HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/17/2017 06B 2016 Yakima Police Department Annual ReportITEM TITLE:
SUBMITTED BY:
BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDASTATEMENT
Item No. 6.B.
For Meeting of: October 17, 2017
2016 Yakima Police Department Annual Report
Dominic Rizzi, Chief of Police
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
The staff of the Yakima Police Department respectfully submits our 2016 annual report for the
Council's information and consideration.
ITEM BUDGETED:
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL:
NA
Public Safety
City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report.
BOARD/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
7016 Yakima Police Department Annual deport
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1011017017
Type
Back up Material
qoao,t eowz49.e c.deaef,/
Tab[e of Contents
Message from the Chief 3
Organizational Chart 4
Personnel Changes 5
Employee Recognition 6
Programs & Events 9
Statistics 11
Special Operations Division 12
Services Division/Jail 14
Professional Standards Office 16
Detective Division 17
Forensics/Evidence 19
Patrol Division 20
Traffic/K9 Units 21
Crisis Response Unit 22
School Resource Officers 23
Yakima Police Explorers Post 24
3
We are dedicated to providing
outstanding police services, delivering
peace of mind, and improving the
quality of life for those in our
community.
A A4essagefio the CAIj
4
On behalf of the men and women of the Yakima
Police Department, it is my pleasure to present the
201 6 Yakima Police Department Annual Report. I'm
so proud of the sworn officers and civilian staff who
represent the department. Due to their efforts, in a
constantly changing criminal justice environment, we
have enjoyed a strong partnership with our
community.
As we continue with our principle mission of the
preservation of life and property, reduction of fear in
the community through the reduction of crime, and the
protection of persons and property, we do so with our
on-going commitment to transparency and community
involvement.
In 2016, we accomplished our goal of enhancing our
public interactions program by meeting with
community groups to discuss 21st Century Policing
and procedures we've implemented to ensure
compliance with the standards set forth by the
Department of Justice.
In this report, you'll also see we've continued our tradition of recognizing employee excellence
through our employee awards program. I believe we have the finest police department staffed with
the best trained, courageous, and dedicated personnel who deliver the highest level of professional
service. During 2016, we were witness to our officers willingness to put themselves in harms way to
save lives during an apartment fire at a retirement apartment complex. For their courageous acts,
they received the Medal of Honor and Medal of Valor, respectively.
I am honored to this lead this organization as we continue to face many challenges in 2017. We are
committed to keeping Yakima a safe place to live, work, and raise a family, and we will do so with
effective policing and community partnership.
Dominic Rizzi Jr.
Chief of Police
OrganizatLon Car
Personnet Updates
Jeannett Mora, Police Services Manager
Moraima Verstrate, Police Services Lead
Jeff Nelson, Corrections Sergeant
Patricia Lopez, Police Services Specialist II
Chance Belton, Police Lieutenant
Chad Janis, Police Sergeant
Evelyn Beltran, Police Services Specialist II
Officer Maria Vela (center) at his Basic
Law Enforcement Academy Graduation
with his uncles, Yakima PD Officer Jaime
Gonzalez and Seattle PD Sgt. Ariel Vela
RETIREMENTS
Dennis Miner, Corrections Sergeant
Jessie Rangel, Police Officer
Anthony Patlan, Police Officer
Steve Morkert, Police Officer
Jim Castillo, Police Officer
Nolan Wentz, Police Lieutenant
Cindy Edgerly, Police Services Specialist I
01/01/16
01/18/16
04/01/16
06/06/16
07/01/16
07/01/16
07/01/16
NEW EMPLOYEES
6
Sergeant Chad Janis
Jared Wilske, Police Officer
John Guju, Police Officer
Mario Vela, Police Officer
Julia Tobiness, Police Services Specialist I
Marielena Sanchez, Police Services Specialist I
Christopher Thorn, Lateral Police Officer
Casey Kim, Police Officer
Brian Dean, Lateral Corrections Officer
Ryan Treft, Corrections Officer
Leslie Henderson, Police Officer
Peter Equihua, Police Officer
Silvia Corona, Police Services Specialist I
Sarah Dexter, Lateral Police Officer
Jonathan Charroin, Police Officer
Patrick Schad, Police Officer
02/15/16
03/31/16
03/31/16
05/31/16
05/31/16
06/30/16
06/30/16
Thank you for your service!
01/04/16
01/04/16
02/16/16
05/09/16
05/09/16
06/20/16
07/05/16
07/05/16
07/06/16
07/11/16
07/18/16
08/01/16
08/15/16
09/19/16
12/12/16
Lieutenant Nolan Wentz and
Chief Dominic Rizzi, Jr.
