Modesto Police Department - Annual Report 2008 - City of Modesto

MODESTOPolice DepartmentConstant.Committed.Courteous.2008Annual Report

Modesto Police DepartmentMission StatementThe mission of the Modesto Police Department is to provide professional policeservices. TOGETHER, in a partnership with our community and through theeffective use of resources, we will achieve a SAFE and SECURE environment inwhich to live and prosper.Value StatementWe, of the Modesto Police Department, are committed to a partnership with thepeople of our community. We will fulfill our shared responsibilities through activeparticipation with the community. This partnership will provide service withintegrity, equality, pride, and responsibility. We will honor our commitment to thispartnership through the following values:COMMITMENTTo be dedicated and responsive to community needs.SERVICETo have a caring attitude that is courteous, fair and empathetic to the people’sneeds.INTEGRITYTo maintain the public trust through uncompromising dedication to honesty, honor,moral excellence and ethical behavior.EQUALITYTo treat others, as we would want to be treated.PRIDEDedicated to the tradition of excellence through self, work, and confidence.RESPONSIBILITYTo be accountable for efficient and effective services which are in the best interestof the community.Our commitment to these values will ensure a successfulpartnership with the community2

Modesto City CouncilBrad HawnCouncil MemberJim RidenourMayorKristen OlsenCouncil MemberGerrad MarshCouncil MemberWill O’BryantCouncil MemberDave LopezCouncil MemberJanice KeatingCouncil MemberModesto Police DepartmentOrganizational ChartCHIEF OF POLICERoy Wasdenwasdenr@modestopd.com(209) 572-9501ASSISTANT CHIEF OF POLICEMike HardenHardenM@modestopd.com(209) 342-6122STAFF ANALYST - AA RabbINTERNAL AFFAIRS UNIT - Sgt ShraderINTELLIGENCE - Det VegaPIO - Sgt. FindlenBUDGET/FINANCE ANALYST - AA FindlenCALEA/ACCREDITATION - AA Linda KausCOMMUNICATIONSDIRECTORCAPT THOMASOPERATIONS DIVISIONCAPT ZAHRINVESTIGATIONS DIVISIONCAPT BROUMASSUPPORT DIVISIONCAPT BALENTINEPATROL OPERATIONS1,2,3A - LT PERINE1,2,3,B - LT SCHLENKER4,5A -LT BLOM4,5B - LT CLOWARDRelief - Vacant1STPLATOON1A - Sgt Heller1A - Sgt Plante1B - Sgt C. Castro1B- Sgt Steele2NDPLATOON2A - Vacant2B - Sgt Owen3RDPLATOON3A - Sgt VanDiemen3B - Vacant4THPLATOON4A - Sgt Gundlach4A - Sgt Scott4B - Sgt Buehler4B - Sgt Blake5THPLATOON5A - Sgt Tait5A - Sgt Breckenridge5B - Sgt Coy le5B - Sgt BrocchiniASST DIVISIONCOMMANDERLT HARRISSPECIALSERVICESSgt Ty lerTRAFFIC UNITCOMMANDERLT FUZIETRAFFIC ASgt KeyTRAFFIC BSgt Crawf ordLT SUNDYSDEASgt. WendSTANCATTSgt HeltonEFFECTIVE DATE: October 10, 2008STREETCRIMES UNITLT WATTSNARCOTICSUNIT (MNET)Sgt. HinkleySCU A/BSgt YoungSgt BettisC.V.G.I.T.SgtArmendarizASST. DIVISIONCOMMANDERLt. VacancySPECIALVICTIMS UNITSgt. ChamberlainECONOMIC/PROPERTYCRIMES UNITSgt RidenourCRIMES AGAINSTPERSONSSgt BlomI DUNITHI-TECH CRIMESSgt A. CarterCRIME ANALYSISUNITCA UyedaTRAINING/YOUTHSERVICESLT GONZALESTRAININGUNITSgt J. GroganJUVENILEPROGRAMSSgt PaineSCHOOL POLICEOFFICERSSgt KimesTACTICALTRAININGCENTERBurl ConditADMINSERVICESLT RYANRECORDSUNITPCS OlsonPCS Ly onsPCS FuziePCS Ev ansADMIN.Sgt StewartADMIN.PCS ChambersPROPERTYAND EVIDENCESgt RaymerINFORMATIONTECHNOLOGYFabianZachariaBUILDINGSERVICESPaula MorenoACADEMYCOOR.Sgt.Applegate3

