HomeMy WebLinkAboutInfo Item - 2008 Police Dept. Annual Rpt CITY OF PALM DESERT
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: RECEIVE AND FILE 2008 PALM DESERT POLICE DEPARTMENT
ANNUALREPORT
DATE: May 7, 2009
CONTENTS: 1. Preliminary April 8, 2009, Palm Desert Public Safety
Commission Meeting Minutes
2. 2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report
RECOMMENDATION:
By Minute Motion, receive and file the 2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual report.
BACKGROUND:
At its meeting of April 8, 2009, the Palm Desert Public Safety Commission reviewed the 2008
Palm Desert Police Department Annual report. This report was received and filed by the
Commission along with a recommendation to forward same to the City Council as an
informational item.
Therefore, staff recommends that the City Council receive and file the 2008 Palm Desert Police
Department Annual report.
��
���
PATRICIA SCULLY, CFEE AUL GIBSON
SENIOR MANAGEMENT A YST DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/CITY TREASURER
,
��� j'� _ ��; � .
r ' �1 �,,�:�' �/ if t�� �:
�, , l'
``SHEILA R. GILLIGAN J M. WOHLMUTH
ACM/COMMUNITY SERV ES ITY MANAGER
CITY COUNCILACTION
APYROVF,D D['Nti'D
RECEIVED £f� F- O'I'HE:R
MF.ETING DATE - `c �
AYF,S: ��
NOES: --�a- �..
AI3SENT: �(�n�°
AZ3STA(N: "
V�RIFIEU 6Y: ��- rU
Original on File with City Clerk's Oftice
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
REGULAR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 8, 2009
I. Consideration of Police Department 2008 Annual Report
Commissioner Butzbach said this was a very well-done report, and
he commended Lt. Shouse and Captain Wilham for putting it
together. He also thanked the Police Department for all it had done
this year.
Commissioner Lebel agreed this is a valuable report and provided
great information for the Commission to use as it considered the
Police Department budget.
Chairman Nethery suggested that both the Police and Fire Annual
Reports be provided to the Commission a month earlier (in March),
since the budget consideration takes place in April each year.
Lt. Shouse noted that the report was put together by his staff and
the Sergeants responsible for specific areas as well as the
Department's new Crime Analyst, Mike Nelson, who was a
medically retired detective.
Commissioner Lebel said he felt it was important for this report to
be circulated through the Police Department so that everyone is on
the same page. He said he felt it should be shared internally as
well as externally.
Upon question by Commissioner Butzbach regarding Part 1 crimes,
Lt. Shouse noted that the figures in the report were provided by the
FBI for the year 2007; figures for 2008 will come out in the fall.
Chairman Nethery said he felt this information was valuable for the
citizens of Palm Desert and should be made available to them.
Mrs. Gilligan responded that staff could post a notice on the City's
website advising that these reports are available to the public.
Commissioner Lebel suggested that a copy also be provided to the
Library for students and the public to review.
Commissioner Butzbach moved to, by Minute Motion: 1) Direct staff to forward
the Police Department 2008 Annual Report to the City Council as an informational item;
2) Receive and file the report. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and
carried by a 4-0 vote, with Vice Chairman Larsh ABSENT.
5
� , � . . � � . � , � ,
' i � i � � . , ,
II : • . ' • � i
"'.�:'�''�`�;� �,.
,�� � "``, ,�'' " ,
�a�� �' =�,,� ��' -
�. ,r�..r.••_ _ ,.�r.'.:�.�M:4 �. � .
r
+j��r
� o t'�;�� ���"sn..
� �:�t ����� � •.
i ,,
. � .�., , . „ .
��`�I . �' �� . .
h4 " � i �,4e• � .
�y ��
� �
`.,�,��j� ��,�y.;
�`':� u�
� � � � � �
1 � 1 . 1 � .
' . I I ' 1 � 1 ' I . 1 ' 1 1 I 1
' � �
Gity of
� PALM DESERT
�������
BACKGROUND
I�he men and women assigned to the Palm Desert Police Department are dedicated to
providing the citizens, business owners, and visitors to Palm Desert a safe and pleasant
environment in ���hicl� to live, work, and enjoy the amenities of this fine city.
The Ciry oF Palm Desert is proudly served under coutract by the Rivcrside Coimty
SherifPs Department. Coutract law enforcement l�as been in existence for many years, in
fact the Riverside County Sherift's Department has been providing law enforcement
services to the City of Palm Desert since the city was founded in 1973. Palm Desert is
one of fifrccn cities in our county that has asked us to provide law enforcement ser��ices.
The Palm Desert Police Department is proud to provide quality service to the Cit�° of
Palm Desert. We are, as our slogan reads, Professionals Who Care.
MISSION STRATFGY
The Palm Desert Police Depart�nent has a comprehensive strategy for the implementation
of law enforceinent services provided to thc ciry. This strategy utilizes a multitude of
Community Oriented Policing methodologies, including au emphasis on proactive
pre��ention, thc focusing of our efforts, and the setting of specific goals.
Thc Palm Desert Police Department strives to meet the following goals within its area of
operations:
L Focus on Proactive Patrol Strategies
2. Increase the Qualiry of Life
3. Reduce the Fear of Criine
In order to mcet these goals. the Palm Desert Police Department's Proactive Patrol
Strategy includes the following:
A. Focus enforcement on those activities that are creating the most reactive calls
forservice.
