HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnnual Report - 2011 Palm Desert Police Departmentp
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Im Desert Police Department
"Professionals Who Care"
Served by the Riverside County Sheriffs Department
2011 Annual Report
CITY COUNCILACTION
APPROVED DENIFD
RECEIVED -I Fi IP OTHER.
MEETING DATE -(A- _
AYES: 6(-'- ot)- 4e r
NOES: NblIP
ABSENT: NOtle
ABSTAIN: N ovl P
VERIFIED BY: R_ arc
Original on File with City Clerk 5 Office
Chief of Police - Captain Kevin Vest
Assistant Chief of Police - Lieutenant Andrew Shouse
www. cityofpalmdesert. org
Table of Contents
1. Background........................................................................
1
2. Mission Strategy....................................................................
1
3. Patrol Division.....................................................................
2
4. Crime Analysis...................................................................
2
a. Summary....................................................................
2
b. Calls for Service............................................................
2
c. Response Times............................................................
3
d. Crime Statistics.............................................................
3
e. Uniform Crime Report .....................................................
4
5. Police Department Beats...........................................................
5
6. Staffing...............................................................................
6
7. Investigations & Evidence Bureau ...............................................
6
8. Burglary Suppression Unit ........................................................
7
9. Special Enforcement Team ........................................................
7
10. Business District Team.............................................................
9
a. Massage Establishments...................................................
10
b. Commercial Trespass Program ...........................................
11
c. Tobacco/Alcohol Program ................................................
11
d. Secondhand Dealers/Pawn Broker Program ...........................
11
11. Palm Desert Substations..........................................................
12
12. Crime Prevention Program........................................................
12
13. Canine Officer......................................................................
13
14. Palm Desert Website...............................................................
14
15. Citizens on Patrol Program........................................................
15
16. School Resource Officers..........................................................
16
17. Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force ............................
17
18. Coachella Valley Narcotic Task Force ..........................................
19
19. Traffic Division.....................................................................
22
a. Commercial Vehicle Enforcement .......................................
23
b. Traffic Collision Statistics ................................................
23
c. Traffic Programs...........................................................
25
d. Traffic Grants.............................................................
26
20. Additional Baseline Services......................................................
26
21. 2012 Goals...........................................................................
27
City of
PALM DESERT _
BACKGROUND
The 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
which to live, work, and enjoy the amenities of this fine city.
The City of Palm Desert is proudly served under contract by the Riverside County Sheriff's
Department. Contract law enforcement has been in existence for many years, in fact the
Riverside County Sheriff'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 seventeen cities in our
county that has asked the Riverside County Sheriff's Department to provide law enforcement
services.
The Palm Desert Police Department is proud to provide quality service to the City of Palm
Desert. We are, as our slogan reads, Professionals Who Care
MISSION STRATEGY
The Palm Desert Police Department has a comprehensive strategy for the implementation of law
enforcement services provided to the city. This strategy utilizes a multitude of Community
Oriented Policing methodologies, including an emphasis on proactive prevention, the focusing of
our efforts, and the setting of specific goals.
The Palm Desert Police Department strives to meet the following goals within its area of
operations:
1. Focus on Proactive Patrol Strategies
2. Increase the Quality of Life
3. Reduce the Fear of Crime
In order to meet these goals, the Palm Desert Police Department's Proactive Patrol Strategy
includes the following:
• Focus enforcement on those activities that are creating the most reactive calls for
service.
• Identify methods to reduce calls for service and allow patrol personnel to spend more
time on proactive/preventive enforcement.
• Utilize the Crime Analysis Unit to identify criminal trends, potential perpetrators, and
develop strategies to prevent or reduce this activity in the future.
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report
• Work with city Code Enforcement personnel to improve the quality of life in all of
the areas that we service.
• Promote a reduction in victimization through educational programs.
• 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 Reduce
the Fear of Crime within our jurisdiction are symbiotic, in that one depends on the other for
success and progress made in one area positively affects the other. 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 911 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 and referred to the
District Attorney's Office for 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, training, and adequate staffing to handle the approximately
107 calls for service received daily. The City of Palm Desert is approximately twenty-five
square miles, and has an estimated population of 49,111 residents.
CRIME ANALYSIS
Summary
The Palm Desert Police Department responded to 39,201 calls for service in 2011. This was a
4.5% decrease from 2010. The total average response improved slightly by 0.04 minutes.
Preliminary data indicates that total Part 1 Crimes increased in 2011.
Calls for Service (CFS)
Year end statistics were obtained from the Riverside County Sheriff's Data Warehouse. The
Palm Desert Police Department responded to 39,201 calls for service during the 2011 reporting
period. This was a 4.5% decrease from 2010 when 41,036 calls for service were handled. In
2010, 6% (2,484) of the calls were Part 1 Crimes. In 2011, 7.1% (2,796) of the calls for service
were Part 1 Crimes.
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 2
Response Times
Total response time improved by an
average of 0.04 minutest. Table 1
indicates the average response times
in minutes and the number of calls
for service for a three year period.
