MPD The Beat Issue 8 | April 2018

MAKING MOBILE THE SAFEST CITY IN AMERICA WITH RESPECT FOR EVERYONEMPDTheBeat APRIL 2018 ISSUE 8 LAPUUNBCLAHICCOSAFADFNEEMETWYYTHE BILLA LAW ENFORCEMENTTOY DRIVE TORCH RUNELSA LANGUAGE CELEBRATION OFTRANSLATION DEVICE PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS

Andrew Anderson Officer of the Month A MESSAGE FROM THECHIEF OF POLICE Forging ahead in the midst The Mobile Police Department has of harsh realities named Andrew Anderson the Officer of the Month for March 2018. With nearlyGreetings: two years as a police officer, Anderson isI would first like to thank each of you for your dedication and contributions to assigned to Precinct 1 and works patrol.advancing the vision of our Department. Secondly, I would like to encourage you During the month of March, Andersonto continue to do great things. responded to 118 calls for service andOur law enforcement family has had to face some harsh realities in relation to 86 backings. He made 38 felony andthe job that we perform. Through prayer and the solidarity of our family, we have 27 misdemeanor arrests, and wroteendured them all and are forging ahead, as we have done on other occasions. nine traffic citations. Anderson isOftentimes, it may appear that all the commendable, noteworthy and commended for capturing suspectsnewsworthy positive things that you as a law enforcement agency do from day- in possession of drugs, stolen vehiclesto-day are overshadowed by crime reports and more repugnant events. Perhaps, and stolen guns. Read more aboutbecause of this sometimes-bleak outlook of appreciation, you may even wonder Anderson’s accomplishments.or consider that your decision to become law enforcement officers may not have Anderson was honored at the Officer ofbeen the best decision or even the right one. That may very well be applicable to the Month Luncheon, sponsored by thea very small percentage of us, but your ethical characteristics speak volumes as Midtown Optimist Club, on April 11.your attitudes in the work, your performance of duty, responsiveness, dedication,cooperation and perseverance have never wavered or diminished. It is greatly EVENT CALENDARappreciated, very much admired and applauded.I am most certainly aware of the sacrifice that each of your families’ has to commit THURSDAY, MAY 17, 10:30AMto so that you may serve our community. There are really no words to showadequate gratitude to them, but they too are reverenced in my admiration of you. Annual Law EnforcementI am very proud to serve as your leader in this great mission. As we face our Memorial Serviceday-to-day quest to ensure the safety of our communities, I admonish each ofus to remember: “It is not in the still calm of life, or the repose of a pacific station, Public Safety Memorial Parkthat great characters are formed. The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in The event honors local law enforcementcontending with difficulties.” (Abigail Adams) officers who have died in 2017 andThank you all for all that you do. I remain humbly appreciative to each of you and Officer Billa killed in the line of duty.may God bless you all.Sincerely, EDITORIAL CONTACT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICELawrence L. Battiste, IV Charlette Solis ext. 19182 Corporal LaDerrick Dubose ext. 1926 THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Captain Kevin Rodgers Chaplain Ed Connick Gloria Hill Leah Modelski Heidi Robinson Submit ideas and info for the next issue! EMAIL: [email protected] JanuaryA2p0r1il32-0N18ew| MslePttDerTTehmeBpleaatet