B. Identify methods to reduce calls for service and allovr patrol personnel to
spend more tiine on proactive/preventi��e enforcement.
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 1
C. Utilize the Crime Analysis Unit to identify criminal trends, potential
perpetrators, and develop strategies to prevent or reduce this activity in the
future.
D. Work with city Code Enforcement personnel to improve the quality of life in
all of the areas that we service.
E. Promote a reduction in victimization through educational programs.
F. Development of strong partnerships with various businesses and private
security agencies operating in the City of Palm Desert.
Our three goals - Focus on Proactive Patrol Strategies, Increase the Quality of Life, and
Rediice the Fear of Crime within our jurisdiction are symbiotic, in that one depends on
the other for success. By focusing on Proactive Patrol Strategies, we provide our field
personnel with more time to seek out criminals in our community and contact them
before they commit a crime. The more criminals we apprehend before they commit
crimes, the less reactive crime reports we have to investigate and document. If we
decrease the number of reports we investigate and document, the more time we have to
seek out criminals in our community, while continuing to be available for community
needs. Even though arresting criminals is an important part of this strategy, of equal
importance is the education and prevention component, which will reduce the number of
reported crimes and allow our personnel to focus on proactive law enforcement activities.
PATROL DIVISION
The Patrol Division responds to all calls for police service placed to the Department
either through the 9ll system or through non-emergency telephones. Patrol officers
handle the initial investigation of reported thefts, burglaries, robberies, assaults, and all
other felonies, misdemeanor, and public service calls. Upon completion of the initial
investigation, the case is either suspended, continued to the Investigations Bureau, closed
by arrest, referred to the District Attorney's Office for review/prosecution, or unfounded.
The Palm Desert Police Department supports and promotes the concept of Community
Oriented Policing. This is accomplished by the deployment of officers to regular beat
assignments, providing state of the art equipment, traiiung, and adequate staffing to
handle the approximately 121 calls for service received daily. The City of Palm Desert is
approximately twenty-five square miles, and has an estimated population of 50,907. The
Palm Desert Police Department handled approximately 44,237 calls for service in 2008,
which was an increase of 4,719 calls from 2007.
CRIME ANALYSIS
Summary
The Palm Desert Police Department observed an increase in calls for service during the
2008 reporting period. The response times for all types of priority calls improved. The
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 2
latest Uniform Crime Report (UCR) for 2007 indicated a decrease in violent crime. In
contrast, the UCR data suggested an increase in pro�ertv crime.
Calls for Service
The Palm Desert Police Department responded to 44,237 calls for service during the 2008
reporting period, an increase of 4,719 calls from 2007. This was the highest rate of calls
for service in the last five years.
Fig 1. Palm Desert Calls for Service
45000 —-- - ----------
44000 _
1
43000 -- --- -------- �:.
42000 ___ __ _ __ '
d - - _ _ I
u . _.---_. i
'Z �
rj 41000 - -- -_ _ — I
o -
N �
q 4���� . . I
V _- _ --
`o i
y39000 . .._ . _ .. _ .. .. . .. .... !
E __ ___ _ _,'
z' '
aa000 __ _-- - _ _ _.-1
i
37000 _ _ _ _
36000 —- -------
—._— �I'
I
35000 Ii
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Year
Calls for Service by Prioritv
Total Priority 1 Calls: 59
Total Priority lA Calls: 349
Total Priority 2 Calls: 10,614
Total Priority 3 Calls: 7,466
Total Priority 4 Calls: 6,214
Total Priority 5 Calls: 4
Cancelled Calls: 1,860
2008 Pahn Desert Police Department Annual Report ;
A comparison of priority call type by year is represented in Fig. 2
F'1g.2 Palm Desert Call Priority Breakdown by Year
12000 --__---- _..._ .
tO6t4
10281 10285
10141 10234 �
10000 _ _ _ _ _ . _. _ _ _ .
_ _ �
I
� II
2 8000 _ ---------- _-- —- --- -- ----- - ---- �
---- --____---
� ]210 �03� �035 ]�
6818
w BCOB
6228 gpq3 6214
Vl 58J]
jp 6�00 . - —__ -
---- ---- ------
_ _ _ _ _-- -
V _- -. ._
`o
`w
� 4000 _ _
__ _
� __
Z
2000 —__-- -__ _
431 �� 432 435 3y9
32 42 6f 69 59
�
Q N M V' a- Q N M � Q N (h � Q N (+1 y Q N C7 �
� � � �' � �' � « .�' L� � T ..�`. ..�`. � ..1`. �' ..�'. � � �' � �
`o_ o` `o_ `o_ `o_ `o_ `o_ `o_ `o_ = `o_ `o_ `o_ `o_ � `o_ `o_ `o_ `o_ � `o o `o_
a` ° a` a` a` a` ° n`: a a` a` � a a a` a` ° a` a a` a ° a` a` a`
`o a `o `o `o `o �" `o `o `o `o a `o o `o `o a `o 0 0 `o � o `o `o
E ° E E E E � E E E E � E E E E ° E E E E ° E E � E
� E > > � � E > > > E > > > > E > > > > E > > � �
cn � cn �n u� v� � v� cn u� t/� � cn cn v� v� � cn cn u� cn � I u� tn I tn
2004 2005 , 2006 2007 2008
Year
Response Times
Although the calls for service increased for the Palm Desert Police Department in 2008,
the response times improved for all call priority types.
