HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-21-1998 ICPD Reports/Memos1997 ¥ 0 REPORT
IOWA CITY POLICE ORGANIZATION
CHIEF OF POLICE
Administrative
Captain Captain
Field Administrative Services
0700-1500 Patrol _~ Planning & Research I
Supervisors ~ Supervisor
Officers
Community Service Officers 1 Records I
School Crossing Guards Supervisor
Records Clerks
1500-2300 Patrol
SupervisOrSofficers ~ 1 Emergency CommunicatiOnSsupervisor CenterI
Community Service Officers Emergency Communications Operators
School Crossing Guards
Community Relations
2300-0700 Patrol Dare Officer
Supervisors ~.. Crime Prevention Officer
Officers
Power Watch Officers Animal Control
Supervisor
Investigations Animal Control Officers
Supervisors Kennel Assistant
Officers
Community Service Officer
2/25/98
POLICE DEPARTMENT ROSTER
SWORN PERSONNEL SWORN PERSONNEL TEMPORARY
Chief R. J. Winkelhake Officer Joel Myers Records Part Time
Captain Pat Harney Officer Dave Nixon Cheryl Stevens
Captain Tom Widmer Officer Tony Noble
Lieutenant Ron Fort Officer Deb Petersen Records Work Study
Lieutenant Matt Johnson Officer Kristen Platz Mandy Church
Lieutenant Dan Sellers Officer Kevin Prestegard Christine Loder
Lieutenant Rick Wyss Officer Becki Sammons Jill Rohlena
Sergeant Mike Brotherton Officer Ed Schultz
Sergeant Bill Campbell Officer Denise Shaffer Crossinq Guards
Sergeant Kevin Heick Officer Chuck Singleman Daniel Ahem
Sergeant Sid Jackson Officer DJ Steva Cherise Christiansen
Sergeant Vicki Lalla Officer Darin Zacharias Bob Cowell
Sergeant Jim Linn Grayce Fiskvik
Sergeant Mike Lord NON-SWORN PERSONNEL Delores Gassman
Sergeant Jim Steffen Administrative Clerk-Typist Margaret Heick
Officer Chris Akers Linda White Paul Heick
Officer Paul Batcheller Todd Hodgkinson
Officer Kevin Berg Emerqenc¥ Communications Bill Houser
Officer Jerry Blomgren Nancy Sereduck, Supervisor Cheryl Manary
Officer Laurie Boland Donna Bogs, Operator Jennifer Nistler
Officer Dave Brucher Dawn Gerst, Operator Andy Reynolds
Officer Ralph Cox Sandy Heick, Operator Teresa Scharf
Officer Jenny Davis Kelly Jehle, Operator Jackie Simpson
Officer Mike Delaney Kat Pence, Operator Joel Temperley
Officer Dan Dreckman Lori Peterson, Operator Randy Vermace
Officer Dave Droll Lakeetha Ringer, Operator Renee Willemsen
Officer Steve Duffy Sandy Seelhammer, Operator Donabel Williams
Officer Nicole Fjelstad April Statler, Operator
Officer Steve Fortmann Lori Storm, Operator Substitutes
Officer Scott Gaarde Sue Thomas, Operator Roxanne Gustavson
Officer Ronnie Gist Greta Knievel
Officer Dave Gonzalez Records Christine Larson
Officer Doug Hart Kathy Lippold, Supervisor
Officer Mark Hewlett Jo Farnsworth, Clerk TEMPORARY = 25
Officer Brent Hilzendager Marry Russell, Clerk
Officer Bill Hoeft Beth Windsor, Clerk
Officer Harry Huff
Officer Greg Humrichouse Community Service Officers
Officer Kevin Hurd Lynda Ambrose
Officer Paul Jacobs Dave Harris
Officer Troy Kelsay John McCreedy
Officer Steve Kivi Dave Soils
Officer Gerry Knock Don Strand
Officer Brian Krei
Officer Marty Leik Animal Control
Officer Erik Lippold Mi~ha Goodman-Herb~t, 9upervi~or
Officer Jon Luellen Amanda Cardenas, Kennel Asst
Officer Larry Maurer Heather Murray, Officer
Officer Ed McMartin Kelly Taylor, Officer
Officer Al Mebu$ Chris Whitmore, Officer
Officer Scott Miller
Officer Dan Moore PERMANENT EMPLOYEES = 91
FIEI,D OPERA TIONS - PA TROI_
The patrol division is comprised of 57 sworn officers and community service officers; 1
captain - commander of field operations, 3 lieutenants - watch commanders, 6
sergeants - watch supervisors, 43 sworn uniform officers, and 4 community service
officers.