Chief’s MessageI n 2008 , the men and women of the Modesto Police Departmentexperienced a very busy, difficult year. The downturn in our nation’seconomy continued to worsen and the effects of that economic crisiscontinued to reverberate into local government. It was necessary forus to freeze all hiring and promotions early in 2008 and that freezeremained in effect for the entire year. Additionally, in October of 2008the budget was reopened and reduced to meet continued downturnsin revenues to the City of Modesto and that economic downturncontinued through the year.Roy W. WasdenChief of Police209.572.9501These budget reductions have resulted in the accumulation of 33sworn and 14 non-sworn vacancies in the ranks of the policedepartment. These vacancies have been spread through all ranks andacross all units of MPD. Unfortunately, there is no economic relief insight and further reductions are anticipated in the FY 2009/2010.Despite the difficult economic times and staffing challenges experienced in 2008, Part I Crimes inModesto declined 9% from 2007 to 2008. Part II Offenses and Public Service calls both declined over3%, resulting in an overall reduction of 4%. Simply stated, the men and women of the Modesto PoliceDepartment did an outstanding job serving their community throughout the year.One of the most troubling crime trends we dealt with in 2008 was the increased violence in domesticrelationships. These violent relationships ended up fueling our homicide rate to 18 unlawful homicidesand 2 justified homicides during 2008, up from 11 unlawful homicides in 2007. We did see a reductionexceeding 25% in auto theft and will continue working diligently to lower our auto theft rates.We continue to find answers to problems by working with our community. As we face stretchedresources and increased challenges it has never been more important for us to work closely withneighborhoods. Experience continues to show that very positive changes occur as neighbors worktogether with us to correct problems. No matter what the economy does and how hard the men andwomen of the Modesto Police Department need to work, we will be striving to serve and protect ourcommunity to the best of our ability as we face a challenging 2009.4

Assistant Chief’s MessageWhether on the front line or working behind the scenes, theemployees of the Modesto Police Department offer outstandingservice for the welfare of the entire community. In three words, theemployees are constant, committed and courteous.In March, 2008, the Modesto Police Department achieved itssecond accreditation award from the Commission onAccreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA), andwas distinguished as an exceptional agency having succeeded inthe accreditation program for six years.Mike HardenAssistant Chief of Police209.572.9640“The agency (Modesto Police Department) is an excellentexample of a professional law enforcement organizationwith the spirit of accreditation imbedded in day-to-dayoperations.”As part of the re-accreditation process the Modesto Police Department is required to complete adocumented survey of citizen attitudes and opinions at least once every three years. The purpose of thesurvey is to identify how the community rates police services and to identify ways to enhance servicedelivery. In the most recent survey, 60% of the survey respondents had contact with the Modesto PoliceDepartment and over 84% agreed or strongly agreed that they were treated with dignity and respect.Nearly 89% of the respondents felt safe in Modesto when comparing the city to other nearby cities.The mission of the Modesto Police Department is to provide professional police services in apartnership with the community. Nearly every day I witness the dedication of a large group of employeeswho enthusiastically serve the greater Modesto community. I, along with an entire community, ameternally grateful for their devotion and commitment to constant, committed and courteous service.Modesto Police Explorers assisting withHELP’s first boxed dinner salefundraiser.HELP of Stanislaus County is a newly formed 501(c)(3) non-profitorganization comprised of law enforcement personnel. In 2008,HELP assisted many families throughout our community who werethe victims of a serious crime or catastrophic event. HELP alsospearheaded a drive to gather toiletry items and other goods for theSalvation Army’s new Transitional Shelter which opened in 2008.For more information about HELP of Stanislaus County, please visitwww.helpofstanco.com.5HELP of Stanislaus County

Crime StatsIn 2008, the Modesto Police Department experienced a 9% reduction in Part I Crimes compared to 2007.Part I crimes consist of murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and auto theft. In all,the total number of reports taken by the Modesto Police Department in 2008 was 116,483.900080007000600050004000300020001000011 12 18 73 65 65462 452 429872 962 927 1762Homicide Rape Robbery AggravatedAssault2216 2393 8018 785070142024 19641467Burglary Larceny Auto Theft2006 2007 2008REPORTS4% Decrease from January - December 2008 compared to January - December 200715000140001300012000110001000090008000700060005000JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC2006 2007 20087