Flg. 3 Palm Desert Response Times by Year
16 ...._ ....._._ ._.. ._.___. ..___.._. .__. __._._... . .__.._ ._..._...._. ._.__..__...._---- . _____.. __._.__.___.._.
�4 _.___ "......_'"__ -._-____-- .—._'_ 1386 13]3 I
...__._._-__"-_—_
. .__"__-_--_-_...__ _ - '__..."__-_-.._ _...._'__
_—_-____-- _._._._
13 I
12.38 �I
12.02 11 85 11 9
N �'2 . . .... . ....... .. . . ...... ...... ..... .. . ...... ...._.. 11.�6 '�
� 10!2 I
� 10 33
� 'o _ . _ __ ___ �
C 8 53
8 4] I
d ].]9 6.12 6.14 ;
E 8 ._. _ _-- - - _ _ _ _ _ 1
-----_ — ------- _
F= _
d
N
0 6 -----____.. .._._. --- --------_... _- -- �--.___
._ -� ----.__.__.. _. __.
____---- --� �
°' a ss I
w
a.n
� 4.6 4.19 6.31 441 461 4.60 42
4 542 ."_. _.._ ..._. .._.. ..... __. ._._. �r
2 _..
0
a a a a a a i a a � a a a a a a a a a a n a a a a a a
N N N N f� V! N N fA tn y N t� N N f� N N t/1 N N N N
� � � � � � � � ( � � � � � � � I � � � � � � � � � �
Q N M a Q N M V Q N M � � N Ih c{
a d a a a a a a a a a � a a Q a a a n. a i a a � a
o a o o `o `o a �� `o o `o `o a `o o `o `o n' `o `o o `o a o j `o 0
E � E E E E ° E E E E � E � E E E � E E E E ° E E E
� E � � � � E I � I � > > E � I � � '
`n �' u' u� <n cn cn � cn , cn cn v� � �i cn cn <n cn � in v'� � u'� cn' � u'> '� c'n rn'
! 2004 2005 2006 2007 I 2008
Year
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 4
Crime Statistics
The United States Department of Justice (USDOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI), posts annual crime statistics in the Uniform Crime Report (UCR). These statistics
are based upon law enforcement agencies reporting of Part I crimes. Part I crimes are
defined as homicide, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, vehicle theft,
larceny-theft, and arson. The official Annual Crime Statistics are posted once a year in
late October for the previous calendar year. Data for 2008 has not been published and is
not available for the Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report.
According to the UCR, the population for Palm Desert in 2007 was 47,903. The city's
population has steadily risen since 1995. Figure 4 represents the population from 1995 to
2007 for Palm Desert as reported by the UCR.
Palm Desert Population by Year
Fig. 4
s0000 --.____ ___._
50000 . . . . . . ..__ . . .. _.. .. ..
46150 46925 47482 47903 �,
4430�
� 47920 42667 ��..
40000 —___ _.._..._- - _._ .. . .. '��.
.._..--- --.. . -------
38171 ._...__ __. ._ _..
c
o :
'- zsaaa ;
� 30000. _ _____ . ___—__._. . 28923___ _._. ___ - ___ _ . _ .___ .__- ,.
0 26688 26932 27261 - ,�
a ',
20000 -
i
10000 ----- — -- '-'
0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Year
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 5
UCR data indicated a significan�t decrease in violent ci•ime for 2007. In 2006 there were
169 violent crimes reported. The number of violent crimes reported in 2007 was 92.
Figure 5 represents violent crimes reported to the FBI from 1995 to 2007 for comparison.
Fig. 5
Palm Desert Violent Crimes
200 __----- __---- -- ----- --____
--------- - --_ -----------
_---
188
178 183
180 173 __ _176
_ _ _ __
-_ _ ___ _ _
169
161 166 165 �
160 - --- ---- -- - -- __--
- -- - --.
150 _ _ _--- ___._ -
151
145
N
� 140 . . _. ._ . _ . . ..._ _..._._ _ . . _ ...
U
c
O120 _.. .--- --_.. -- --__ ...--- __— _.._ ---- --- - -- -----._.._.�
>
r 100 _.__ _ ____ _. __ _ 92
p ..__. _--- � I
6
� I
`� 8� _ _.._ _ ._— _ _'_
_.___ _--- ---_ _-
o --- -— _
d
a
E
� 60 _ -- _ - _ _ I
---_ ___ __
__ _. . — _
z
40 — _ _ _ _
20 __ _ . _ _ __
0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Year
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 6
Property crime increased from 2,755 reported property crimes in 2006 to 2;914 reported
in 2007. The rate of property crime has increased steadily since 2000. Figure 6
represents property crimes reported to the FBI from 1995 to 2007 for comparison.
Fig. 6
Palm Desert Property Crimes
3500 -- _ __-----------
3000 --2882_---_----__-- 2972 2914
2755
2662
_2449 _ _ _ ;
E 2500 2372 2380
U '
C 2130 27� 2047
m
0 2000 _ _ _ I
a _ . ___ _ ,
__-
,0 1771 �
�, 1674
C
o -
� 1500 - -- -- -- _ -- -- -_ __- — — -- I
° I
`m
a
� 1000 . _._ . . .._ . ......�
._. . . . _ .._ _. . . . ..._.