Table 1
Three Year
Res onse Time Com
arson
M
Priority 1 Response
6.15
5.48
5.51
Calls for Service
443
407
419
Priority 2 Response
10.55
9.77
10.13
Calls for Service
9,828
9,762
9,998
Priority 3 Response
18.65
16.81
16.62
Calls for Service
7,779
8,017
8,140
Priority 4 Response
24.73
23.17
22.50
Calls for Service
5,671
5 100
5,294
Total Avg Response Time
16.51
15.05
15.01
Crime Statistics
Preliminary crime statistics for 2011 Table 2
indicate an 8.9% increase in total
Part 1 Crimes from year 2010. (It
should be noted that this data is
preliminary and final numbers
reported by the FBI may vary).
The statistics represented in Table 2
are based on station level analytics.
The numbers often reflect hi hg_er
reporting numbers than the official
Uniform Crime Report. This is due
to reporting requirements by the
Federal Bureau of Investigation. The
station level analytics generally
provide a better reflection of actual
crimes committed.
Three Year
Part
1 Crime
Comparison
2009
2010
2011
Homicide
0
N/A
0
N/A 1
Rae
14
♦ -42.9%
8
♦ 62.5%
13
Robbery
31
0.0%
31
♦ 32.3%
41
Assault
129
♦ 14.0%
147
♦ 2.0%
150
-Aggravated
Total Violent Crimes
174
♦ 6.9%
186
♦ 10.2%
205
Burglary
729
♦ -5.3%
690
♦ -11.6%
610
Auto Theft
124
♦ 1.6%
126
♦ -1.6%
124
Larceny Theft*
1,167
♦ 7.5%
1,254
♦ 21.1%
1,518
Arson
4
♦ -25.0%
3
0.0%
3
Total Property Crimes 2,024 ♦ 2.4% 2,073 ♦ 8.81 2,255
' A 8.9%61
*The UCR currently combines vehicle burglaries into the Larceny Theft category. This report
includes vehicle burglary in that category. The total number of vehicle burglaries has been
calculated below:
Vehicle Burglary 227 ♦ 21.1% 275 ♦ 38.5% 381
Previous Response Time calculations were obtained from the dispatched time of a call to the time of arrival. For a
more accurate measure of police service, this report was calculated from the time the call was received by dispatch
to the time of arrival.
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report
Federal Bureau of Investization Uniform Crime Report
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 about late October for the previous calendar
year. Data for 2011 has not yet been published and is not available for the Palm Desert Police
Department Annual Report. The 2010 UCR crime data is included in Table 3.
Part I Offenses Known to the Police (UCR)
Table 3
Year
Population
Violent
Murder
Rape
Robbery
Assault
Property
Burglary
Larceny
Veh
Arson
Total Part I
Total Crimes
crime
crime
Theft
Crimes
Per 1000
Residents
2010
52,625
48
0
6
30
12
1,911
638
1,150
123
3
1,959
37.23
2009
51,630
43
0
5
30
8
1,927
705
1,114
108
5
1,970
38.16
2008
51,556
64
3
9
42
10
2,622
778
1,695
149
5
2,686
52.10
2007
47,903
92
2
16
48
26
2,914
847
1,837
230
11
3,006
62.75
2006
47,482
169
3
18
66
82
2,755
730
1,792
233
4
2,924
61.58
2005
46,925
145
2
6
38
99
2,662
714
1,691
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
11
32
140
2,380
721
1,437
221
1
2,563
57.86
2002
42,667
151
0
9
37
105
2,047
536
1325
181
5
2,198
51.52
2001
41,920
176
l
6
47
122
2,144
538
1399
206
1
2,320
55.34
2000
38,171
166
0
12
33
121
1,674
388
1139
144
3
1,840
48.20
1999
29,844
150
0
10
17
123
1,771
667
964
139
1
1,921
64.37
1998
28,923
173
3
5
38
127
2,130
521
1499
105
5
2,303
79.63
1997
27,261
188
2
9
41
136
2,449
801
1527
115
6
2,637
96.73
1996
26,932
161
2
10
43
106
2,372
732
1505
127
8
2,533
94.05
1995
26,688
178
1
6
28
143
2,882
869
1791
209
13
3,060
114.66
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 4
POLICE DEPARTMENT BEATS
The City of Palm Desert is divided into five service or "beat" areas. The 30 Beat covers the
business corridor along Highway 111. The 32 Beat covers the southern portion of the city south
of Highway 111 business corridor to the southern city limits. The 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 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 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.
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2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 5
STAFFING
The 2011 — 2014 Palm Desert Police contract consists of eighty (81) sworn officer positions.
The current swom officer per 1,000 resident ratios is 1.65. 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,
Palm Desert K-9, two multi jurisdictional Task Force Officers, School Resource Officers, two
Burglary Suppression Unit Officers 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 including two full time Crime Prevention Program Officers.
These non -sworn officers assist with the daily patrol operation of the station and support all field
operations.
INVESTIGATIONS & EVIDENCE BUREAU
The Palm Desert Police Department Investigations & Evidence Bureau serves the City of Palm
Desert, as well as the other Cove Communities. The Investigations Bureau is comprised of one
Sheriff's Lieutenant, two Sheriffs 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.
In addition to their regular duties, Investigators in the Bureau act as liaison with other
investigative entities or citizenry groups such as the Resort Communities Security Association,
C.A.R.E (Elderly Abuse Prevention), Crime Stoppers, Metal Theft Task Force, Tribal Indian
Gaming, and Second -Hand Dealer Licensing. These investigators are goal oriented and take
pride in their assignment.
