MPD The Beat Issue 9

MAKING MOBILE THE SAFEST CITY IN AMERICA WITH RESPECT FOR EVERYONEMPDTheBeat May 2018 ISSUE 9 PRAISE AND RECOGNITION FROM THE COMMUNITYNEW OFFICERS GET ONFFICICKECRROEFPYEETAAHURETAKE-HOME VEHICLES CIVMIALIRATONHFEATMBHPAELRYOTEYOAENRELMAEWMEONRFIAOLRSCEERMVEINCET GARDEN DESIGNED TO BUILD POLICE-COMMUNITY RELATIONS

A MESSAGE FROM THE Jesse Sluder Officer of the Month CHIEF OF POLICE The Mobile Police Department “The police are the public and the public are the police; honors Jesse Sluder as the Officer the police being only members of the public who are of the Month for April 2018. Serving paid to give full time attention to duties which are as a police officer since October incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community 2015, Sluder is assigned to Precinct welfare and existence.” —The late British Prime Minister, Robert Peel 2. During the month of April, he responded to 116 calls for service and Our quest to serve is two-fold 24 backings. Sluder made 10 felony and 45 misdemeanor arrests andWhen what is construed as damaging and negative behavior about law wrote 22 traffic citations.enforcement is given the highlighted attention, it is my pleasure to celebrate that According to his superiors, Sluder’swhich is effective and progressive for the common good of all of our citizens. This proactive nature and professionalincludes the citizens of our city who wear the law enforcement badge and have demeanor is what sets him apart. Hesworn to protect and serve the unsworn members of the community. is commended for his tremendousAlthough I am certainly very grateful and proud of the work that every division, work in locating and arrestingunit, and section do every day, I would like to offer a very humbled “Thank you!” several suspects wanted forto the Homicide Unit. During the month of May, the Homicide Unit cleared three burglaries, robberies, thefts and othermajor cases: the shooting at the Grand Hall on Halls Mill Road that resulted in the offenses. Read more about Sluder’smurder of a 15 year-old innocent high school student, the murders that occurred accomplishments.on Driftwood Drive, and the murder that occurred on Lafayette Street.While all murders are repulsive, the murder of an innocent teenaged child EVENT CALENDARwas especially egregious, senseless, and heinous. Because of your unrelentingdetermination to locate the perpetrators in all of these cases, I am sure that the JUNE 4 - JULY 13victims’ families were given some expiated sense of closure in their grieving.During the month of May, we also celebrated the unveiling of the Law CITY SUMMER LEAGUE CO-EDEnforcement Memorial, erected in the Public Safety Memorial Park in memory of SOFTBALL AND BASKETBALLour fallen.Our Law Enforcement Recognition Banquet was held this month as well. Sponsored by the City of Mobile ParksCongratulations to Corporal Nick Crepeau, who was awarded Officer of the & Recreation Department, along withYear and to Mrs. Martha Barton, awarded Civilian Employee of the Year. And, MPD and MFRD. Practice is Mondays andcongratulations to the former Captain Roy Hodge, who has been appointed Tuesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. For moreAssistant Chief of Operations for the Department. information, call 208-1657.Reflecting on the opening quote, our quest to “serve and protect” is two-fold. Aswe serve our communities, we also serve ourselves as members of the community EDITORIAL CONTACTpursuing the assurance of a quality of life that is worthwhile and satisfying. Your PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICEgreat commitment fuels my desire and determination as your chief to ensure thatthe city of Mobile, our neighboring cities, and the nation realize what a dynamic, Charlette Solis ext. 1918strong, yet compassionately sensitive group of law enforcement professionals that Corporal LaDerrick Dubose ext. 1926Mobile has been fortunate to assemble.You are leaders, ladies and gentlemen. Leadership is not about a title or a THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORSdesignation. It’s about impact, influence and inspiration. Impact involves gettingresults. Influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work. Leading without a title does not pull or flex your power from your position, but from Captain Linda Timsyour competence and effectiveness as well as through relationships, excellence,innovation and ethics. You do indeed inspire one another through your diligent Heidi Robinsoncare of our citizens. Ronwick Thomas 2 Submit ideas and info for the next issue! EMAIL: [email protected] January M20a1y32-0N18ew| MslePttDerTTehmeBpleaatet