Z
___- .._ —_. ___. �'
500 _ _ _ - - _ - -- -— �
0 ,
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Year
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report '7
�
UCR data can be influenced by many factors such as fluctuations in population,
cominercial and/or residential growth, economic or environmental conditions, and other
factors. The Palm Desert Police Department conducts daily, weekly, and monthly
analysis of crimes in the city. Analyses involve comparisons of Palm Desert Police
statistics and past trends. Analysis of the processed data facilitates a directed approach to
crime suppression and deterrence. The UCR crime data is included in Table 1.
Table 1
Part I Offenses Known to the Police (UCR)
�I'otal Crimes
Violent Property Veh Total Part 1 Per 1000
Year Population crime Murder Rape Robbery Assault crime Burglary Larceny Theft Arson Crimes Rcsidents
2007 47,903 92 2 16 48 26 2,914 847 1,837 230 1] 3,006 62.75
2006 47,482 169 3 1� 66 82 2,7�� 730 1,792 233 4 2,924 61.58
2005 46,925 145 2 6 38 99 2,662 714 L,691 257 4 2,807 59.82
2004 46,150 165 1 11 41 112 2,972 861 1871 240 4 3,137 67.97
2003 44,300 183 0 ll 32 140 2,380 721 1,437 221 ] 2.563 57.86
2002 42,667 151 0 9 37 105 2,047 536 1325 181 � 2.198 51.52
2001 41,920 176 1 6 47 122 2,144 538 1399 206 I 2,320 ».34
2000 38,171 166 0 12 33 12l 1,674 388 1139 144 3 t,840 48.20
1999 29,844 150 0 1� L7 123 1,77] 667 964 139 1 1.921 64.37
1998 28,923 173 3 5 38 127 ?,130 521 1499 105 i 2303 79.63
1997 27,261 1 S8 2 9 41 136 2,449 801 1527 115 6 2,637 96.73
1996 26,932 161 2 16 43 106 2,372 732 1505 127 8 2,533 94.05
1995 26,688 17R I 6 28 143 2,882 869 1791 209 13 3,060 114.66
2008 Palin Desert Police Department Annual Report g
POLICE DEPARTMENT BEATS
The City of Palm Desert is broken into five service/beat areas. The T-30 Beat covers the
business corridor along Highway 11 L The T-32 Beat covers the southern portion of the
city south of Highway 111 of the Highway 111 business corridar to the southern city
limits. The T-34 Beat covers the eastern portion of the city east of Cook Street south of
Country Club Drive and east to the city limits at Washington Street. The T-36 Beat
covers the western portion of the city west of Cook Street south of Country Club Drive to
the western city limits. The final beat is the T-38 Beat that covers the entire northern
portion of the city from north of Country Club Drive to the northern, eastern, and western
city limits.
Ciry of Palm Desert
DINAHSH EOR
.o.�.>
G ALDFOR D POIICe
r Department
38 Beats
FRANK SINA OR -
�
N
Y
O
O
COUNTRY CL 8 DR V p
O
HOVLEY Q
� 0 34 y
y�, � HQYLEY W � � �
W 36 Q �
2
Z d y
� � 3
FRED A DR
30
�TA TE HWY 7 f 1
� Beat Name
H STACK RD
Q Bea[30-B�siness
Z3 MES VfEW ��at 32-South Palm Desert
�� �Beat 34-Narih East Palm Desert
�e 32y �Beat36-Norih West Palm Desen
�Beat 38-Narth Pa:m Desert
�
M
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 9
STAFFING
The 2008 Palm Desert Police contract consists of seventy-nine (79) sworn officer
positions. The current sworn officer per 1,000 resident ratios is 1.55. Thirty-six (36)
officer positions are dedicated to the patrol division with the remaining officers dedicated
to specials assignments, such as the Traffic Division, the Special Enforcement Team, the
Motorcycle Enforcement Unit, School Resource Officers, a Community Oriented
Policing Officer (COP) and the Business District Team. The officers' positions are fully
supported by sworn supervision and administration. The police contract also contains
several non-sworn support positions to assist with the daily operation of the station and to
support Field Services, including a myriad of Community Services Officers. Together,
they are able to provide professional service to the citizens of Palm Desert
INVESTIGATIONS BUREAU
The Palm Desert Police Department Investigations Bureau serves the City of Palm
Desert, as well as the other covf� coinmunities. The bureau is comprised of one Sheriff's
Lieutenant, two Sheriff's Sergeants and fifteen dedicated investigators assigned to
various specialties, such as robbery, assaults, sex crimes, child abuse, and property
crimes, as well as missing persons, runaways, and domestic violence investigations.
These investigators are goal oriented and take pride in their assignment. Nothing makes
them happier than solving these cases and recovering stolen property that can be i•eturned
to the victims.
SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT TEAM
�F I
a� M1�<
Since the mid 1980s, the Palm Desert Police Department has operated the Target Team as
an adjunct to the Patrol Division. In the recent past, this unit was renamed as the Special
Enforcement Team (SET). The team consists of one Sergeant and four officers and has a
primary funetion to provide enhanced patrol services to residents of the City of Palm
Desert. The team is supplemented by both the Business District Team and the
Community Oriented Policing Officer. SET conducts time intensive follow up
investigations of buiglaries, thefts, and various localized crimes in order to keep the
patrol officers in the field and available for further calls for service. Each beat within the
City of Palm Desert is covered by a SET member who can devote additional time, as
necessary, to the proble�ms that occur in that beat.
