Rpd Update.sept08

RPD Update SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008

RICHMOND, CA POLICE DEPARTMENT

CHRIS MAGNUS, CHIEF OF POLICE

Department Gaining New Officers Slow, steady progress. That might be the best way to describe how the Richmond Police Department (RPD) is doing when it comes to increasing our number of police officers. As with virtually all departments our size and larger, the greatest challenge we face is attempting to hire more officers than we lose over any given time through attrition.

RPD officers celebrate the 25th Annual “National Night Out” on August 5th with residents from neighborhoods throughout the community.

“The police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.” Robert Peel, 1778-1850

For example, during the past year we hired 23 new police officers. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, over the past two years, we lost a total of 25 officers due to retirements, injuries, police academy failure, and inability of some new officers to successfully complete the department’s in-house Police Training Officer (PTO) program. It’s worth noting, however, that during this time, only one officer actually resigned to take a job with another department—and that was because he needed to relocate elsewhere in the state to be with his family. The attrition challenge aside, we are gaining ground and gradually getting closer to our desired staffing level. We now have 168 sworn officers with 10 more individuals about to start police academies or come on board with us as lateral hires from other departments. In addition, we will soon be restarting our award-winning advertising campaign to attract new applicants. The department has an open, ongoing police officer, cadet, and dispatcher application and testing process. For more information, check the “Employment” link on our website at www.richmondpd.net or call (510)620-1267. We are sometimes asked, “Why do candidates fail out of the Police Academy or the PTO program?” The short answer to this is that not everyone is well-suited to be a police officer, but despite rigorous background checks, testing processes, and interviews, it’s often impossible for us—or the candidates—to know if they’re right for the job until they go through the training process of the Academy and the PTO program. Police recruits have to meet (State of California) Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements, achieve a level of physical fitness and ability needed for the job, be able to qualify with firearms, have a strong understanding of state and local laws, and demonstrate the ability to work well with the public. Let’s face it: the job of a police officer is demanding—and we don’t intend to lower our standards. We work hard to continually recruit the best possible candidates to become officers with the Richmond Police Department. Our recruiting team, under the direction of Sgt. Darrell Jones, has a regular presence at area employment and recruiting fairs, meets with potential applicants from various police academies around the state, looks for strong candidates coming out of the military, and works closely with area colleges and universities to attract new personnel. We continue to focus on hiring Richmond residents whenever possible and to encourage individuals who speak more than one language and who come from diverse backgrounds to apply for jobs with our agency. All that said—it’s people like you who are our best recruiters! If you know someone who you think has the potential to be a good police officer and a leader in our community, please give us a call.

Your Police Department and Traffic Safety Checkpoints Each year there are several thousand traffic crashes in and around Richmond, many which cause not only property damage, but also result in injuries and deaths. An increasing number of these crashes involve hit and run drivers who are often unlicensed or who have a suspended or revoked driver’s license. Several recent traffic accidents causing injuries to City of Richmond employees, including a Richmond police officer and a Public Works Department employee, involved unlicensed, hit and run drivers. On August 31st, a crash in Oakland caused by a driver without a license killed a 4 year-old boy. Over the past several years, as one of several responses to this problem, the Richmond Police Department has conducted traffic safety checkpoints at various locations throughout the city to deter illegal driving and to encourage that vehicles driven in the community are properly registered and insured. Although these checkpoints are primarily designed and implemented for traffic safety purposes, a side benefit is that they can lead to the arrest of individuals with outstanding criminal warrants and reduce other criminal activity. Traffic safety and sobriety checkpoints are not only done in Richmond; they’re also conducted in other cities throughout the state and across the county. The practice of conducting traffic safety checkpoints in our community has been addressed at least four times over the past several years by the City Council’s Public Safety Committee. The Committee has repeatedly encouraged RPD to continue utilizing the checkpoints as both a means of improving traffic safety and reducing crime. How do checkpoints work? When traffic safety checkpoints are conducted, the Richmond Police Department follows all legal requirements that have been set forth by state and federal courts. The Department also follows the guidelines specified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The average interaction between an officer and a motorist at a checkpoint is less than 15 seconds. During a typical contact, motorists are simply asked to present their driver’s license. Vehicles are not searched as part of these contacts unless an arrest is made or other legal requirements are satisfied that permit such a search (such as the open display of a weapon or the consent of the driver). We do not ask to search licensed drivers who pass through the checkpoints. Contact with drivers is never based on the race, ethnicity, gender, or any other personal characteristic of the driver or passengers. Depending on the flow of traffic, either all motorists are stopped, or every 3rd, 4th, or 5th (etc.) vehicle is stopped. On multiple occasions, members of the Richmond Police Commission, the news media, elected officials, and representatives from the various community groups have been present to observe the checkpoints in action and can verify that all motorists are treated fairly, consistently, and courteously. As an added incentive to encourage safe driving and compliance with the law, drivers are given a handout in English and Spanish describing the process for obtaining a driver’s license and how to get more information about the rules of the road. This is not a requirement when doing checkpoints, but something the Richmond Police Department has chosen to do in the interest of improved community relations and education. When conducting checkpoints, just as when officers make traffic stops on a day-today basis, our personnel adhere to the requirements of the California Vehicle Code, Sec. 14602.6. Vehicles driven by an unlicensed driver are impounded for 30 days unless another licensed driver is present and available to drive. Unlike most other law enforcement agencies in the state, we typically release a vehicle earlier than 30 days if the circumstances under which the vehicle was being driven were a result of medical or other emergency family needs. Such decisions are made on a case-bycase basis by the sergeant in charge of our Traffic Unit, who takes a very humanitarian approach to such situations. If a vehicle was driven by an unlicensed driver, but is registered to a licensed driver, we will release it to the licensed (registered owner) immediately (so it is not held for 30 days).

