City of Forest Park Police Department | 2023 Annual Report

F F I C E O F T H E C H I E F

Greetings:

A M E S S A G E F R O M

T H E C H I E F

I am truly honored to serve as the Forest Park Police Chief during this exciting period of transformation. In my role, I am committed to aligning our law enforcement strategies with the 21st Century Policing Model, which was established by the 2015 Presidential Task Force

By adopting the recommendations from this task force, our goal is to equipt Forest Park Police officers with the tools to establish trust, legitimacy and confidence in the future of law enforcement within our city. Policing in the 21st century has undergone significant changes, with a growing emphasis on technology and more efficient and effective police practices on a national scale.

The Forest Park Police Department is unwavering in its dedication to achieving the highest standards of professionalism, and we are actively pursuing this through well-defined policies, procedures, training and the integration of cutting-edge technology. One of our foremost priorities is the strategic deployment of police personnel to uphold these standards

In our commitment to Forest Park, we are determined to cultivate the finest officers by focusing on recruitment, education and training I am pleased to report that in 2023, we have made substantial progress in filling over 90% of our previously vacant positions with highly skilled individuals who have worked tirelessly to uphold the department's mission of community-oriented policing

Once again, it is an honor and privilege to serve this wonderful community, and I look forward to building upon the tremendous success we have achieved

Chief Brandon L. Criss Forest Park Police Department

N A L S T A N D A R D S

The Office of Professional Standards (OPS), under the leadership of Capt. Lloyd Owens, supports the mission and core beliefs of the Forest Park Police Department, which is to enhance, strengthen and grow our city by collaborating with our community to provide the highest level of service. Striving to be recognized as a diverse community that values and respects all members We will strive to provide fair, professional, and courteous service through transparency and open communication.

A C C R E D I T A T I O N A N D

C E R T I F I C A T I O N

Staff serves as the accreditation and certification team with responsibility for ensuring that Forest Park Police Department policies and practices reflect current national accreditation and state certification standards.

The Forest Park Police Department is an Internationally Accredited Agency. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) was formed in 1979 by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Sheriff's Association (NSA), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) CALEA offers a body of standards to establish up-to-date, best practice recommendations for the delivery of professional law enforcement services. The Forest Park Police Department received its initial CALEA accreditation in 2001 and has worked hard to maintain accreditation since that time. CALEA protocol dictates that every 3 years trained assessors come to each accredited agency and do a thorough on-site assessment to ensure that the agency is operating in compliance with CALEA standards, and every 3 years since initial accreditation the Forest Park Police Department has been reaccredited.

Internal affairs is a division of a law enforcement agency that investigates incidents and possible suspicions of criminal and professional misconduct by members of a law enforcement agency It is a means of self-governing the department internally. I N T E R N A L A F F A I R S &

Complaints)

Citizens Complaints

F F I C E O F P R O F E S S I O N A L S T A N D A R D S

B A C K G R O U N D A N D

R

E

C R U I T I N G

The Background and Recruitment Unit is responsible for finding eligible candidates for the police department and assisting them through the hiring process. The unit conducts thorough background investigations to make sure only the most qualified applicants are selected to join the department

I T I N G

NON-SWORN PERSONNEL

I E L D O P E R A T I O N S D I V I S I O N

The Field Operations Division (FOD) is the largest division in the Forest Park Police Department led by Captain Kayla Ghant, FOD is comprised of four patrol watches, which provide front-line services to the citizens of Forest Park. The men and women of FOD are tasked with the patrol functions of general law enforcement, maintaining order, and emergency response.

ALARM

F I E L D O P E R A T I O N S D I V I S I O N

K9 ICE

Joined the department June 16, 2023

Completed a 400-hour Dual Purpose Narcotics Canine Handler Course

K9 SHAGY

Celebrating 1 year in service

932 traffic stops

Over 1,000 hours of training

Multiple agency assists, including the US Marshals

C O M M U N I T Y A F F A I R S

The Community Affairs Unit seeks to actively engage in the community to promote a strong working relationship between the police department and its citizens. This joint effort aids in solving problems that affect our community, and foster enhanced trust, communication, transparency and mutual respect. Forest Park Police hosted, co-sponsored and participated in several events in 2023.