Garden designed to build police-community relationsFamily intervention specialist Ronwick Thomashad an idea to create a garden that would buildpolice-community relations. Today, it is growinginto an intergenerational program. Harmon-Thomas Community Center senior citizens andyouth are planting a variety of vegetables in 12raised garden beds measuring 4 feet by 12 feet.Already sprouting up are lima beans, squash,turnips, bell peppers, cantaloupe and tomatoes.“I believed a hands-on activity, besidesbasketball, might open the doors ofcommunication with family intervention teamspecialists and police officers seeking to developbetter relations with the kids at the communitycenter,”Thomas said.The garden project is a collaborative effort by Above, Harmon-Thomas Community Center senior citizens pictured at the garden.the Office of Strategic Initiatives, Mobile Parks Left, the kids plant seeds in the garden bed.and Recreation Department, New Bayside BaptistChurch and the First Precinct.January M20a1y32-0N18ew| MslePttDerTTehmeBpleaatet From left, Katrina Frazier, recreation program supervisor; Cora Edwards, Harmon- Thomas Community Center supervisor; family intervention team specialists Katina Randolph, Gloria Hill, and Meosha Hart; and Office of Strategic Initiatives Commander Curtis Graves. Funding for the garden was received from a Walmart grant through the National Recreation and Parks Association. Items purchased have included refrigerators, physical activity games, tables, white boards for nutritional classes, seedlings, soil and garden tools. The boxes are color coordinated to identify which group is responsible for maintaining the garden beds. The groups include the Community Center youth and senior citizens and the New Bayside Baptist Church youth and senior citizens, and each have three garden boxes for planting. The plan is the cook a group meal with the harvest at the Harmon-Thomas Community Center. The garden is located at 950 Weinacker Avenue on the New Bayside Baptist Church property in Mayesville . There is also an additonal garden box located behind the Harmon-Thomas Community Center. 3

Law Enforcement Memorial Service: To Remember and to HonorThe chaplains of the Mobile Police Department and MobileCounty Sheriff’s Office held a Law Enforcement MemorialService on May 17 to remember and to honor local lawenforcement personnel who died in 2017.Although the service has been held annually for the past50 years, this year the chaplains made it more special andmemorable. Family members read the Roll of Honor. Therewere a total of 16 names. The line of duty death of JustinBilla was also on the Roll of Honor.Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich was present A family member traces the name of her loved one from the Mobileto unveil and dedicate the new Mobile County Law County Law Enforcement Memorial wall..Enforcement Memorial. The monument is dedicated tothe guardians of our community who made the ultimatesacrifice –being killed in the line of duty. It stands at thePublic Safety Memorial Park entrance near GovernmentStreet.Bret Kirby, FBI assistant special agent in charge, deliveredthe memorial message. More than 30 law enforcementdepartments and agencies supported and wereHolding Taylor in her arms, Erin Billa calls out Justin’s name during A family member calls out her loved one’s name on the Roll of Honor asthe Reading of the Roll of Honor. Chaplain Ed Connick stands by. represented at this service of remembrance hosted by MPD Chaplain Ed Connick and MCSO Chaplain Ron Pierce. VIEW MORE PHOTOS MPD Praise & Recognition from the Community I just want to tell you what an amazing job Officers Joshua Nix, Jerry Hoven and Paul Lee did for our neighborhood. Therewas one other officer. He was bitten by a dog and had to leave so I don’t recall his name. Due to the actions of those officers ourdrug problem has moved from our neighborhood. We can never thank them enough. Many other officers responded that day. They took us seriously and helped make our neigborhood feel like home again. —Johnnie Davis , Andrews Road MPD Praise & Recognition from the Community My wife’s car was stolen out of our driveway the morning of May 9, 2018. We called the police and Officer Michael Barnett came out. We had located the car using an app locator, and my wife knew the area. Officer Barnett offered to drive her there to see if she could identify the car and I followed them in my car. We found it, and Officer Barnett made sure my wife stayed in his car while we checked it out. Once safe, he let her join him. He then dusted the car for prints, and followed us back home to complete his report. He was very kind, considerate and offered up some safety and security steps for our home to help prevent this type of thing. We are grateful that the Mobile police force has officers like Michael out there looking out for us. —Chris and Mary Jane Schatzman, Hillwood Road4 January 2M01ay3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet

