The Oro Valley Police Department’s School Resource Officers (SRO) Unit is built upon the “basic triad concept” of being a law enforcement officer, teacher, and counselor to the school community. This “community” includes school administration, faculty, staff, parents, students, and the Oro Valley community.

An SRO provides this service role in many ways while taking a personal interest in students’ lives, activities, and problems. There are six officers and one sergeant assigned to Oro Valley’s public schools which include: Canyon del Oro High School, Ironwood Ridge High School, Copper Creek Elementary, Painted Sky Elementary, Wilson K-8 and Innovation Academy. In addition, they cover calls for service and instruct at Immaculate Heart, Leman Academy, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, Casas Adobes, and BASIS Schools.

Oro Valley SROs become an integral part of the Oro Valley school’s programs and is tailored to meet the needs of their individual schools. Each year, in addition to their duties at the schools, the SROs teach in the classrooms. Topics include:

• • • • •

Bullying/cyber bullying Texting and driving Date rape Self defense Healthy relationships

• • • • •

Peer pressure Bicycle safety Stranger danger Anger management Social media safety

• • • • •

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Forensics Forensic lab tours Arizona criminal and traffic law Drug presentations Faculty courses on drug recognition

O ro V alley Cadet Unit 6873 M i ss i o n S tat e m e n t : The Oro Valley Cadet Unit’s mission is to mentor young adults to serve their communities by providing knowledge, skills, and practical experiences through education and training that build character, physical fitness and respect for the rule of law.

Public Safety Cadets is open to young men and women ages 14 through 20 years old with an interest in learning about the public safety field and leadership. The Cadet Unit provides educational training programs for young adults for the purpose, mission, and objectives of public safety. The unit provides career orientation experiences, leadership opportunities, and community service activities. The primary goals of the program are to guide young adults for a career in public safety (law enforcement, EMS, and fire rescue). This unit challenges them to become responsible residents and leaders of their community.

Police officers are the Cadet Mentors and assist in weekly instruction and training. Cadets dedicate themselves to community service and assist with special events throughout the Town of Oro Valley and nonprofit organizations such as the Oro Valley Theater Company. Additionally, they provide campus patrols during football games and assist with traffic control during graduations. They are presented with many methods of crime detection from fingerprinting to utilizing canine units and they experience the legal process first-hand. They also put their skills to the test while attending competitions such as the Chandler Tactical Event and Marana Night Moves. It gives Cadets an opportunity to “walk a mile in an officer’s shoes.”

In 2021, Cadets worked 460 community service hours while learning some of the following topics: • P olice P rocedures

• Major Crimes

• Aspects of Law Enforcement

• First-Aid • Self-Defense • Crime Lab Operations

• Narcotics Law • Juvenile Law • CPR

• Traffic and Crowd Control • Dispatch 25

Task Force Operations & Regional Partnerships The Oro Valley Police Department is actively involved in multi-jurisdictional joint task forces across southern Arizona.

D r u g E n f o r c e m e n t A g e n c y (DEA) has numerous multi-jurisdictional task force groups that include federal agents, prosecuting agencies, state and local law enforcement agencies. Each task force takes a different segment of the trafficking, production, and use of drug related crime to combat this national epidemic.

G a n g a n d I m m i g r at i o n I n t e l l i g e n c e T e a m E n f o r c e m e n t M i ss i o n (GIITEM) is a multijurisdictional task force that focuses on street gang, US border and immigration crimes. GIITEM strives to accomplish its mission through a task force concept involving personnel from tribal, federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies.

The Oro Valley Police Department is proud to have professional associations with a variety of multi-agency regional teams. These assignments are voluntary and are in addition to their other duties and responsibilities. The value of the law enforcement regionalization assets is the ability to enhance local response, increase professional networking and capitalize on the training and experiences from a variety of local agencies. In a time of need, the regional approach as a “force multiplier” provides trained personnel and more resources to our community.

The OVPD is a founding-member of the following: • Pima Regional SWAT • Pima Regional Crisis Negotiations • Pima Regional Bomb Squad • Pima Regional Motor Academy • Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona • Internet Crimes Against Children • Mobile Field Force

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Field Services Division

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P atrol B ureau The Patrol Bureau is the heart of the of a police organization. Every incident, from the simplest of issues to the most complex of criminal investigations, begins with a patrol officer’s response.