Trunk or Treat

Shop with a Cop

Forest Park Day

National Night Out

Breast Cancer Walk

Coffee with the Chief

Hispanic Heritage Fest

Citizens Police Academy

Cops, Clippers, & Conversations

O M M U N I T Y A F F A I R S

4,499 FOLLOWERS 30% INCREASE FROM 2020

66,224 PAGE REACH

Followers

6 0%increasefrom202 0

THE CITY APP WAS INTRODUCED AS PART OF THE 2021 STRATEGIC PLAN. AFTER MONTHS OF PLANNING, THE CITY OF FOREST PARK APP LAUNCHED ON 12/4/2021.

A L I N V E S T I G A T I O N S D I V I S I O N

INVESTIGATIONS

The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is responsible for determining follow-up investigative needs for all criminal incidents, and those cases needing special attention or long-term investigation

The CID supervisory team reviews incident reports daily and applies a formal case screening process to all crimes to ensure that investigative resources are assigned to those cases which can most benefit from additional investigative effort. Screening is based on research and experiences within the agency and case solvability factors.

The CID is under the command of the Support Services Major Jones and is supervised by Captain Skelton and Lieutenant Cantrell, who are responsible for assigning cases and overseeing daily operations. The division consists of six detectives who handle all criminal investigations CID also has a property and evidence Sergeant, two full-time crime scene investigators and one civilian detective administrative assistant.

Over the course of 2023, the Property and Evidence Sergeant has been responsible for maintaining a constant chain of custody for every piece of evidence stored in property and evidence. As of October 2023, he successfully completed a multitude of destruction orders, which are required by law and signed off by a judge, to remove over 10,000 items of abandoned property, drugs, and adjudicated case evidence from our facility.

This year, CSI responded to 85 crime scene callouts, including 5 homicides, several aggravated assaults, and multiple commercial and residential burglaries. The unit also assisted with a multitude of search warrants, ranging from obtaining DNA swabs to drug investigations Evidence processing, which includes trace evidence collection and the detection of latent bloodstains, was conducted at our in-house laboratory.

The Detective Administrative Assistant also serves as the agency’s terminal agency coordinator (TAC) The TAC is the person designated to serve as a liaison between the agency head and the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) network related matters.

The Records Division is under the command of the Support Services Major Jones and Captain Skelton. The Police Records Division processes invoices, collects payment, and disseminates records requested for the police department This unit is responsible for the maintenance and storage of records/documents and ensures the security and integrity of all record files/attachments. Records include:

Reports

Requests

Requests Citation Payments

Records also partner with other government entities, such as the District Attorney’s Office and the Solicitor General’s offices, in need of case files and information. The Records Management Unit consists of 4 full-time personnel who provide assistance during court hours and are responsible for collecting documentation that leads to the approval or denial of Alcohol Permits and Adult Entertainment applications by City of Forest Park ordinances.

In 2023, the Forest Park Police Department had 965 JustFOIA open records requests (ORR) requests. The turnaround time for these requests averaged 2.35 days. Our online portal accounted for 744 requests, 240 requests were processed by U.S. Mail, and 865 requests were made in person. An additional 900 requests were filled for outside law enforcement agencies

Our Records Division also provided coverage for court services throughout 2023 Records took payments through several different means, including IJS and Courtware. Courtware payments began in March of this year

R I M I

A L I N V E S T I G A T I O N S D I V I S I O N

C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

The Forest Park E-911 Communications Center provides law enforcement, fire, and medical dispatch to the incorporated geographic area. By combining quality people with updated technology, the Forest Park E-911 Communications Center maintains a high level of service. The Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system combines mapping and agency unit identification in a dispatching format that enhances public safety agency response types and times This new generation of CAD also allows dispatchers to "see" via computer where police and fire units are in the field. Staff access state and national computerized databases for law enforcement purposes.