Emp toyee RecogniHon
OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Officer Bryan Elliott
Officer Bryan Elliott was selected as the Yakima Police Department's 2016
Officer of the Year. Officer Elliott is assigned to the Patrol Division. He is
recognized as a leader and expert level patrol officer by his peers and
supervisors within the division. Officer Elliott is a well-respected field training
officer, responsible for training five student officers during 2016. In addition to
being an outstanding police officer, Officer Elliott demonstrates a strong sense of
commitment to his peers and our community. Officer Elliott, with the help of his
family, constructs Lego simulation's on a handcrafted piece of wood for each
member of his squad. The Lego simulation describes the birthday person's likes
and interests. A small gift and card signed by the members of the squad
accompany the Lego simulation. Officer Elliott presented customized water
bottles to each of his squad members and members of the Command Staff. At
Christmas, Officer Elliott arranged for his squad to visit a local nursing home. The
officers of C -Blue met with twelve residents that did not have regular visitors.
Officers brought a small gift for the residents and spent about an hour visiting
with the residents. It is clear that Officer Elliott is not only an excellent officer, his
involvement in the community distinguishes him as an outstanding person who
represents the Yakima Police Department in a positive manner. Officer Elliott is
recognized as the 201 6 Yakima Police Department Officer of the Year.
Services employee of the Year Evelyn
Beltran and Chief Dominic Rizzi, Jr.
7
Officer of the Year Brian Elliott and Chief
Dominic Rizzi, Jr.
SERVICES EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Evelyn Beltran
Evelyn Beltran was selected as the Yakima Police Department's 2016
Services Employee of the Year. During Evelyn's short time with the department
she has held several positions in the Services Division and has shown she is a
dedicated and conscientious employee and team player. With Evelyn's
background in the financial industry, she has led numerous integration programs
that have helped streamline processes, allowing for improved service to the
community, while still maintaining the integrity of the department's procedures.
Evelyn's commitment and desire to share the knowledge she has gained
throughout her time here, led her to became a certified training officer and a
member of the Service's Division Training program. Evelyn is also the
Coordinator for the Services Division's Recognition Committee; this committee is
responsible for recognizing employees within the services division for their hard
work and dedication. She is the epitome of a team player who goes above and
beyond her job duties every day to help her team members succeed. She
provides excellent customer service to community members, the City, and the
Yakima Police Department. Evelyn Beltran is recognized as the 2016 Yakima
Police Department Services Employee of the Year.
Enr0 [oyee RecognftLon
8
CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
Officer Jesus Sanchez
Officer Jesus Sanchez was one of five officers nominated for Officer of the Year. During 2016, Officer Sanchez was
assigned to the Patrol Division and served as a Field Training Officer. Officer Sanchez displayed an outstanding
commitment to teamwork in 2016 and often worked additional duties to assist when staffing shortages existed. Officer
Sanchez is well respected by his peers and citizens. Officer Sanchez is awarded the Certificate of Excellence for his
excellence in police work and willingness to accept additional duties.
CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
Detective Mike Durbin
Detective Mike Durbin was one of five officers nominated for Officer of the Year. During 2016, Detective
Durbin was assigned to the Special Assault Unit investigating Crimes Against Children, Domestic Violence cases, Child
Pornography cases, and Sexual Assaults. Detective Durbin had an outstanding clearance arrest rate for the serious crimes
he was assigned. In addition to his investigative duties, Detective Durbin gave numerous community presentations,
educational presentations, and instructed Yakima Police in-service classes related to investigative topics. Detective Durbin
is highly respected by his peers. Detective Durbin is awarded the Certificate of Excellence for his excellence in police
work and willingness to accept additional duties and responsibilities.
CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
Officer Mark McKinney
Officer Mark McKinney was one of five officers nominated for the Officer of the Year. Officer McKinney is a K9
handler who works with his oartner. Dexter. Officer McKinnev and Dexter were involved in numerous aoorehensions of
dangerous individuals during 2016. The use of a K9 greatly improved officer safety during those incidents. Officer
McKinney is a tactically sound officer who readily shares his knowledge and experience with fellow officers in order to
make high risk situations safer for all involved. In addition to his patrol duties, Officer McKinney serves as a firearms
instructor. Officer McKinney regularly instructs at department trainings and helps to improve officers' proficiency in the use
of firearms. Officer McKinney is awarded the Certificate of Excellence for his excellence in police work and willingness to
accept additional duties.
CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
Brian Buchert
While holding the position of Police Applications Specialist, Brian Buchert has made exceptional contributions that
have led to successful improvements of several software programs that aided the Yakima Police Department in
developing new methods, procedures, and approaches to police work. Brian is the liaison between the department's users
and multiple software vendors and ensures that system operations procedures are followed and that system
integrity is maintained. His broad experience and knowledge make him an asset, not only to the Yakima Police
Department, but to the City of Yakima as a whole. Brian Buchert is awarded the Certificate of Excellence for his
excellence and commitment to the Yakima Police Department.