LeFlore Magnet High School launches Public Safety AcademyThe Mobile County Public School System launchesa Public Safety Academy fall of 2018 for studentsinterested in pursuing a career in law enforcement orfire and rescue. The Memorandum of UnderstandingSigning Ceremony took place March 26 at LefloreMagnet High School – future home of the PublicSafety Academy. Chief Battiste and Chief Sealy gavetheir commitment to help establish the academy.Although beginning as a pilot program, if it isdetermined that sufficient interest exists a completeacademy will be established allowing students to earna state and industry recognized credential.All freshmen students at LeFlore are required to takeJROTC their first year of high school. In collaborationwith the Army JROTC program, freshmen students willreceive instruction from public safety professionals. Principal Henderson speaks at the MOU Signing Ceremony between the City of Mobile Police and Fire-Rescue Departments and MCPSS. He believes the new“It takes a village to raise a child and we need everyone academy will pique students’ interest to pursue a career in public safety.to support students in their endeavors,” said Principal William Henderson of John L. LeFlore Magnet High School. “With openarms we welcome the partnership.”The purpose of the signature academy is for students to learn ofthe career opportunities in the city where they live, explainedMartha Peek, superintendent of the Mobile County Public SchoolSystem. Students will gain understanding in how to prepare for acareer, realistically, in order to be successful in their career choice.Work professionals in public safety will become their role models.Making sure students are on a career pathway and haveestablished connections and relationships with businesses in thecommunity now begins in high school.In December 2015, the Mobile Police Department signed amemorandum of understanding with the Mobile County PublicSchool System to become a JROTC Co-Op program partner.“This is another chapter of the Mobile Police Department Lt. Colonel (Retired) Robert Barrow, director of Army Instruction,expanding our relationship with Mobile County Public Schools,” introduces those involved in the collaborative partnership.said Chief Battiste.  “The pathway will translate into our youngpeople obtaining jobs and we are engaged to take part in the process.”From left: Chief Battiste and Chief Sealy sign the MOU. Both chiefs will serve as members of the program’s Advisory Committee. Students will 3receive mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities. Bridgette Eubanks of the Signature Academy showcases possible career paths.WATCH VIDEO: Chief Battiste talks about how the Public Safety Academy will help with recruitment efforts.JanuaryA2p0r1il32-0N18ew| MslePttDerTTehmeBpleaatet

No habla espanol. ELSA Language Translation Device AvailableDo you often encounter individuals in the course of yourdaily activities who do not speak the English language?Many times officers are unable to communicate effectivelywith individuals due to these language barriers. In an effortto better serve a diverse community, the Mobile PoliceDepartment purchased a device that provides officers withtranslators 24 hours a day via an ELSA phone device.ABOUT USING THE DEVICEIt shall be the responsibility of the commander of theFourth Precinct to maintain inventory, accountability andserviceability of the ELSA device.The ELSA device will be available to all members of the COMMUNICATIONS UNIT RESPONSIBILITIESdepartment 24 hours a day through the on-duty Fourth Before dispatching a police officer to a call for servicePrecinct supervisor. involving an individual who does not speak English, theAny member of the department receiving the ELSA device operator will notify the affected precinct supervisor and makeshall sign the checkout log in the presence of the Fourth him/her aware that a situation involving a language barrierPrecinct supervisor and shall be responsible for filling out a exists.Device Usage Log, which shall be maintained at the Fourth If a language barrier exists, the dispatcher will contact thePrecinct. He or she will ensure that the ELSA device is on-duty supervisor at the Fourth Precinct to determine if thereturned to the Fourth Precinct immediately after use, and if a ELSA device is available and report back to the appropriatecase number was drawn in reference to the device usage it is precinct supervisor of the affected precinct.to be documented on the Device Usage Log.The Fourth Precinct supervisor shall sign the check-out logindicating the device was returned.Tyler Blues: My report keeps getting rejected!4 January A20p1ri3l 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet

