HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/19/2018 08 2017 Annual Report; YPDBUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDASTATEMENT
1
Item No. 8.
For Meeting of: June 19, 2018
ITEM TITLE: Acceptance of the Yakima Police Department 2017 Annual Report
SUBMITTED BY: Dominic Rizzi, Chief of Police
Captain Jay Seely
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
The Yakima Police Department has completed its 2017 annual report and it is submitted for
Council's review and acceptance.
ITEM BUDGETED:
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL:
NA
Public Safety
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report.
BOARD/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date
d 2017 Yakima Police Department Annual Report 5/30/2018
Type
Backup Material
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A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
Yakima Residents,
City of Yakima Stakeholders,
Mayor Coffey,
Yakima City Council Members,
On behalf of the men and women of the Yakima Police Department, I am
pleased to present the 2017 annual report. Through the narrative and
statistics within this report, I hope to provide the residents of Yakima further
transparency between the police department and the community which we
serve.
prig-. "111111i
I am exceedingly proud of my sworn officers and civilian staff who bring to life this police department. Their
hard work and diligence provides stability amongst the challenges of the always fluctuating criminal justice
environment. In many places throughout the country, national events continue to increase growing tensions
between police and community; it is our goal to meet these adversities head on. We understand that building
and maintaining strong relationships within our diverse communities is essential to achieving the critical
relations needed to better serve and protect the City of Yakima. For this reason, in conjunction with our
community outreach initiatives, we will continue forward with our mission of preservation of life, reduction
of fear and crime, and the protection of persons and property within our community.
In this report, you will see in 2017 an unprecedented increase in violence towards law enforcement within
the Yakima Valley. As a result, we saw 28 activations of the Crisis Response Unit, nearly double the activations
from previous years. During these challenging missions, both officer and community are uniquely entwined.
The dedicated officers of this department continue to demonstrate the highest levels of professional
standards with their willingness to put themselves in harm's way to protect the lives of others.
I am truly honored to lead this organization. As we look ahead to the challenges of 2018, it is through mutual
respect and support that will allow us to succeed and grow as a community. We look forward to gaining new
community partnerships and nurturing existing ones as we move forward in 2018. The Yakima Police
Department remains committed to keeping Yakima a safe place to live, work, and raise a family and we will
do so through effective policing and community partnerships.
Chief Dominc Rizzi Jr.
Page 13
2017 ORGANIZATIONAL CHARY
CAPT J. SCHENIDER
Criminal Investigations Division
LT. M Pollard
Investigations
impompLT. T BENNE1T
Professional Standards
Forensics
DEA Task Force
Violent Offenders
Task Force
D. RIZZI
Chief of Police
CAPT. J. SEELY
Special Operations Division
LT. C. STEPHENS
Special Operations
Public Information
Officer (P10)
T. CROFT
Administrative Assistant
CAPT. G. JONES
Patrol Division
LT. L WATTS
Blue Team
MANAGER'. MORA
Services Division
Applications Specialist
Corrections Administrative
Specialist
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Captain J. Scheneider
4
CHIEF OF POLICE
Dominic Rizzi
PATROL
Captain G. Janes
SPECIAL OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Captain J. Seely
Manager J. Mara
PERSONNEL CHANGES
or -
NEW EMPLOYEES
Erick Otero, Lateral Police Officer
Kevin Collins, Police Services Specialist I
Megan Saxton, Police Services Specialist
Brennon Watson, Corrections Officer
Colbey Molner, Police Officer
Sergio Marquez -Mendoza, Corrections Officer
Colton Stepper, Police Officer
Katlin Standiford, Crime and Intelligence Analyst
Isaac Hernandez, Police Officer
PROMOTIONS
Erik Hampton, Police Sergeant
RETIREMENTS
Esther Cyr, Police Officer
Shelley Upton, Police Sergeant
Eric Walls, Police Officer
Tim Cruz, Police Officer
Jeff Guilland, Police Officer
03/01/17
03/06/17
03/06/17
04/03/17
04/03/17
05/01/17
09/05/17
10/02/17
10/09/17
ist
02/28/17
04/30/17
06/01/17
12/01/17
12/31/17
114111.