As a result of Oro Valley’s “if you call a cop, you get a cop” community policing philosophy, patrol officers respond to a myriad of calls for service. They must be a “jack of all trades” as they can be called upon at a moment’s notice to be a protector, investigator, social worker, mediator, or anything in between. They must be prepared to address whatever it is that the members of the Oro Valley community have reported. Additionally, patrol officers maintain a highly visible presence within the community. They work to prevent crime through proactive activities such as traffic enforcement, business checks, field interviews, and patrolling residential areas and apartment complexes.

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P atrol R esponse T imes

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Crime Statistics

*Includes burglary attempts

**Includes motor vehicle theft attempt

Unified Crime Reports (UCR) Part One Crime is reported to the FBI and consists of eight crime divided into two categories; Violent Crime and Property Crime. “The program’s founders chose these offenses because they are serious crimes, they occur with regularity in all areas of the country, and they are likely to be reported to police.” (http://www2.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2009/about/offense_definitions.html) Examples of priority one calls are armed robbery, physical domestic violence, car jacking, etc.

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Crime Statistics Continued P art 2 C rimes Offense

2021

2020

2019

Arrest for Other Jurisdiction

61

50

75

Disorderly Conduct

229

144

146

Drug Abuse Violations

141

252

185

DUI

404

189

207

Embezzlement

1

2

2

Forgery/Counterfeiting

4

3

7

Juvenile Offenses: Curfew, Loitering, etc.

16

29

15

Liquor Laws

10

6

15

Offense Against the Family

14

10

16

Public Intoxication

2

0

0

Runaways

28

35

32

Sex Offenses Except Rape

38

32

30

Simple Assault

95

91

95

Stolen Property: Buy, Receive, Possess, Sell

3

2

0

Vandalism*

197

150

168

Weapons Violation

13

8

5

* Vandalism includes Domestic Violence: Criminal Damage

UCR Part Two Crime includes all other reportable crime categories, but only arrest data is reported to the FBI rather than crime counts. Priority two calls include burglary in progress, collisions with injury, missing children, etc.

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Canine Unit M i ss i o n S tat e m e n t : The mission of the Canine Unit is to enhance the level of service we provide by utilizing canine assets to help identify crimes, locate lost or fleeing individuals, and to promote trusting partnerships within our community.

The Oro Valley Police Department has three K-9 teams that service the Town. The canine teams participate and assist the Drug Enforcement Administration, Counter Narcotics Alliance, Tucson International Airport and the United States Customs/Border Patrol. Two of the teams are “dual purpose” and are trained in two specific areas: patrol/handler protection and narcotics detection. The third team is trained to detect explosives and accelerant components used to make explosive devices. Our canines are Belgian Malinois and train on a regular basis to keep their high level of expertise.

The patrol teams are nationally certified each year. The patrol teams work in a supportive role for uniformed patrol bureau. These K-9 teams are trained specifically to search for drugs, suspects, lost or missing people, crime scene evidence and to protect their handlers. Additionally, the teams interact with both children and adults of this community at public events where they demonstrate the K-9’s unique skills and abilities.

Lead Patrol Officer Marvin/Justin (Ret.) LPO Marvin has been a police officer since 1979 and a K-9 handler since 1992. Canine Justin joined OVPD in January 2017. Justin is trained in explosive detection. LPO Marvin and K-9 Justin retired in August of 2021.

Officer Reynolds/Risu Officer Reynolds has been a police officer since 2002 and a K-9 handler for 16 years. Canine Risu joined OVPD in November 2019. Risu is trained and nationally certified in patrol tactics and narcotic detection.

Officer Gaare/Vader Officer Gaare has been with OVPD since 2011 and became a K-9 handler in August 2020. Canine Vader joined OVPD in March 2020. Vader is trained and nationally certified in patrol tactics and narcotic detection.