Torch Run for the 2018 Mobile Area Special Olympics huge successChief Battiste and a Special Olympics athlete hold the “Flame of Hope” as they make a lap around the track. Watch Fox 10 Newscoverage of the event,The City of Mobile Police Department supportsthe Special Olympics! This year, the LawEnforcement Torch Run was brought back tothe 2018 Mobile Area Special Olympics games.The Torch Run is where officers, referred to asguardians of the flame, and athletes run the“Flame of Hope” to the opening ceremonies forthe Special Olympics competitions.A group of Mobile police officers accompanied Det. Joshua Coleman and a St. Paul Episcopal School student volunter on theby a few Special Olympics athletes could be track with a Special Olympics athlete.seen running the “Flame of Hope” from the WACon Museum Drive to St. Paul Episocal Schoolon Dogwood Lane off of Old Shell Road –approximately 1.5 miles – to start off the SpecialOlympics games.With excitement in the air, the stadium was filledwith 400 area athletes from 52 schools, parents,school officials and city officials. When the MobilePolice Department arrived into the stadium, theywere met by other Special Olympics athletes andmade a lap around the track.Officer Darlene Looney spearheaded the Law Officers participating in the Torch Run pose for a group photo. From left,Enforcement Torch Run and called it a success. Cpl. Joshua Jones, Officers Sean Tuder, Darlene Looney, Shaun Wood, SarahLooney thanked her chain of command for giving Badon, Lawrence Battiste, Michael Goodson, Sgt. Andrew Frost, Det. Joshua100 percent support as well as the Traffic Safety Coleman, Officers Eleni Conditt, Jennifer Chisholm and Det. Stacy Hearn.Unit and Crime Prevention for assisting. Throught-shirt sales, money was raised to support theathletes in their Special Olympics winningpursuits.January A20p1ri3l 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet 5

MPD joins DA’s Office in National Crime Victims Rights Event Each year in April, National Crime Victims Rights Week is observed. With the theme “Expand the Circle, Reach All Victims”, the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office held a fair and vigil on April 10 as a way to show victims of violent crimes and their families that they are truly committed to providing justice for them. Joining their voice was Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Chief Battiste. During the event, balloons were released, which represented those lost to violent crimes. In some way, it was a sense of letting a small piece of hurt float away. A vigil was held in honor of those who lost their lives due to crime.Top photo: Officer Gary Owens of Crime Prevention provides police resources at the National Crime VictimsRights event held at Mardi Gras Park. Bottom photo: Balloons are released to honor victims of violent crime. MPD Praise & Recognition from the Community I want to acknowledge Officer Jonathan Kriss for his professionalism, patience and kind demeanor when he came out with his partner (Officer Engi Botros) to take a report. I am a social worker at Mobile Infirmary and had a vulnerable patient who needed to file a police report. The situation was confusing and convoluted, but this vulnerable adult appeared to have been scammed. Officer Kriss was so patient in talking to my patient and me. He was clearly concerned for the patient’s well-being. I was impressed with how he engaged with my patient as he spoke to him in a way that was easy to understand without talking down to him or being condescending. He was empathetic and caring. I also noticed he complimented a little girl in the hallway who had on a shirt with a silly saying, which made her and her mom smile. I think how he engaged with us, especially this vulnerable adult , is absolutely critical to helping enhance the relationship between the community and law enforcement. I rarely have incidents with the police, but this was a very positive one and I’m grateful for that. Thank you Officer Kriss! —Ellen Young , Mobile Infirmary6 January A20p1ri3l 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet

Taylor Billa gets an American ponyLook at that smile on Taylor Billa’s face! Shannon Parsons, a Georgiaresident, drove down to bring a custom-made American Pony toTaylor. About his fist pony ride – yes, Taylor rode it like a pro!Not only did Parsons bring a gift for Taylor, with the material leftover he crafted an American flag detailed with a Mobile PoliceDepartment badge and Officer Justin Billa’s patrol car number 392.Chief Battiste and Major John Barber thanked Parsons for making atrip down and the special tributes. The pony went home with Taylorfor him to enjoy!Toy Drive held in honor of fallen Officer Billa Poem Submitted by Gloria Hill Our captains stopped by the Hampton Inn & Suites on April 18 to accept two Mirror, Mirror truckfuls of toys in honor of fallen Officer Justin Billa, thanks to Springhill Toyota on the Wall and McConnell Automotive. The toys will be distributed to all the squads so that the Billa’s tradition can continue of carrying toys around in the patrol car to Whose the fairest of them all give out to children while working patrol or responding to a call. The one who bravely took the fall McKibbon Hospitality organized the Toy Drive. Several community members donated the new toys including lots of teddy bears, which will give the children Billa something to hold on to for comfort and to calm. Watch Fox 10 Coverage “Toys Mirror, Mirror on the the wall for Billa” with Captain Melvin Jones. Whose the fairest of them all And whose brave face that we seeJanuary A20p1ri3l 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet in the mirror Billa A dedicated officer he gave his all Until the end as he took the fall Billa Mirror, mirror on the wall Whose the fairest of them all It’s Billa, O’ mirror So rest in peace Officer Billa And don’t you fear Rest assured We can take it from here 7