05/05/17
27 Years of Service
26 Years of Service
27 Years of Service
35 Years of Service
26 Years of Service
t
15
E Non -Commissioned Employee of the Year
M SERGEANT MARITZA DAVIS
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Sergeant Davis was one of the original corrections officers
hired by the Yakima Police Department. Sergeant Davis
promoted to sergeant and took it upon herself to expand her
knowledge regarding jail operations and personnel
management. In 2017, Sergeant Davis was instrumental in
overseeing the completion of the City Jail's control panel
project. She served as the main point of contact for the
department during the three year project. Also in 2017,
Sergeant Davis helped negotiate the Kite Medical contract
that provides medical services to inmates. Sergeant Davis is
working on standardizing jail procedures, rewriting jail policy to ensure compliance with
Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs in preparation for potential accreditation, and
overseeing the development of all correctional staff through formal leadership training. Sergeant
Davis is one of the most valuable personnel assets within the Yakima Police Department. For her
outstanding work performance in 2017, and throughout her career, Sergeant Davis is recognized as
the 2017 Yakima Police Department Non -Commissioned Employee of the Year.
Also awarded the Certificate of Excellence
Officer of the Year
DETECTIVE CURTIS OJA
Detective Oja is assigned to the Special Assault Unit in the
Detective Division. Detective Oja's primary assignment is to
investigate serious felony crimes, such as domestic violence
incidents, sexual assaults, child pornography cases, and
child abuse/neglect cases. Many of the cases assigned to
Detective Oja are complex and sensitive in nature. In 2017,
Detective Oja was the lead detective in over 178
investigations. In addition to his primary assignment,
Detective Oja volunteers for additional tasks for the
betterment of the department and the victims of the crimes
he investigates. Detective Oja gives presentations on
Internet Safety for Children and Cyber Crimes to community
members.
Detective Oja has worked closely with the Yakima County Prosecutor's Office in structuring a Child
Advocacy Center and Multidisciplinary Team that will specialize in Child Forensic Interviewing.
Detective Oja regularly volunteers to assist patrol officers and other detectives when they are in
need of help during investigations. For his outstanding performance in 2017, Detective Oja is
recognized as the 2017 Yakima Police Department Officer of the Year.
Also awarded the Certificate of Excellence
PagE 16
CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
AWARD WINNERS
MORAIMA VERSTRATE was one of two employees nominated
for the 2017 Yakima Police Department's Non -Commissioned
Employee of the Year. Moraima Verstrate is a dedicated
employee and team player who is always willing to help
others in the division. Moraima Verstrate provides excellent
customer service to community members and displays
leadership skills on a daily basis. In 2017, Moraima Verstrate
was called upon to perform the duties as the acting Services
Division Manager. She excelled at this position according to
the Services Division Manager. For her excellent work in 2017,
Moraima Verstrate is recognized with a Certificate of
Excellence and is a nominee for the Yakima Police Department
Non -Commissioned Employee of the Year.
OFFICER FRANK BOWERSOX was one of two officers
nominated for Officer of the Year for the Yakima Police
Department. Officer Bowersox is assigned as the transit
officer and works primarily in the downtown business
district area of the city. Officer Bowersox's duties include
working closely with the Transit Division regarding issues
that occur on city buses or around transit stops and the
transit center. Officer Bowersox works with downtown
business owners to address issues that occur in and around
their businesses. Business owners speak highly of Officer
Bowersox's enthusiasm and willingness to assist them in
trying to find solutions to their problems. Officer Bowersox
provides security for City Council meetings and has taken it
upon himself to educate council members on how to
respond to emergencies that could occur during meetings.
In addition to his assigned duties, Officer Bowersox serves as
a negotiator on the Crisis Response Unit. For his excellence
in police work and willingness to accept additional duties and responsibilities, Officer Bowersox is
recognized with a Certificate of Excellence and is a nominee for the Yakima Police Department
Officer of the Year.