Jade Davis recognized as Civilian Employee of the Month Jade Davis, secretary for the Criminal investigation Section, receives the Civilian Employee of the Month Award for April 2018. Davis is recognized for delivering excellent service in her administrative role and praised for the ability to motivate those around her with her positive attitude. Davis was transferred from the Youth Services Detail to the Investigative Operations Division in November 2017. In the five months since the change, she has taken on significantly greater responsibilities including tracking and maintaining division time sheets, attending weekly Section COBRA meetings, and recording status notes for the Criminal Investigations captain. In addition to those added responsibilities, she has been involved in creating and dispersing section communications for the captain, and compiling monthly and quarterly division reports for the chain of command as well as directing calls for the Criminal Investigation Section detectives.during high-volume walk-in periods. Davis continues to go above and beyond by taking complaints and citizen requests, and aiding in providing transcription for the Special Victims Unit. Davis occasionally steps in to assist in writing reportsAccording to her supervisor, Davis demonstrates a high level of commitment and service to the department everyday. She is described as being an asset to the department and organization as a whole.Alisha Mixon promoted to radio communications officer (RCO)Congratulations to Alisha Mixon for her promotion to radiocommunications officer (RCO) on May 12, 2018! Mixon has beenemployed with the Mobile Police Department since September2006, serving as a public safety dispatcher. In October 2012, shewas promoted to public safety dispatcher II. Mixon has beenworking in the capactiy of acting RCO since October 2016.During her career, Mixon has received several commendationsthat include Civilian of the Month and the Outstanding CivilianService Award. She is known to be an inspiration to all who comein contact with her. Mixon’s supervisor says she is dedicated toher job, and is hardworking and thoughtful. MPD Praise & Recognition from the Community I wanted to give feedback on a journey I took through the process of retrieving a lost firearm that was turned in to the Mobile Police. My journey went through many different voices and departments, ultimately to the end result which found me holding my firearm once again. I left my firearm in a hotel safe during Mardi Gras, which cleaning staff found and turned over to police. After several days backtracking I made the call to the hotel and they informed me they turned it over to the Mobile Police. Thiswas all the information I had. I began making calls to every number I could being greeted with friendly voices on the other endof the phone but not really making any headway into the retrieval of my firearm. After several days of phone calls I finally got a voice of a young lady who directed me to call another number and request to speak to a detective. I got a call several days agoand proceeded to drive to headquarters to pick up my firearm. My experience was this: Never once did I feel I was being looked at with suspicion or a problem. I was met with courtesy and professionalism. You have a smile brought to my face, as someone was paying attention to your professionalism and kindness. —Gregory Overstreet, Grand BayJanuary 2M01ay3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet 5

Corporal Nick Crepeau is Officer of the YearCorporal Judd (Nick) Crepeau, seniordetective in the Homicide Unit, is ourOfficer of the Year.Crepeau has demonstrated very high-quality investigative skills, superiorinterview techniques and strong-willed motivation, which contributedsignificantly to an above averagehomicide clearance rate in 2017.His personal clearance rate was 100percent. He generated and completed34 major case investigations.Committed to obtaining successfuloutcomes in his investigations,Crepeau has dedicated countlesshours toward resolving investigations,oftentimes working days with verylittle to no sleep.Here are a few examples of theprofessional commitment thatCrepeau has delivered to the department.THE CASE OF 23-YEAR-OLD KELEI MORRIS, GUNNED DOORED AT HER DOOR AND KILLEDCrepeau was assigned one of the most difficult and heartbreaking cases. On February 2, 2015, Kelei Morris, 23, was murdered.Morris was a nurse at Mobile Infirmary. She had just gotten off work and was about to walk into her apartment. This is whenshe was gunned down at her door and killed. Through Crepeau’s investigation, he quickly developed the prime suspect alongwith an accomplice. Crepeau worked on this case diligently for the next two years.During early 2017, Crepeau could not put this case out of his mind. He spent many hours, days and months working on thecase to bring justice for Kelei Morris and her family. Crepeau prepared one of his largest, most complicated case files andpresented it to the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office, who was on board with Crepeau. The Mobile County DistrictAttorney’s Office agreed to present the case to a Grand Jury where they would receive an indictment for murder on bothsuspects. On March 20, 2017, Crepeau along with other members of the Homicide Unit took one of the suspects into custodyat his apartment. His accomplice was taken into custody in Denver, Colorado.THE CASE OF “WHO DONE IT” — NO EVIDENCE, NO EYE-WITNESSESOn June 16, 2017 at approximately 6:55 a.m., the Homicide Unit was called to investigate the shooting death of Eppie Farris.Farris was found behind a vacant residence on Caroline Avenue. This case was one that had little to no evidence, no eye-witnesses, and was considered a “who done it”. Crepeau was assigned this case and immediately began tracking down leads.On July 29, 2017 at approximately 9:40 a.m., the Homicide Unit was called to investigate the shooting death of ChristopherColeman. Coleman was found in the street in front of a residence on Fry Street. A little over a month had lapsed and Crepeauwas assigned another “who done it”. Crepeau began to work on this case, tracking down leads and gathering surveillancevideo. Shortly after the Coleman homicide, Crepeau received information on the Farris case. Over the course of thisinvestigation, Crepeau obtained information that linked him to the prime suspect connected to the death of Farris. Whilelooking into this suspect, Crepeau found evidence that linked the suspect to the murder of both Farris and Coleman.THE CASE OF 5-YEAR-OLD KAMDEN JOHNSON, FOUND DECEASED OFF DEMETROPOLIS ROADOn August 21, 2017 at 2:50 p.m., Crepeau was tasked with investigating the death of 5-year-old Kamden Johnson, who wasfound deceased lying on the ground in the front yard of a residence off Demetropolis Road. Johnson was discovered by ayoung girl who was walking home from school. Crepeau was able to identify the person responsible for the death of Johnson,took her into custody and recovered evidence to support his case, all within the same day.Crepeau continues to demonstrate excellence as he goes the extra mile on each investigation – whether he is the leadinvestigator or assisting other members of the Homicide Team. His level of professionalism as an investigator is an example forothers to follow.6 January 2M01ay3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet

