Dekalb Police January 2009 Newsletter

DKPD NEWSLETTER NEW OFFICER SHINES Officer Brian Lauda may only have been with the DeKalb County Police Department for one (1) year, but according to his superiors he has shown that he is knowledgeable of traffic and criminal law beyond his years of experience. Officer Lauda handled 161 calls, issued 31 citations and made 40 arrests, during the time period of December 1, 2008 through December 19, 2008. He has consistently shown a high level of professionalism and dedication in the performance of his police duties. When asked how he felt about his job, Officer Lauda said, “By far this is the best job I have ever had. I enjoy working with everyone every day.” Officer Lauda’s superiors commend him for his sound decision making ability. Reportedly, he makes good decisions during his tour of duty. He also handles assigned calls within his territory, along with assisting other officers when needed in a timely manner. Officer Lauda’s supervisors say, his professionalism and manner in which he carries out daily duties make him a good role model for other young officers. “This is a very nice honor,” added Officer Lauda. “I love getting to be out in the field talking with citizens. I love being a police officer.”

OH JOY, ONE GIRL AND THREE BOYS! Officer T.D. Rowe and his wife are the proud parents of their new son Tomario D’Shaun Rowe, born on December 23, 2008. Officer Christopher Emerson on the birth of his new son Nicholas David Emerson, born on December 30, 2008. Officer Bart Spradling and his wife are the proud parents of their new daughter Jazlyn Noelani Spradling, born on January 6, 2009. Officer Mark Thomas and his wife are the proud parents of their new son Nathan Douglas Thomas, born on January 12, 2009. Moms, Dads and babies are all doing well!

HEALTH WATCH WINTER CAN BE ROUGH ON YOUR SKIN The cold winter months tend to be rough on our skin especially our hands. Our body’s primary defense against infection is our skin. Healthy intact skin stops germs from entering our body to cause an infection. It also helps retain heat and prevents moisture loss. In the winter months we tend to decrease our water intake and increase our intake of fluid that causes dehydration such as coffee, non-herbal tea and alcohol. Dehydration affects the skin’s elasticity and makes it more susceptible to damage. Chapped, raw, irritated skin is not considered “intact” and can be a route of infection in the case of an exposure. Further, this moisture loss can be aggravated by hand washing whether it’s soap and water or chemical hand cleaners. These types of cleaners will often strip the emollients from the skin causing it to break down. However, there are cleaners and soaps that have moisturizers in them and may help. The best solution is to supplement your hygiene regimen with a moisturizer. Just make sure to read the label. Why should you pay attention to the label? Many of the products contain mineral oil which actually leads to more emollient loss for the skin as well as potential break down of the rubber in some protective gloves. Wearing leather or other gloves designed for warmth helps protect our hands from the elements and injury. Be sure to go by the range with these gloves and practice with your firearms and other defensive equipment while wearing them. Gloves may decrease or alter your grip and feel for control of the weapon. In the winter don’t forget to moisturize after you wash your hands.

…. Stay Healthy...

UPCOMING EVENTS January 30, 2009 86th Police Academy Graduation 11:00 a.m. Lou Walker Senior Center 538 Panola Road Lithonia, GA

NEW START NEW BEGINNING

January 26, 2009

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MISSION STATEMENT To provide efficient and effective law enforcement services through community oriented policing that enhances the quality of life and reduces the impact of crime.

Volume 2, Issue 2

THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO ANDUM MEMOR

VISION STATEMENTS To create a collaborative and viable relationship between the community and the police. To take pride in the quality of services we deliver and embrace the knowledge that what we do is making an enormous difference in the community.

TERRELL BOLTON DEKALB COUNTY CHIEF OF POLICE

De K TO: The

The faces of the hard working men and women of the DeKalb County Police Dept.

To establish and maintain in cooperation with the citizens of DeKalb and the governmental entities tranquility throughout the county.

n ell Bolto hief Terr endation t Comm n e m rt a CT: Dep

nd your ployee a the m e n r o w ing cer, non-s ated dur isor, offi ou has demonstr st effort to v SUBJE r e p u s nd every ment each of y y put forth its be k each a n a uall mmit th y ll n and co tment has contin o ersona ti p a to ic d e e r k d a li I would r the hard work, llenges, this Dep in order. e o a f h s c ie y il n tment is a r m . a m . Th p fa ty e e n it D u p o s e n by 1% eft, of th alb C r. De w a K ts o e e n d y e D t s m f s e a h o p s rim d th plis e citizen ll accom and Property C s, down 19% an f this ra e v o e protect th o th n by 3 % d assault citizens eview of ssed, a r County were dow were aggravate fostered with the ther goals have a p s a h 8 o es Now 200 imes in DeKalb in violent crim and partnerships ary goal, many r n m k o C r ri ti t o p c n w e u le d d th Vio e re har n is ue to the reductio t led to th areas tha for the year. D Although crime . % down 17 08 was a success ch as: 0 s 2 d ede u County d or exce e in a tt a ts been e Inciden

rc se of Fo tion in U c u d e R arrests ● 50% en t s crease in nforcem blessing ● 10% In rease in traffic e ccidents ntinued o c h it a c w In lled in traffic etings attended ● 21% will be fi eduction me at 2009 th e v ● 10% R 00 community e . li ty be 1,0 alb Coun hief and ● Over as your C e citizens of DeK e rv e s I t de tha serve th great pri to better It is with artment strives ep as this D

To enforce the law equably and professionally.

