San Pablo PD Annual Report 2022-23 - English

AT YOUR SERVICE

A Message from the Chief of Police

Hello San Pablo,

Welcome to our 2022-2023 Annual Report. This edition marks the 75th Anniversary of our city and police department. We have come a long way since 1948 and there is no question our community and our staff over the past 75 years have helped shape who we are today. We are honored to serve such an amazing community.

Our annual report reflects our commitment to you in service, training, and technology. We will continue to prioritize Public Safety as we look to the future. It is my honor and privilege to continue to be a part of the San Pablo community as your Chief of Police and lead the dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to provide a safe and secure environment. The Department’s Vision Statement, “Dedicated to Providing Exceptional Police Service,” is proudly displayed throughout our organization and city. We wholeheartedly embrace the trust you have bestowed upon on us, and we hold ourselves to the highest standard. We are fully staffed and hire only those who have outstanding character and embody these values in their daily lives, and we train them to hone their skills and achieve excellence in their chosen career.

We heard your concerns regarding the local impacts of homelessness, mental health, and blight. In July of 2022, the police department created the Priority Oriented Policing Division (P.O.P.) to specifically address these concerns. Sworn and Professional staff from this division are now available to assist our patrol staff in long term solutions to these very important issues.

We are also excited to start construction on a brand-new police department and regional training center this year. This new facility will enhance our commitment to training, technology and community aligning with our crime reduction strategies. We are hopeful to move into the new facility early 2025.

As your Chief of Police, I continue to listen to your needs and strive to create an environment of trust and transparency and where open dialogue is encouraged with members of our community and the men and women with whom I serve. We hear you; we see you, and we are working hard to ensure the safety of our community.

A police department can only be effective if there is transparency, communication, and trust with the community. We thank you for your continued support. 2023 holds great opportunities for our continued community engagement activities which continues to be a focal point. On behalf of the members of the San Pablo Police Department, thank you for reading our 2022-2023 annual report. We are stronger when we work together to make our city better#WeAreSanPablo.

Ron Raman, Chief of Police

OUR MISSION

The San Pablo Police Department is committed to safeguarding our community through successful collaborative strategies in Community Policing, Progressive Training, and Technology.

Community Policing is the foundation of our mission. We value our community’s active engagement, input and contributions toward our shared public safety success, and we recognize that fostering partnerships between officers and our community is a key element in achieving our common goal in creating a safer San Pablo.

COMMUNITY POLICING PROGRESSIVE TRAINING TECHNOLOGY

The San Pablo Police Department continues to prioritize the latest in Progressive Training to maximize the caliber of service we provide for our community. We are in constant pursuit of research-based training that aligns with our community’s expectations and the 21st Century policing model, and are committed to ensuring that all San Pablo police personnel are prepared with the skills, knowledge, education and training to effectively serve and protect our community.

Aligned with our commitment to remain at the forefront of progressive and advanced training, the San Pablo Police Department is committed to ensuring an ongoing integration of cutting-edge technology to serve and safeguard our San Pablo community. Comprehensive technology, including gunshot detection software and citywide surveillance systems, continues to play a critical role in reducing crime rates, and helping San Pablo police personnel provide the most effective and efficient services to our community.

The San Pablo Police Department is strongly rooted in our commitment to you – our community. We enjoy our connection with local schools, business establishments, and residential communities, and we encourage our community’s feedback and communication which contribute toward our City’s safety and success. We believe, through this continued growth, progress, and strengthened collaboration with our community, that together, we can continue to make San Pablo an amazing place for our families to live, work and thrive.

OUR CITY AT A GLANCE

Seventy-five years ago, the town of San Pablo was officially incorporated as a City on April 27, 1948. Nestled in the heart of California’s East Bay Area, the City of San Pablo is a diverse residential and business community which spans approximately 2.6 square miles across West Contra Costa County.