Operations DivisionMichael ZahrCaptain209.342.6142T he Modesto Police Department Operations Division is thelargest of the three divisions that make up the ModestoPolice Department. The Operations Division isresponsible for the delivery of police services 24 hours aday, seven days a week. The Operations Division isstaffed by approximately 158 sworn employeesconsisting of police officers, sergeants, lieutenants and acaptain. Support staff is also vital to the OperationsDivision and includes approximately 40 non-swornemployees.The Operations Division is represented by the dedicatedmen and women in uniform. They are seen operatingpatrol cars, police motorcycles, community servicetrucks, bicycles and horses. When a community memberdials 911 seeking help, the members of the OperationsDivision are the first to respond. The Operations Divisionresponded to over 120,000 calls for service during 2008.In these challenging economic times, with diminishedresources, the Operations Division strives to provide thebest service possible.Once again Modesto finished in first place in the State of California (fourth place in the nation) in theNational Night Out Program. Additionally, our Traffic Safety program continues to excel, the BeatHealth Unit continues to work on drug houses and vacant properties, and the Modesto CommunityEmergency Response Team continues to tackle mental heath issues as they relate to policing.The Operations Division is the home of many full time and collateral specialized units and programs,including: Patrol, Traffic, Crime Prevention, Beat Health, Crime Free Multi-Housing, Weed and Seed,Restorative Policing, Community Liaisons, Bicycle Patrol, Downtown Entertainment DistrictEnforcement (DED), Special Multi Agency Response Team (SMART), Crisis Response Unit (CRU),Critical Incident Team (CIT), Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), Equestrian Unit, Canine(K9) Unit, Mental Issues Team (MIT), Modesto Community Emergency Response Team (MCERT),Urban Rifle Operators (URO), Field Training Program (FTO), Air Support Unit (ASU) and many others.The Operations Division pledges to continue serving the community with professionalism andexcellence in 2009 and beyond.Constant.In 1911, R.L. Dallas was the first to pin on a Chief’s badge.Dallas had just two patrolmen to help in a city of over 4,000people. Today, the population in the City of Modesto has grownto 209,936. As of December, 2008, there are 255 sworn officersat the Modesto Police Department.Operations Division Investigations Division Communications Center Support Division Awards8

Operations DivisionCindy RheaWeed & Seed Coordinator209.341.2988Weed & Seed participants enjoy achaperoned GREAT Program Camp.Weed And SeedThe Modesto Police Department continues to be anintegral partner in the efforts to reduce crime andrestore the Paradise South neighborhood, afederally designated Weed and Seed Community.This July, Paradise South entered its third year offederal funding to continue the efforts to reducecrime and blight and increase services for its 17,000residents.Weed and Seed patrol officers assigned to theParadise South Beat follow up on drug hotline calls,coordinate special operations, attend neighborhoodwatch meetings, and work problem areas. Multiagencycoordinated enforcement operations teamMPD officers with Stanislaus Sheriff Deputies, StateParole, and Stanislaus County Probation officers.These teams conducted parole and probationssearches, warrant service, and traffic enforcement.Pro-active enforcement teams also provideadditional police services.The Neighborhood Center at Marshall Park openedin June 2008. This $4.58 million facility combines afire station, police substation and Parks, Recreationand Neighborhoods Office. It is also the location ofthe Paradise South Weed and Seed office.Youth activities include the Paradise South Jr.Cadets after school and the week-long G.R.E.A.T.(Gang Resistance Education and Training) Camp.Visit the Weed & Seed website for more information:www.paradise-south.comOperations Division Investigations Division Communications Center Support Division AwardsDads are honored at the annual Weed &Seed Celebration of Dads event.9

Operations DivisionModesto Police Department Beat MapCrime Prevention Officers In Your AreaRosie Fabela, CSO209.572.9637Serving Beats 31-34and 66Stephanie Lamb, CSO209.572.9639Serving Beats 40-43and 61-65Barbara Caldwell, CSO209.572.9658Serving Beats 71-76Operations Division Investigations Communications Center Support Division Awards11

Operations DivisionLocal children enjoy Modesto’s NationalNight Out festivities.National Night Out enablesneighborhoods to unite together tocombat crime.National Night OutNational Night Out is designed to: 1) Heighten crime anddrug prevention awareness; 2) Generate support for, andparticipation in, local anti-crime programs; 3) Strengthenneighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and4) Send a message to criminals letting them know thatneighborhoods are organized and fighting back.In 2008, Modesto’s National Night Out program placednumber one in California again – for five consecutive years.Over 246 neighborhoods joined together to host 138National Night Out parties. Everyone had a great time!Target Stores, the national sponsor of National Night Out,passed out goodies and cotton candy at a park party, and“Elvis” was “all shook up” with excitement at A&W’sfestivities. Once again, we were honored to partner withMoband for Modesto’s Night Out. Miss Carol Channingsang “Modesto, My Home Town” to a crowd of thousands.Los Amigos sponsored National Night Out t-shirts and havegraciously offered to sponsor them again in 2009.Without the help of local businesses, National Night Outwould not be such a great success. We also want to thankthe hundreds of citizens who take the time and put forth theeffort to make this one of Modesto’s best events. We lookforward to National Night out 2009, which promises to beeven bigger and better.A Look Back...In 2002, the Modesto Police Department CrimePrevention Unit assembled a float used in the NationalNight Out Parade.Operations Division Investigations Division Communications Center Support Division Awards12