The department was authorized two additional sworn officers in 1997; however, due to
the law enforcement academy being at capacity, those officers cannot be accepted for
training until April 1998 at which time they will be hired and will begin their training at the
Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
Community Policing
Officers have been very active in community policing. Uniformed officers have been
involved in 163 community events from March through December. These include
speaking engagements, community activities, and interacting with neighborhood
associations,
Bicycle patrol officers have not only been in the downtown area, but also in the
residential areas of our community which increases individual citizen contact. Eighteen
officers are trained for bicycle patrol. Walking patrol has been increased in the
downtown area and in the Plaza. Officers also walk throughout many of the larger
apartment complexes in various neighborhoods of our community,
Grant Activity
· Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau
· Iowa Alcohol Incentive Grant ($13,000) - effective October 1, 1997
· Directed overtime enforcement activities ($12,000)
· Training and travel requirements ($1,000) - Requirements: 75 OWl contacts, 150
occupant protection contacts, 200 speed contacts or other violations, participate in
one combined effort with the Department of Public Safety/Governor's Traffic Safety
Bureau
· Iowa Alcohol Incentive Grant ($8,900) - attained 11/1/96, was completed November
3, 1997. Requirements: 252 hours directed enforcement, 6 public information
activities, purchase two preliminary breath testers, participate in DPS/GTSB
approved training (workshop)
~ Directed enforcement: $7,000
~ Training and travel: $1,000
> Purchase preliminary breath testing equipment: $900
· Tobacco Grant, Iowa Department of Health ($1,000) - January 1, 1997 to December
31, 1997. Requirements: Tobacco retailer compliance checks (underage purchase)
in conjunction with MECCA.
$50 Mailing expenses - informational packets
$450 Educational material and radio announcements
$500 Enforcement expenditures
· On-going COPS Grant paid salary and benefits for six officers in 1997.
Special Response Team (SRT)
During 1997 the SRT was organized and equipped to deal with high-risk incidents. All
applicants for the team were required to successfully complete a battery of testing,
which included psychological and physical fitness criteria.
One captain, two sergeants, and fifteen officers have received the first phases of
training. The advanced phase of training will be completed in 1998. Three negotiators
to work with the team have received training and will receive advanced training in 1998.
The team was used in one situation in November 1997. The assignment was
successfully completed, and resulted in two arrests without any injury.
Use of Force Summary
Use of force reporting was instituted and 1997 was the first year of reporting. The
reports include issues from handcuffing to drawing side arms to destruction of injured
animals. Members of the police department used force 218 times in 1997. The
instances of force used each month is as follows:
January: 11 April: 13 July= 12 October: 19
February-- 24 May: 22 August= 20 November= 29
March-~ 18 June = 19 September-- 19 December-- 12
Calls For Service
70000.
60000-
50000-
40000-
30000.
20000-
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
Calls for Service
In 1997 the Iowa City Police Depa~ment responded to 65,364 calls ~r service which
was an increase of 8,352 calls ~r service when compared to 1996.
Reports Taken
12500-
12000-
11500~
11000-
10500:
95oo~
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
Reports Taken
In 1997, Iowa City police officers, community service officers, emergency
communication personnel and investigators took 12,100 reports, which was an increase
of 712 reports over 1996.
Arrests
8000.
6000.
4000-
2000.
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
Arrests
In 1997, iowa City police officers made 7,175 arrests, which reflects an increase of
1,227 arrests over 1996.
Traffic Tickets Issued
10000-
8000'i~
6000-
4000-
2000*
0
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
Traffic Tickets issued
In 1997, iowa City police officers issued 8,021 traffic tickets. This is 1,251 fewer than
1996.
Parking Tickets
In 1997. Iowa City police officers and community service officers issued 13,889 parking
tickets
INVES TIGA TIONS
The investigations unit is comprised of seven sworn officers and one community service
officer; one lieutenant - unit commander and drug task force project manager, one
sergeant - evening supervisor and investigator, and five investigators.
Two of the investigators are paid through grants. One through a Drug Task Force Grant
and that investigator is assigned as a fulPtime drug investigator. The second grant
investigator began in late 1997. The investigator deals mainly with problems of violence
against women; however other domestic violence crimes are also investigated by this
officer. The grant is from the Governor's Alliance on Substance Abuse (GASA) in Des
Moines. Information on the grant investigator's statistics are maintained outside the
investigative unit and are sent directly to GASA through monthly, quarterly, biannual,
and annual reports.
Activities
· The investigation unit conducted an intensive background check on 22 police
applicants in 1997. The process took investigators two weeks to complete.