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Canine Unit Seizures Marijuana (grams) Methamphetamine (grams) Heroin (grams) Cocaine (grams) LSD (tab) Fentynal (pills) Total Estimated Drug Street Value Paraphernalia finds (items) Patrol K-9 people apprehensions Cash Locates/Seizures (Federal/State Agency Assists)

2021 2.44 40.58 5.83 0 1 217 $4,492.45 53 7

Canine Narcotic/Patrol Searches

77

Assisting Other Agencies

3

$579

T raffic Unit M i ss i o n S tat e m e n t : It is the mission of the Traffic Unit to enhance the safety of the motoring public with the goal of gaining voluntary compliance of traffic laws utilizing the principle of the three E’s: Education, Enforcement, and Engineering.

Traffic officers prioritize their enforcement time to locations where crashes can be prevented and where the community has reported traffic safety concerns. It is our belief that high visibility traffic enforcement is a key factor in deterring criminal behavior and improving the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.

In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, the Traffic Unit was involved in numerous special programs and details this past year such as: •

Conducting multiple High Visibility Enforcement and selective targeted enforcement deployments throughout the town to reduce the number of collisions and dangerous speed violations within the Town.

•

Providing escorts or traffic control at special events such as the Run for the Fallen, Missing in America Project, and numerous unfortunate public safety memorials and funerals to honor fallen heroes.

•

Coordinating quarterly training and a basic motorcycle academy for motor officers from numerous local agencies.

The members of the Traffic Unit investigate and follow up on all traffic related crimes that occur within Oro Valley or are initiated by OVPD personnel. A specialized traffic investigator position is staffed to meet the criminal traffic case management needs of the Department and the Town. The traffic investigator and other members of the Traffic Unit have special training in collision investigation, crash reconstruction, scene mapping and impaired driver investigations.

Members of the Traffic Unit also frequently supplement the patrol functions of our agency.

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H igh V isibility Enforcement - “H i VE” The Oro Valley Police Department High Visibility Enforcement (HiVE) program is a data driven approach to prevent injury collisions in intersections with high collision rates. The program places 5-6 traffic officers in and around high collision intersections during peak travel times. The deployments are 3 hours in length. All deployments are advertised through print, radio and TV in advanced so motorists are aware of the elevated police activity. This is a critical component of HiVE, since the goal is to increase awareness and safety. The program is not designed to be a “ticket writing” campaign and most of the traffic stops result in warnings. This educational approach is designed to instill trust between the public and police department. The officers are instructed to be visible during all aspects of the deployment; ideally flooding the area to gain the attention of traveling motorists. The goal of the HiVE is to foster a lasting reduction in crashes involving injuries and property loss.

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DUI & Commercial Vehicle Enforcement The Oro Valley Police Depar tment’s DUI Enforcement is committed to removing impaired drivers from our roadways. DUI Enforcement also conducts special saturation deployments and task force operations in par tnership with the Souther n Arizona DUI Task Force during special events and holidays.

The of f ic e r s as s i g n e d t o D U I E n f or c em en t have b een sp ec ially tr ain ed in id e nt if y ing n o t j u s t t h o s e i m p a i red by alc o ho l, bu t tho se im p aired by illeg al an d pre sc r ipt i o n d r u g s. OV P D c ur ren tly has seven o f f ic er s who have b een cer t if ie d a s D r u g R e c o g n i t i o n E xp er ts (DR E s). Nin teen OV PD o f f ic er s are cu r re nt ly qua li f i e d t o c o n d u c t blo o d d r aws o n tho se ar rested f o r DUI . I n ad dit ion t o t h o s e a s s i g n e d t o D UI E n f o r c em en t, d o zen s o f Oro Valley p at rol offic e r s have c o m p le t e d advan c e d DUI investigatio n tr ain in g an d are c er tified in H or iz ont a l G a z e N y s t ag mu s ( HGN).

The Oro Va l l ey Po li c e D e p a r t m e n t has a lo n g-stan d in g relatio n ship with the G ove r nor ’s O f f i c e o f H i g h way Saf ety (GOHS). B ec au se o f this stro n g par t ne r ship, OV P D h a s re c e i ve d h u n d red s o f tho u san d s o f d o llar s in g r ant fu nding. I n 20 2 1 , t h i s g r an t f u n d i n g p aid f o r n ew DUI eq u ip m en t, Selec tive Tra f f ic Enf orc e m e n t P ro g r a m ( S TE P), Tr af f ic an d Cr ash R ep o r tin g So f tward an d e quipme n t , an d f u n d i n g t o p ay over tim e c o sts f o r DUI en f o r c em en t.