The San Pablo Police Department proudly serves and protects the City of San Pablo – home to nearly 32,000 residents, and a landmark professional and recreational destination for many more.

Historically one of the oldest Spanish settlements in the region, and recognized as the first majority-Latino city in Contra Costa County, the City of San Pablo enjoys a wealth of historical traditions, culture, and heritage intertwined within our thriving community.

• Overall violent crime reduced by 8%, with universal Part-1 crimes down 13% since 2021.

• San Pablo PD officers seized 117 firearms in 2022!

• The PD Annex Project renovated Fire Station 70, which was previously occupied by the Contra Costa County Fire Department. San Pablo PD staff from the newly-formed Priority Oriented Policing Division (P.O.P.) moved into this new space in August. The P.O.P. Division is made up of professional and sworn staff dedicated to addressing quality-of-life issues surrounding blight, illegal dumping, and traffic. Additionally, specially-trained officers are tasked with conducting proactive outreach and response to our unhoused “P.O.P.ulation”, as well as those suffering from behavioral health issues by connecting them with appropriate resources. This unit has already proven to be a valuable asset in partnering with our business and residential communities to identify and implement sustainable solutions.

• The Police Department has continued participation in developing a forwardlooking response to the behavioral health crisis within the region. P.O.P. Division officers have begun coordinating response and training with County clinicians, to establish an efficient workflow to serve individuals in crisis.

DEPARTMENT

• The Police Department has continued to prioritize traffic safety through grant-funded operations, campaigns, and training. Last year, San Pablo police officers conducted twenty-five traffic enforcement operations to target priority issues of speeding, DUI, and general traffic safety, resulting in 169 issued citations and 17 arrests.

75TH ANNIVERSARY

This year, the City of San Pablo celebrated 75 years of Cityhood. In recognition of this historic benchmark achievement, the San Pablo Police Department designed a commemorative 75th Anniversary badge which was authorized to be worn by staff during the year. We also joined the community and other city departments at City Hall to celebrate this anniversary on April 27th.

INTERNAL ACHIEVEMENTS

• The Police Department held its second Awards Ceremony to recognize the exceptional work from the men and women of San Pablo PD. Additionally, for the first time, the Chief of Police recognized key community stakeholders who have served to make San Pablo safer:

- Deputy District Attorney of the Year: Chad Mahalich

- Business of the Year: La Strada Ristorante Italiano

- Community Member of the Year: Sharon Alexander – Arthur Jean Safe Place

• Recruitment and hiring have been prioritized as the Police Department successfully hired 8 police officers, 1 police service technician, 1 police administrative clerk, 1 support services manager, and 4 cadets.

• Since 2018, the police department has successfully recruited more than 21 lateral police officers from other agencies. Many of these officers are coming from agencies significantly larger than San Pablo PD. This is an unprecedented accomplishment in the department’s history and highlights the unique opportunity of working in our community.

• The San Pablo PD Social Media Team utilized virtual outreach and engagement resources on all platforms to increase community engagement, resulting in an increase of more than 13% with more than 21,200 followers from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, NextDoor and YouTube.

• Officer Kitchen was selected as the Police Department’s newest K9 Officer with his four-legged partner, K9 Riggs. Riggs is a 2-year old Belgian Malinois.

ACHIEVEMENTS

COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH OUTREACH AND EDUCATION

The San Pablo Police Department is committed to providing the highest quality of service to our community, and we recognize that community policing partnerships are a key component to our shared public safety success. We value active engagement, input, and connections with our community!

This year, for the first time since the 2020 pandemic, San Pablo Police personnel slowly and safely re-introduced public events to connect, in person, with our community. We love building positive relationships within San Pablo at events such as Coffee-With-A-Cop, City Hall-OWeen, Cinco de Mayo, and more!

We invite you to stay involved and up to date with our upcoming events by following us on social media!

PUBLIC SAFETY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Technology is ever-changing and advancing in our 21st Century society. The San Pablo Police Department is committed to advancing in alignment with these technological capabilities, to keep our San Pablo community safe.