BUDGET TALKS

To treat everyone with civility, courtesy, sensitivity and respect.

It’s that time once again for DeKalb County to approve a new budget for the year. The DeKalb County Police Department wants to make sure its employees are kept abreast of the Department’s budget challenges so we can all be fiscally sound during the course of the year. Below you will find some of CEO Burrell Ellis’ Recommended Budget Cuts for the Police Department:

To value diversity. To discharge faithfully our roles as guardians of public trust. To protect and to serve with integrity.

[email protected]. On-line issues are available at www.dekalbpolice.com

en t Departm

C FROM:

VALUE STATEMENTS

Contributing Writers: Director K. Williams Capt. D. Loos Officer S. Kyles Sgt. R. de Graaf Mekka Parish, PIO Bettina Durant, PIO Sheryl Elliott Kama Elle Walcott To contribute articles contact (770) 724 - 7477 or email

ty Police alb Coun

• Inside this Issue:

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Candlelight Vigil Pets of the Week CRIMETRAC Chaplain’s Corner Training/Health Update Officer of the Month Health Watch Birth Announcements Upcoming Events

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Cutting Fund 271 by $2,360,000 in salary savings: The reduction equates to at least 44 fulltime vacant positions, the majority sworn officers. • Cutting Fund 100 by $1,003,000 in salary savings: The reduction equates to at least 20 fulltime vacant civilian positions. • Cutting Fund 272 by $151,500 in salary savings: The reduction equates to at least 3 fulltime vacant Code Enforcement Officer positions. • The reduction of $1,260,000 in vehicle maintenance and the suspension of 300 assigned or take home vehicles.

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The suspension of the Vehicle Replacement Program within the Police Department. • A suspension of merit increases for all employees (including those not classified as “merit”). • A suspension of the sick leave incentive program. • A downward adjustment of the Group Insurance Match. Throughout the year the Department is asking everyone to be mindful of the economic climate and make only necessary purchases. Remember, this is a recommended budget by the CEO. The Board of Commissioners will adopt a final budget before March 1, 2009. The Department will keep you posted on the outcome.

DKPD NEWSLETTER

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THE VIGIL — AN EVENING OF REMEMBRANCE Employment Opportunities Employment

JOB ALERT Opportunities JOB ALERT Uniform Division is looking for dedicated and Uniform Division committed is looking for dedicated and committed Police Officers

The bitter windy air might have extinguished the flicker of the candle flames, but the spirit in which the community came together warmed everyone’s heart as they remembered two (2) of DeKalb’s fallen officers. On the evening of January 15, 2009, the DeKalb County Police Department held a Candlelight Vigil to honor the lives of Officers Eric Barker and Ricky Bryant, Jr. The gathering also marked the one (1) year anniversary of their deaths. CEO Burrell Ellis, Chief Terrell Bolton, many of the Board of Commissioners and elected officials stood alongside DeKalb County Police Officers, the community and the family members of Barker & Bryant to remember the ultimate sacrifice of the two (2) officers. During the Vigil expressions of continued support were offered to the families. It’s that support Hilda Barker, mother of Officer Barker, says that has helped keep her strong through this tragic time. “This was a dream for him and it’s nice to know people really remember him and appreciate what he did,” said Mrs. Barker. The Vigil reinforcement that while Officers Barker and Bryant may be gone, they are not forgotten.

Police Officers Encourage your friends and family to join the DeKalb County Police Department Encouragetoday your by calling friends Background and family to& joinRecruiting the DeKalb County Police at (770) 724 - 7445 Department today by or visiting our website calling Background & at dekalbpolice.com Recruiting at 770.724.7445 or visiting our website at dekalbpolice.com

[email protected]

KEEPING “TRAC” OF CRIME The DeKalb County Police Department has a new tool to keep “trac” of crime in the community. CRIMETRAC is an innovative mapping system designed to give citizens a first hand look at crime statistics in unincorporated DeKalb County.

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“Super website! There are plenty of robust tools to help citizens stay informed.”

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“I will be training all our block captains and neighbors. This is exactly what we need. Thank you DeKalb County Police Department!”

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“Excellent tool to enable neighborhood watch programs to keep abreast on what is going on.”