Martha Barton is Civilian Employee of the YearMartha Barton receives the Civilian Employeeof the Year Award. Barton is extremelyinstrumental in the everyday operation ofthe Fourth Precinct. She exceeds the workrequirements expected of an office assistant.Barton requires little to no supervisionand is always ready with providing anyinformation from the precinct commander,precinct supervisors and all officers workingon an assigned project. During 2017, shedemonstrated her ability to go above andbeyond to ensure the precinct runs smoothly.Barton routinely is at work early and has allpaperwork ready each day prior to supervisorarrival. She has it sorted by importance andprepared for review.Additionally, Barton provides management support to the community resource officers who work at the precinctfront desk. Prior to becoming an office assistant, she was a community resource officer. Barton understands what isexpected of individuals working in that position and doesn’t mind helping as much as needed.Law Enforcement Recognition Banquet and Awards PresentationThe 2017 Law Enforcement Recognition Banquet was held at the Heron Lakes Country Club on May 17. Congrats to allwho were honored with an award! NBC 15 News anchor Kym Anderson was the Mistress of Ceremonies and Dr. JeremiahNewell, COO Mobile Area Education Foundation, was the keynote speaker.Officer Darlene Looney McKean and Sergenat Pat McKean at the Lieutenant Charles Bagsby takes a picture with his wife before thebanquet with family members. awards presentation.Detective Andre King with wife and Officer Fred Freeman with wife at Sergeant Chris Reed and wife take a picture before enjoying their meal.the banquet. 7January 2M01ay3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet

G.R.E.A.T. Kids and First Responders Day CelebrationThe G.R.E.A.T. Kids and First Responders Day begins with Detective Sarah Badon cheering big with Fonde Elementary School students at thecelebration held May 11 at Municipal Park.In celebration of nearly 550 fourth-grade students the community safe. They also met a crew from the City ofgraduating from the Gang Resistance and Education Mobile Public Works Department.Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program, MPD honored them at the The event applauded the students for taking the pledge“G.R.E.A.T. Kids and First Responders Day” event. The to be great citizens, avoid gangs and not participate instudents saw first-hand a display of the vehicles and violence. It was a way Mobile police officers could continueequipment police use and got the opportunity to meet the to bond with the students while increasing positive attitudesofficers who work in specialized positions – all while learning toward law enforcement. VIEW MORE PHOTOSmore about the job of a police officer and how police keepCorporal Daryl Gipson shows Morningside Elementary School students A student pets one of police horses after Officer Aaron McKee talks aboutthe type of vehicle SWAT officers use. the work of the Police Mounted Unit.WATCH FOX 10 NEWS coverage of the event with Commander Curtis Graves, Office of Strategic Initiatives.8 January 2M01ay3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet

Chief starts FIT RUN FOR FRIDAYS!From left, Officer Robert Lunsford, Det. Eugene Evans, Sgt. Scott Hanks, Cpl. Michael Ellzey, Major Randy Jackson, Cpl. Jennings Powell,Major John Barber, Sgt. Joshua Joerger, Lt. James Cunningham, Major Philip McCrary, Chief Battiste, and Commander Daryl HuffOur chief has started a new thing called Fit Run forFridays. Eleven members of the police departmenttook part in the first run which started at the MobilePolice Academy to Ladd-Peebles Stadium and backto the Mobile Police Academy.Once officers arrived at Ladd-Peebles stadium theyran the bleachers on both the west and east sidesof the stadium. They then ran the bleachers in boththe north and south end zones. After completing100-yard dashes, the officers ran back to the MobilePolice Academy.Chief Battiste hopes this is something where more Chief Battiste leads the run with 11 other officers participating in the Fitofficers can make a regular routine on Fridays. He Run on May 11.believes this is one way officers can spend timegetting in shape and a way to build comaraderie.New officers issued first patrol carClass 59 is the first group of officers to receive atake-home patrol car upon completion of theirpolice academy training. Prior to getting into theircars, the 19 new officers were required to completea 4-hour classroom course on the regulations andrequirements to follow for the take-home vehicle.Officer Troy Harrison, one of the officers issued apatrol car, expressed his gratitude. “We really doappreciate this and it is things like this that helpsboost morale with the new officers,” Harrison said.Assistant Chief Hodge said the idea came to himafter he saw how the Indiana State Police issued theirtake-home vehicles. He thought it would be great toimplement the idea with our department.On May 18 the new officers received their take-home Officer Jayvien Banks is issued his first patrol car.patrol cars in the back of police headquarters.January 2M01ay3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet 9