This year, the City of San Pablo will officially break ground on the construction of our new San Pablo Police Department building! In addition to the inclusion of a state of the art Regional Training Center, the new Police Department dedicates cutting-edge technology in our RealTime Information Center – bringing forth new and innovative methods to reduce crime in San Pablo.

PROGRESSIVE TRAINING

We recognize that the needs of our community, our society, and the law enforcement profession encompass an expansive, changing, and evolving scope of roles and responsibilities. The San Pablo Police Training Facility allows San Pablo PD personnel a reliable and accessible venue for continued training opportunities to ensure we are always prepared with the skills and knowledge to serve our San Pablo community.

• Skills and Scenario-based Training: San Pablo police officers regularly receive tangible skills and scenario-

based training to ensure sound and safe techniques for everyone involved. San Pablo PD’s training simulator immerses officers into realtime simulated scenarios to manage interactions, regulate stress, promote sound decision-making, de-escalate and encourage cooperation, and resolve situations as peacefully as possible.

• Classroom-based Training: San Pablo police officers regularly receive additional classroom-based training, to ensure cognizance and recognition of non-criminal behaviors or situations they may encounter, including Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). San Pablo PD has received grant funding to deliver CIT training to our staff members, to identify common types of mental health crises and illnesses, learn skills for de-escalation of potentially violent situations and suicide intervention, and to understand the resources available for referral to those experiencing crisis.

• Leadership Development: San Pablo PD supports, encourages, and invests in our personnel to attend advanced training and development courses, to expand their experience and expertise, and to prepare them for future leadership roles within our organization. We recognize the benefits of personal growth and leadership development as opportunities to gain knowledge, understanding, and perspective to best serve our San Pablo community.

SHAUN SWALEH OFFICER OF THE YEAR

Officer Swaleh has been with the San Pablo Police Department for 5 years. Prior to being employed as a Police Officer, Shaun Swaleh served in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division. Officer Swaleh was honorably discharged as a Sergeant after four years of service and a combat tour in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Officer Swaleh is currently assigned to the Patrol Division as a K9 Officer. Officer Swaleh is also a SWAT Operator, Field Training Officer, Training Staff Member and the President of the San Pablo Police Employee Association.

Officer Swaleh is a highly proactive officer who is known for locating and arresting violent felons in possession of firearms, among many other arrests throughout the year. His superior work ethic, outstanding professionalism, and strong sense of teamwork is second to none.

Officer Swaleh’s commitment doesn’t just stop when he goes off-duty. He shows compassion to others going through a difficult time, and is often involved in charity events. Officer Swaleh most notably created and coordinated the Annual Sgt. Neece Memorial Golf Tournament. Officer Swaleh is undoubtedly an asset to this city, as he is a tremendously talented officer, a strong leader, a professional, and a role model.

Congratulations Officer Swaleh!

TRACEY THEBODEAU CIVILIAN OF THE YEAR

Police Executive Assistant Thebodeau was selected by her peers for this well-deserved recognition. Tracey has been with the San Pablo Police Department for the past 10 years and is integral to day-to-day operations. Prior to joining the San Pablo Police Department, Tracey worked as a human resource manager for a construction management company, as well as a quality control manager for a furniture chain.

Tracey does everything from organizing major events to managing payroll. All administrative duties also go through Tracey. Staff heavily rely on Tracey daily. Even as staff worked through a pandemic and with an unstable work environment; Tracey was counted on to answer the call to ensure administrative operations remained uninterrupted for staff.

In addition to her day-to-day duties ensuring the Police Department runs smoothly, Tracey goes out of her way to support programs and events which nurture community engagement and positive relationships with staff. She has proven to not only be an asset to the Police Department, but City Staff in all departments have come to rely on Tracey as the “goto” for problem solving.