SET also conducts specifically targeted enforcement to combat identified problems
within the city. They are responsible for specialized enforcement and security at Palm
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 10
Desert civic community events, as well as bicycle and Segway EPAMD (Electronic
Personal Assistant Mobility Device) patrol within the City. These innovative patrol
techniques are an effective tool to enhance the Community Oriented Policing concept
supported by the city and the Palm Desert Police Department. While working on bicycle
or Segway patrol, SET officers have close direct contact with the citizens, business
owners, and visitors in the city. The bicycle and Segway patrols allow for better mobility
and quicker response in business and commercial areas when traffic is heavier.
SET also targets specific crimes that affect all three Cove Communities and regularly
combine with SET officers from Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells Police Departments.
This group identifies, investigates and targets criminals that are committing crimes
throughout our communities and moving from city to city. It is well known that criminals
do not respect borders and regularly move into the City of Palm Desert to coinmit their
crimes, while living in neighboring or cities afar. SET focuses upon these individuals by
using a mix of surveillance and direct enforcement, once again showing our mission
strategy of PROACTIVE PREVENTION. Palm Desert Police SET continues to be an
important part of this strategy and their enforcement activity has helped dramatically in
reducing crime within the city.
SET 2008 Year End Stats
Moving Citations: 43
Parking Citations: 75
Traffic Stops: 172
Pedestrian Checks: 81
Vehicle Checks: 113
Business Checks: 262
FI Cards: 194
Assist other Departinent: 20
Felony Arrests: 59
Misdemeanor Arrests: 31
Warrant Arrests (Felony): 25
Warrant Arrests (Misd.): 31
Cases Cleared: 65
Search Warrants Written: ll
Search Warrant Served: 31
Property Recovered Value: $77,000.00
Drugs Seized/Recovered Value: $6,530.00
No. Days-Bicycle Patrol: 18
No. Hours-Bicycle Patrol: 116
Felony Filings: �6
Misdemeanor Filings: 33
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 11
BUSINESS DISTRICT TEAIVI
Beginning in 2006, the City of Palm Desert funded a new Business District Team. This
team is comprised of two officers specifically assigned to the business district (30 beat),
notably the El Paseo corrido�, the Westfield Mall, the Highway 111 corridor, the
Mervyn's shopping center, and the Desert Crossing shopping center. They not only
conduct high visibility patrol in this area, but are also responsible for handling many of
the calls for service generated in the business district. Their responsibilities include:
1. Bicycle, marked unit, Segway EPAMD, plain unit, foot, and Golf Cart patrol
duties.
2. The officers work a flex schedule that allows for adjustment of schedules based
on crime trend analysis, peak shopping times, and/or high profile events.
3. Availability to switch the mode of transportation on occasion based on
investigative needs (i.e. conducting surveillance in plain vehicles, driving patrol
units in inclement weather, or using the police Golf Cart and Segways on
occasion.
4. Maintain high visibility within the Business District. (30 Beat)
5. Handle many of the calls for service in the 30 beat.
Business District Team 2008 Y"ear End Stats
Moving Citations: 21
Parking Citations: 63
Field interviews: 3 g
Pedestrian checks: 117
Vehicle Checks: 109
Bus. Checks: 3�g
Felony Arrests: 25
Misd. Arrests: 50
Warrant Arrests (Felony): 6
Warrant Arrests (Misd): 14
Search warrants writteri: 3
Search warrants served: 4
Value of property recovered: $16,185.00
Drugs Seized/Recovered Value: $300.00
No. Days-Bicycle/Segway patrol: 25
No. Hours-Bicycle/Segway patrol: 132
Assist Patrol (Hours): 147
Calls for Service (No Report): 132
Calls for Service (Report): 72
Follow-up: 98
Other Assignments: 10�
2008 Palin Desert Police Departinent Annual Report 12
COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING OFFICER
The Community Oriented Policing (COP) Off'icer is assigned to be a liaison to specific
beat officers, Neighbarhood Watch groups, and the various businesses and apartment
complexes within the city.
The Palm Desert Police Department Crime Prevention Program operates in conjunction
with the Palm Desert Police SET Team. The crime prevention officer is responsible for
coordinating the Neighborhood Watch Program, the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program
and acts as the liaison between SET, the Investigations Unit, citizens and city staf£ The
dedicated crime prevention officer also provides safety seminars and group meetings with
focus on specific crime or neighborhood problems in the City of Palm Desert.
The Neighborhood Watch Program is a nationwide program that utilizes the residents of
a street, residential area, or housing complex to assist the police by providing, "extra
eyes" to report suspicious or criminal activities. Training is provided to each
Neighborhood Watch group on how to properly observe and report these activities.
Neighborhood Watch is a well proven successful crime prevention program that
augments the police department, yet does not endanger the involved citizens.
The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program (CFMHP) is a world wide program that puts �
apartment owners/landlords/tenants and the police department into a partnership to help
reduce crime in rental properties. The CFMHP provides training and technical assistance
to the owners/landlords, and tenants and concepts and practices that help reduce criminal
activity and make apartment complexes safer places to live. The City of Palm Desert and
the Palm Desert Police Department strongly support CFMHP.
CANINE OFFICER
The Palm Desert City Council authorized a new Canine Officer position for FY
2007/2008, including the purchase of the cities first Police Service Dog, also known as a
K-9. The K-9 is used to conduct searches for missing or lost persons, to track criminal
violators from crime scenes, to assist with fleeing or armed suspect arrests and in
searches for evidence, including narcotics. K-9s are particularly useful in searches of
buildings or residences for suspects, and to assist in vehicle and/or foot pursuits if
immediately available. During these occasions, the K-9 can alleviate putting an officer in
harms way, while making sure the violator is apprehended expeditiously. An ancillary
duty, but very valuable one, is the benefit of using a K-9 unit as a public relations tool.