Are checkpoints done to target undocumented immigrants? RPD’s traffic safety checkpoints are never done in conjunction with immigration authorities, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In addition, individuals cited for being unlicensed or suspended drivers are generally not arrested unless they have an outstanding arrest warrant or we are unable to establish their identity (which is rarely the case). If an individual is arrested on a warrant where bail is set, they are transported to RPD’s Detention Unit, where they have the opportunity to post the bail amount and be released. Law enforcement, safety, and fairness . . . Driving a vehicle in California—or any state—is a privilege, not a right. Police officers are legally obligated to enforce traffic laws, even those laws that may create a hardship for individuals who are unable to obtain a driver’s license due to their citizenship status. It is neither the intention or the practice of the Richmond Police Department to selectively enforce traffic laws by excluding a specific group of residents from enforcement or by exclusively enforcing such laws against any particular group of persons. Checkpoints have repeatedly been shown to be an effective deterrent when it comes to preventing illegal driving, including driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Traffic safety and crime reduction are significant issues in our community that impact every resident in all neighborhoods. We will continue to enforce the law and follow the direction we have been provided by our elected officials in an ongoing effort to make Richmond safer for everyone. For more information: Contact Captain Allwyn Brown of the Richmond Police Department at (510)620-6651 or by e-mail at [email protected].

New Motors Hit the Streets No you’re not in Berlin, Prague, or even Paris. You’re in Richmond, California, USA, but there’s something different about the Police Department motorcycles you’re seeing on the streets these days. That’s right, those new, sleek motorcycles the Department’s Traffic Unit is using are BMWs, leased over 39 months through a contract approved by the City Council last July. The Department’s three-year contract for Harley Davidson motorcycles recently expired and after a thorough testing process and review of available motorcycle models, brands, and options for police use, the Department chose the 2008 R1200 RT-P BMW as the best choice for our motor officers. In addition to performing on the streets significantly better than other brands, the BMW motorcycles had a better safety operation overall and markedly improved fuel efficiency. Richmond residents will likely appreciate that the new BMWs are ultra quiet. Unlike the Harleys, their operation is almost silent. Not only will this reduce noise pollution, test riders discovered that their police radio volume could be set much lower and that they could hear better both while riding and after they finished their tour of duty. In addition, because the new bikes have catalytic converters, they produce lower emissions, which is better for the environment. The new bikes won’t take the sting out of getting that traffic ticket, but they should be a valuable tool in the department’s efforts to improve traffic safety in the community.

Dealing with Noisy Cars in the Neighborhood Frustrated by a vehicle with a loud muffler that is constantly driven up and down your block? Disturbed by the guy down the street who blasts his car stereo with full bass at all hours of the day and night? We’d like to help. RPD now has a “Vehicle Noise Complaint Form” available on-line (www.richmondpd.net) which can be submitted electronically or as a postcard available at City Hall, the Police Department, and provided to neighborhood groups— which can be mailed in at no cost. Residents are asked to provide as much information as they can safely obtain about the noisy vehicle and driver so the Police Department can follow-up on the problem. Follow-up generally starts with a warning to the vehicle owner or driver and may involve citations or warrants if the conduct continues. The department will not always be able to address each noise complaint right away, but every effort will be made to resolve these matters as quickly as possible. Individuals who complete Vehicle Noise Complaint forms have the option of remaining anonymous or may provide their name and contact information (which will be kept confidential) if they want us to re-contact them. RICHMOND POLICE DEPARTMENT 1701 Regatta Blvd. Richmond, CA 94804 510-233-1214 (Dispatch) 510-620-6655 (Administration) 510-620-6880 (FAX) www.richmondpd.net

Noise pollution detracts from the quality of life in our community. This new approach to reporting noise violations that involves vehicles can help make our city a more enjoyable and healthier place to live.