Due to Tracey’s work ethic and positive attitude, she was selected by her peers as the City of San Pablo’s 2021 Employee of the Year and now the San Pablo Police Department’s 2022 Civilian of the Year.

Congratulations Tracey!

Our Patrol Division remained active while averaging nearly 100 calls for service a day. Nearly 40% of all calls for service are officer-initiated activity. This commitment to remaining proactive serves the Community in remaining visible and vigilant in keeping San Pablo a safe place to live, work, and play.

33,601 CALLS FOR SERVICE CASES GENERATED 4,313

OUTSIDE AGENCY ASSISTHOMICIDE

On December 22, 2022, Officer Trevino conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle. The passenger was found to be a missing juvenile out of Fairfield. After further investigation, Officer Trevino learned the juvenile was a victim of human trafficking and her 2-year-old child had recently died under suspicious circumstances. Officer Trevino also learned the suspect in the death was the driver of the vehicle. Oakland PD assumed the investigation and later located the body of the 2-year-old in another county. Without Officer Trevino’s proactive work and investigative instincts, this case may have been overlooked and never solved. It was his unyielding investigative skills and desire to find the 2-year-old which led to a heinous crime being discovered. Officer Trevino went above and beyond his duties to investigate this case.

CRIME PREVENTION

On October 29, 2022, Officer C. Martinez investigated a reported strong-arm robbery. Utilizing Public Safety Cameras, Officer C. Martinez developed suspect leads and identified a vehicle which was linked to several other robberies throughout the Bay Area. Officer C. Martinez wrote search and arrest warrants for the suspect who was ultimately identified and arrested. The suspect is now facing several felony charges through multiple jurisdictions. This is an excellent example of a thorough investigation with minimal leads completed entirely at the patrol level by Officer C. Martinez.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH EXPERTISE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SAFETY WORKSHOPS

PATROL STATS

ARMED ROBBERY SERIES

INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION

ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE

During early morning hours on November 25, 2022, officers were dispatched to a ShotSpotter activation in a residential neighborhood. Officers stopped a vehicle fleeing the area and discovered a subject suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Officers learned the victim had interrupted a vehicle burglary in front of his home moments earlier. The suspects shot at the victim as they fled the scene.

San Pablo PD Detectives responded to assume the investigation. With the assistance of the San Pablo Public Safety Cameras and weeks of surveillance, Detectives were able to identify the suspects involved in the shooting. Detectives uncovered a sophisticated stolen vehicle ring in which these suspects and their associates targeted high-end vehicles for theft throughout the Bay Area.

Detectives coordinated with the Newark Police Department as they had initiated a parallel investigation into the stolen vehicle ring. On Thursday, January 19, 2023, a multi-agency operation took place in which search warrants were served throughout the Bay Area. Investigators seized/recovered the following: (17) Stolen vehicles with an estimated value of over $1-million; (12) Firearms; thousands

of rounds of ammunition; ballistic body armor vests; high capacity magazines; gun silencers; and indicia of vehicle theft.

COMMERCIAL BURGLARY

On December 30, 2022, officers responded to a commercial burglary from a local tobacco retail business in which the safe and cigarettes were stolen. Detectives were able to track the suspects and tied them to multiple burglaries of tobacco retailers in the Bay Area. Detectives coordinated with the California Highway Patrol, who assisted by apprehending the suspects as they fled south on Interstate 5 trying to discard evidence. Detectives worked to link the four suspects to burglaries in Alameda County, Petaluma, and San Pablo. Subsequently all four suspects were charged with felonies.

ARMED ROBBERY

On March 3, 2023, officers responded to an armed robbery in front of a local jewelry store. The victim walked out of the business and was confronted by a gunman who stole the victim’s Rolex watch valued at $50,000. Using Public Safety Cameras, Detectives and SIU conducted weeks of surveillance to identify the suspect. This culminated in multiple search warrants

that were served in San Francisco and Vallejo respectively. Detectives arrested two of the responsible suspects who were in possession of firearms, including the one used in the robbery. Detectives also recovered the victim’s Rolex and returned it to him the next day.