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement

Oro Valley continues to have a considerable volume of commercial motor vehicle traffic on our streets and highways. If not properly maintained, these heavy vehicles can represent a serious danger to the motoring public. To help minimize this danger, OVPD currently has officers trained and certified to inspect commercial motor vehicles. These officers enforce the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, including the laws governing the transportation of hazardous materials, on our highways. Our officers regularly participate in regional commercial vehicle safety deployments led by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

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A gency T raffic Stop Statistics

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2021 R ecognition C o m m e n dat i o n s : Sgt. Dean Nesbitt received a commendation for his actions during an incident involving a potentially suicidal 11-year-old female. The incident involved the child threatening her own life with a knife. Sgt. Nesbitt was one of the first officers to engage in crisis communication with the child. While engaged in conversation, coordination of a loose perimeter and the closure of the nearby roadway were also completed.

The commendation highlighted that Sgt. Nesbitt spoke to the girl as if she was his own child. He utilized dialog that was calm, reassuring, caring and conveyed a sense of hope. After negotiating for the female to drop the knife and approach him, Sgt. Nesbitt embraced her with a reassuring and comforting hug. Bringing a peaceful resolution to the incident was a team effort however as quoted from the commendation, “Sgt. Nesbitt’s interaction with the child was directly responsible for the outcome and, more than likely, saved her life.

Sgt. Andy Lopez - While off duty on a hunting excursion, Sgt. Andy Lopez heard cries for help. He came upon a Mexican National who had been brought across the border by human traffickers known as Coyotes.

It was learned that once across the border the Coyotes robbed the subject of his belongings, including his money and warm clothing, and left him in the elements. Sgt. Lopez identified that the subject was suffering from exposure, having been in the the elements for an extended period of time. Sgt. Lopez provided medical attention, food and helped to hydrate the subject. Without cell service in the area, Sgt. Lopez hiked to a roadway and was able to contact a Border Patrol agent. The agent responded to the subject’s location and transported him for additional medical attention.

Systems Analyst Stephen Dirks received a commendation for his involvement during the extensive remodel and upgrade of the Emergency Communications Center (ECC). His extensive technical skills, work ethic and collaboration with vendors and staff resulted in the ECC being completed on time and made it a “seamless transition for our public safety telecommunicators.”

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2021 R ecognition Continued Sgt. Mike McBride received a commendation for his integral participation during a multi-jurisdictional interstate homicide investigation. An excerpt from the commendation reads: Sgt. McBride drew upon his vast experience with narcotics investigations to proactively inform another jurisdiction about possible criminal behavior in their area. The information he provided SAPD proved to be incredibly valuable and allowed SAPD to identify a second homicide suspect, of which they had very little information. Moreover, Sgt. McBride’s communication and coordination of information between SAPD, the U.S. Marshals Office, and our own agency was critical in facilitating Darimont’s quick arrest.

Ofc. Carlos Gastelum received a commendation for his dogged efforts in apprehending a habitual thief.

The incident began when patrol received a call for service reference “suspicious activity.” A Ring camera captured a suspect attempting to enter a locked vehicle before fleeing the area at approximately 4 o’clock in the morning. Ofc. Gastelum began canvasing the area, locating multiple residences that had been victimized.

He was able to locate a U-Haul truck, developed reasonable suspicion to detain the driver and recovered stolen items, to include a $10,000.00 electric bike, and narcotics. Ofc. Gastelum is known for dedicating a significant amount of his patrol shift patrolling the residential neighborhoods in the community. The commendation cited, “If Ofc. Gastelum did not take such pride in protecting his neighborhoods, it is possible he would not have been able to develop the reasonable suspicion that was required to continue the investigation in this case.”