Over 20,000 Communications Center Calls Received in 2023

POLICE FIRE

75%

This year, our Communications Center received 15,330 Police calls for service and 5,092 Fire/EMS service calls. Combined, there were 20,422 calls into the center. These are calls handled by dispatch that came in from residents, visitors, and businesses and do not include the self-initiated calls radioed in by officers in the field, which generated over 6,000 reports and 16,000 traffic stops.

The Communications Center implemented the use of RapidSOS The program gives each dispatcher access to accurate and additional information from a smartphone when it calls 911. It provides accurate GPS information, medical alert information, and information from Uber.

In conjunction with the field operations use of the ShotSpotter app, the Communications Center was granted access to the web-based version to dispatch an officer accurately to the reported sound of gunfire. The Center will also become fully compliant with Georgia’s new law requiring that all dispatchers be certified to provide CPR over the telephone while EMS is enroute. This is just the first step to getting the center and all of our dispatchers EMD certified.

In 2023, the Communications Center welcomed 7 new dispatchers In addition, a newly created position was implemented and filled: Communications Manager. The Communications Manager handles the day-to-day operations of the center and will ensure that the residents of Forest Park are getting the very best services through quality assurance, which includes reviewing 911 calls and radio traffic, and required advanced training for all dispatch personnel

Courage: Instilling trust while facing danger. S P E C I A L O P E R A T I O N S

The primary mission of the Forest Park Police Department's Special Operations Division is to enhance the capabilities of the patrol division in addressing crime and resolving issues affecting the community's well-being The division deploys various resources to adapt to the department's and community's evolving needs.

The Special Operations Unit, reinstated in 2023, amalgamates all specialized units within the Forest Park Police Department. Its mission is to provide support to Uniform Patrol and the Criminal Investigations Unit. The Unit comprises the NET Unit, Traffic Unit, and Narcotics Investigations. Officers in the Special Operations Unit undergo specific training tailored to their areas of expertise, ensuring a higher level of service to the community The Special Operations Unit and Net Unit fall under the command of Captain Whitehead and Lieutenant Wilkerson

The operational components of the Special Operations Division encompass:

Net Unit (Neighborhood Enforcement Team): Specializing in Crime Suppression, the Net Unit focuses on addressing quality-of-life concerns such as illegal narcotics distribution, auto theft, burglary, loitering, and other criminal activities.

Traffic Enforcement Unit: Specialized in enforcing traffic laws and managing vehicular and pedestrian traffic, this unit conducts high-volume traffic stops prioritizing safety within the City Limits They actively patrol designated areas, concentrating on traffic violations to identify and deter criminal activities. Additionally, they engage in interviews with stopped drivers to assess potential involvement in criminal enterprises

Narcotics Unit: The Narcotics Unit and Net Unit work together to address and investigate illicit narcotics sales and distribution in the City of Forest Park As a collaborative effort between these units and their local, state and federal partners, their efforts allow for an aggressive response and investigations of organized drug trade

The core values guiding the Special Operations Division include:

Professionalism: Taking pride in actions, duties, development, and appearance. Integrity: Adhering to moral and ethical principles.

Commitment: Striving for excellence, accountability, and effectiveness in performance.

A L O P E R A T I O N S

C I A L O P E R A T I O N S

The Traffic Division was re-instated on June 5, 2023, by Chief Brandon Criss. The assigned officers currently consist of Sgt. T. Gladden, Officer. N. Jackson and Ofc. R Pope and is overseen by Lt J Wilkerson and Capt D Whitehead The traffic unit consists of two assigned motor units and three patrol vehicles.

The Traffic Unit actively began unit duties on June 10, 2023. The following stats are for the date range of June 10. 2023 to November 28th, 2023.