Page 17
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LIFESAVING AWARD
This ribbon is awarded to any department employee directly responsible for the saving of a
human life, whether on or off duty. It may also be given where evidence indicates that the
actions of the officer prolonged a human life to the extent that the victim was able to receive
medical care.
The following personnel were awarded the
Lifesaving Ribbon in 2017:
Corrections Sergeant Dwight Charlton
Corrections Officer Mark Dole
Sergeant Ritch Fowler
Officer Ryan Avery
Officer Matt Drumheller
Officer Ben Graves
a
Officer Joe Scherschligt
Officer Darius Williams
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CERTIFICATE OF MERIT
AWARD WINNERS
The Certificate of Merit is awarded to officers for
excellence in police work and for outstanding performance
of duties under unusual, complicated, or hazardous
conditions over any period of time.
Corrections Officer Jason Masters went above and beyond
to ensure that the City of Yakima Jail remained supplied
with meals after contaminants discovered in their water
system affected premade meals.
Officer Masters recognized the importance of the situation
and destroyed all 1,200 meals. Then Officer Masters
ensured the jail was supplied with the appropriate food to
sustain the jail through a few days.
Page 19
The Crisis Response Unit participated in
28 missions in 2017, which is nearly
double the normal activations for the
unit. In addition, the SWAT Team and
Crisis Negotiations Team were used to
assist patrol officers with their expertise
in tactics and negotiation skills during
several critical incidents throughout the
year.
In 2017, the Yakima Valley saw an
outbreak of violent crime—not only in
the city and county, but directed at law
enforcement. Starting in October 2017,
there were several incidents in which
suspects actively engaged law
enforcement, including the SWAT Team,
in gunfire.
Based on the Crisis Response Unit's
overall performance during 2017, the
SWAT Team and the Crisis Negotiations
Team are awarded the Certificate of
Merit.
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH
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 2017,
we held three "Coffee with a Cop" events. These events have proven to be
extremely popular with both officers and
community members.
Due to the popularity of the "Coffee with a
Cop," the Police Department and City of
Yakima Parks & Rec introduced "Cupcake
with a Cop" at Roosevelt Elementary. Four
of these events, sponsored by the "Beyond
the Bell" afterschool program, were held
and they continue to build integral relations
between Yakima law enforcement and our
youngest community members.
YPD also joined The Range, LLC, for the third annual "BBQ with
the Cops" in October. The Yakima Police Department is building relationships
with the community, one coffee, cupcake, (or burger!) at a time.
X10
Heroes & He►pers
On December 14th, 15 officers from the Yakima Police Department
volunteered their time to participate in the sixth 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 19 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.
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
ommunity Academy
The Community Academy, held in May
and June, was a major success. This
program meets once a week and is
designed to educate residents in a
classroom setting and provide them with
a stronger understanding of the different
jobs their officers perform for the
community. This 12 week program builds
community relations, understanding, and
transparency with Yakima residents.
Trunk or Trea
Sponsored by Owens Cycle, Upper Valley public safety agencies
participated in the 5th Annual Trunk or Treat on October 26th
Law enforcement, fire departments, and ambulances from
throughout the area provided a safe and fun way for the children
of our community to enjoy Halloween. In 2017, over 2,500
children Trunk or Treated with us!
Page 111
Police vs, Fire Softball
In September, Yakima PD challenged the Yakima
FD to a friendly softball game. A great game was
played, with 16 firefighters and 11 police officers
suiting up and dusting off their gloves. After an
exciting back and forth game, the police pulled off
a 15-14 win. Officer Marc Scherzinger and
Firefighter Dan Jensen were voted the MVP's by
their peers. Thank you to all who made this game
an absolute success!