NARCOTICS/GUN SEIZURES

Detectives from SIU received information of drug dealing from a residence. Detectives obtained and served a search warrant, and subsequently recovered multiple ounces of methamphetamine and heroin, and also seized a cache of weapons and ammunition to include (3) assault rifles, a shotgun, and multiple handguns. The suspect had multiple felony convictions and the District Attorney’s Office filed thirteen (13) felony counts of narcotics and weapons violations.

PRIORITY ORIENTED POLICING P.O.P DIVISION

The Police Department has identified critical public safety issues based on feedback from the Community, and has restructured to integrate units and specialized services under one division to address these priorities in the focused areas of Mental Health, Homelessness, City Beautification, and Outreach. This new P.O.P. Division began operations in July of 2022.

Outreach remains a foundational component of San Pablo PD’s mission. We continue to experience great success in building new relationships with our Community members through our programming and special events. The Community Outreach Unit accomplished the following:

873

The Tobacco Enforcement and Outreach Unit is active in efforts to keep our youth away from the dangers of tobacco use. Last year, this unit taught 66 classes to more than 160 children. Staff also worked with businesses to ensure responsible tobacco sales in accordance with local and state laws. The unit conducted 107 inspections and 9 special operations resulting in 21 administrative citations and $12,000 in fines.

248

ENCAMPMENTS ABATED

183

CARE PACKAGES PROVIDED

Staff remained active in community engagement, holding 16 Neighborhood Watch meetings and 6 Business Watch meetings in 2022. The police department has received positive feedback through these established programs with the integration of the P.O.P. Division and our efforts to impact San Pablo’s quality of life issues.

This team is comprised of specially trained officers who seek to build relationships with individuals within our community who are experiencing Behavioral Health Crisis and/or Homelessness. Officers utilize this outreach to intervene and aide by connecting individuals with critical resources and services. Additionally, officers identify unsafe encampments and coordinate cleanup when appropriate.

The Code Enforcement Unit is active in abating health and safety violations, abandoned vehicles, and parking enforcement. Their work serves to address City beautification efforts, which remains a priority in San Pablo.

1125

CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES OPEN

741

CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES CLOSED

425

ABANDONED VEHICLES TOWED

NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AND REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER

• 42,000 SQ FT.

• LEED BUILDING

• STATE OF THE ART REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER

• ESTIMATED COMPLETION SPRING 2025

PROJECT TEAM

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

SAN PABLO PD NEW PATCH

NORTH STAR

The North Star depicts a beacon of inspiration, hope and helps guide our moral compass.

TREE AND ROOTS

There are forty-eight different species of trees within the City of San Pablo. Most notable trees, which can be seen throughout San Pablo’s 2.6 square miles, are Western Sycamores, Coast Live Oaks, Evergreens, Willows, and Blue Elderberry.

The tree roots symbolize the Police Department’s deep connection and history with the Community.

MORSE CODE (IN CREEK)

Morse Code helped pave the way in the advancement of today’s modern technology. The depiction of Morse Code on the patch symbolizes the Police Department’s commitment to technology and to community engagement:

We Are San Pablo .-- . / .- .-. . / ... .- -. / .--. .- -... .-.. ---

Est. 1948 . ... - .-.-.- / .---- ----. ....- ---..

MISSION BELL

In 1968, the community of Manzanillo, Mexico (Sister City) gifted the City of San Pablo a bronze bell that was displayed within the Adobe Wall at Kennedy Plaza. The Mission Bells have been a staple of San Pablo since the 1800’s.

CREEK

Wildcat Creek and San Pablo Creek flow through the City of San Pablo. The San Pablo Creek watershed played an important role in the early history of San Pablo.