Operations DivisionCarmen Soria, CSOCrime Free Multi-Housing209.572.9636Crime Free Multi-HousingThe Crime Free Multi-Housing Program and the Crime FreeSingle-Family Rental Housing Program is a partnershipbetween the Modesto Police Department and rental propertyowners and managers. The Crime Free Multi-HousingProgram is designed to help tenants, owners, and managers ofrental property keep drugs and illegal activity away from theirproperty.The purpose of the program is to educate owners, managers,and their residents to improve the livability of neighborhoods byreducing crime. The program is solution oriented. It isdesigned to be very easy and effective in reducing crime inrental properties. It takes a coordinated effort betweenproperty owners, managers, law enforcement and tenants toreduce illegal activity in neighborhoods.The program consists of three phases that must be completed under the supervision of theModesto Police Department. Property managers and owners can become individually certifiedafter completing training in each phase, and the property becomes certified upon successfulcompletion of all three phases:Phase 1: An eight-hour training seminar presented by the Police Department. Topics include:Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, Crime Prevention Basics, CPTED (Crime Prevention throughEnvironmental Design), Fair Housing, Applicant Screening Process, Evictions, Drug and GangRecognition, and Lighting and Fire Safety.Phase 2: Security assessment of the rental property to certify that minimum safety requirementshave been met.Phase 3: Safety Social - a Crime Prevention meeting for residents, held at the property.There are currently 92 rental properties participating in Crime Free Multi-Housing. Theseproperties include apartment communities, duplex/triplex/quadruplex units and single-family rentalhomes. There are 7,112 total participating rental units. Training is also offered several times ayear to all rental property owners and rental property managers wishing to participate in the CrimeFree Multi-Housing Program.Operations Division Investigations Division Communications Center Support Division Awards13

Operations DivisionBusiness WatchThe Business Watch program is similar to the Neighborhood Watch program, which has beentremendously successful nationwide. Business Watch is based on educating merchants andtheir employees on the types and methods of crimes that affect the operation of theirbusinesses. Physical area security, recognizing suspicious activity, and being a good witnesswill not only deter crime, but will also assist law enforcement officials in the apprehension,arrest, and prosecution of offenders who commit crimes.Business Watch is a highly visible program, which utilizes signs, slogans and stickers to warnpotential offenders that businesses will not tolerate criminal activity and monetary loss.Business Watch is comprised of individuals who are part of a business community that haspulled together, in cooperation with local law enforcement, to establish safer and moreprofitable business communities within Modesto.In 2008, the Modesto Police Department hosted two Business Watch academies. Theacademies provide business owners, managers, and employees the opportunity to receivecrime prevention strategies and training. These academies provide an excellent opportunityto build partnerships between the business community and local law enforcement. Theacademies were very well attended and the program has been very successful. For moreinformation on how to start a Business Watch program in your neighborhood, contact theCrime Prevention Unit at 572-9500.Did You Know?The Modesto Police Department Headquartersbuilding houses two theaters featuring stadiumstyle seating and a training room, all which canaccommodate a maximum of 50 people. Thesetheaters and training room are available to alliedagencies and non-profit groups who submit anapplication. Approval to use these rooms isgranted on a case by case basis.Operations Division Investigations Division Communications Center Support Division Awards14

Investigations DivisionSDEAThe Stanislaus Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA) is amulti-jurisdictional task force comprised of personnel fromlocal, state and federal agencies. As a result of thiscollaborative effort, the team is able to effectivelyinvestigate, disrupt and dismantle the operations of majorillicit drug traffickers and manufacturers in our communityas well as throughout the central valley.In 2008, all the law enforcement agencies in the countyand their respective governing bodies agreed upon andEven in the 1950’s, the Modesto signed a new Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for SDEA.Police Department was committed to The new JPA strengthens, improves and helps to ensuregetting drugs off the streets.the excellent partnership among the participating agencieswill remain in existence, continuing to serve the communityfor years to come. Year-to-date, the team’saccomplishments include: the arrest of 127 personsinvolved in the distribution and/or manufacture of illicit drugs, the investigation and dismantling of 12clandestine methamphetamine labs, the investigation of 40 clandestine lab dump sites and finally,the investigation and eradication of more than 15,000 marijuana plants at both indoor and outdoorillicit garden sites. Lastly, year to date, the team has seized more than $1,500,000 in cash andproperty from criminal organizations subject to our investigations.Street Crimes UnitThe Street Crimes Unit is a specialized unit that is capable ofquickly adapting to changing situations and can respond torequests from within the department or from allied agencies.The officers assigned to the Street Crimes Unit can provide arange of services from surveillance to service of searchwarrants.Our primary mission is to disrupt criminal street gangs but we also pursue career criminals who havebeen able to elude capture. During the past year we have worked on several long-term investigationsincluding a Nuestra Familia case, homicide cases and several robbery crews. Even given the timespent on long-term investigations, officers assigned to the Street Crimes Unit have made nearly 400felony arrests, served almost 100 search warrants, recovered 107 firearms and completed over1,400 field interviews. 16Operations Division Investigations Division Communications Center Support Division Awards

