MPD The Beat Issue 5 | January 2018

Making Mobile the safest city in EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER America with respect for everyone. Issue 5MPDTheBeat January 2018Replay of 2017 accomplishments A message from CHIEF OF POLICEIt’s customary at the beginning of a new year to take a look Lawrence L. Battiste, IVback and replay the major accomplishments made during thelast year. I must say I am pleased with our successes in 2017. resulted in the Alabama Legislature passing Act 17-374.In February, SWAT’s new command and control vehicle “Eagle” In August, The First 48 aired MPD Homicide Team’s firstarrived. To celebrate our school partnerships, Officer Anthony episode. Moving into October, MPD was awarded its thirdWilliams organized JuJu on the School Beat. In March, the SAKI grant. Hitting social media strong, Major Barber’s Bait CarOffice of Strategic Initiatives held the Inaugural Student Operation got 48,000 Facebook views. And, the last month ofVoices Against Violence Art Contest. In April, the Just One the year, we celebrated the grand opening of Precinct 2.Fix Campaign kicked off. And, Academy Class #58 became Always remember, I am humbled by the opportunity to serveknown as the first class to participate in our added community as your police chief. I work for you.engagement training program. The “Movie in the Park” “Being confident of this very thing, that he which had begun aSummer Series became a big hit in June and strengthened our good work in you will perform it through until the day of Jesuspolice-community relationships. During the same month, Sgt. Christ.” Philipians 1:6Cotner’s investigation into the Saving Youth FoundationGrand opening of newly located Precinct 2It’s the first time in the Mobile Police Department history that we have a centrally located precinct in Precinct 2. The new locationwill reduce time and miles traveled for police officers when responding to calls at shift change – cutting response time in half.Along with Mayor Sandy Stimpson, PublicSafety Director James Barber, MobileCity Council, and the MPD commandstaff were the chamber and citizens ofSouthwest Mobile County making a bigpresence at the grand opening of theprecinct’s new location, 5441 Highway 90Suite 25.Showing great support for the blue,the locals expressed how proud theywere to have the precinct in Tillman’sCorner and promised that they wouldpray for the officers during their churchservices. In accepting the welcome, Captain Jonathan Lee said that his precinct looked forward to serving them. Chief Battiste esteemed Mayor Stimpson and the City Council for providing the resources so that the precinct could be established. With Precinct 2 up and running, the Tillman’s Corner Magistrate’s Office is open for business at the location as well where citizens don’t have to travel downtown to pay a fine.Captain Jonathan Lee at the podium giving expressions during the Ribbon-Cutting The architectural rendering for the police precinctCeremony at precinct’s grand opening celebration. was unveiled May 19, 2017 during a press conference with the mayor and city officials. Chief January 2013 - Newsletter Template Battiste said the new location would be another way the Mobile Police Department is progressing in fulfilling the promise to keep Mobilians safe. 1

Cotton gives cub scouts an adventurous Officer of the Month forlook into crime scene investigation November 2017Officer Roderick Cotton shows the cub scouts how to find a good palm print, and explains the Officer David Condittuse of magnetic and volcano latent print powder.Cub Scouts Pack 147 arrived at Mobile Police Headquarters for an investigative Read about Conditt’s accomplishmentsadventure into the Identification Unit with Officer Roderick Cotton. The cub during the month of November.scouts came full of questions eager to learn how police officers find the badguys. Is it really the same as crime TV portrays? You’re InvitedCotton explained that part of the job of a crime scene investigator is todetermine and gather what is evidence and what is not. He displayed evidence EVENT CALENDARmarkers and said they are placed at the crime scene and later in court aid inrecalling the exact location, time and what the evidence is. Thursday, January 11th at Noon 20th ANNUAL LAW ENFORCEMENT Seven cub scouts PRAYER LUNCHEON from Pack 147 Cottage Hill Baptist Church, 4255 participated in the Cottage Hill Road tour. They attend St. Sponsored by the Chaplain’s Offices of the Paul Episocal School Mobile Police Department and the and Mary B. Austin Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the Elementary School. purpose of the luncheon is to show Photo: Cotton shows appreciation for the law enforcement the cub scouts how community and to give prayerful support fingerprinting is to those who serve. There is no done, and how it’s charge for the meal but donations to used for personal Saraland Police Department Officer Jackie identification. Tucker, who was shot in the line of duty December 2016, are encouraged. Tucker willJoin the Thin Blue Line Fishing Association also be OUR HOMETOWN HERO. Saturday, January 20th 10AM - 2PMThe Thin Blue Line Fishing Association is seeking new board members who 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Offlove fishing and giving back to the community. The anglers host the Thin Blue Cathedral Square DowntownLine King Mackeral Tournament every summer to foster fellowship and friendly Teams of officers compete against each othercompetition among law enforcement officers in Mobile County. The board with their best chili recipes. The public isthen finds worthy causes in the community to support, helping those in need. invited to taste and judge the best chili.Interested? Contact Sgt. Rusty Hardeman at mac. [email protected] Sgt. Louis Screws at [email protected]. EDITORIAL CONTACT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE2 Charlette Solis ext. 1918 THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Major Kara Rose Lt. James Wison Officer Gary Owens Chaplain Ed Connick Kathy Battiste Linda Pitts Heidi Robinson Submit ideas and info for the next issue! EMAIL: [email protected] JanuaJraynu2a0r1y32-0N18ew| MslePttDerTTehmeBpleaatet