The Evidence/Property Section also falls under the Investigations Bureau and is staffed by two
Community Service Officers. In addition to ensuring all evidence collected by Police Officers is
properly packaged and entered into the evidence tracking system, these Evidence Technicians
are responsible for the storage, tracking, auditing, release, and eventual final disposition or
destruction of thousands of items of evidence and found property. This is accomplished within
the most modern evidence warehouse in the county, with the state of the art equipment and
technology. This includes forklifts, stock pickers, wireless scanners, weapons storage racks and
the most modern freezers and refrigerators.
Investigations 2011 Year End Stats
Beginning Case Load: 161
Assigned Cases: 399
Closed Cases: 347
Open Cases: 209
Arrests: 23
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report
BURGLARY SUPPRESSION UNIT
The Palm Desert Station Burglary Suppression Unit (BSU) began in July of 2011. The unit
currently has one detective and four officers assigned to the team. Two of the officers are
assigned to the contract city of Palm Desert, one of the officers is assigned to the contract city of
Rancho Mirage, and one officer is assigned to the unincorporated County area. One Sheriff's
Sergeant is assigned to supervise operations.
The mission of the Burglary Suppression Unit is to reduce thefts within the jurisdiction of the
Palm Desert Station. The BSU proactively investigates all burglary related crimes to bring cases
to a successful conclusion by apprehending suspects, recovering stolen property, and educating
the public on crime prevention.
BSU 2011 Year End Stats (July 2011 throush December 2011)
Pedestrian Checks
14
FI Cards
11
Felony Arrests
74
Warrant Arrests (Felony)
2
Felony Filings
106
Search Warrants Written
31
Search Warrants Served
27
Property Recovered Value
$64,000.00
Cont. Sub. Recovered Value
$830.00
Surveillances
40
Cases Assigned
137
Cases Closed
113
Parole Searches
9
Probation Searches
6
Assist Other Departments
35
SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT TEAM
Since the mid 1980s, the Palm Desert Police Department has staffed a Special Enforcement
Team (SET) to augment the patrol division. The team consists of one Sergeant and four officers
and its primary function is to provide enhanced patrol services to residents of the City of Pahn
Desert. The team is supplemented by both the Business District Team (BDT) and our Crime
Prevention Program officers. SET conducts time intensive follow up investigations of burglaries,
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 problems that occur in that specific
geography.
SET conducts targeted investigations to combat identified problems within the city, provides
specialized enforcement and security for community events, and interacts with the citizens of
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 7
Palm Desert on a regular basis as they patrol utilizing bicycles and Segways EPAMD (Electronic
Personal Assistant Mobility Device). 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. Additionally, the bicycle and
Segway patrols allow for better mobility and quicker response in business and commercial areas
when traffic is heavier.
Further, SET targets specific crimes that affect all three Cove Communities by collaborating with
SET officers from Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells Police Departments. These teams of officers
identify, investigate and target criminals that are committing crimes throughout our communities
by moving from city to city. Communication among the teams is vital to the success of
apprehending and convicting criminals who move throughout our neighborhoods and across
borders. SET focuses upon these individuals by using several strategies, including: collaboration
of SET teams, community policing, investigative techniques such as surveillance and undercover
operations, as well as direct enforcement.
Our mission strategy is one of PROACTIVE PREVENTION. Palm Desert Police SET continues
to be an important part of this strategy and their enforcement techniques have helped
dramatically in reducing crime within the city.
SET 2011 Year End Stats
Moving Citations:
71
Parking Citations:
44
Traffic Stops:
414
Vehicle Checks:
225
Business Checks:
601
Pedestrian Checks:
302
FI Cards:
306
Felony Arrests:
92
Misdemeanor Arrests:
114
Warrant Arrests (Felony):
22
Warrant Arrests (Misd.):
38
Felony Filings:
86
Misdemeanor Filings:
89
Search Warrants Written:
37
Search Warrant Served:
46
Property Recovered Value:
$67,190
Drugs Seized/Recovered Value:
$66,980
No. Days -Bicycle Patrol:
34
No. Hours -Bicycle Patrol:
558
No. Days-Segway Patrol:
0
No. Hours-Segway Patrol:
0
Assist other Department:
29
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 8
BUSINESS DISTRICT TEAM
Beginning in 2006, the City of Palm Desert added a Business District Team (BDT) comprised of
two officers specifically assigned to the business district area referred to as the 30 beat. The
business district area includes the El Paseo corridor, the Westfield Mall, the Highway 111
corridor, and the Desert Crossing shopping center. While their primary responsibility is to
conduct high visibility patrol in this area, they also handle many of the calls for service generated
in the business district. The BDT utilizes several different methods to patrol this area, including
bicycle, Segway EPAMD (Electronic Personal Assistant Mobility Device), plain unit and on
foot.
The BDT is a valuable asset to the City of Palm Desert as the officers work a flexible schedule
that allows for their shifts to be adjusted according to the needs of the city. Their schedules are
created using crime trend analysis, peak shopping times, and high profile events to determine
when officers are most needed. In the course or patrolling the business district, the BDT often
handles calls for service that are specific to the business district such as theft and vandalism.