Em [oyee Recognition
MEDAL OF HONOR
Officer Brad Althauser
LIFESAVING RIBBON
Officer Miles Imbery
MEDAL OF VALOR
Officer Phillip Amici
LIFESAVING RIBBON
Officer Ian Cole
9
On March 30, 2016, at approximately 0 720 hours, Officer Brad Althauser was on patrol in West Valley when he
observed a large amount of smoke in the area of S. 56th Avenue and Chestnut Avenue. Officer Althauser determined there
was a structure fire at a retirement apartment complex. Officer Althauser immediately called for assistance and requested fire
personnel respond. Officer Althauser began to evacuate the apartment complex. Officer Phillip Amici
arrived shortly after Officer Althauser and also began to evacuate the complex. Officers Althauser and Amici forced
entry into several units and evacuated residents over the next seven minutes. Responding officers, to include Officers Miles
lmbery and lan Cole, located Officer Amici emerging from a smoke filled courtyard. Officer Amici had lost sight of
Officer Althauser. Officer Althauser was located, overcome by smoke and vomiting. He was brought out of the courtyard.
Officers Althauser and Amici had trouble breathing due to smoke inhalation. Officers Cole, lmbery, Amici and Althauser, who
had been overcome by the smoke, returned to the smoke-filled courtyard and evacuated the remaining residents. None of the
residents lost their lives that early morning due to the heroic efforts of the officers involved. Officers Cole and lmbery are
awarded the Lifesaving Ribbon. Officer Amici is awarded the Medal of Valor. Officer Althauser is awarded the Medal of
Honor for his actions, which distinguished himself by gallantry and extraordinary heroism.
Officer Brad Althauser, Officer Phillip Amici,
Chief Dominic Rizzi, Jr., and Officer lan Cole
ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEE AWARDS
Travis Shephard — Certificate of Merit
Ritch Fowler — Certificate of Merit
Mike Nielsen — Lifesaving Ribbon
Booker Ward — Lifesaving Ribbon
Kim Hipner — Lifesaving Ribbon
Angela Nielsen —
Thomas Garza —
Ryan Wisner —
Ben Graves —
Curtis Oja —
Lifesaving Ribbon
Lifesaving Ribbon
Lifesaving Ribbon
Lifesaving Ribbon
Lifesaving Ribbon
Programs &Events
10
Coffee with a Cop
Coffee with a Cop gives Yakima residents an opportunity to meet with Yakima Police Officers for coffee and conversation.
There is no agenda, just a chance for the public to get to know the officers that serve in their neighborhoods. In 2016, we
held three Coffees with a Cop events. These events have proven to be extremely popular with officers and community
members. YPD also joined The Range, LLC, for the second annual BBQ with the Cops in September. The Yakima Police
Department is building relationships with the community, one cup (or burger!) at a time.
Heroes & Helpers
On December 20th, nineteen officers from the Yakima Police Department volunteered their time to participate in the fifth
annual "Heroes and Helpers" event hosted by the Yakima Target Store. "Heroes and Helpers" is a program in which
uniformed officers take children shopping for Christmas. Officers from the department identify children in need throughout
the year for this event. The Yakima Target store donated nineteen gift cards to the shoppers and let them into the store
before it opened to the public. The children can spend the gift cards on themselves or family and friends. The officers
assist by making gift suggestions and help keep track of the amount spent. Most of the officers reached deep into their
own pockets when it came time to check out. After the children completed their shopping, officers helped with gift
wrapping. Year after year, officers look forward to this program and it is one that we hope to continue for many years to
come.
Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run Events
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public
awareness vehicle. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympic athletes carry the
"Flame of Hope" in the Opening Ceremonies of local competitions.
The Torch Run has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising platforms, which we host. We begin our year
with the Polar Plunge, where participants jump into the ice cold water at Sarg Hubbard Park in an effort to raise money
for Special Olympics. Next ,we host our 5K Fun Run with the Cops, where participants enjoy a night time run through
downtown Yakima. Cop on Top is our next event; officers sit on the roof of Fred Meyer while our community members
help them meet their fundraising goals to come down. In October, we partnered with Red Robin as celebrity waiters for
Tip a Cop in order to earn our "tips" for Yakirna's local athletes.
Programs &Events
Chief for a Day
11
Esteban Cruz was selected as Yakima PD's 2016 Chief for a Day. Esteban is a student at Adams Elementary. He was
diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, the most common childhood cancer.
We met Chief Esteban back in December 2014 at Target's Heroes and Helpers event. Chief Esteban spent the morning
Christmas shopping with Sgt. Mike Henne. Esteban was nominated to be our Chief for a Day by his School Resource
Officer, Officer Claudia Padilla, and was sworn in as Yakima's Chief for a Day at the May 3rd Yakima City Council
meeting.
Chief for a Day is a continual fundraising effort here at the Yakima Police Department. An annual Valentines Day
fundraiser, candy sales, raffles, and a Police vs. Fire Softball game helped us raise over $2,000 for Esteban's fancily.
Chief Esteban and
Capt. Jay Seely
Police vs. Fire Softball
Chief Esteban and
Chief Dominic Rizzi, Jr.