CRIME STATISTICS
NIBRS Offenses
2014
2015
2016
2017
POPULATION
93,080
93,220
93,410
93,986
NIBRS Violent Crimes
Total
Per 1,000
Total
Per 1,000
Total
Per 1,000
Total
Per 1,000
Homicide
2
0.02
7
0.08
13
0.14
12
0.13
Forcible Sex Offenses
166
1.78
171
1.83
192
2.06
210
2.23
Robbery
114
1.22
128
1.37
128
1.37
152
1.62
ggravated Assault
253
2.72
330
3.54
316
3.38
357
3.8
OTAL
535
5.75
636
6.82
649
6.94
732
7.78
NIBRS Property Crimes
Total
Per 1,000
Total
Per 1,000
Total
Per 1,000
Total
Per 1,000
Burglary
1079
11.59
1272
13.65
1114
11.92
902
9.6
Larceny Theft
2849
30.61
3152
33.81
3215
34.42
2856
30.4
Motor Vehicle Theft
738
7.93
702
7.53
654
7
581
6.18
rson
39
0.42
25
0.27
29
0.31
15
0.16
OTAL
4705
50.55
5151
55.26
5012
53.66
4354
46.33
OVERALL TOTAL
5240
56.3
5787
62.08
5661
60.6
5086
54.11
PERCENT OF CHANGE
10%
-2%
-11%
32 YEAR TREND Total Part 1 - Rate Per 1,00C
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e.1 rl wl 1.1 rl wl 1.1 rl wl e.1 rl wl e.1 rl rl N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N
The Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program is the official source of data on crime in the United States,
published by the FBI. The National Incident -Based Reporting System (NIBRS) was implemented by the FBI to
improve the overall quality of crime data collected by law enforcement.
This report displays NIBRS Offenses which correlate to the UCR PART I Crimes; categorized as the eight most serious crimes
(Homicide, Forcible Sex Offenses, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Larceny Theft, Motor Vehicle Theft, and Arson.)
Page 112
SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION
COMMUNITY SERVICE
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 and
Intel Analyst, one Police Services Specialist I, and one non-
commissioned Public Information Officer in this division. The jail
has three corrections sergeants and eleven corrections officers.
The Special Operations Division fulfills a large number of duties
that are essential to the overall operation of the department.
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.
-)LOCK 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.
113
SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION
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 1' and was YPD's 32nd year
participating in the event. This effort promotes
involvement in crime prevention activities, police -
community partnerships, and 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. In 2017, Yakima celebrated with 26 individual block parties.
Page 114
SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION
CRIME & INTELLIGENCE
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.
The Crime Analysis Unit is responsible for reviewing crime and
disorder data: identifying and analyzing patterns, trends and
problems within the data sets. They then create and disseminate
information that allows police agencies to reduce, solve, and prevent crime.
DISSEMINATION
PLANNING
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INTELLIGENCE
CYCLE
ANALYSIS
AND
PRODUCTION
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XPLOITATION
The Crime Analysis Unit primarily supports the Investigations, Special Operations, and Patrol Divisions
of the Yakima Police Department.
CRIME FREE RENTAL HOUSING-
The
OUSNG
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 2017, the Crime Free Rental Housing program provided 5,101
notifications to landlords and had almost 4,418 local properties enrolled in
the program.
Page 115
SERVICES DIVISION
The Yakima Police Department Services Division is comprised of
many units, to include Police Services & Records, Administrative
Services, and Property & Evidence. The division consists of a
Police Services Manager, four Police Services 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
management, 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. These 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 the
department's petty cash, processing of department invoices,
issuing 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.
Page 116
-R1NSCR1PTI0N
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.
1LECTR0NIC HOME MONITORING
The Electronic Home Monitoring office is staffed by one full time Corrections Administrative Specialist
and is the point of contact for defendants who are mandated by the court to participate in Electronic
Home Monitoring. This office also coordinates with the court and jail to determine a subject's
requirements and eligibility for the program. Program enrollment for 2017 was 193 for EHM and 45 for
alcohol monitoring.
-IMEKEEP1NJG
The timekeeping office is primarily responsible for processing the department's 187 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.