Investigations DivisionDetectives Dale Lingerfeltand Mike Hicks of theCrimes Against PersonsUnit.6050403020100Crimes Against Persons UnitIn 2008, the Crimes Against Persons Unit was assigned 13 homicides.Six of those cases were gang related and three involved domesticviolence. Seven of those cases were resolved and the remaining sixare open and under investigation. This past year the Crimes AgainstPersons Unit continued to work closely with the District Attorney’soffice, Gang Intelligence Unit, Street Crimes Unit, and MNET to solveserious violent crimes.In 2008, the Identification Unit acquired new camera equipment andthree new computer software programs that will enhance thedepartment’s ability to manage and process digital evidence. The unitcontinues to handle all latent print evidence and assists with solvingmany of the city’s property crimes through cold fingerprintidentifications. In addition, members of the ID Unit work closely with theInvestigative Services Division to process the scenes of serious crimesagainst persons, including robberies and homicides.2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008Gang Related 187 PC (Murder)Gang Related 245 PC (Assault With Knife)Gang Related Crimes 2001-2008Gang Related 245 PC (Assault With Firearm)Gang Related 246 PC (Drive-By)Operations Division Investigations Division Communications Center Support Division Awards17

Investigations DivisionCommitted members of the Modesto PoliceDepartment’s Special Victims Unit.Special Victims UnitThe Special Victims Unit (SVU) is responsible forinvestigating crimes of domestic violence, sexualassault involving adults and children and childabuse. We work closely with several partneringagencies to providing quality service to protect thechildren in our community and assist families incrisis.In the past year we have been working with severalcity, county and private organizations to establish aFamily Justice Center. The work has provensuccessful as a building for the center has been identified, floor plans are in place and fund raising forthe project is on going. The Family Justice Center will be a single location that will provide all thenecessary services to victims of family violence whether physical or sexual. The center will includefinancial and counseling services in addition to law enforcement assistance. Completion of this projectwill have a positively affect how the SVU interacts with partnering agencies and is anticipated to havea favorable impact of the prosecution of cases.The SVU also manages the Fugitive/Warrants Detail. The two officers assigned to this detail havesuccessfully transported several hundred prisoners to Modesto from all over the United States withouta single safety incident. At one point this year these dedicated officers flew over 30,000 miles in justover six weeks. If not spending time in the air, on the road and completing the required documentationto transport prisoners isn’t enough, they make their own lodging and travel arrangements and at timesadjust their work days to comply with State mandated time constraints.The Sex Registrant Compliance and Crime Stoppers Programs are also part of SVU. The CrimeStoppers Program continues to be a vital tool for law enforcement agencies in Stanislaus County. Ourprogram is one of three in California to have participation from every law enforcement agency in theCounty. This was accomplished through the hard work by the Community Service Officer heading theprogram. February was the most successful month in Crime Stoppers history. Thirteen people werearrested as a direct result of Crime Stoppers. Of the 13 arrested, two were for homicide, one forattempted homicide and mayhem and several for robbery.Although staffing and financial shortages impacted and will continue to impact the SVU, we maintainour commitment to provide quality service to our community. The success we experienced this yearare thanks to the nine full time employees assigned to the unit and their hard work and dedication.18Operations Division Investigations Division Communications Center Support Division Awards

Investigations DivisionTim HeltonSergeantStancatt209.545.7316“Statewide there hasbeen a decrease in autothefts but the numbersdon’t compare to thereductions we are seeinglocally thus far.”STANCATTStancatt has employed several approaches to reduce thenumber of auto thefts within the Metropolitan Modesto Area asdescribed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)during 2008.The one consistent factor we have seen with auto theft and thestatistics that haunt us is recidivism. Auto theft is not a one timecrime of opportunity but many times a one, two or three mancrime wave. One particular suspect was believed responsiblefor stealing at least 60 cars a month. After his arrest onwarrants we saw our numbers decline by 63 cars the nextmonth. This case alone drove home the impact just onesuspect could have on our auto theft numbers. We haveconsistently focused on persons we believe responsible formultiple thefts. Many times they are probationers or paroleeswith prior auto theft convictions. Working closely with bothprobation and parole we have focused on these frequent flierswho drive our numbers up. We believe this is one of severalapproaches that have caused a decline in thefts for 2008 todate.Additionally, DDA Mangar has been very aggressive inprosecuting the recidivist auto theft suspect(s) brought to hisattention by Stancatt. DDA Mangar’s vertical prosecutionefforts are also another means I believe we can credit withreducing the number of auto thefts thus far for 2008.Stancatt offered 500 Clubs (steering wheel lock) free to thePublic in March 2008 as advertised in The Modesto Bee.Within a week we had given all the Clubs away.Statewide there has been a decrease in auto thefts but thenumbers don’t compare to the reductions we are seeing locallythus far. Stancatt is hopeful we’ll relinquish the number one titlethis year to another area of the state if not the nation.Operations Division Investigations Division Communications Center Support Division Awards19