Chief Esteban, his
sister Ruby, and his
entourage of YPD re-
cruits
Chief Esteban and
SRO Claudia Padilla
In October, Yakima PD challenged the Yakima FD to a friendly softball game. A great game was played, with fourteen
firefighters and sixteen police officers suiting up and pulling out their gloves to raise money for Chief for a Day. After an
exciting back and forth game, the firefighters pulled off a 15-11 win after nine innings. YPD Sgt. Mike Costello and YFD
Lt. Joe Burbank were voted MVPs by their peers. Thank you to all who made this game an absolute success!
CriWe Statistics
Part! Crimes
31 Year Trend: 1985 - 2016
12
0
127.1
175.3
1995 1986
159.4
151,8
Total Part 1 Rate per 1,000:
139.8
1283 126.8 131.1
120.0 120.3 127.2
112.7
100.6 101.3 101.4
93.7
84.9 87.2 87.4
81.6
76.3 75.9
71.5 69.8
66.2
61.3 161.°
54.0
55.8 54,g
Part I Crimes
2013
92,620
2014
93,080
2015
93,220
2016
93,410
UCR VIOLENT CRIMES
TOTAL
Per 1,000
TOTAL
Per 1,000
TOTAL
Per 1,000
TOTAL
Per 1,000
9
0.09
2
0.02
7
0.08
12
0.12
RAPE
30
0.32
35
0.38
45
0.49
37
0.39
ROBBMIIINM
144
1.55
115
1.24
127
1.37
127
1.35
AGGIAITIM
283
3.05
253
2.72
331
3.55
313
3.35
iliii
466
5.03
405
4.36
510
5.49
489
5.21
UCR PROPERTY CRIMES
TOTAL
Per 1,000
TOTAL
Per 1,000
TOTAL
TOTAL
Per 1,000
MentrillIMI
1,168
12.61
1,090
11.71
1,314
14.09
1,140
12.20
LARCENYINI
2,918
31.50
2,841
30.53
3,134
33.61
3,200
34.25
MOTOR VE `
605
6.53
737
7.92
700
7.50
654
7.00
ARSON
TOTAL
OVERALL TOTAL
PERCENT OF CHANGE
14
4,705
0.15
50.79
38
4,706
0.41
50.56
11.03%
25
5,173
0.26
55.46
-3
28
5,022
0.29
53.74
-1.66%
23%
The Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) are official data on crime in the United States, published
by the FBI. Part I index crimes are the eight most serious crimes (Burglary, Robbery, Homi-
cide, Aggravated Assault, Sexual Assault, Auto Theft, Theft/Larceny, Arson).
Special Operations
13
The Yakima Police Department Special Operations Division is diverse and consists of Community Services,
Training, Crime Analysis, and the City Jail. There is one Captain, one Lieutenant, one Sergeant, one Police
Officer, two non-commissioned Community Services Officers, one non-commissioned Crime Analyst, and one
Police Services Specialist I in this Division. The Jail has three Corrections Sergeants and ten Corrections Officers. The
Special Operations Division fulfills a large number of duties that are essential to the overall operation of the Department.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Crime Free Rental Housing, Block Watch, Child Passenger Safety, and public education are all part of the
Community Services Unit. There is one Officer, two non-commissioned Community Services Officers, and one
Police Services Specialist I assigned to the unit. This group provides community presentations, station tours, child car seat
checks, and organizes public events for the Police Department.
BLOCK WATCH
Block Watch is a program sponsored by the Yakima Police Department to help people organize on a block -by -block
basis to prevent crime in their neighborhood. Block Watch is not a patrol function, but a network of
neighbors looking out for each other. A police officer patrolling your neighborhood may not recognize a stranger in
your yard, but your neighbors would. The Yakima Police Department has over 100 active Block Watches within the city
limits, meaning they have completed all the steps required to form a Block Watch.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
America's Night Out Against Crime takes place annually on the first Tuesday of August. This year's event took place on
Tuesday, August 2nd and was YPD's 31st year hosting the event. This effort promotes
involvement in crime prevention activities, police -community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie. National
Night Out sends a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are organized in taking a stand against
crime and drugs. Yakima celebrated with 27 individual block parties and a large community party at Sarg Hubbard
Park, sponsored by the Yakima Police Department and US Cellular.
Special Operations
CRIME AND INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS
14
The Crime and Intelligence Unit is focused on both short and long-term data analysis to support Tactical,
Strategic, and Administrative Intelligence within the Yakima Police Department. Currently, the unit is made up of a
single Crime and Intelligence Analyst. The unit performs analysis on current crime series and patterns as well as
providing various forms of investigative support for ongoing cases. Providing pertinent Intelligence for all levels
of the Police Department is the primary goal of the unit as it allows the entire agency to focus their efforts and be
more aware of what is going on within the purview of their respective jobs. Working in conjunction with
Detectives, Gang Unit, and Command staff, the Unit provides:
• Intelligence Analysis: Focus on finding and analyzing criminal relationships by linking criminal organizations
or events to determine who is doing what and with whom. Through the use of open -source data mining
techniques and code, the unit can uncover pertinent information from Government Databases, Business
records, Financial records, Social Media Websites, and various other data repositories.