The COBAN office is responsible for processing COBAN in -car video requests and sharing them using a
file sharing and storage program called "the box."
1 17
Property & Evidence
called the BEAST, is
for the over 50,000
being stored by the
used
The personnel of the Property & Evidence Unit in
the Services Division is responsible for the
processing, preservation, release, and destruction
of all items collected annually by the Yakima
Police Department. The unit is 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 possession is an essential part of the
job. 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
and Evidence. A computerized barcoding system,
to maintain the detailed records necessary to preserve the chain of custody
items of evidence, found property, and property held for safekeeping currently
Yakima Police Department.
Property personnel are required to ensure all applicable laws related to seizures, forfeitures, prisoner
property, and lost or found property are adhered to. 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 in the appropriate
manner. 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. For
2017, 11,959 items were disposed of by one of these
means.
Property & Evidence Ut
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.
118
CITY OF YAKIMA
DETENTION FACILITY
The City of Yakima Detention Facility began operations in 1996, following the completion of the
Richard A. Zais Jr. Center for Law and Justice.
The detention facility operates a full service correctional facility as defined by RCW 70.48., which
houses a maximum of 81 adult male offenders charged with and/or convicted of misdemeanor crimes
occurring within the City of Yakima.
Currently, a team of 14 corrections officers and sergeants, all of whom are trained and certified by the
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, operate the detention facility. At full staff, the
command structure of the City of Yakima Detention Facility consists of one captain and one lieutenant
from the Special Operations Division, three corrections sergeants and 11 corrections officers.
The City of Yakima Detention Facility is a 24-hour operation. Staff are assigned to perform various
duties and responsibilities, such as:
• Care, custody, and safety of incarcerated offenders
• Maintaining the safety and security of the facility
• Supervising and performing daily activities within the facility.
o This includes bookings, releases, classification of inmates, service of meals,
recreation, religious programs, visitation, inspections of housing areas for
sanitation and security breaches, inmate counts, medical visits, provide safe and
secure transports to numerous court proceedings, track prisoner time served,
and respond to any type of emergency situation within the facility.
Page 119
4
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OFFICE
The Yakima Police Department's Office of Professional
Standards will uphold the public trust by performing
unbiased, thorough investigations of alleged
employee misconduct while seeking the truth,
safeguarding the rights of employees and community
members, and ensuring that all persons involved are
treated with respect.
During 2017, the Yakima Police Department
conducted 44 formal internal investigations. Below is a
list by division and department with their
corresponding number of internal investigations.
• City Jail 1
• Police Department 42
• Other Employees 1
O.P.S. Investigations
By Year
50
40
30
20
10
2017 2016 2015 2014
Figure (1) displays the annual internal investigation numbers over the last four years. The Professional
Standards Office had been assigned an average of 37 investigations. The increased number of
investigations since 2016 is mainly due to the improved documentation of complaints through the Blue
Team and IAPro Software purchased in 2016. In previous years, minor incidents were often handled in
memo form and not issued a control number. With the new software, those incidents are assigned a
control number and are accounted for in audits.
2017 INVESTIGATIONS BY MONTH
Jan, Feb, March
April, May June
10
Figure (2)
July, Aug, Sept
Oct, Nov, Dec
We experienced the highest number of complaints in the months of March and July. We experienced
no complaints during the month of May. The majority of complaints were received during the second
half of the year, with 24 from July to December and 20 from January to June.
Page 120
Professional Standards Office
The Professional Standards Office categorizes
complaint sources in two ways:
External Complaint: A complaint that is most
likely the result of an interaction with a
resident and a Yakima Police officer.
Internal Complaint: These complaints are
generated by officers, supervisors, or
command staff as result of allegations of
policy violation(s) committed by police
personnel.
COMPLAINTS BY QUARTER
❑ External Complaint — Internal Complaint
Figure (3)
Jan. - March April - June
July - Sept. Oct. - Dec.
These complaints were divided quarterly and represented in figure (3). Each category is represented by
a specific color.