A DAYIn The Life...“The calls are relentlesstonight, and there is nodowntime.”Like so many other people, my day has a typical beginning. My alarm goes off, butbefore I get out of bed I imagine what it would be like to have more hours in the day to dothe things I need to do; like sleep. But, I have a job to do, a job that I have always wanted to dofor as long as I can remember. When I get out of bed, the sun is not rising and it’s not morning.In fact, my day begins when many others are getting ready to end their day.I arrive at the police department, change into my uniform and head off to briefing. As the rest ofthe 5 th platoon officers arrive, the energy level in the room increases. Powered by caffeine, we’reall ready to hit the streets. The sergeant fills us in on the events of the previous 12 hours and weall know we’re in for a busy shift.Officer Chris AdamsTonight, I am assigned as B60, the northwest roving unit. I log on to begin my shift at 8:44 p.m.and, within five minutes, I am being dispatched to the first call of the night. I’m on to the nextcall at 9:02 p.m. By 9:18 p.m., I am screaming across town code 3 to the Westside because anofficer has just spotted a vehicle used in a carjacking. The calls are relentless tonight and there isno downtime.My first arrest of the night comes at 10:09 p.m., an individual who has had much too much todrink tonight to care for himself. While he’s sleeping off his buzz at the county jail, it’s on to thenext call for me. I make a few traffic stops and then get dispatched to a report of a burglary. Afew more traffic stops, a subject stop, and just then, we get the big call of the night.An officer working across town has just witnessed a robbery. Again, I am flying code 3 throughtown. As I make mental notes of the information blazing across the radio, I must also keep aneye out for the suspect vehicle, all the while ensuring the safety of motorists on the roadway,including my own. Once on scene, I am tasked with speaking to the victim who isextremely overwhelmed and distressed. As an officer, it’s critical to keep theadrenaline in check, especially when dealing with a crime victim.Our job is not only to find the bad guys, but also toinform, protect, and sometimes console thepeople in our community.620By Officer Chris Adams

A DAYIn The Life...The night wears on and the pace slows some, but not much. It’s 4:50a.m., and I finally have a chance to get started on the reports that haveaccumulated over the night. However, my reprieve is short lived. At 5:15 a.m., I amdispatched to an attempted commercial burglary. While enroute, I pass a bicyclist ridingwithout proper lighting equipment. There is simply no time to stop, and I turn a blind eye. Once onscene, the store owner provides me with video footage of the suspect attempting to break into hisbusiness. Fortunately, the quality of the video is good, and I am able to recognize the suspect from priorincidents. I complete the report and forward it to detectives to conduct follow up.It is now 5:40 a.m., and I am able to complete three more reports before my end of shift. I fuel up my car for the next platoon andhead to the Records Unit to turn in my reports. As I walk to the locker room to change out of my uniform, I realize that the job of apolice officer cannot be summed up in the events of one day. In the short time I have been a Police Officer I have found thatexamining one day of activity is in no way a testament to what we do.The only word that could even come close to describing this job would be “unpredictable.” I have been fortunate enough to havebeen trained by some of the finest in this business, and have had the privilege of working side by side with them. Some of thepeople I work with daily have been doing this job longer than I have been alive. Even they will tell you that they haven’t seen it all,and still don’t always know what to expect.Every day I get into the car I know one thing, I am going to go home at the end of my shift, but the path that leads me there overthe next 11 hours is unknown. When I hit the sixth minute of that code 3 run, I say to myself, “This is why I signed up, this is whywe’re here, and this is why I absolutely love this job!”“This is why I signed up, this iswhy we’re here, and this is whyI absolutely love this job!”Officer Adams makingarrests throughout his shift.621