• Tactical Crime Analysis: Concerned with immediate criminal offenses to promote a quick response. The
goal is to assist operational personnel in the identification and analysis of specific crime trends, series and
patterns. Using Statistical Probabilities, Geographic Profiling, and weighted Statistical Measures, the Unit
seeks to predict criminal activity and assist in applying appropriate police responses to the issue.
• Strategic Crime Analysis: Involves analysis of long-term crime problems and trends. Purpose is to identify
unusual crime activities in both a temporal and spatial view
• Administrative Crime Analysis: Involves Analysis related to providing economic, geographic and law
enforcement information to police management, city hall, city council, and neighborhood groups.
CRIME FREE RENTAL HOUSING
The Crime Free Rental Housing program is a partnership between the Yakima Police Department, local landlords,
and tenants working together to foster a healthy and safe rental housing community. Through education and
support, the Crime Free Rental Housing program addresses rental -based illegal activities and special needs
with the goal of reducing calls for police service and creating a safer and more stable living environment for
residents. Illegal activity on or around rental property can have a substantial negative impact to the landlord and
to the surrounding neighborhood, including a decline in property values, increased property damage, and loss of
rent. Benefits of the CFRH Program include a stable, more satisfied tenant, increased demand for rental property,
lower maintenance and repair costs, improved property values, and improved personal safety for renters.
In 2016, the Crime Free Rental Housing program provided 6,068 notifications to landlords and had
almost 4,300 local properties enrolled in the program.
Sun Division
15
The Yakima Police Department Services Division is comprised of various units, to include Police Services, Records,
Administrative, and Property & Evidence. The division consists of a Police Services Manager, Four Police Service Leads,
Four Police Services Specialist II, and 11 Police Services Specialist I. The Services Division provides a variety of support
services to the operational divisions of the department, as well as to the public.
SERVICES & RECORDS
The Police Services Specialists assigned to the Services and Records units are the primary point of public contact for most
telephone and walk-in traffic, and are responsible for taking TRU (Telephone Reporting Unit) reports, data entry, records
manaaement. and statistical reporting. In addition. they provide various customer services. including the issuance of
concealed pistol licenses, performing criminal records checks, fingerprinting for professional licensing, processing warrants,
and preparing reports for public disclosure.
Administrative Services
The Administrative Unit of the Services Division is comprised of five very distinct and diverse roles within the Police
Department, to include Finance, Transcription, Electronic Home Monitoring, Timekeeping, and COBAN In -Car Video
Systems.
Finance
The Finance office is staffed by one full time Police Services Specialist II and is responsible for managing t h e
Department's petty cash, processing of department invoices, issuing department personnel City Purchasing Cards,
and balancing the till for the Services Unit and the Yakima City Jail. This office is also responsible for preparing
budget reports for the department.
Transcription
The Transcription office is staffed by one full time Police Services Specialist I and is responsible for transcribing all
of the more than 900 interviews conducted by the department's Officers and Detectives.
Electronic Horne Monitoring
The Electronic Home Detention Monitoring office is staffed by one full time Corrections Administrative Specialist
and is the point of contact for defendants that are mandated by the Court to participate in Electronic Home
Detention. This office also coordinates with the Court and Jail to determine a subject's requirements and eligibility
for the program. Program enrollment for 2016 was 258 for EHM and 42 for alcohol monitoring.
TimeKeeping
The Timekeeping office is primarily responsible for processing the department's 1 87 employee time cards through
the TAMS system to ensure accuracy and compliance with FLSA rules. This office works closely with the Payroll
officer for the City of Yakima. In addition, the timekeeper is responsible for annual OSHA reporting and injury
claims for the department.
COBAN
The COBAN Office is responsible for processing COBAN videos requests and sharing them using a file sharing
and storage program called the box.
Services Divisionl�ail
EVIDENCE/PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
The personnel of the Property & Evidence Management Unit in the Services
Division is responsible for the processing, preservation, destruction, and release of
all items collected annually by the Police Department. The Unit is currently staffed
by three full time employees, a Police Services Specialist I, a Police
Services Specialist II, and a Police Services Lead.
Upholding the security and control of all items in the Unit's control is an essential
part of the job. Those personnel have been trained in proper storage techniques
to ensure that the integrity of property and evidence is maintained and is
currently in the process of becoming certified through the International Association
of Property & Evidence. A computerized bar coding system called the BEAST, is
used to maintain the detailed records necessary to preserve "chain of custody" for
over 50,000 items of evidence, found property, and property held for
safekeeping currently being stored by the Yakima Police Department.
Property personnel are required to ensure all applicable laws are adhered to
related to seizures, forfeitures, prisoner property, and lost or found property.