In December of 2007, Officer Steve Rivera was chosen as the first Canine Handler for the
City of Palm Desert. After conducting evaluation of several candidates, canine Van
Snapp was chosen as our first Police Service Dog. Vaf� Snapp is now a three year old
Belgian Malinois who responds to commands in Dutch. Yan Sf�ap� was not only chosen
for his demonstrated skills, but also picked for the sociable aspects he displayed. Van
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Aiinual Report 13
Snapp was deployed on duty the first week �f February 2008. Van Snapp has been
introduced to the City Council and City staff, demonstrating a very social demeanor.
In November 2008 Officer Rivera and Van Snapp competed in the 13t1' Annual Riverside
County Canine Trials in Temecula, California. The Canine Team preformed remarkably
well placing first place in obedience, second place in protection and third place in
evidence detection. The citizens of Palm Desert should be extremely proud of their new
Canine Team as they have not only been performing well conducting police duties in the
field, but they have also become great ambassadors for the Palm Desert Police
Department.
Canine Team 2008 Year End Stats
Robbery Alarms: p
Burglary Alarms: 36
Assist other Department: 2
Apprehensions (Bite): 1
Apprehensions (No Bite): 2
Search for Evidence: 3
Find Evidence: p
Search for Narcotics: 30
Find Narcotics: ll
Search for Suspects: 30
Find Suspects: 2
Search for Victims: p
Find Victims: p
Public Relations Demo: 5
Scene Containment: 1
Suspect Conti•ol: 6
Warrant Service: 5
Total Statistics: 131
Total Uses: 12�
PALM DESERT POLICE WEBSITE
The Palm Desert Police Administrative Sergeant is the point of contact for the
maintenance and updates to our Palm Desert website (www,palmdesertpolice �i-�). The
purpose of our website is to foster better community relations, communication, and
understanding of the role of this department has in our community. The Palm Desert
Police Department is dedicated to providing the citizens, business owners, and visitors to
Palm Desert a safe and pleasant environment in which to live, work, and enjoy the
amenities of this fine city.
This website offers a brief look at the many services the department provides. It also
offers a means of direc�t contact for those persons who use the internet daily, at work, at
2008 Palin Desert Police Department Annual Report 14
home, and on the road. This site contains interactive pages, which are designated to help
speed the crime reporting process, and to help report problem traffic areas within the city.
The use of the interactive pages speeds up the time in which our citizens can receive a
report for insurance purposes, or for their own personal needs. This method of filing a
report will keep sworn deputies on the streets looking for criminal activity.
CITIZENS ON PATROL PROGRAM
The Citizens on Patrol Program (COP) is run as a concerted effort by both the City of
Palm Desert and the Palm Desert Police Department. The dedicated Palm Desert Police
Administrative Sergeant acts as the liaison officer between COP volunteers and the
Police Department. These volunteers are a dedicated group of people acting as "eyes and
ears" to the city and the police. COP volunteers conduct routine patrol throughout the
city, assists with special events, and perform adininistrative work within the organization.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
The City of Palm Desert funds two School Resource Officer (SRO) positions, one for
Palm Desert Middle School and one for Palm Desert High SchooL The SRO's work
closely with school officials, teachers, and students to help create a safe and secure
learning environment at each campus. The SRO's work closely with the Desert Sands
Unified School District Campus Security Officers, along with the educational staff and
administration at their respective schools. Through their honest and open
communications with the students, the SRO's promote a positive image of law
enforcement. They are often able to prevent probleins arising by their close relationship
with the students.
Both SRO's provide public safety programs on campus to help educate our students
regarding issues of strange danger, bulling, bicycle safety, drug abuse, and alcohol
awareness.
AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION SYSTEM
The Palm Desert Police Department has recently employed new technology called the
Automated License Plate Recognition System which allows our officers to be even more
vigilant in tracking criminals. The system allows us to rapidly scan vehicle plates and
compare them to a list of"vehicle of interest" associated with auto theft, felony plates,
Ainber Alerts, vehicle burglaries, along with a multitude of other crimes, while
performing routine patrol. We currently have two patrol vehicles outfitted with the
equipment. The system was implemented by the Palm Desert Police Department
beginning July 2008. Since that time the system has read 18�,917 license plates. We have
recovered two stolen vehicles as a result of this new technology.
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 1�
COACHELLA VALLEY VIOLENT CRIME GANG TASK FORCE
The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force (CVVCGTF) is a multi-agency
task force comprised of inembers from various federal and local law enforcement
agencies. The mission of the CVVCGTF is to allocate resources from all participating
agencies for the purpose of promoting safe and secure neighborhoods, free of violent
crime and gang violence. Their duties include gang prevention efforts centered on
intervention and education, gang suppression patrols and operations, and complex
criminal enterprise investigations.