Lastly, the chart below (figure (4)) represents the resolutions in percentage of the total internal
investigations assigned to the Professional Standards Office.
DISPOSITION
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.
Total Investigations 44
Open 11%
Not Sustained
7%
Sustained
50%
Unfounded
/ 25%
Exonerated
7%
Figure (4)
Open investigations: Those that have not received a final disposition.
1 21
DETECTIVE DIVISION
The Yakima Police Department Detective Division is staffed by one captain, one lieutenant, four
sergeants, and 21 investigators. There are several units within the Detective Division, including the
Major Crimes Unit, the Property Crimes Unit, the Special Assault Unit, and the DEA 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.
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 frequently work very long and irregular hours,
especially during the initial hours of a homicide or other major
felony crime investigation.
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 conducted out of this unit. Property Crimes
Investigators receive the greatest number of cases, receiving about 67% 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.
Page 122
Special Assault Unit
The Special Assault Unit (SAU) is comprised of one sergeant and six
investigators. The SAU handles some of the most difficult cases faced by law
enforcement—crimes against children. Cases range from physical abuse and
neglect to the most serious child assaults,
as well as runaway children. In addition,
the SAU is tasked with domestic violence
cases, as well as any sexual assault cases
within the City of Yakima. Also, the SAU
works with the Center for Missing and
Exploited Children, working cases that
their national investigations return to
suspects in our area.
Due to the nature of the crimes they investigate, SAU Detectives
are some of the best trained individuals within YPD. All incoming
investigators attend a training specializing in child forensic
interviews. As they progress, they attend classes on crimes against children and women, focusing on
their specific investigatory field.
The SAU works closely with our community partners such as Department of Social and Health Services,
the YWCA, Comprehensive Healthcare, and others. This allows victims to receive all of the assistance
needed.
DEA Drug Task Force
Page 123
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 & EVIDENCE
The Forensic Lab processed 391 items for the Yakima Police Department in 2017. YPD's Forensic Lab is
made up of a Lab Supervisor and Evidence Technician. Not only does this unit handle the needs of YPD,
but they also support cases from Lower Valley municipal departments, federal agencies, and the
Yakima County Sheriff's Office. 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: Technicians assist detectives with evidence recognition, evidence
collection, blood stain pattern analysis, trajectory determinations, scene documentation, and scene
reconstruction.
Latent Fingerprint Development and Identification: Technicians process evidence for latent
prints and compare the prints to those from known individuals. These technicians also enter prints into
the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) and search a variety of computerized databases
for matches to known individuals.
-[rearm and Tool Mark Analysis: Technicians 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.
24
• N.
PATROL DIVISION
The Uniformed Patrol Division of the Yakima Police Department is the largest and most visible division.
The Patrol Division has an authorized strength of 75 police officers, 12 police sergeants, three police
lieutenants, and one police captain. This division responds to more than 56,000 service calls each year
that can range from relatively simple disturbance calls through
serious crimes against persons. Officers in the Patrol Division are not
response driven, but use a variety of methods to address varying
facets of community issues.
The Patrol Division has a number of squads within its ranks that
include patrol district units, and some specialty units such as the
Gang Enforcement Team, Canine Team, Traffic Enforcement Unit,
and School Resource Officers. An ancillary duty of the Patrol Division
is the regional Crisis Response Unit (CRU) for specially trained
officers that are either assigned to the SWAT Team or Crisis
Negotiations Team. 2017 was especially challenging for the CRU
with 28 crisis situation call -outs.
The Canine Team was forced to retire one of the Patrol K9's this
year, and efforts persist to replace this very valuable tool. The
Canine Team responded to 109 deployments this year that resulted
in 14 apprehensions.
In a cooperative effort and grant funding assistance awarded to
Comprehensive Healthcare, a Designated Mental Health
Professional (DMHP) was assigned to the division for providing
evaluations and resource management of community members in
crisis. The DMHP rides along with patrol officers in the field and
responds to calls—a resource not normally available to responding
officers - to facilitate. Such services, interventions, and diversions
provide better long-term problem -solving options. The department
and Comprehensive Healthcare are investing in options that can
lend to more DMHP coverage seven days per week, and throughout
the year.