Communications CenterLucian ThomasCaptain209.552.3901S tanislaus Regional 9-1-1 is a consolidated dispatchcenter operated jointly by the City of Modesto andStanislaus County. The center is managed by a Director,a Modesto Police Captain and a Deputy Director. Thereare 40 emergency dispatchers, 6 call takers, 4 shiftmanagers, and 11support staff members. Emergencydispatch services are provided for the City of ModestoPolice and Fire Departments, Stanislaus County Sheriff’sDepartment and the Sheriff Contract Cities of Patterson,Riverbank, Waterford and Hughson. Emergencydispatch services are also provided for the City ofNewman Police Department, City of Ceres FireDepartment, City of Oakdale Fire Department and 14 firedistricts. Approximately 500,000 calls a year areanswered in the dispatch center and 250,000 of thosecalls are 9-1-1 calls.A new Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD) for the communications center is being installedalong with an Automated Field Reporting System (AFR) and Records Management System (RMS) forthe Modesto Police Department. This new technology will allow more efficiency and interoperability inthe sharing and processing of information thus allowing the dispatchers and officers in the field to bemore efficient in their duties. We also continue to update our county wide radio communicationsinfrastructure to provide greater day to day operability and enhanced interoperability. These havebeen extensive projects and we are very excited to get them all online in the near future.Communications Center circa 1963. Communications Center in 2008.Operations Division Investigations Division Communications Center Support Division Awards22

Gene BalentineCaptain209.572.9505Support DivisionThe Support Division consists of two main areas;Administrative Services and Support Services. Each ofthese areas is headed by a Police Lieutenant. TheAdministrative Services section includes Animal Control,Parking Enforcement, Franchise Tow Services, Propertyand Evidence, Information Technology, BuildingServices, Records, Court Services, and the TelephoneReport Unit.The Support Services section includes School PoliceOfficers, Juvenile Programs, Training, and the TacticalTraining Center. In 2008, we’ve seen significant changesto several of our programs. We’ve made major upgradesto our Property and Evidence facility. Although wecontinue to fight space restrictions, our personnel remaincommitted to finding alternative storage methods.The Franchise Tow Program is nearing implementation,and we remain committed to ensuring our communityreceives professional and courteous tow service for our non-consensual tows. Although there hasbeen a substantial reorganization of our Police Activities League, we continue to be a presence in thedaily lives of our community youth.Construction continues on our Tactical Training Center, which provides firearms training to officersthroughout the county. This state of the art facility will also be home to equestrian and K-9 trainingareas. The Support Division is the business and logistical side of the department, ensuring that thedepartment’s 251 computers continue to operate, the thousands of police reports are processed forcourt, the multitude of court subpoenas are processed efficiently, and that all our employees receivedpaychecks. We work closely with Personnel on the hiring process and ensure complete backgroundchecks are conducted on all potential employees. There is no doubt the department could notfunction without the dedication and commitment of the employees assigned to the Support Division.Courteous.Constant, courteous service is a long standing traditionwithin the Support Division and throughout the entirepolice department. As in the early 1950’s, Typist Clerks(now called Police Clerks) today assist a myriad of individualswith professionalism and courtesy.Operations Division Investigations Division Communications Center Support Division Awards23

Support DivisionRobert StewartSergeantAdministrative Services209.342.6119The Parking Enforcement Unit isexpected to grow to include twelve policeassistants in 2009.A Parking Enforcement Officer markingtires, circa 1953.Parking EnforcementParking Enforcement police assistants in Modesto havetraditionally enforced parking violations in the downtownbusiness district Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. Police officers and community serviceofficers would handle all other areas, and downtown after5:00 p.m. In recent years, traffic congestion and parkingproblems increased downtown; the City owned flatparking lots that were open 24 hours, and requests formore service and longer service hours were received.We found that police officers and community serviceofficers were too busy and shorthanded to actuallyenforce parking regularly, and there were too few parkingenforcement police assistants to provide neededservices.In 2008, we sought approval to add eight more policeassistants to the unit. We currently have a total of nine onthe team and hope to be at twelve in the near future. Inaddition to expanding our service hours, we have alsoexpanded our service area to include the entire city.Since the expansion of the unit, we have been able toprovide better service to the community, and eventuallywill be able to respond to parking problems thatcommunity service officers and police officer currentlyare dispatched to.Expanded Parking Enforcement HoursMonday - Wednesday:Thursday - Friday:Saturday:Sunday:248:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.8:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.10:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.Operations Division Investigations Division Communications Center Support Division Awards

Support DivisionMembers of the Records Unit are ready to serve 24 hours aday, 365 days per year.Records UnitThe Records Unit is one of the many unitslocated within the Support Division, which isalso home to Administrative Services, FleetServices, Animal Control, ParkingEnforcement, Abandoned Autos, TowServices, Payroll/Purchasing, BuildingServices, Court Services and InformationTechnology.The Records Unit is staffed 24 hours a day,365 days per year. The Police Clerksassigned to Records are required to worknon-traditional schedules including shift work, weekends and holidays. In 2008, the Records Unitspent nearly 34,000 hours assisting department personnel, outside agencies and the public.A citizen calling the main number to the Police Department can be assured that their call will be answeredby a person, not a machine, anytime of the day or night. In 2008, Records personnel answeredmore than 134,000 phone calls and assisted 15,000 citizens. Modesto is a very diverse communityand the department is prepared to assist everyone. In 2008, bi-lingual Police Clerks providedover 5,300 translations.Part-time Police Assistants are an enormous asset to the Records Unit and to the department as awhole. Police Assistants worked over 2,000 hours assisting Records personnel. They scanned34,000 reports and spent 600 hours filing. The help they provide allows Police Clerks to focus onother duties.The Records Unit is truly a vital component to the successful operation of the Support Division.Every member of the Support Division continually strives to provide the highest level of courteouscustomer service possible.Operations Division Investigations Division Communications Center Support Division Awards25