Getting drug dealers off the streets: Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, 5:15 p.m.--2nd St and Bissell Ave.: Officers made a traffic enforcement stop at 2nd St. and Bissell Ave. A vehicle search was conducted utilizing K-9 Bosco. Bosco and his handler, Officer Avila, located approximately 193 rocks of Cocaine (26 grams). The 25 year-old male driver was arrested and booked at RPD for possession of cocaine base with intent to sell. In addition to Officer Avila, this investigation involved Officers Soto and Kaiser.

Blight Fighters Tackle “One Block at a Time” “One Block at a Time” or “OBAT” is a shared effort to abate problem properties and clean up neighborhoods that have been particularly hard hit by foreclosures, neglect, and crime. The concept behind the program is to take a small area within a larger neighborhood and work intensively on improving conditions through focused code enforcement efforts, intensive follow-up, community involvement, and intergovernmental cooperation. Simply put, “One Block at a Time” is all about improving the quality of life for Richmond residents in neighborhoods where it’s most needed. Even though the areas in which “One Block at a Time” is done are small, the amount of work to be completed in each of these “mini-neighborhoods” is huge. For example, in the most recent OBAT effort, which took place in a one square block residential area near the Nevin Center in Richmond’s Historic Iron Triangle Neighborhood, as many as 70% of the homes in that block were either vacant, in foreclosure, or both. In numerous instances, the banks or mortgage holders for these homes had been completely neglectful, allowing the properties to be unsecured, vandalized, and in some cases even occupied by squatters and drug dealers. Lawns were unmowed, trash and debris was piled up in yards, and junked vehicles were left sitting on vacant lots.

“One Block at a Time” brings together Police and Code Enforcement staff, as well as employees from the Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Fire Department, Planning Department, City Manager’s Office, and City Attorney’s Office. Other key participants include the neighborhood associations, residents, and volunteers from various community groups. The program kicks off, typically on a Saturday, with a full days worth of work that involves everyone pulling together in a high visibility way on clean-up activities, house painting, and educational efforts. What many people don’t realize, however, is that Saturday’s activities are only the tip of the iceberg. Code Enforcement officers and the Police Department’s contract Code Enforcement attorney have literally thousands of hours of follow-up work just on that one square block area. This work involves dealing with home owners, documenting violations for enforcement purposes, sending out notices and other various legal documents, tracking down responsible parties for properties, arranging for more complex abatement activities, coordinating follow-up with other City departments, the Housing Authority, other service providers—and more. OBAT efforts in the Iron Triangle (and recently in Parchester Village) are part of an ongoing commitment to neighborhood rehabilitation and crime reduction. We believe there is a strong correlation between the physical environment—how a neighborhood looks—and the kind of crime that happens there. The Police Department and other City departments are committed to implementing “One Block at a Time” in neighborhoods throughout Richmond during the remainder of this year and into 2009. If you would like more information or are interested in helping out, please contact RPD’s Crime Prevention Manager, Michelle Milam, at (510)620-6538 or e-mail her [email protected].

You Can Run but You Can’t Hide Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008—Northern District: Officer Jason Silva observed the driver of a silver Infiniti commit a traffic infraction on WB I-80 near Hilltop. He attempted to make an enforcement stop, but the driver did not yield. As they exited at McBryde Avenue, the driver of the Infiniti actively evaded Officer Silva, driving through the intersection at San Pablo Ave., against the red traffic signal at a high rate of speed. The driver of the Infiniti continued south on 35th Street, failing to stop for stop signs at various intersections. Pursuing officers observed the driver toss a bag containing a white substance out the window while on 35th Street. The driver collided into a parked vehicle as he turned west onto Roosevelt. The driver attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended. There were no injuries as a result of this incident. A 28 year-old male was arrested for various charges. Approximately one pound of cocaine was recovered.

Officers have been giving special attention to robberies involving residents-often day laborers carrying large sums of cash--walking between the BART Station and San Pablo Ave. Here is a recent success story: Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, 3:00 p.m., 25th St. and Downer Ave.: Officers were dispatched to this location on the report of an armed robbery. The victim stated that she was robbed at gunpoint by four suspects who took her cell phone and cash. The four suspects ran down an alley between 23rd and 24th Streets. Officers circulated through the area and located the four suspects crossing 23rd St. When they saw the officers, the suspects began to run in different directions. Officers set up a perimeter and three of the suspects were apprehended. All three suspects were wanted on felony charges and found to be in possession of the victim’s property. The suspects were arrested and transported to RPD. Among those involved in apprehending the suspects were Officers Roderick, Andujar, Soto, Avila, Martin, Zeidan, Grivetti, Kaiser, Evans, Lewis, Nelson, and Martin. They were successful in their efforts despite a power outage that caused radio communications problems.