The Patrol Division is an important part of the department's priority
for community outreach. The department sponsored five "Roll Call
BBQ" events, where district officers hold roll calls in neighborhoods
where neighbors, young and old, have the opportunity to interact
with officers directly. The department also held three "Coffee with a
Cop" events at various are establishments. This continues to be a
popular experience for many attendees.
1 25
Ile V
�.i�^ V
I<9 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 their certification.
In 2017, YPD's K9 Unit was utilized for the following:
109 K9 assists or deployments
14 Suspects Located
5 Articles found (weapons, suspect clothing, etc.)
25 Areas cleared for officers
In 2017, retired K-9 Kazan, passed away at the age of 13. The Belgian
Malinois served at the Yakima Police Department for seven years
before he retired as a drug dog in 2013. He is survived by his handler,
Detective Kevin Lee. 1+'�
Kazan
2000-2013
Photographed Above
CRISIS RESPONSE UNIT
SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS (SWAT)
The SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiations Team are multi -agency teams that make up the Crisis
Response Unit. The unit was activated for 28 missions to assist Yakima Police officers, as well as several
law enforcement agencies throughout the Yakima Valley in 2017. The officers utilized their expertise in
tactics and negotiation skills to resolve the critical incidents they were called to assist with. The
missions the team responded to included planned search warrants, barricaded subjects, the
apprehension of violent
offenders, and crowd
control operations.
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 and Grandview Police
Departments. The unit is
also staffed by two YPD
reserve officers, both who
are tactical medics— one officer is a practicing
medical professional in the private sector and
the other is a paramedic with the Yakima Fire
Department. These two individuals 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 Team is
considered a level 11
intermediate team capable of
providing containment and
intervention.
Page 127
CRISIS RESPONSE UNIT
CRISIS NEGOTIATIONS TEAM (CNT)
The Crisis Negotiations Team
worked closely with SWAT
throughout this time period, to
plan and develop the best
possible response to each
unique incident occurring in
Yakima.
The CNT is comprised of officers from the Yakima and Union Gap
Police Departments, Department of Corrections, and mental
health professionals from Comprehensive Healthcare. The CNT
trains a minimum of 70 hours a year, which allows them to hone
their negotiating skills, ensure their equipment is functioning
properly, and receive updated training regarding dealing with
people in crisis.
In 2017, the Yakima Valley saw an outbreak of violent crime—not
only in the city and county, but directed at law enforcement.
Starting in October 2017, violence toward law enforcement
incregsed in the Yakima Valley. For this reason, the Crisis
Response Unit saw a dramatic increase in the number of calls
which they responded to in 26.17.
r
,parr.."n '21' ..6- _?.�•'�
•
•
40
Page 128
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
The Yakima Police School Resource Officers (SRO) are police officers who are assigned to schools in the
Yakima School District. The main goal of the SRO is to
provide security and to prevent juvenile delinquency by
promoting positive relations between youth and law
enforcement. The position encompasses four major4
components which allow the officer to achieve the goal:
safety, law enforcement, education, and counseling.
moi' t''.ii$ L-1014
These four components allow the SRO to take a proactive All Y.,HuKI)rk,,, L.,iP . Ld'�
approach to law enforcement. SRO's are not just police LI „ni
officers on campus—they provide all law enforcement
duties on their assigned campuses. They educate L
students by teaching classes on campus, as well as
counsel students and parents on various topics. The SRO becomes
involved in the students' lives as a positive role model. The intent is
that the positive experiences students have with the SRO 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 who are
assigned to schools throughout the
district. Each SRO is stationed at a high
school or middle school, but also have
elementary schools assigned to them as
well.