A N I M A L C O N T R O L

Respond to dog bite calls by meeting with the victim, observing the bite, and implementing a 10-day quarantine if the skin is broken. Verification of Rabies Vaccination is required, and a recheck is conducted at the end of the quarantine period Owners must provide proof of Rabies within 7 days to comply with City Ordinance/State Law. S P E C I A L O P E R A T I O N S

The Animal Control Division falls under the command of Major Whitehead, special operations. Between January and November 2023, 198 animals have been impounded The monthly average for impounds is approximately 20 cats/dogs Citations issued during the same period total 43, covering violations such as Running at Large (11-3-21), Animal Bite (11-3-27), and Rabies Inoculation (11-324)

Three traps were deployed between January and November 2023.

Handling various types of calls:

Address calls related to dogs running at large without direct complainant contact through general area patrols. Locate and secure the described dog, identify the owner, and transport the dog to Clayton County Animal Control if necessary

Manage barking complaints by having the complainant send a certified letter to the dog owner, documenting a 10-day log of continuous barking Animal control can issue witness citations with provided evidence.

Handle eviction-related calls initiated by the Clayton County Sheriff’s Department If the owner/resident cannot be reached, any animals in the residence, except chickens/roosters per Dept. of Agriculture guidelines, are taken to Clayton County Animal Control A certified letter is sent to the last known address with a 7-day hold on the animal/s.

FOREST PARK HONOR GUARD

The Honor Guard unit was created, and which includes Ofc. Jackson, Ofc. Moriaty, and Ofc. Cardenas. Our honor guard serves the community by assisting with funerals and all other events. The first event was held on September 9, 2023, for the opening of Fire Station 3, Forest Park Police Department Honor Guard along with Forest Park Fire and EMS Honor Guard presented Colors and Arms. S P E C I A L O P E R A T I O N S

The Training Unit serves as a support division for the police department We strive to be the pinnacle of quality training and professional development for all police personnel by enhancing the abilities of officers to become the premiere and elite role models for the community The training unit is commanded by Captain K McGhee, with Lt. M. Anderson as the assistant commander.

2023 TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Professional Development Training

De-escalation Techniques

Training Classes

ning (3,252 hours)

AED/Narcan

ooter, Low Light, Tactical Firearms, sm

The department has 10 Georgia Peace Officer Stand Instructors, who specialize in a variety of special skill scenario training, firearms, de-escalation tactics, Ti Judgmental shooting simulator training and other advanced subjects. The training division is delegated to assigning Field Training Officers (FTO) for new police academy graduates and new hires.

The Forest Park Police Department is proud to go beyond the POST-mandated minimum requirements by adding classroom and field training uniquely tailored to our community. This additional training is designed to promote productive and respectful relationships with the community Facilitated specialized and career development courses for officers both in-state and out of state. With topics that includes but are not limited to Implicit Bias Training, De-escalation and Crisis Intervention Training In 2023 the department received 11,997 hours of POST approved training.

T R A I N I N G

Q U A R T E R M A S T E R & F L E E T

Sgt. Seqouyah Combs is the Quartermaster/Fleet Officer for the department. With the assistance of Lt. Myloreal Anderson, they manage the outfitting of new hires, basic mandate recruits and equipment for our specialized units.

During this year we have on-boarded approximately 40 new officers with new weapons, tasers, body cameras and vehicles This included our special operations personnel that are assigned to the Traffic Unit, Narcotics Unit, E-Bikes and NET Unit (Neighborhood Enforcement Team).

T R A I N I N G

The department fleet consists of approximately 130 vehicles, which includes marked and unmarked vehicles, as well as specialized vehicles for special events and operations. During 2023, 32 new vehicles replaced older high-mileage vehicles consisting of Ford Interceptors, Chevy Tahoe's, Ford Expeditions and Toyota Camry’s The ATV’s and E-Bikes are used for patrol, special events, and search and rescue. Our motors units also consist of two Harley Davidson-Road Kings.