Unless an item is contraband or must be held for investigation, every reasonable
effort is made to ensure that it is returned to the rightful owner. Items which cannot
be returned are disposed of. Items may be auctioned online through
PropertyRoom.com, donated to local charities, converted to department use when
possible, or in the case of contraband and firearms, legally destroyed. In 2016,
2,614 items were disposed of by one of these means.
The Unit is also responsible for conducting background checks, preparing items for
evidence view and court, and completing data entry into multiple specialized
computer systems.
JAIL
16
Property Room
The City Jail began operations in 1996, following the completion of the Richard A. Zais, Jr. Center for Law and Justice.
Under the general supervision of the Special Operations Division Lieutenant and three Corrections Sergeants, personnel
assigned to this division are responsible for the care, custody and security of offenders charged with and/or convicted of
misdemeanor crimes occurring within the City of Yakima. Ten Corrections Officers staff this 78 bed, full-service jail facility.
Corrections Officers are directly responsible for the care, custody and safety of incarcerated offenders. Their duties
include booking and classification, movement of prisoners between jail and courts, transportation to and from alternate
holding facilities, supervision of laundry and meal preparation, monitoring visitations, accounting of prisoner property and
funds, and tracking prisoner time served.
Professional S1anc
ards :fflce
17
The Professional Standards Office investigates complaints against Yakima Police Deparhnent employees. Currently, the office is staffed by
one Lieutenant. The Professional Standards Office's function is important for the maintenance of professional conduct and risk management.
The integrity of the agency depends on the personal integrity and discipline of each employee. To a large degree, the public's perception
of the agency is impacted by the quality and transparency of the professional standards investigations.
In 2016, the department adopted new software programs for the storage and tracking of intemal affairs investigations. The "IAPro" and
"Blue Team" programs are far more accurate and detailed than any method previously used and they provide an early warning/
intervention feature. Due to these new programs, we've begun issuing control numbers to more incidents, which give the appearance of an
increase in complaints. It should be understood however, that though the numbers are larger than previous years, the actual
number of incidents requiring formal investigations has not increased significantly. We are now using the same numbering system for all
complaints, both fomhal and informal. Complaints are categorized as two types: Internal Complaints and Extemal Complaints. Internal
complaints are generated within the department, while external complaints are referred from outside the department.
In 2016, the Professional Standards Office was assigned 45 intemal affairs investigations. Of the 45 complaints received, 25 were
external complaints and 20 were intemal complaints. Twenty resulted in a finding of sustained, 18 were unfounded, four were not
sustained, three were exonerated, and two remained open at the end of the year.
Use of Force By Type and Instance 2016
260
150
100
500
•
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Instances
DISPOSITIONS
Each personnel complaint shall be classified with
one of the following dispositions:
Unfounded - When the investigation discloses that
the alleged acts did not occur or did not
involve department members. Complaints that are
determined to be frivolous will fall within the
classification of unfounded.
Exonerated - When the investigation discloses that
the alleged act occurred but that the act was
justified, lawful, and/or proper.
Not sustained - When the investigation discloses
that there is insufficient evidence to sustain the
complaint or fully exonerate the member.
Sustained - When the investigation discloses
sufficient evidence to establish that the act
occurred and that it constituted misconduct.
Sustained,
20
Total Investigations By Findings
(Not Sustained, 4
Unfounded,18
Exonerated, 3
Detective iv is ion
18
The Yakima Police Department Detective Division is staffed by one Captain, one Lieutenant, six Sergeants, and 26
Investigators. There are several units within the Detective Division, including the Major Crimes Unit, the Property Crimes
Unit, the Special Assault Unit, the Yakima Valley Gang Task Force, the Violent Offender Task Force, and the Drug Task
Force.
MAJOR CRIMES UNIT
The Major Crime Unit (MCU) is comprised of one
Sergeant and four investigators. MCU personnel
investigate homicides, other suspicious deaths, serious
assaults including shootings and stabbings, as well as
robberies, missing persons, and other major felonies
committed within the city limits of Yakima.
PROPERTY CRIMES UNIT
One Sergeant and five Investigators comprise the
Property Crimes Unit of the Yakima Police Department.
This unit investigates crimes related to property such as
burglaries, auto thefts, larceny, and shoplifts from
local stores. Fraud investigations, forgery,
embezzlement, and identity theft are also investigations
YPD Major Crimes Investigators are highly trained,
seasoned investigators who have proven to be
steadfast street -level investigators prior to their
assignment with the MCU. These investigators work very
longs and irregular hours, especially during the initial
hours of a homicide or other major felony crime
investigation.
SPECIAL ASSAULT UNIT
conducted out of this unit.
Property Crimes Investigators receive the greatest
number of cases, as larceny -type crimes make up nearly
75% of all reported crime in the City.
Additionally, these Investigators are called out to help
on any major crime, and may have to put their own
investigations on hold to assist the Major Crimes
Investigators on homicides or other major felony crimes.