· In May 1997, the investigative sergeant reopened a closed case. New information
had been received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicating a possible
suspect in an Iowa City sexual abuse case. Information was coordinated through
many different law enforcement agencies. A meeting was held in June 1997 to
determine the most reasonable and effective way to handle the complicated
investigation. The suspect had been identified through a DNA match and a positive
response to the Iowa City case was received. The suspect was arrested by New
Jersey authorities in June 1997. The case gained national attention due to the many
jurisdictions involved and due to the fact that the suspect was deemed a serial
rapist.
· In September 1997, officers of the Iowa City Police Department responded to a call
about a missing female, by her husband upon his return to Iowa City. Evidence at
the residence gave officers concern for the missing female's safety. Two days later,
the victim's body was found lying in a ditch near Rockford, Illinois. A vehicle taken
from the residence at the time of the incident was located two months later in New
Jersey. This case has taken officers across the country. The homicide investigation
continues and remains open.
1997 Investigations Summary
Case # of Cases Average Days Open
Criminal Mischief 6 48.3
Harassing/Obscene Phone Calls 8 5.9
Threats 4 62.5
Terrorism 1 37
Domestic Abuse 35 14.3
Child Abuse 5 9.6
Fraud/Forgery 89 38.8
Theft By Check 142 36.7
Sexual Abuse 43 35,6
Child Sexual Abuse 25 34,7
Death Investigation 15 21.9
Theft 84 116.8
Assault 23 41.7
Burglary 27 135.8
Burglary - Vehicle 5 69.8
Receiving Stolen Property 1
Robbery 6 43.0
Homicide 1
Arson 7 13
Other 21 18.3
Total Number of Cases Investigated 548
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
A change of command took place in 1997. Captain Don Strand retired prior to the start
of 1997. He was replaced by newly promoted Captain Tom Widmer in February 1997.
Along with the responsibility for records, emergency communications, animal control,
planning and research, community services and uniform issue/control, Captain Widmer
retained responsibility for the police department training~
Items of note for 1997 are as follows:
· Computerized the uniform inventory system
· Delegated task of alarm billing to records supervisor
· Delegated task of photo handling and documentation to property room CSO
· Developed department wide training for OC pepper spray certification
· Developed department wide training for building searches
· Researched "Judgmental Use of Force" training system for purchase by Department
Training
Over the last few years, the police departments training has developed into an
expanded offedng of basic and advanced skills needed to perform the evolving task of
law enforcement. In 1997, 78 different schools or blocks of training were offered on a
variety of topics. Four of the training sessions ware mandatory for all sworn personnel
(48 total hours per officer). Seventy-four topics were offered on a voluntary selection
basis. A total of 8,451 total hours of training was completed for an average of 134.14
hours per officer.
The bulk of the training (20 schools) continues to be with the Mobile Team Training Unit
IV in East Moline, IL. For an annual fee of $60 per officer, the department is allowed to
attend training that would cost the department $400-$500 in tuition per officer. It has
proven to be a very cost-effective means of acquiring quality training. The Iowa Law
Enforcement Academy accounted for 12 of the schools, 10 schools of training ware
conducted "in-house".
Three days of the mandatory training for every off'met was conducted. The yearly
training is known as MATS (Multi-Agency Training System). The MATS training covers
most of the mandatory instruction needed for yeady certification and legislative
mandates. In addition, the key training areas ware identified, such as firearms
qualification, OC pepper spray certification and building searches.
Iowa City officers also assist the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy sending officers to
assist in instruction of PR-234, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, and Drug Recognition. We
also train employees of licensed liquor establishments how to serve alcoholic beverages
safely and within the law.
It is the responsibility of the Administrative Captain to produce a monthly training report
to the Chief of Police. This process which began in March of 1997 is expected to
continue in the future.
Goals
Have the process for the Department Accreditation in place and making satisfactory
progress
· Set up a bidding process for officer uniform contract
· Implement a systematic F.A.T.S. (Judgmental Use of Force) training program
· Take on responsibility for supervision of the evidence/property function
PLANNING AND RESEARCH
Sergeant Jim Steffen is in charge of the Planning and Reseamh function. The most
time consuming aspect of planning and research is the daily report review. In 1997, he
reviewed 12,100 submitted case files, checking for completeness and possible errors.
This requires constant communication and accountability with all supervisors and
officers on the department. Documenting the submitted reports, a monthly report is
produced stating each officer's production in several pertinent areas. In the event Sgt.
Steffen is ill or on vacation, the backup responsibility for report review rests with the
Records Section Supervisor.