This in turn allows patrol deputies to remain available for other calls for service. Further, the
BDT conducts undercover operations both independently and in conjunction with the Alcoholic
Beverage Control (ABC) and Palm Desert City Code Enforcement in an effort deter alcohol and
tobacco sales to minors.
Through social service outreach and proactive state & municipal code enforcement, the
Homelessness Outreach & Criminal Transient Enforcement program developed by the BDT has
contributed to the reduction of the active criminal transient population within the city of Palm
Desert.
Additionally, the Commercial Trespass program implemented new database protocols to track
and manage the commercial trespass program through the Sheriff Department's Report
Management System (RMS), allowing all sworn personnel to access commercial trespass
program data in the field. The system provides notification to officers in the field of the trespass
letters and restrictions, allowing them to enforce trespassing laws as requested by business
owners even when the business owners are not at the location.
Business District Team 2011 Year End Stats
Moving Citations:
0
Parking Citations:
10
Traffic Stops:
76
Vehicle Checks:
178
Business Checks:
711
Pedestrian Checks:
237
FI Cards:
109
Felony Arrests:
7
Misdemeanor Arrests:
22
Warrant Arrests (Felony):
4
Warrant Arrests (Misd.):
5
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report
Felony Filings:
14
Misdemeanor Filings:
19
Search Warrants Written:
17
Search Warrant Served:
31
Property Recovered Value:
$1,041.57
Drugs Seized/Recovered Value:
$160.00
No. Days -Bicycle Patrol:
25
No. Hours -Bicycle Patrol:
246
No. Days-Segway Patrol:
1
No. Hours-Segway Patrol:
10
Assist other Department:
36
Massage Establishments:
In October 2008, members of the Palm Desert Special Enforcement Team began conducting
regular Massage Establishment Compliance Checks with Palm Desert Code Enforcement as a
result of complaints that independent massage establishments were engaged in illegal activity.
In July 2010, The BDT assumed responsibility of this program. As of January of 2011, the City
of Palm Desert had twenty two massage establishments, nine of which were independent, stand
alone massage establishments. In recent years, the city has experienced a significant increase in
the use of massage businesses as a "store front" for prostitution and related illicit activities. Since
the aforementioned date, the BDT has worked cooperatively with Code Enforcement, the
Planning Department, Business Licensing and the City Attorney to close a massage
establishment due to documented illicit activity.
Since the passage of California Senate Bill 731, the Police Department also worked
cooperatively with the California Massage Therapy Council to regulate massage establishments
and technicians operating within the City of Palm Desert. As of August 2010, in an effort to
prevent illicit activity at independent, stand alone massage establishments; the BDT has begun
conducting more comprehensive background investigations of massage establishment and
technician applicants. Theses background investigations have lead to the detection of applicants
who had a falsified documents and/or had a history of illicit activity, prostitution and/or
administrative noncompliance. These applicants were subsequently denied permits to operate,
either massage establishments or as massage technicians within the City of Palm Desert.
The Police Department remains committed to protecting consumers and to ensure that businesses
licensed within the community are not used as fronts for criminal illicit activity.
Massage Establishment Applications Processed: 2
Massage Therapist Applications Processed: 6
Massage Establishment Undercover Prostitution Operations: Several
Massage Establishment Related Code Compliance Inspections: 5
Massage Related Criminal Investigations: 8
Massage Establishment Municipal Code Violations filed with city attorney: 2
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 10
Commercial Trespass Program:
In August 2010, in response to the City of Palm Desert's concern regarding habitual trespassers'
negative impact on the business community, the BDT enhanced the exiting Commercial Trespass
Program by developing an automated system to aid field personnel in enforcing municipal codes
and state law pertaining to commercial trespassing. The BDT maintains this program and
provides Community Oriented Policing strategies to the business community to resolve habitual
commercial trespassing.
Business Enrolled in the Commercial Trespass Program: 10
Tobacco and Alcoholic Beverage Control Program (TABC).
Since 2008, the BDT has worked closely with Code Compliance and the California Department
of Alcoholic Beverage Control to prevent the sale of tobacco and alcohol products to minors.
The BDT routinely uses juvenile decoys during undercover operations to identify retailers who
sell tobacco and alcohol products to minors. The BDT takes appropriate enforcement action
against retailers who violate the municipal code and state law. Additionally, The BDT provides
education programs to tobacco and alcohol retailers pertaining to selling tobacco and alcohol
products to minors. One of the BDT goals during this program is to keep every tobacco and
alcohol retailer in the City of Palm Desert educated regarding the law pertaining to sales to
minors.
Juvenile Decoy Tobacco and Alcohol Undercover Operations: Several
Tobacco and Alcohol retailers targeted during undercover operations: 37
Tobacco and Alcohol retail educated during TABC program: 130
Tobacco and Alcohol retailer arrests: 6
Secondhand Dealers and Pawn Broker Inspection Program:
In 2011, the BDT assumed the responsibility of Secondhand Dealer and Pawn Broker
inspections. The secondhand dealer and pawn broker industry is highly regulated by the State of
California, County of Riverside and the City of Palm Desert. Traditionally, secondhand dealers
and pawn brokers can be valuable sources of information regarding burglary, theft and stolen
property investigations when the business is operated within the law. The goal of this program is
to ensure secondhand dealers and pawn brokers are in compliance with applicable State, County
and City laws, aid in criminal investigations and protect the citizen consumer.