The Special Assault Unit (SAU) is comprised of one Sergeant and five Investigators. The SAU investigates all sexual
assaults that occur in Yakima, as well as domestic violence cases and crimes against children.
Close partnerships with the Department of Social and Health Services, the YWCA, and others agencies allows for full
wrap-around services for the victims of special assaults. Further, assignment to the SAU requires a significant amount of
training in areas such as Child Forensic Interviews, Sexual Assault Interviews, and Internet Based Crimes Against Children.
De1ec1e Division
INTER -AGENCY TASK FORCES
19
The Yakima Police Department has Investigators assigned to three local task forces. These task forces also have
members from other local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. These units foster collaboration
throughout the region on emerging crime issues and significantly increase available resources.
Yakima Valley Gang Task Force
The Yakima Valley Gang Task Force (YVGTF) is comprised of Yakima Police Officers and Federal Officers. It is divided
into one day squad and one night squad. It is staffed by two Yakima Police sergeants, six Yakima Police investigators,
two FBI Agents, one Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Agent, one Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Agent and one
Department of Corrections (DOC) Investigator.
The Gang Task Force works on suppressing gang activity and organized crime which affects the Yakima Valley. The
Gang Task Force works closely with Yakima Police Patrol Officers and Detectives to investigate gang -related crimes,
which include narcotics distribution, assaults, shootings, robberies and homicides. The Gang Task Force also provides
educational gang training to schools, youth programs, civic organizations, and other community organizations.
Violent Offenders Task Force
The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF) is a joint cooperative law enforcement effort between the
U.S. Marshals Service, Yakima County Sherriff's Office, Yakima Police Department and the Washington State Department
of Correction to apprehend violent offenders wanted on federal and state warrants for crimes such as murder, serious
assault, sex crimes, robbery, burglary, drug distribution and gang -related offenses. This fugitive apprehension unit
routinely gets warrant referrals from law enforcement agencies within Yakima, Kittitas, Klickitat, Chelan and Douglas
Counties. The PNVOTF arrests approximately 350 felony suspects per year. The Yakima Police Department has one major
crimes detective assigned as a task force officer to this team.
DEA Drug Task Force
The Drug Task Force investigates narcotics usage and distribution and the crimes associated with those activities. There is
one Sergeant and three Investigators from the Yakima Police Department on this task force. Many nuisance drug houses
and drug dealers have recently found themselves the focus of investigations from members of the task force as local and
federal investigators work together to rid Yakima of its drug problem.
Forensics &Eunce
20
The Yakima Police Department Forensic Lab processed 652 items for forensic analysis in 2016. The YPD Forensic Lab
processes items using chemical analysis and specialty microscopic equipment to visualize and compare evidence.
Forensics Lab Functions
The Yakima Police Department Forensic Lab services the community of
Yakima and surrounding areas with crime scene response, latent print
development and analysis, and firearm and tool mark examination.
• Crime Scene Response: Members
recognition, evidence collection,
trajectory determinations, scen
reconstruction.
assist detectives with evidence
blood stain pattern analysis,
e documentation and scene
• Latent Fingerprint Development and Identification: Members in this
functional area process evidence for latent prints and compare the
prints to those from known individuals. These members also enter
prints into the Automated Biometric Identification System and search
a variety of computerized databases for matches to known
individuals.
• Firearm and Tool Mark Analysis: Members in this section examine and
compare firearms, ammunition components, gunshot residues for
distance determinations, and tool marks. These members also
reconstruct shooting scenes, restore obliterated serial numbers,
image fired ammunition components for inclusion in the Integrated
Ballistics Identification System/ National Integrated Ballistics
Information Network to establish links to other criminal events.
The Yakima Police Department received 253 firearms in 2016, many of
which were processed in the YPD lab for latent fingerprints and/or
firearm and tool mark analysis and/or function tested and test fires
entered into NIBIN.
MID
""-., q ,_� � • •
LV
404
PatroL
21
The Uniformed Patrol Division of the Yakima Police Department is the largest and most visible
division in the department is staffed by one Captain, three Lieutenants, 10 Sergeants and 75
Police Officers. The Patrol Division is responsible for handling calls for service within the city's
9 patrol districts. In 2016, the patrol division responded to approximately 56,000 calls for
service. These service calls included responding to crimes in progress, traffic collisions, missing
persons, lost children, preventative patrol, preliminary criminal investigations, and other
emergency and non -emergency calls for service.
In addition to responding to calls for service, each officer is also responsible for being aware
of crime trends and criminal activity in their assigned district. Officers identify these issues
through information obtained from our community members, crime analysis reports generated
within the department, and their own personal observations of suspicious and criminal activity.
The men and women of the Patrol Division are often referred to as "the face" of the Police
Department, due to their visible presence in the community. With that in mind, they are
committed to providing professional police services to the community members of Yakima.