Sgt. Steffen began producing a daily information bulletin that is used at all the watch
meetings. The log assured that all-important information is being disseminated in a
unified and timely manner to department personnel.
Sgt. Steffen also tracks car-deer accidents within the city and produces a monthly and
yearly summary. Sgt. Steffen has responsibility for the bi-monthly "Use of Force" review
committee and produces the Use of Force report for public release.
The Planning and Research Sergeant also serves as the Public Information Officer,
responsible for providing information to the various Iowa City media. He serves as the
contact person and department spokes person for people wanting information about
various crimes, trends, procedures, etc., concerning the police department. He is
responsible for the daily update of police department info placed on the Government
Cable Channel 4.
Additional duties include responsibility for the lost and found function which involves
logging the items, identifying possible owners, and returning/disposing of items in the
prescribed manner. Included in this process are found/stolen bicycles.
Goals
Turn lost and found function over to the evidence custodian
· Continue to develop the daily information bulletin to include more precise trends and
patterns
· Communicate with officers in a more accurate and meaningful manner the areas
where the officers reports can be improved
· Improve department's response to the needs of the media
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services is comprised of two uniform officers. It encompasses the DARE
unit, the crime prevention unit, and the community relations unit. Both officers are
cross-trained in all three areas.
· DARE
In 1997, the lead officer for the Iowa City DARE was reassigned to Officer Joel Myers.
The program was presented in all twelve Iowa City elementary schools to over 500 fifth
and sixth grade students. Instead of doing large joint parent nights and culmination's,
the events were changed so that each school is allowed to have it's own unique
program to showcase the school and students.
There has been an increased involvement between the University of Iowa Woman's
Gymnastics Team and the Iowa City DARE program. Student gymnasts are being
utilized as role models/mentors in the classroom and culmination's. The team also
sponsored a DARE event at one of their home meets where the DARE students were
VIP's.
An additional officer was trained in DARE instruction this year to accommodate the
need for a substitute to fill in when the other two officers have conflicts.
· CRIME PREVENTION
Kevin Berg continues as the lead officer in this area. In 1997, he organized and
coordinated 95 Neighborhood Watch areas encompassing approximately 1500
homes. As a part of this program, he developed and distributed four editions
(quarterly) of the Sentinel Voice, Iowa City's newsletter to the neighborhood
Watches. In addition, every residential burglary victim in our city was sent a
letter containing information on home security and the Neighborhood Watch
Program.
With assistance from a Coralville police officer, the Iowa City crime prevention
officer developed and organized the second "Citizen's Police Academy". This
twelve-week program once again proved very successful in graduating 22
students (included all members of the newly formed Citizen's Review Board).
Coordinated the development of the Iowa City Police Department web page.
This service is an attempt to make information about our department and the
services that we offer more accessible.
Kevin spoke to more than 60 groups in 1997, is involved in the Juvenile
Shoplifting Prevention Program, and serves as the President for the Iowa Crime
Prevention Association.
· COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Officer Berg developed the format and submitted monthly reports on Community
Relation activities in which the department participates. The majority of these
events are coordinated through the office of community services. In the months
of March through October, them were 114 officer contacts in 163 community
events for 308 hours involving mom than 8,300 citizens.
The unit plays a leading role in summertime playground activities, as well as
involvement with the Johnson County Safe Kids Coalition, Safety Village of Iowa
City, and is charged with making safety presentations throughout the community.
They worked with FOX-TV in Cedar Rapids producing bike safety promos
involving Iowa City officers. They also worked with the patrol unit in operating a
traffic safety checkpoint emphasizing child safety seats.
Street for two years. The animal control supervisor also set on the committee exploring
methods to control the deer population within the City.
increased utilization of City Infovision, cable access television, as well as radio and print
media was utilized to promote animal adoption. Staff conducted a weekend
"Adoptathon" aided by local merchants, which resulted in 25 animals being adopted.
The "Adoptathon" is planned as a yearly event due to the success we experienced.
The operation of the shelter continues to be aided by the animal control advisory board.
This dedicated group of individuals makes recommendations, provides insight, and
oversees the administering of special private funds donated to the shelter.
Goals
· Develop contract with local veterinarians for medical treatment service and
vaccinations
· Landscape the exterior grounds of the shelter
· Formalize the contract for service with the University of Iowa
· Begin work on a formal micro-chipping program for identification of pets
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
The emergency communications center is staffed by non-sworn personnel. The center
is supervised by Nancy Sereduck. Currently there are 9 full-time dispatchers along with
two part-time positions. One of the part-time positions (20 hours) was new in 1997.