Secondhand Dealers and Pawn Brokers enrolled in LEADS Online: 8
Secondhand Dealer and Pawn Broker Criminal Filings: 3
Secondhand Dealer and Pawn Broker Arrests: 1
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 11
PALM DESERT POLICE SUBSTATIONS
The Palm Desert Sheriff's Station moved to its new location on Gerald Ford Dr. in August 2010.
At the time of the move, the Palm Desert Police City Council believed it would be beneficial to
the community if we maintained a presence at the old station for a transition period of one year.
The old station located at 73520 Fred Waring Drive, became the Civic Center Sub -Station and
opened on September 14, 2010. Statistical data was captured to determine the efficiency and
effectiveness of the Civic Center Sub -Station. A decision was made to close the sub -station in
September of 2011 and redeploy the Community Service Officer' as part of a Crime Prevention
Program to better serve the community.
CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAM
The Palm Desert Police Department Crime Prevention Program operates in conjunction with the
Palm Desert Police SET and BDT Teams. Officers are responsible for coordinating the
Neighborhood Watch Program, the Crime Free Multi -Housing Program, The Crime Prevention
Through Environmental Design Program and act as liaisons between SET, BDT, the
Investigations Unit, citizens, and city staff. Additionally, Officers provide safety seminars and
meetings focusing on specific crime or neighborhood problems in the City of Palm Desert.
The Neighborhood Watch program is a nation-wide program that uses residents of a street,
residential area, or housing complex to assist the police by providing an extra set of eyes to
report suspicious or criminal activity. Crime Prevention Officers provide training to
Neighborhood Watch groups on how to observe and report these activities.
The Crime Free Multi -Housing Program (CFMH) is a worldwide program that partners
apartment owners/landlords, tenants and the police department to reduce crime on rental
properties. Officers regularly provide guidance and advice to apartment managers, management
companies and tenants to help reduce criminal activity within their complexes.
Officers also conduct regular Property Checks of city owned property, distribute bicycle helmets
to kids and participate in Car Safety Seat inspections and distribution programs.
Crime Prevention Program 2011 Year End Stats
Car Seat Inspection:
6
Car Seat Inspection w/Seat:
11
Assist SETBDTBSU:
67
Business Checks:
53
CFMH Follow-ups:
89
Neighborhood Watch Mtgs:
19
CPTED Inspections:
5
Property Checks:
139
Parking Violations:
1
Bicycle Helmet Distribution:
9
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 12
CANINE OFFICER
The Palm Desert City Council authorized a new Canine Officer position for FY 2007/08,
including the purchase of the city's first Police Service Dog. This new officer, also known as a
K-9, is used to help with searches of missing or lost persons, to track criminal violators from
crime scenes, to assist with fleeing or armed suspect arrests and in searches for evidence &
narcotics. K-9s are particularly useful in searches of buildings or residences for suspects, and to
assist in vehicle or foot pursuits if immediately available. During these occasions, the K-9 can
alleviate putting an officer in harm's way, while making sure the violator is apprehended
expeditiously.
Officer Steve Rivera is the first Canine Handler for the City of Palm Desert and his partner, Van
Snapp is the first police service dog. Van Snapp is a six year old Belgian Malinois who responds
to commands in Dutch. He was not only chosen for his demonstrated skills, but also picked for
the sociable aspects he displays. Van Snapp was deployed on duty the first week of February
2008. Since that time, Van Snapp and Officer Rivera have been great ambassadors for the city
and promote our adage "Professionals Who Care."
Throughout 2011, Van Snapp had nineteen "no bite" apprehensions. These apprehensions were
made while the suspect(s) was taken into custody in the presence of Van Snapp, thus resulting in
no harm to the officers, public, or suspect.
In an effort to deter and minimize the use and sales of illicit drugs at Palm Desert High School,
the Palm Desert Police Department implemented random "sniffs" in the campus parking lot. As
of January 2010, Van Snapp began to conduct random "sniffs" of vehicles at Palm Desert High
School. A total of three "sniffs" were conducted during 2011.
Van Snapp is now routinely requested to assist the Coachella Valley Narcotics Task Force with
the execution of narcotic search warrants served within the City of Palm Desert. Van Snapp was
responsible for locating narcotics on 56 separate occasions.
In July of 2011, Van Snapp assisted the Coachella Valley Narcotics Task Force with the service
of a narcotics related search warrant. During the search for narcotics, Van Snapp alerted to a
shoe box in a closet which contained a large amount of cash. A further search of this area
revealed nearly $20,000.00 related to narcotic sales.
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 13
In November of 2011, Van Snapp competed in the 161h Annual Riverside County Sheriff's
Department Canine Trials in Temecula, California. The Canine Team took 5th place in the
vehicle and building search competitions in Narcotics Detection.
In addition to locating narcotics, evidence, and searching for suspects, Van Snapp is a valuable
ambassador to the citizen's of Palm Desert. During 2011 Deputy Rivera and partner Van Snapp
conducted presentation at a myriad of special events. The following are few examples: Palm
Desert Country Club Safety Fair, Walk with the Animals, Palm Desert Family Safety Festival
and demonstrations at the Washington Charter Elementary School and Ritz at Barkingham
Palace.