Have you issued a Positive Enforcement Citation yet?Sergeant Joshua Himes and Officer Gary Owens, innovators of the Positive Enforcement Citation, demonstrate to the media how it works duringa press conference held April 20.Effective April 20, 2018, officers patrolling their beats are to Along with the positive enforcement citation, a woodenbegan issuing positive enforcement citations to citizens. nickel is attached for a free frosty redeemable at anyThere are five reasons to issue a positive enforcement Wendy’s location. Wendy’s is the first company sponsor ofcitation. You should look for citizens caught doing a random the program.act of kindness, practicing safe driving in the city, being This is a different kind of pursuit. It recognizes and rewardsa positive role model, making their community a better citizens who are helping the department achieve its missionplace, and making their community a cleaner place. Do of making Mobile the safest city in America with respectnot conduct a traffic stop to issue a positive enforcement for everyone. Watch NBC 15 Coverage on the Positivecitation. Enforcement Citation with Officer Stephen Corley.Drop items in the box for “Movers for Moms” eventThis Mother’s Day, the Mobile Police The collection drive ensures that theDepartment partners with Two Men and a mothers living in a shelter will not beTruck to provide a special delivery to mothers overlooked this Mother’s Day. Anyonewho are victims of domestic violence and are interested in helping mothers in need mayliving in a shelter. The community-supported drop off essential care and comfort itemsprogram, called Movers for Moms, is designed through the Friday before Mother’s Dayto recognize those victims by arranging a (May 11th). Two Men and a Truck will pickdelivery of donations to the Penelope House. up and deliver the collected items to theAll four police precincts, headquarters and the Penelope House in time for Mother’s Day.Central Events Mini Precinct downtown will The Penelope House has provided a list ofserve as drop-off sites. specific needs for the mothers living at the shelter.8 January A20p1ri3l 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet

“Heroes with Headsets” celebrated during National Public SafetyTelecommunicators WeekOur public safety dispatchers, “Heroeswith Headsets”, were recognized andappreciated during National PublicSafety Telecommunicators Week, April8 - 14. Each day of celebration had atheme: Western Day, Decade Day, PrideDay and Team Spirit Day.On April 12, Fox 10 News was live onlocation at the 911 Center to talk withpublic safety dispatchers about suchthings as the number of calls receiveddaily, the hardest part about the joband the most rewarding part of the jobas well as what kind of training goesinto the position. Watch StephanieWarne and Shannan Culter ‘s interviews.Congrats Chante Jones on your promotionChante Jones was promoted to public safety dispatcher II on March31. Jones has been employed with the Mobile Police Departmentsince June 2010. Last August, she was involved in a serious wreck withinjuries that required her to be away from work until January 2018.Even though she went through such a tragic event, Jones returned towork with a smile on her face and a what-can-I-do attitude. She goesabove and beyond to help anyone without hesitation.Jones is described as being an inspiration to her peers and supervisorsthrough her hard work, commitment and thoughtfulness.Spurlock receives Trainer of the FirstQuarter 2018 Award Communications Training Officer Angela Spurlock has been an Association of Public- Safety Communications Officials (APCO) certified trainer since October 2015. Spurlock is very knowledgeable and skilled in her job field. She especially excels in the task of dispatching. Because of that, she is the “go to” trainer for training new operators on dispatching police and procedures. Not only is Spurlock a trainer, she is a public safety dispatcher II and provides guidance and supervision to the personnel on her squad. Spurlock was part of the team of operators who worked the Mardi Gras Parade channel, which requires operators skilled in handling high volume and stressful radio traffic. According to Spurlock’s superiors, she has demonstrated great dedication and loyalty to her profession, which has earned her the respect of our co-workers and supervisors. Coastal Detox of Alabama provides a healthy and productive course for alcohol detox. The center offersevidence-based, outpatient alcohol detox healthcare services. Strict confidentiality for patients. Financing available. Monday - Friday: 8AM - 5PM By Appointment Only STEVEN ROTH, MD | 251-652-3613 | 2607 Dauphin Street Suite BJanuary A20p1ri3l 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet 9