CWCGTF 2008 Officer, City & Team Year End Stats
Officer Stats 2008
Felony Arrests: 12
Misdemeanor Arrests: 6
Gang F.I. Cards: 51
F.I. Cards: 16
Gang Intervention Contact: 174
Criminal Cases Filed: 2
Gang Enhancements: (
Probation Searches: 51 �
Probation Violations: Q
Parole Searches: 92
Parole Violations: �
Firearms Recovered: 2
Search Warrants Written: 2
Search Warrants Served: 29
Pedestrian Checks: '72
Narcotics Seized (Grams): 30.6
Warrant Arrests (Felony): 2
Warrant Arrests (Misdemeanor): 0
Felony Filings: 1
Misdemeanor Filings: 1
Overtime Hours: 24'7
Gang Presentations: 4
Training Classes (Presented): 4
Training Houis (Presen.ted): 16
Training Classes (Attended): 14
Training Hours (Attended): 308
Court Testimony: 4.5
Assist Othei-Department: 71
Follow-Up: 5
2008 Palin Desert Police Department Annual Report 16
Palm Desert Specific Stats 2008
Probation Searches Palm Desert 34
Probation Violations: 0
Parole Searches Palm Desert 52
Parole Violations: 0
Gang Registration 3
Felony Arrests: 1
Misdemeanor Arrests: 1
Search Warrants Served: 3
Training Classes (Presented): 2
Gang Presentations: 1
Pedestrian Checks: 10
Felony Filings: 1
Narcotics Seized(Grams): 1.3
Time Spent in Palm Desert (Hours) 800
Court Testimony: 2
Gang F.I. Cards: 3
Identification of Street Gang 1
GTF Team Stats 2008
Felony Arrests: 172
Misdemeanor Arrests: 61
Gang F.I. Cards: 556
F.I. Cards: 480
Gang Intervention Contact: 396
Criminal Cases Filed: 135
Gang Enhancements: 87
Probation Searches: 688
Probation Violations: 40
Parole Searches: 405
Parole Violations: 50
Firearms Recovered: 42
Search Warrants Written: 48
Search Wanants Served: 61
Pedestrian Checks: 864
Narcotics Seized (Grams): 3,347
Warrant Arrests (Felony): 30
Warrant Arrests (Misdemeanor): 0
Felony Filings: 130
Misdemeanor Filings: 5
Overtime Hours: 2.012
Gang Presentations: 66
Training Classes (Presented): 25
Training Hours (Presented): 7�
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 17
Training Classes (Attended): ll 6
Training Hours (Attended): 1,937
Court Testimony: 340
Assist Other Department: 166
Follow-Up: 45
Gang Members Identified 1,225
PALM DESERT POLICE SUBSTATIONS
The Palm Desert Police Department operates two off-site police substations. One
substation is located at 42-305 Washington St., Suite E. This location makes access to
police services more readily available to residents and business patrons located in the
eastern portion of the city. The other substation is located at 72-990 Hwy 111.
Community Service Officers work at both substations and the regular business hours are
8:OOAM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday, except holidays. In addition to being on hand to
answer questions concerning the Palm Desert Police Department, the Community Service
Officers handle a variety of di�fferent assignments including the processing of internet
reports, calls for service at the substations and various licensing applications to be
processed through the City of Palm Desert. The following is a summary of the various
activities at the sub-stations.
Internet Reports/Calls for Service (2008): 90
Applications Processed (2008): 59
Number of Walk-Ins (Oct. 2008 —Dec. 2008): 501
TRAFFIC DIVISION
:�k � �
_ �
�. 1
The Palm Desert Police Department Traffic Division is responsible for the investigation
of traffic collisions and conducting traffic enforcement and education programs
throughout the City of Palm Desert. The Traffic Division is a contract law enforcement
enhancement to provide support for the general law enforcement component (Patrol).
The Traffic Division staff includes two sergeants, twelve officers and one Community
Services Officer (CSO). The collision investigation portion of this division consists of
one sergeant, three off cers, and one CSO. This team is primarily assigned to accident
investigation and DUI enforcement. The collision investigation team has primary
responsibility of investigation of traffic collisions and a secondary responsibility of traffic
law enforcement education. The remainder of the division consists of one sergeant and
eight officers assigned to the Motorcycle Enforcement Program. The Motorcycle
2008 Paln1 Desert Police Department Annual Report 1 g
Enforcement Program's primary responsibility is traffic law enforcement and education,
and a secondar��responsibility of traffic collision investigation.
The Traffic Division provides needed support for patrol officers by handling traffic
specific issues that can often become time consuming (such as major traffic accident
reconstruction), thereby allowing the patrol division to handle criminal calls for service
and conduct proactive enforcement. The Traffic Division provides additional emergency
response support to the patrol division during critical incidents.
The Palm Desert Police Traffic Team routinely conducts traffic safety checkpoints in
various areas of the city. These checkpoints bring public awareness to the dangers of
driving under the influence, driving without safety belts, speeding, and other safety
violations.
The City of Palm Desert also supports the COVE commuiuties Commercial Vehicle
Enforcement Program. The Commercial Vehicle Program consists of one officer
specifically assigned to focus on commercial vehicles that may be overweight, unsafe,
and/or carrying improper loads on roadways «�ithin the cove communities.
The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer handles Vehicle Identification Number
(V. L N.) verifications using state of the art computer software and handles citation sign-
off duties: Monday-Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Palm Desert Station. The
following is a summary of the Commercial Enforcement Vehicle Program activity in the
City of Palin Desert for 2008:
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Statistics for 2008
Vehicle stops 299
Citations 241
Warnings 67
Cominercial vehicle inspections 128
Commercial vehicles taken out of service 34
Overweight vehicles 3
Total pounds overweight on our streets 15,000 lbs.