Canine Team 2011 Year End Stats
Robbery Alarms:
0
Burglary Alarms:
93
Assist other Department:
38
Apprehensions (Bite):
0
Apprehensions (No Bite):
19
Search for Evidence:
3
Find Evidence:
1
Search for Narcotics:
56
Find Narcotics:
26
Search for Suspects:
112
Find Suspects:
0
Search for Victims:
0
Find Victims:
0
Public Relations Demo:
5
Scene Containment:
58
Suspect Control:
29
Warrant Service:
14
Total Statistics:
463
Total Uses:
215
PALM DESERT POLICE WEBSITE
For several years, The Palm Desert Police Department has maintained a website to provide the
citizens of Palm Desert with a look at the many services the department provides and to give the
citizens we serve the ability to contact their police department directly.
In 2010, The Palm Desert Police Department's website was merged with the city's website at
(www.cityofpalmdesert.org). The Palm Desert Police Administrative Sergeant is the point of
contact for the maintenance and updates to our Palm Desert website. The Palm Desert Police
website contains interactive pages, which are designed to help speed the crime reporting process,
and to report problem traffic areas within the city. In moving the domain, we gained the ability
to immediately control the information uploaded to the site while removing any associated costs
with the maintenance of the site.
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 14
The website continues to be a means which the Palm Desert Police Department uses to
accomplish our goal to foster better community relations, communication, and understanding of
the role the Police Department has in our community.
CITIZENS ON PATROL PROGRAM
The Citizens on Patrol Program (COP) is a cooperative by the City of Palm Desert and the Palm
Desert Police Department. The Palm Desert Police Administrative Sergeant acts as the liaison
officer between COP volunteers and the Police Department.
COP volunteers are a dedicated group of people acting as "eyes and ears" to the city and the
police. In 2011, Palm Desert COP Members volunteered a total of 8,607 hours. These hours
included routine patrol throughout the city, assistance with several D.U.I. checkpoints, Truancy
Sweeps and their valuable participation in special events such as the "Shop with a COP"
Program, 4th of July Celebration and the Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade.
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 15
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
The City of Palm Desert funds two School Resource Officer (SRO) positions, one for Palm
Desert Charter 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, as well as with the educational staff and administration at their respective
schools. Through their honest and open communications with students, the SRO's promote a
positive image of law enforcement. They are often able to prevent problems arising by their
close relationship with the students.
Both SRO's provide public safety programs on campus to help educate our students and staff
regarding issues of "Stranger Danger", bullying, bicycle safety, internet safety, drug abuse, and
alcohol awareness. SRO's also distribute bicycle helmets to students following a period of
education and warnings.
The Palm Desert Police Department is committed to combating juvenile delinquency and does so
through a variety of programs. In 2010, the Palm Desert K9 began random "sniffs" to deter drug
usage at Palm Desert High School. Three K9 "sniffs" were conducted in 2011.
In March 2011, The Palm Desert Police Department in cooperation with several local and county
entities participated in The Every 15 Minutes Program. The program is an effective tool in
relaying the consequences of underage drinking and driving.
In April 2011, the Palm Desert's Coachella Valley Narcotic Task Force Officer spoke at the
"Drugs 2011" discussion panel hosted by the Palm Desert High School Parent Teacher
Organization in an effort to educate parents and teachers alike as to what the current trends in
teenage drugs use are. One of the primary topics of discussion was the increase in the use of
Prescription Drugs.
In April 2011, an SRO assisted with the Spring Desert Strength Academy hosted by the
Riverside County Probation Department. This program is geared to challenge troubled youth
and deter them from future criminal activity. Six Palm Desert Charter Middle School students
participated in the program after being referred by the SRO.
Throughout the school year, the Palm Desert High School SRO has met and will continue to
meet with parents of Pahn Desert High School students who refuse to attend school. To date,
approximately 10 home visits have been conducted in which students were found sleeping by the
SRO and subsequently taken to the school. Follow-up is typically conducted with the family and
school counselors to determine the need for additional resources.
In 2011, four Truancy Sweeps were conducted in an effort to deter juvenile delinquency and
encourage students to attend school. Since the beginning of the 2011/2012 school year, the
amount of students found to be truant has greatly diminished largely because the new Palm
Desert High School is a closed/secure campus.
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 16
COACHELLA VALLEY VIOLENT CRIME GANG TASK FORCE
The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force (CVVCGTF) is a multi -agency task force
comprised of members 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. One Palm Desert officer is
currently assigned to this team.