CRIMETRAC provides accurate and timely crime data in the form of reports and maps. It allows citizens to search by a specific address or crime to find out what criminal activity is taking place in their community. CRIMETRAC is another element of the Department’s Interactive Community Policing (ICP) Unit’s partnership with the community. Public Education Specialists are currently getting the word out to their various neighborhoods and thus far they have received a lot of positive feedback. Here are just a few comments about CRIMETRAC from DeKalb County citizens:

For more information on CrimeTrac log on to

www.dekalbpolice.com Just click on the CRIMETRAC icon. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

TRAINING & LEGAL UPDATE: From the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council Case Law Update Handley v. State, A08A1577 The Court reversed. The probable cause needed to conduct an arrest for DUI requires that the officer Appellant contended that the trial court erred have knowledge or reasonably trustworthy information that a suspect was actually in physical in denying her motion to suppress. The control of a moving vehicle, while under the undisputed evidence showed that the arresting officer first saw appellant walking influence of alcohol to a degree which renders to their car in a shopping center parking lot. them incapable of driving safely. As appellant drove away, the officer saw that Here, the State offered no evidence showing that the car had no license tag, so he initiated a traffic stop solely on that basis. He observed appellant’s driving ability was impaired due to alcohol consumption. The officer testified that he nothing unusual about appellant’s driving. noticed nothing remarkable about her driving. When he asked appellant for her driver’s license, he smelled alcohol on her breath and The State presented no evidence showing that her asked if she had been drinking. She initially speech was slurred, her gait was unsteady, or her eyes were bloodshot, watery, or glassy and the said no, but when he asked her to submit to officer conducted no field sobriety tests. The only an alco-sensor test, she acknowledged she evidence offered was that the officer smelled had been drinking “earlier that day.” alcohol on her breath, the alco-sensor test revealed the presence of alcohol and she admitted that she The alco-sensor tested positive for the presence of alcohol. The officer performed had been drinking “earlier in the day.” no other field sobriety evaluations and testified to no manifestations of intoxication “This evidence is insufficient as a matter of law to constitute probable cause to arrest [appellant] for other than the smell of alcohol, the positive alco-sensor test and appellant’s admission to driving under the influence.” drinking earlier.

DUI Search & Seizure

PETS of the WEEK

If you or someone you know in the Department would like to submit a birth announcement or any information you would like to share with the Department, send it to DKPD Employee News at

DKPD NEWSLETTER

KATE

FLUFFY

Kate is a sweet two (2) to three (3) year old lab mix. She is very friendly and loves people. Kate likes visiting with the workers and volunteers at the shelter. She also plays well with the other dogs. Kate wants a home of her own and could be the perfect dog for you!

Fluffy is a 10 month old super friendly and playful male cat. He is a cute little darling that would make a great pet. Fluffy hopes to become a new addition to a cat loving family.

Come by today and take one of us home with you ! For more adoption information call 404.294.3088

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Faith or Fear: The Economy at a Glance Regardless to how you define fear, all the economic indicators point to a bleak financial forecast that has most Americans anxious about their financial future. As more and more people find themselves homeless, jobless and penniless, the anxiety index increases and worry and panic overshadow calmness and faith. Surprisingly enough, the poor and the rich can suffer from fear. This relates to not having enough money, fear of losing it all in the stock market or fear that benefits or services will be reduced or be eliminated. From a biblical standpoint, faith involves having the confident assurance that God is in control and regardless to your circumstances, God has always been your provider and the source of your strength and protection. In the Old Testament there are numerous examples of people who forgot God as their source and they began trusting in and worshipping other things. Sometimes it takes an economic “meltdown” to get our attention and help us to determine what or who we place our trust in. If we have placed all our “eggs” in the corporate arena basket or our 401(k) retirement fund, then we may be boiling eggs in order to survive. However, if you have been a disciplined steward of your resources (debt to income) and you understand your priorities (placing God first) then the trepidation that others are experiencing is not having the same impact on you. As the future of our economy remains uncertain, there are things that you can do during these challenging times. First, get a grip on your emotions and realize that although you cannot control the big picture, you can manage your own resources. Learn to live within your means by managing your income and controlling your cash flow and expenses. Create a budget, reduce your spending, pay down and eliminate your debt and do your best to save, save, save. Remember that you are affected by what you hear. Fear produces a level of stress that will manifest itself in discouragement, anger, depression and violence. The Bible declares that faith comes as you place yourself in a position to hear from God, so limit the amount of negative gloom-and-doom that you allow yourself to entertain and spend time reinforcing your faith in the Word of God. Remember that your future is in the hands of God and faith overshadows fear when you learn to trust in God. Serving Him with Great Joy, Ben Gaither

DKPD Chaplain’s Office “Serving Those Who Serve” (770) 724 - 7834