Captain James Laughter

Lieutenant Bradley Lindblom

Sergeant Tyler Hannis

Sergeant Matthew Wong

Detective Josh Hearn

Executive Assistant Tracey Thebodeau

Police Services Technician Andrea Barte

Juvenile Education Welfare Liaison (J.E.W.L.)

Mentoring Our Future Leaders

J.E.W.L. Officers act as a visible resource working with Community Services Staff within the San Pablo Community Center to prioritize safety, education, principles of restorative justice, and mentorship. They work in tandem with existing local youth activity leagues, establishing new relationships to develop youth and particiapting in events that promote health and welfare for the youth in the community. The primary goal for this collaborative effort is to reduce juvenile crime and improve the lives of youth by providing positive outlets for expression, learning, and character development.

2444

EVIDENCE ENTERED

SUPPORT SERVICES

EVIDENCE PURGED 4682

117

SEIZED GUNS PROCESSED

Property & Evidence

Did you know? All property and evidence collected by the San Pablo Police Department is processed, stored, and secured through the San Pablo PD Property and Evidence Unit. This unit is staffed by a Police Services Technician, under the direction of the Investigations Sergeant and Lieutenant, whose extensive knowledge and experience helps ensure the safeguarding and proper handling of all items booked into the San Pablo Police Department.

2022-23 Budget

Service and Supplies $3,777,589

Salary and Benefits $17,936,067

Total Operating Budget: $21,713,656

1136 ARRESTS 1378 DA PACKETS 1141

Records Division

The daily operations of the San Pablo Police Department are supported by a team of Police Administrative Clerks, under the supervision of a Support Services Supervisor and Manager, who provide essential services to our officers and our community! The Records team is often the first point of contact between our Police Department and our Community, providing top-notch service and guidance to those who visit our lobby or contact us via phone. Some of the responsibilities of the Records Division include the processing and maintenance of: Police Reports | Citations | Warrants | Case Files | Records Requests | Vehicle and Property Releases | Fingerprinting Services | Subpoenas | Crime Statistics and Reporting And so much more!

CITATIONS PROCESSED 1381

CONNECTING WITH

National Night Out (2022)

We were ecstatic to bring back our annual National Night Out event last year - sharing in music, games, food and fun with more than 1,000 members of our San Pablo community! San Pablo PD staff had a great time building upon our foundation of positive relationships with our community. Our own Officer C. Banayat even received national media attention for his dynamic dance routine with young local musician, Ivan!

San Pablo City Hall-O-Ween Holiday Toy Drive

San Pablo PD staff members dressed up with our partners at City Hall to participate in a safe, familyfriendly, and fun Halloween event with our community! More than 700 kids and family members trick-ortreated their way through the decorated “halls” at 1000 Gateway to collect delicious treats, play some games, and take photos with spooky characters from one of our favorite shows – Stranger Things!

San Pablo PD’s Community Outreach Unit and the San Pablo Police Employees’ Association organized our annual Holiday Toy Drive; with support from our amazing community, San Pablo PD staff were able to collect and distribute plenty of holiday gifts to families in need!

OUR COMMUNITY

Cinco De Mayo

Nearly every staff member of our San Pablo PD team participated in the return of our annual Cinco De Mayo Parade event; once again, the Police Department partnered with our friends at Public Works to create a vibrant float featuring festive décor, dancing, and our own DJ Officer Banayat mixing some catchy musical beats as we traveled through the City.

SAN PABLO PD LOW RIDER

We were thrilled to unveil our San Pablo PD Low Rider vehicle – a Kandy cobalt-blue 1973 Chevy Impala on Dayton wheels, with a three-pump hydraulic system, sleek black doublestitched interior, and built-in 15-inch subwoofer speakers!

Coffee With a Cop

This year, we partnered with several local business establishments to host Coffee With a Cop events – we love these opportunities to meet, interact with, and build relationships with our community over a hot cup of coffee. We look forward to seeing you at our future events!

#WE ARE

SAN PABLO