CVVCGTF 2011 Officer, City & Team Year End Stats
Officer Stats 2011
Felony Arrests:
37
Misdemeanor Arrests:
28
Gang F.I. Cards:
73
F.I. Cards:
7
Gang Intervention Contact:
37
Criminal Cases Filed:
20
Gang Enhancements:
14
Probation Searches:
89
Probation Violations:
5
Parole Searches:
64
Parole Violations:
21
Firearms Recovered:
9
Search Warrants Written:
18
Search Warrants Served:
58
Pedestrian Checks:
54
Narcotics Seized (Grams):
756.5
Warrant Arrests (Felony):
11
Warrant Arrests (Misdemeanor):
22
Felony Filings:
14
Misdemeanor Filings:
4
Overtime Hours:
372
Gang Presentations:
4
Training Classes (Presented):
1
Training Hours (Presented):
6
Training Classes (Attended):
24
Training Hours (Attended):
148
Court Testimony:
10
Assist Other Department:
43
Follow -Up:
39
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 17
Palm Desert Specific Stats 2011
Probation Searches Palm Desert: 10
Probation Violations:
2
Parole Searches Palm Desert:
18
Parole Violations:
12
Firearms Recovered:
0
Gang Registration:
5
Felony Arrests:
12
Misdemeanor Arrests:
5
Search Warrants Served:
0
Training Classes (Presented):
1
Gang Presentations:
4
Pedestrian Checks:
15
Felony Filings:
5
Narcotics Seized (Grams):
22
Time Spent in Palm Desert (Hours):
1039
Court Testimony:
4
Gang F.I. Cards:
23
Identification of Street Gang:
0
GTF Team Stats 2011
Felony Arrests:
225
Misdemeanor Arrests:
66
Gang F.I. Cards:
950
F.I. Cards:
1,338
Gang Intervention Contact:
1003
Criminal Cases Filed:
138
Gang Enhancements:
83
Probation Searches:
734
Probation Violations:
39
Parole Searches:
258
Parole Violations:
40
Firearms Recovered:
45
Search Warrants Written:
60
Search Warrants Served:
146
Pedestrian Checks:
812
Narcotics Seized (Grams):
1,730.38
Warrant Arrests (Felony):
55
Warrant Arrests (Misdemeanor):
15
Felony Filings:
138
Misdemeanor Filings:
12
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 18
COACHELLA VALLEY NARCOTIC TASK FORCE
The Coachella Valley Narcotics Task Force (CVNTF) is a multi -agency task force comprised of
members from the California Department of Justice — Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement,
Cathedral City Police Department, Desert Hot Springs Police Department, Palm Springs Police
Department, Riverside County Probation Department, Riverside County Department of Public
Social Services — Child Protective Services, Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Coachella
Police Department, La Quinta Police Department and Palm Desert Police Department.
The Mission of the CVNTF is to increase public safety by significantly diminishing the
availability and use of illegal drugs in the cities and adjacent un-incorporated areas of Riverside
County and apprehend the responsible offenders.
In 2011, the team produced the following statistics:
Open/Closed Cases
266
Control Bus
129
Search Warrants
78
Probation Searches
122
Parole Searches
11
Felony Arrests
125
Misdemeanor Arrests
1
Weapons Seized
57
*The weapons seized included: (25) handguns, (21) rifles, (7) shotguns, (1) knife, (1) baton, (1)
WWII sub machine gun and (1) brass knuckles
4K
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 19
Palm Desert Stats 2011
Misdemeanor Arrests:
0
F.I. Gang Cards:
0
F.I. Cards:
15
Gang Intervention Contact:
0
Criminal Cases Filed:
15
Gang Enhancements:
0
Probation Searches:
30
Probation Violations:
5
Parole Searches:
0
Parole Violations:
0
Firearms Recovered:
0
Search Warrants Written:
10
Search Warrants Served:
10
Pedestrian Checks:
0
Warrant Arrests (Felony):
0
Warrant Arrests (Misdemeanor):
0
Felony Filings:
15
Misdemeanor Filings:
0
Overtime Hours:
120
Narcotic Presentations:
1
Training Classes (Presented):
3
Training Hours (Presented):
10
Training Classes (Attended):
3
Training Hours (Attended):
114
Court Testimony:
10
Assist Other Department:
4
Follow -Up:
15
Narcotics Seized
Grams
Street Value
Metham hetamine
40
$4,000
Marijuana
310
$3,100
Marijuana Plants
6
$6,000
Cocaine
10
$1,000
Heroin
30
$3,000
Hashish
8
$790
RX Pills
$1,500
Totals
398
$19, 390
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 20
Team Stats 2011
Felony Arrests:
125
Misdemeanor Arrests:
1
F.I. Gang Cards:
0
F.I. Cards:
125
Gang Intervention Contact:
0
Criminal Cases Filed:
100
Gang Enhancements:
0
Probation Searches:
122
Probation Violations:
25
Parole Searches:
11
Parole Violations:
0
Firearms Recovered:
57
Search Warrants Written:
78
Search Warrants Served:
78
Pedestrian Checks:
0
Warrant Arrests (Felony):
0
Warrant Arrests (Misdemeanor):
0
Felony Filings:
125
Misdemeanor Filings:
1
Overtime Hours:
120
Narcotic Presentations:
1
Training Classes (Presented):
3
Training Hours (Presented):
10
Training Classes (Attended):
3
Training Hours (Attended):
114
Court Testimony:
10
Assist Other Department:
10
Follow -Up:
15
Narcotics Seized
Grams
Street Value
Metham hetamine
600
$48,000
Marijuana
10,648
$106,000
Cocaine
207
$20,700
Heroin
465
$93,080
Hashish
8
$790
LSD Hits
$1,550
Marijuana Plants
$624,000
Psiloc bin Mushrooms
$87,480
Ecstac
$5925
RX Pills
$15,280
Totals
11,928
$1,003,247.00
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 21
TRAFFIC DIVISION
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 providing support
for the general law enforcement component (Patrol).