'I lir
129
TRAFFIC UNIT
The primary duties of the Traffic Unit are traffic complaint enforcement, school zone enforcement,
collision reduction enforcement, collision investigations, 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, and the transit officer. -040111 III 14
The Traffic Unit diligently works with various community programs to build strong relations and
encourage safe pedestrian and vehicle practices. This includes partnering with the Yakima School
District to teach traffic safety rules to students and school crossing guards. Traffic is also involved in
providing traffic control and security for various events occurring within the City of Yakima throughout
the year.
GANG UNIT
Recognizing the impact that street gangs play on community safety, the Yakima Police Department
implemented the Gang Unit in January of 2004. The Gang Unit
performs proactive gang -related investigations and assists other
divisions and agencies with gang -related investigations. The gang
unit utilizes intelligence—led policing concepts to further their
efforts to disrupt and dismantle continuing criminal street gang
activity.
The Gang Unit consists of two proactive units, as well as an
investigations unit. Each proactive unit is comprised of one
sergeant and three officers. The investigations unit is comprised of
one sergeant and three investigators. The Gang Unit's skills were
put to the test during an outbreak of violent crimes in 2017. During
that time, there was a series of homicides and armed robberies
being committed by street gangs. The efforts from the Gang Unit
resulted in the arrests of multiple street gang members and a
decrease in violent crimes throughout the City of Yakima
1,10A Poz
Page 131
YAKIMA POLICE EXPLORERS
The Yakima Police Explorer Post 275 is a community-
based policing program consisting of teenagers and
young adults between the ages of 16 and 20 who are
interested in a law enforcement career. In 2017, the
Explorer Post averaged 14 members who had
completed a week long Explorer Academy. The post
completed 3,531 volunteer service hours in 2017. The
volunteer hours were served either within the Yakima
Police Department or within our community.
The Explorers meet each Thursday evening and they consist of law
enforcement trainings, leadership classes, discuss upcoming events, and
* ^ F '"`-1' team building activities. Each year, the Explorers attend two State
Explorer Academies, and one National Explorer Conference every other
year. The Explorers also participate in competitions and trainings offered
either here in Yakima or hosted by other police agencies around the state.
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 want 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 mainly from our
Yakima Police Officers and city employees. Our Explorers work
very hard to be excellent representatives of the Yakima Police
Department, and pride themselves on community service.
0
Page 132
LOOKING AHEAD
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Due to a reduction in force, the Yakima Police Department has taken on a new organizational structure
in 2018. Differing from the 2017 model, the new structure creates a leadership of two captains and
one civilian manager vs the 2017 structure of three captains and one civilian manager. The new chart
will go into effect in April 2018.
D. RIZZI
Chief of Polk
CAPT. J. SEELY
Criminal Investigations Division 1
CAPT. G. JONES
Uniformed Dmslan
MANAGER 1. MORA
Administrative Services DWision
, rrun& Investigators
LT. C. STEPHENS
Dry Watch
A—B Squads
Traffic
LT. 5. BOYLE
Night Watch
SUPERVISOR
CRU Team
strati .
Corrections Admin
Specialist
Property
Gang Investigations
Violent Offenders
Task face
RECRUITMENT OFFICER
Page 133
The Yakima Police Department will be re -assigning one officer to fill the new
position of Recruitment Officer in April of 2018. Due to the challenges of
recruitment over the last several years and numerous retirements within
the department, it has become a priority to increase our recruitment effort.
Officer Hailie Meyers has been selected for the position and has identified
the following key strategies for increased recruitment for YPD.
Recruit and maintain highly qualified applicants that reflect the
diversity of the Yakima community.
Create a pool of qualified candidates in advance of department
needs.
Encourage community policing, by engaging in a variety of
activities on and off duty to build trust within the community.
Create a larger social media presence.
A focus on 21' Century Policing.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/YakimaPoliceDepartment
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/yakpd/
TWITTER:
YOUTUBE:
Yakima Police Department
200 South Third Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 575-6200
www.yakimapolice.org
https://twitter.com/yakimapolice
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCslyi7Zw5N9e8bVP8-BJWA
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.
34