There has been some turnover this year. Four full-time dispatchers terminated their
employment in the emergency communications center which resulted in a strain for the
other employees due to the necessity of recruitment, hiring, and training of new
personnel. The center is currently at full strength with one dispatcher who will complete
training in early 1998.
The job of dispatching continues to evolve into a more technical operation with the
increase in the amount of information employees must process on a daily basis. In
1997, dispatchers handled 65,364 police department calls for service (15.8% increase
over 1996). This includes 1,930 emergency medical dispatches and approximately
15,000 "911" calls. Additionally there were 3,213 fire department calls for service.
Goals
· Increase the available amount of quality training dispatchers are allowed to attend
· Successfully transition into the Windows-driven dispatch system
· Terminate direct alarm monitoring responsibilities
ANIMAL CONTROL
Animal control is made up of non-sworn personnel. Misha Goodman-Herbst is the
supervisor, assisted by three animal control officers and one kennel assistant. The care
of the animals and the upkeep of the facility are aided by over 200 different volunteers.
A total of 1,952 animals were
impounded in the shelter last
year. This represents a 3%
increase from 1996.
Additionally, there was a 5%
increase in adoptions (661),
a 2% increase in reclaims
(675), and a 5% reduction in
animals euthanized. The
majority of animals
euthanized were due to
sickness, injury or
aggressive disposition. Only
.02% (34) animals were
destroyed due to lack of
cage space.
Although not totally finished,
the old portion of the shelter
was renovated in 1997. This
much needed project allowed
for an increased number of
kennels, a locker and break
room for staff, greater storage capability, and a more efficient, comfortable and sanitary
facility. Aisc repairs were made to outside kennels, a new floor was installed in part of
the facility, and a new phone system installed. The phone system allows menu driven
answers to common questions, as well as increased phone line capacity for direct
contact with staff. No more busy signal!
1997 also saw the adoption of a new animal permit ordinance for Iowa City. The animal
control supervisor worked with the city council and city legal to bring about passage.
The process was initiated to obtain a formal contract between the University of Iowa and
the Iowa City Animal Shelter for animal control services much the same as the
agreement between Coralville and Iowa City, which continues to function effectively.
The animal control staff was instrumental in a project to gain council approval for the
installation of the wildlife reflector warning system on Dodge Street between the
cemetery and 1~80. This is the same type of system successfully utilized on Dubuque
Street for two years. The animal control supervisor also set on the committee exploring
methods to control the deer population within the City.
Increased utilization of City Infovision, cable access television, as well as radio and print
media was utilized to promote animal adoption. Staff conducted a weekend
"Adoptathon" aided by local merchants, which resulted in 25 animals being adopted.
The "Adoptathon" is planned as a yearly event due to the success we experienced.
The operation of the shelter continues to be aided by the animal control advisory board.
This dedicated group of individuals makes recommendations, provides insight, and
oversees the administering of special private funds donated to the shelter.
Goals
· Develop contract with local veterinarians for medical treatment service and
vaccinations
· Landscape the exterior grounds of the shelter
· Formalize the contract for service with the University of Iowa
· Begin work on a formal micro-chipping program for identification of pets
RECORDS
The records section of the Iowa City Police Department is staffed by non-sworn
personnel. It consists of one supervisor, Kathy Lippold, and three full-time staff. In
addition, a temporary position is utilized for an average of one day per week. A
University student work-study program was undertaken to accomplish filing and data
entry. In 1997, two students were hired in the spring semester and three in the fall.
Each student works an average of 12 hours per week.
A total of 12,100 cases were processed in the records section. That was an increase of
700 cases over 1996. Conservatively estimating that each file contains a minimum of
five pages that would indicate a handling of more than 60,500 pieces of information in
the initial handling of the case files alone. There were 6,837 property data entries and
the maintenance of 5,783 new arrest files.
In addition to gathering and entering all the required information for the Uniform Crime
Report, the records section took on the task of doing the data entry for all traffic tickets
issued by the Iowa City officers. A total of 8,021 were entered in 1997.
The records supervisor took
responsibility for the tracking and billing
of police response to false alarms.
Last year a total of 1,590 false alarms
~were responded to by Iowa City police
officers. This billing generated fines of
$14,700. The records supervisor is
i responsible for tracking "use of force"
incidents and providing the planning
;and resource supervisor with that
information on a regular basis.
The records section also took on the
assignment of updating and creating a
new business callback list. This
entailed a letter being sent to all
businesses in Iowa City, as well as
recording the information received in
response to the inquiry.
Goals
· Installation of a new records
management system (hardware and
software
· Acquisition of an imaging system to
eliminate the need to put old cases
on micro-film