The Traffic Division staff includes two sergeants, eleven officers and one Community Services
Officer (CSO). The collision investigation portion of this division consists of one sergeant, two
officers, 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 and education. The
remainder of the division consists of one sergeant and eight officers assigned to the Motorcycle
Enforcement Program. The Motorcycle Enforcement Program's primary responsibility is traffic
law enforcement and education, and a secondary 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 a 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. The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer handles Vehicle Identification Number
(V. 1. N.) verifications using state of the art computer software and monitors the tow companies
assigned to the Palm Desert Station Tow Contract.
During the 2011 year, the Commercial Enforcement vehicle was out of service due to engine
failure. Because of this, officers were unable to utilize much of the special equipment used for
weighing and inspecting commercial vehicles. The following is a summary of the Commercial
Enforcement Vehicle Program activity in the City of Palm Desert for 2011:
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 22
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Statistics for 2011
Vehicle stops
175
Citations
158
Warnings
6
Commercial vehicle inspections
1
Commercial vehicles taken out of service
2
Overweight vehicles
0
Total Overweight (lbs)
0
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
of traffic collision, citation, and Driving While Intoxicated records. This database allows for
easy and quick retrieval of reports and statistical date that can be used for traffic planning, public
safety programs, or city engineering studies. The following is a summary of the collision
statistics for 2011:
Total Traffic Collisions (12 percent increase from 2010)
2011 - 671
2010 - 597
®Total Collisions
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Fatal Traffic Collisions (50 percent decrease from 2010)
2011-1
2010-2
Number of People Killed (50 percent decrease from 2010)
2011-1
2010-2
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 23
Number of People Killed in a DUI -related Collision
2011 - 1
2010 - 1
Injury Traffic Collisions (4 percent increase from 2010)
2011 - 197
2010 - 189
Number of Persons Injured (1 percent increase from 2010)
2011 - 274
2010 - 270
Driving Under the Influence Related (52 percent increase from 2010)
2011 - 61
2010 - 40
High Incidents by `Day of Week"
The majority of collisions occurred on weekdays between Wednesday and Friday, with Friday
having the highest average.
Peak Time Period of Collisions
A review of the statistics reflects that most collisions are occurring between the periods of 1:00
p.m. through 6:00 p.m.
High Incident Locations (Intersections - Ranked in Order)
1. Cook Street and Country Club Drive (22)
2. Hospitality Row and Highway 111 (22)
3. Fred Waring Drive and Highway 111 (20)
Primary Collision Factor (By Ranking)
1. Excessive speed
2. Traffic signs and signals
3. Improper Turning
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 24
Traffic Enforcement Statistics
Total Citations (14 percent decrease from 2010)
238
10000 5232 7131 6383
2011 — 6,383
2010 — 7,131 5000 ■ Total Citations
OWN KI
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
DUI Arrests (4 percent decrease from 2010)
3
400, 349 93
2011 — 188 300
2010 — 196 200100, IN DUI Arrests
0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Unlicensed Drivers (34 percent decrease from 2010)
800 542 — -
rrs-- —
2011 — 359 600 350 359
2010 — 551 400 ■Unlicensed
200
0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Traffic Programs Worked
The Palm Desert Police Department conducts focused traffic enforcement programs based upon
analysis of collision statistics. In 2011, the Traffic Division conducted a total of forty-one (41)
traffic -related programs within the City of Palm Desert.
(21) Directed Enforcement Programs
(2) School Safety Program
(1) Seat Belt Enforcement Details, including the "Click It or Ticket" campaign
(1) Family Safety Fair
(5) DUI/Driver's License Checkpoints
(7) Special Event Programs
(4) "Avoid the 30" Driving under the Influence Enforcement Program.
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 25
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 2010/2011:
Click it or Ticket $ 1,740.48
Sobriety Checkpoint Mini Grant $ 26,640.00
ADDITIONAL BASELINE SERVICES
As a contract partner with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, the Palm Desert Police
Department also has access to the following baseline services:
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• Special Enforcement Bureau (SWAT)
• Hazard Device Team (Bomb Squad)
• Aviation Unit (five 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 Desert Public Safety Academy
• Special Investigations Bureau (Narcotics & Intelligence)
• Central Homicide Unit
2012 GOALS
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we
The Palm Desert Police Department will focus upon the following areas to increase the level of
service to our citizens in 2012:
• Continue to aggressively combat criminal activity within the City of Palm Desert with
focused efforts on reducing property crimes.
• Strive to provide an average response time for Priority I (Emergency) calls for services in
less than five minutes.
• Continue to build relationships and cooperative efforts with business owners and
shopping centers through our Business District Team.
• Further develop our Crime Prevention, Crime Free Multi -Housing and Neighborhood
Watch programs.
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 26
• 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 innovative and proactive approaches to combat DUI drivers and reduce the
alcohol related injury and fatal collisions.
• Maintain coordinated efforts with City Code Enforcement, Public Works, Planning and
Business Licensing Departments.
• Continue to address rogue business establishments engaging in illicit activity.
• Continue to address youth delinquency through implementation of Truancy Sweeps,
tobacco, alcohol and narcotic enforcement programs.
• Coordinate and participate in the 2012 Palm Desert Family Safety Festival.
• Distribute as many helmets and car seats as possible to Palm Desert residents in need
through our Bicycle Helmet and Child Car Seat programs.
• Continue our participation in various multi jurisdictional task forces.
2011 Palm Desert Police Department Annual Report 27