Traffic Collision Statistics
The Palm Desert Police Traffic Division maintains and analyses traffic collision data via
our Crossroads Collision Database. This modern software system is a powerful, easy to
use database for traffic collision, citation, and Driving While Intoxicated records. This
database allows for easy and quick ren•ieval of reports and statistical date that can be used
for traffic planning, public safety programs, or city engineering studies. The following is
a re-cap of the analysis of the collision statistics for 2008.
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Arinual Report 19
Total Traffic Collisions (25 percent decrease)
2008 — 597
2007— 800
*This 25% decrease in collisions occurred while the population increased by
approximately 1% over the saine time period.
Fatal "Traffic Collisions�67 percent decrease)•
2008 —2
2007—6
Number of People Killed (75 percent decrease)
2008 —2
2007— 8
Number of People Killed in a DUI-related Collision (100 percent decrease)
2008 —0 �'
2007— 7
Injury Traffic Collisions (26 percent decrease�
2008 — 147
2007— 199
Number of Persons I,n�'ured (25 t�ercent decrease)
2008 —209
2007—279
Drivin� Under the Influence Related (13 percent decrease�
2008 —40
2007 —46
Hi�h Incidents bv "Day of Week"
The majority of collisions occur during the week on Wednesday and Friday, with
Wednesday having the highest average.
Peak Time Period of Collisions
A review of the statistics reflects that most collisions are occurring between the periods
of 11:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m., with the highest number of collisions occurring between
3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
High Incident Locations (Intersections - Ranked in Order)
1. Monterey Avenue and Fred Waring Drive
2. Cook Street and Country Clul� Drive
� 2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report Zp
3. Fi•ed Waring Drive and State Highway 11 1
Primary Collision Factor (By Ranking�
1. Unsafe speed
2. Right-of-way violation
3. Traffic signals and signs
Traffic Citation Statistics
Total Citations (52 percent increase�
2008 — 5,232
2007 —3,438
Unlicensed Drivers (55 percent increase�
2008 — 542
2007 — 350
DUT Arrests (28 percent increase�
2008 — 349
2007 —272
Traffic Pro�rams Worked
The Palm Desert Police Department conducts focused traffic enforcement programs
based upon analysis of collision statistics. In 2008, the Traffic Division conducted a total
of seventy-two (72) traffic related programs within the City of Palm Desert.
(25) Speed Enforcement Programs
(1) Pedestrian Safety Programs
(8) School Safety Program
(2) Signs/Signals Program
(10) Driving While Intoxicated Enforcement Programs
(5) Checkpoints
(8) Seat Belt Safety Programs, including the National "Click It or Ticket" campaign
(13) Special Event Programs
In addition to the above programs, members of the traffic team also participate in the
county wide "Avoid the 30" Driving under the Influence Enforcement Program.
2008 Palm Desert Police Department �inual Report 21
Traffic Grants
The Palm Desert Police Department has applied for and received the following grants
funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety for FY 2008/2009:
DUI Enforcement and Awareness Program $111,706.00
"Click it or Ticket" Seatbelt Compliance Program $28,910.00
Sobriety Checkpoint Mini Grant $20,328.00
Traffic Division Goals for 2009
1. Maintain our comprehensive DUI program utilizing checkpoints and saturation
patrols to reduce DUI-related collisions.
2. Continue to participate in grant opportunities and programs offered by the
California Office of Traffic Safety.
3. Reduce injury collisions by 10%.
4. Continue close coordination with Traffic Engineering and Public Works staff for
the City of Palm Desert to develop solutions to traffic complaints throughout the
city.
5. Continue our"RAT" light- Red Light Enforcement Program.
6. Continue to participate in the"Click-it or Ticket" national safety belt campaign.
ADDITIONAL BASELINE SERVICES
As a contract partner with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, the Palm Desert
Police Department alsc� has access to the following baseline services:
� � � �
�
_ t .�.
• Special Enforcement Bureau (SWAT)
• Hazard Device �Team (Bomb Squad)
• Aviation Unit (�ive helicopters)
• Desert Search and Rescue
• Underwater Search and Recovery Team
• Off Highway Vehicle Enforcement Program
• Ben Clark Training Center for Regional Law Enforcement Training
• College of the I)esert Pul�lic Safety Acadeiny
• Special Investig;ations Bureau (Narcotics & Intelligence)
• Central Hoinicide Unit
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report �2
ADDITIONAL GOALS
The Palm Desert Police Department will focus upon the following areas to increase the
level of service to our citizens in 2009:
• Continue to analyze traffic collision data and conduct focused traffic enforcement
programs with the goal of reducing the number of injury traffic collisions in the
City of Palm Desert.
• Utilize innova�ive and proactive approaches to combat DUI drivers and r•educe the
alcohol related injury and fatal collisions.
� Continue to aggressively combat criminal activity within the City of Palm Desert
with focused efforts on property crimes.
• Continue to provide an average response time for Priority I (Emergency) calls for
services in less than five minutes.
• Continue to provide professional dedicated service to the City of Palm Desert
maintain positive relationships with all city departments and staff.
• Maintain coordinated efforts with City Code Enforcement and Public Works
Departments.
• Continue to build relationships and coopel•ative efforts with business owners and
shopping centers through our Business District Team. -
• Further develop our Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, expanding it to
additional areas within the city.
2008 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 23