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2021 R ecognition Continued Other Staff Accomplishments: • Deputy Chief Jason Larter was the recipient of a Community Partner Commendation during Northwest Fire District’s 2021 award ceremony. D.C. Larter was assigned as a law enforcement liaison after the tragic line of duty death of a retired NWFD fire chief who paid the ultimate sacrifice battling a blaze with the Forest Service. D.C. Larter coordinated multiple funeral and ceremonial services held throughout the community, allowing NWFD staff to focus their efforts on supporting the Chief’s family. An excerpt from the nomination read: • The entire Oro Valley Police Department, and in particular Deputy Chief Larter, rose to meet the challenging needs of our community, and of our organization. His efforts exceeded all expectations and for this, Deputy Chief Jason Larter is to be commended.

• Chief Kara M. Riley was recognized by the University of Arizona’s Eller Undergraduate Program. Chief Riley was selected as the recipient of the “Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things” award in the Government category.

• Lt. Carmen Trevizo and Sgt. Amy Graham completed a 10 week Police Staff and Command training program offered through Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety.

P ro m ot i o n s :

Ben Johnson - Communications Supervisor Luis Montijo - Detective Ryan Jones - Sergeant

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2021 R ecognition Continued Lead

O ff i c e r o f t h e Y e a r P o l i c e O ff i c e r : N at h a n i e l Ve r a

LPO Vera joined our agency in 2017 and has now been in law enforcement for 7 years.

Additionally, he worked as a Crime Scene Technician for approximately one year prior to becoming a sworn officer. The extent of knowledge and experience he has gained during that time is impressive. LPO Vera has routinely demonstrated this by example. Our organization is a grateful recipient of his contributions. Such contributions include growth and development, commitment to service, and enhanced leadership.

From a development and growth perspective, LPO Vera is actively involved and committed to the department’s field training program. His ability to effectively develop less tenured officers is excellent and enhances the likelihood of achieving the desired level of success and maintaining quality police officers as they continue their careers after field training. LPO Vera’s contribution to development does not end at the field training level. He contributes the success of the entire organization at so many levels and in many different categories. Examples of his contributions in the year of 2021 alone, include his routine volunteering of participation in the following areas: Vehicle Committee and vehicle design, Recruitment Committee and new hire oral boards, Drone Program (Pilot, on-call, callouts for collisions, public and town mapping), Terrorism Liaison Officer, Threat and Vulnerability Assessments of the town and public, pre-field training teaching endeavors during new hire and lateral administrative weeks, Report Writing and De-Escalation instruction to cadets, and Pima County Sheriff ’s Department Academy “Stop and Approach” scenarios.

Additionally, LPO Vera received a Life Saving Award in early 2021, wherein he was directly involved in saving the life of a juvenile community member who made a full recovery as a result of LPO Vera’s actions. These are only some examples of LPO Vera’s proven commitment to service and passion to facilitate growth and development.

LPO Vera has a keen ability to retain information and impart the knowledge and training he has received among not only less tenure officers, but to his peers and supervisors alike. His knowledge and experience are 40

2021 R ecognition Continued sought after on a regular basis and his sound decision making and problem-solving capabilities are supportive of this. LPO Vera is a complete employee and a model police officer.

LPO Vera serves in a unique role within the organization. In the absence of the sergeant, he is the formal leader of the squad. During the 2021 year, he was in this position for a total of approximately four months.

During this time, he demonstrated leadership that is generally seen from those with much more experience and exposure in a position of leadership. He was tasked with several duties that are not typically a part of his job description. His work product exceeds expectations. Additionally, LPO Vera attended and completed the Basic Leadership Academy that was hosted by Arizona POST. This will only serve to sharpen his already present and effective leadership skills. LPO Vera aspires to be a leader within our organization and has proven to be one in a short time.

MADD 2021 DUI E nforcement O fficer

of the

Y ear :

2021 Retirements:

Officer Fred Brown In 2021, Officer Brown conducted over 1600 traffic contacts resulting in 229 individuals being arrested for impaired driver related crimes. 229 dangerous individuals were removed from the streets and an untold number of lives were saved due to his efforts.

PST Dan Rhoads 05-31-1988 to 01-11-2021

CST Paul Blair 09-05-2004 to 04-23-2021

Officer John Ferrel LPO Brian Marvin 07-06-2003 to 06-14-2021 02-11-1991 to 08-03-2021 Officer Sarah Leiner 09-10-1998 to 09-09-2021

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