First Responder Appreciation Days Backing the BlueW. C. Griggs Elementary School providedbreakfast to first responders at the Tillman’sCorner Community Center March 28. Uponarrival, guests signed a Back the Blue banner inmemory of Officer Billa. The students providedthe entertainment and held a drawing to showtheir appreciation to first responders. Doorprizes included gift cards, a toolbox with tools,fishing gear, tents, BBQ grilling items, Coca-Cola products and even a vacuum cleaner.Local, state and federal agencies attended.Mt. Hebron Church Ministries provided aluncheon for first responders on March 29. Thechurch staff greeted the officers and took timeto share how much they appreciated them.From left, Captain Melvin Jones, Cpl. Michael Schaffer, Det. Nathaniel McCarty, Cpl. David Marston, Det. Marcus Howell, Sgt. Michael Shavers,and Officer Kendrick Ligon enjoy the First Responder Breakfast at the Tillman’s Corner Community Center. Sgt. Joshua Gibbs and Officer JohnCanning attend the First Responders Appreciation Luncheon at Mt. Hebron Church Ministries.Civilian Employees of the Month: Briggs and Barton Public safety dispatcher Kirby Briggs received the Civilian Employee of the Month Award for February 2018. Briggs is commended for helping officers locate the suspect connected to a string of commercial burglaries. Briggs’ co-workers describe her as one dedicated to performing her job to the best of her ability with excellent attention to detail and work ethic, and a deserving recipient of the Civilian of the Month Award. Read more about Briggs’ accomplishments. Martha Barton received the Civilian Employee of the Month Award for March 2018. Barton is an office assistant I at the Fourth Precinct. She is praised for delivering high-level of service. Kirby Briggs During the month of March, Barton compiled and tracked all directed patrol overtime, compiled and tracked all STEP grant overtime, and completed inventory of precinctsupplies, equipment and extra vehicles. She was very instrumental in coordinating the meetings between theHomeowners Associations and police. In addition, Barton provided her commander with a complete and updated bookof all Fourth Precinct personnel with information on issued weapons, equipment and emergency contacts. She compiledthe required monthly stats that are submitted to police headquarters monthly as well as tracked and recorded monthlystats on each squad, officer and beat. The forms created include calls for service, arrests and tickets. Barton also includedactual recorded vehicle mileage for each officer in the precinct.“These forms have greatly assisted me in addressing issues regarding manpower adjustments relating to criminal activityand calls for service,” said Captain Billie Rowland. “All of this is above and beyond the required duties of her position.”10 January A20p1ri3l 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet

2nd Precinct strengthens police-community ties in outreach eventBuilding and sustainingrelationships with thepeople we protect andserve is what CaptainJonathan Lee desiredto achieve in hosting acommunity outreach eventon April 18. The residentsof the Tillman’s Cornerarea have been beyondgenerous with welcomingthe Second Precinct toits new location off Hwy90. In return, Captain Leeplanned an event to furtherstrengthen the police-community ties. It was hisway of saying thank you.The community outreachevent was held at theTillman’s Corner CommunityCenter from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. The Second Precinctstaff set up several activities to engageattendees’ attention. The Mounted Unit,K-9 Unit and SWAT Unit were present toentertain. There was Coffee with a Copand attendees saw a Mobile Fire-Rescuetruck demonstration. McGruff was outand about to greet everyone.On-site free health screenings wereprovided by the Mobile County HealthDepartment Medical Unit.With free food, fun and games, the eventwas the perfect opportunity for residentsto get to know the officers responsible forkeeping their community safe.Bottom right photo: Gloria Hill, familyintervention team specialist, CROs ReginaLomax and Stephanie Nelson pose for aphoto with one of the attendees.January 2A0p1r3il-2N0e1w8 s|lMettPerDTeTmhpeBlateeat 11