A DAYIn The Life...“M362…check your screen for a suspiciousvehicle.” I arrive to find someone’s 1995 Honda Accordstripped with flat tires. This car has been taken from itsrightful owner, stripped and dropped off in front of someone’s homefor their viewing pleasure. The good news is the owner gets their car back.The bad news is the person who took it knew enough to wipe it down with an oilysubstance so I couldn’t obtain any fingerprints.The day has brought a total of seven paper calls. My lunch was spent typing reports and completingprint cards to be submitted to our Identification Unit. At the end of the day, when I finally type the words“LOGOFF”, the only feeling I can clearly grasp is tired.Each work week continues with more calls of similar scenarios. A criminal commits a crime, the victim calls the police and thededicated Police Officers and Community Service Officers of the Modesto Police Department respond to provide the bestservice each and every citizen deserves. I am proud to know that with every call I investigate, I try to obtain as much valuableinformation as possible that might assist in developing leads in the case. I am also there to inform and educate victims to tryand minimize the chances that they will be victimized again.The Modesto Police Department currently employs 33 Community Service Officers. Within the department, CSO’s are assignedto many units such as Investigations, Crime Prevention, Patrol, Traffic, Beat Heath, Abandoned Vehicle Abatement, TelephoneReporting Unit, Stanislaus Drug Enforcement Agency, District Attorney Liaison Officer, and many more units. In short, CSO’sserve the community in a myriad of ways. We are found behind desks processing crucial documents, working in special units,and handling calls for service out in the field or from a phone line.CSO’s are put through a 13-week in-field training process where multiple CSO Field TrainingOfficers educate and guide the new CSO through the many areas of law enforcement. CSO’s atthe Modesto Police Department are trained to handle calls ranging from traffic collisions,residential vehicle and commercial burglaries, stolen vehicles, recovered vehicles, petty theft,grand theft, and vandalism. The list goes on and on. I attribute my ability to provide the bestservice possible to the members of our community from the excellent training program thisagency offers, as well as the teamwork that flows throughout the department. Every day that Iwake up and go to work, I know that I am serving my community with a level of constant,committed and courteous service that Modesto Police Department employees can provide.CSO Avrett attemptingto lift prints.628

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDALAwarded for exceptional bravery and heroism above andbeyond the call of duty within the law enforcement professionSergeant Steve Hinkley, MNETOfficer Rigo DeAlba, MNETOfficer Steve Anderson, MNETOfficer Randy Bolinger, MNETOfficer Todd Parsons, MNETOfficer Josiah Davenport, MNETOfficer Jason Stewart, MNETSergeant Alex Bettis, SCUSergeant Jeramy Young, SCUOfficer Ivan Valencia, SCUOfficer Sean Martin, SCUOfficer Felix Roman, SCUOfficer Richard Rodarte, SCUOfficer Robert Reyna, SCUOfficer Jerry Ramar, SCUOfficer Ra Pouv, SCUOfficer David Mullins, SCUOfficer Mirl Morse, SCUOfficer Bobby Meredith, SCUOfficer Ryan Mayfield, SCUOfficer Joe Ramirez, SCUOfficer Brandon Gillespie, SCUOfficer Jonathan Griffith, SCUOfficer Mario Gonzales, SCUCSO Carla Castro, ISDAwardsLIFESAVING AWARDAwarded to recognize lifesavingExplorer Dominic ScopesiDISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDDoug Mansfield, Senior Polygraph Examiner, DOJGERALD L. MCKINSEY AWARDPresented in Honor of Chief Gerald L. McKinsey and theideals of Law Enforcement by which all officers are judgedOfficer Ra PouvSERVICE CLUB AWARDSAmerican Legion Albert Pederson AwardOfficer Frank InacioStanislaus County Civitan ClubOfficer Matthew McMahonOperations Division Investigations Division Communications Center Support Division Awards29

In MemoriamPhylis JohnsonPolice AssistantDate of Hire: April 25, 2000Date of Death: July 10, 2008Barry SchraderPolice OfficerDate of Hire: October 19, 1971Date of Separation: April 20, 1979Date of Death: October 30, 200830