In 201 6, the Patrol Division and the Community Services Division partnered to bring Roll Call
BBQ's to the City of Yakima. We held three neighborhood roll call BBQ's where members of
the Yakima Police Department were able to meet and talk to members of individual
neighborhoods on a more personal level during that squad's roll call. 2017 will see more of
- these events throughout the city!
lrajflc Unft/1(9 Unit
22
Traffic Unit
The primary duties of the Traffic Unit are traffic complaint enforcement, school zone enforcement, collision reduction
enforcement, collision investigation, escorts, and special event traffic control. Motorcycle Officers also respond to
dispatched patrol calls as backup. The goal of the Traffic Unit is to reduce the number of traffic collisions, injuries, and
fatalities. They emphasize enforcement of collision causing violations and occupant safety violations. Most of the Traffic
Officers have received extensive training in collision reconstruction and investigation.
Within the Traffic Unit, you will find a Motor Sergeant, five Motor Officers, the Transit Officer, and the Commercial
Vehicle Enforcement Officer.
K9 Unit
The Yakima Police Canines are primarily trained as a locating tool for officers. They are trained in searching and tracking
suspects who flee from the police. Canines are usually deployed to locate suspects that have fled from serious crimes, as
well as finding evidence left behind by a suspect. The Yakima Police Department has two patrol canines—Officer Mark
McKinney and K9 Dexter, and Officer Rob Walters and K9 Covah. All YPD Canines and their handlers must pass a
rigorous initial training program and testing to become certified. They also must continue to train monthly and test
annually to maintain certification..
Crisis Resonse
nit
23
The Crisis Response Unit (CRU) is comprised of two specialized teams: the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT)
and the Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT). The CRU was established to provide specialized support in handling critical field
operations where intense negotiations and / or special tactical deployment methods beyond the capacity of field officers
appear to be necessary. In 2016, the CRU received eight activations.
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
The SWAT unit is comprised of officers from the Yakima Police Department, deputies from the Yakima County Sherriff's
Office, and officers from the Union Gap Police Department. The unit is also staffed by two YPD reserve officers as the
team's tactical medics—these reserve officers are practicing medical professionals in their private lives and provide their
expertise on a volunteer basis. The SWAT team trains 20 hours monthly and its members must maintain rigorous standards,
both physically and mentally. The SWAT is considered a level II intermediate team capable of providing containment
and intervention..
Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT)
The CNT is comprised of officers from the Yakima and Union Gap Police Departments, Department of Corrections, and
mental health professionals from Comprehensive Mental Health. The CNT trains on a quarterly basis where they hone their
negotiating skills, ensure their equipment is functioning properly, and receive updated training regarding dealing with
people in crisis.
Scoot Resource Officers
24
The Yakima Police School Resource Officers (SRO's) are police officers who are assigned to a middle or high school . The
main goal of the SRO's is to provide security, prevent juvenile delinquency by promoting positive relations between youth
and law enforcement. The SRO's position encompasses three major components which allow the SRO's to achieve the goal:
law enforcement, education, and counseling. These three components allow SRO's to take a proactive approach to law
enforcement. SRO's are not just police officers on campus, they provide all law enforcement duties on their assigned
campuses. They educate students by teaching legal classes on campus as well as counsel students and parents on various
topics. The SRO's become involved in the students' lives as a positive role model. The intent is that the positive experiences
students have with SRO's will bridge the gap between juveniles and law enforcement, and in doing so, help prevent
juvenile crimes and create trust in law enforcement that will last a lifetime.
The Yakima Police Department, in partnership with the Yakima School District, has seven Police Officers assigned to each
school in the district. The SROs are stationed at each high school and middle school, but also have elementary schools
assigned to them as well.
Yak[rna Police Explorers
25
The Yakima Police Explorer Post 275 is a community-based policing program consisting of young adolescents between the ages of 16 and
20, who have an interest in a law enforcement career. In 2016, the Explorer Post averaged 13 members who have completed the week-
long Explorer Academy. The post completed 2,220.5 volunteer service hours in 2016. Those volunteer hours were either completed at the
Yakima Police Department or within the community.
The Explorers meet each Thursday evening to discuss law enforcement trainings, leadership classes, upcoming community events, and group
activities. Each year, the Explorers attend two State Explorer Academies, one National Explorer Conference every other year, and other
competitions and trainings offered here in Yakima or hosted by other police agencies. Explorers are taught the fundamentals of leadership,
respect, responsibility, and honor.
We understand that not all of our Explorers will have a career in law enforcement; however, we do expect all of our Explorers to become
leaders in their communities. The Explorer Post would not exist if it wasn't for the generous donations received every month from officers,
command staff, and city employees. Our Explorers work very hard to be excellent representatives of the Yakima Police Department, and
pride themselves on community service.
Contact ln onnion
26
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Yakima Police Department
200 South Third Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 575-6200
www.yakimapolice.org
Information obtained in this report is subject to change. Efforts have been taken to ensure that the information contained herein is accurate, timely, and
complete at the time of this publication. If additional information is needed or any questions arise, please contact the Yakima Police Department with the
contact information above.