Local news reporters shoot a day at the Firearms Range for trainingAll over the world crime news is the next bignews story. Locally, with six media outlets, theMobile Police Department makes breakingnews weekly with our investigations, successin clearing cases by arrests, and communityoutreach programs. Daily, it’s continuedcoverage on what we do.Once a year, broadcast and print newsreporters as well as photojournalists are invitedto spend a training day at the Firearms Rangeto learn the role of the police department inprotecting and keeping the community safe.“We need you and you need us,” said Chief Before the media participates in scenarios, Officer Corey Evans explains the equipmentBattiste in opening remarks to the media. SWAT uses to respond to hostage threat situations.Getting factual information out to the public isa common goal but takes time, he explained.The training objective was for the media to geta healthy respect for law enforcement.Left photo: Corporal Paul Workman covers Shoot-Don’t Shoot hands-on training using the Milo Range Simulator as Fox 10 News photojournalistMick Ward looks on. Right photo: Chief Battiste talks about rifle shooting after Corporal Walkener Hudson demonstrates the AK-47.The SWAT Unit, described to the media as the life-saving unit, provided hostage rescue and vehicle rescue extractiondemonstrations. Watch Lt. Tim Perrin’s interview with NBC 15 News commenting on SWAT’s armory.Attorney Wanda Rahman discussed the Use of Force Policy and the process for information requests from a legal standpoint.Several reporters ended their training with the rifle shooting. Media Training Day was held Friday, December 15 from 9 a.m. to11 a.m., and organized by Sgt. Leland Terrell with the Public Affairs Office.Service and Membership Privileges: “I can see clearly now.” Did you know that due to General Order 22.2.8, Section VI, provides a maximum the nature of our jobs as reimbursement amount for damaged glasses; however, the City police officers, the City of will likely replace your expensive, designer, prescription eye Mobile will purchase glasses with safety glasses. prescription safety glasses If you would like a pair of prescription safety glasses, submit for you? a request through your chain of command to your captain.Not only will the prescription safety glasses provide better He or she should then email Mr. Gary Gamble at gambleg@protection for your eyes, they will also be replaced by the City cityofmobile.org or Arlene Ostergren at arlene.ostergren@if they are damaged while you are performing work related to cityofmobile.org in the City’s Safety and Performance Office.your position as a police officer. Arlene or Gary will submit a requisition on your behalf to Lens Crafters or another approved provider.JanuaJraynu2a0r1y32-0N18ew| MslePttDerTTehmeBpleaatet 3

Here comes “Santa with a Badge”, merry and bright with blue lights andChristmas gifts to delightOur Santa wears a blue uniform, red hat, and a badgewith a jolly smile and desire to do more than crack downon high crime in city neighborhoods. Santa with a Badgewas created in 2014 when three police officers decidedto spend their own money to buy Christmas gifts forthe children in a community where they had recentlyconducted several high profile arrests. The idea was tofoster a better relationship with the children who wouldprobably grow up with a negative perception of the policedue to what they had seen.Present-day, Corporal Joshua Jones, Detective AndreKing and Officer Nathaniel McCarty have created a MPDChristmas tradition that is as big as the surprise the kidsget when they see police cars roll up unexpectedly fora reason they would have never thought of – to bringChristmas gifts to them.Santa with a Badge arrived at Azalea Pointe Apartments, From left: Officer Justin Lewis, Officer Kendrick Ligon, Corporal Joshua Jones,Seabreeze Apartments and Peace & Joy Learning Center Detective Andre King, and Officer Nathaniel McCarty.Left photo: Officer Nathaniel McCarty stands on the outside of the paddy wagon handing out gifts to the kids. Right photo: Corporal Joshua Jonesallows the kids to hop inside the paddy wagon and pick a gift on their Christmas wish list, as he does with this little boy. five days before Christmas with two paddy wagons filled with gifts in hope of spreading Christmas cheer. The kids excitedly gathered around and received their toys. Thanks to sponsors Toys R Us, Hargrove Engineers, Councilwoman Bess Rich, Austal USA and donations from several Mobile police officers, more gifts for more children were given this year. Captain Linda Tims and Captain Jonathan Lee were also present for Santa with a Badge and supported the officers as they uplifted the Azalea Road community through gift giving. Watch the WKRG News 5 Santa with a Badge coverage.4 JanuarJyan2u0a1ry3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet

Santa Cuz at Target with NBA star DeMarcus Cousins DeMarcus Cousins, NBA player for the New Orleans Pelicans, held his annual Christmas shopping spree for 100 children from Mobile County Public Schools. MPD and MFRD along with Faith Academy football players and Cottage Hill football players joined Santa Cuz and helped the children Christmas shop at Target. Each child had $200 to spend. An alumni of Leflore High School, Cousins began hosting Santa Cuz three years ago. Photo top left: Chief Battiste and Mobile Fire Chief Sealy takes a picture with DeMarcus Cousins. Photo bottom left: Officers pose holding up Santa Cuz t-shirts. Above: Helping a Santa Cuz participant shop for gifts are Officers Jalon Robinson and Nguyen Campbell. Santa Cuz was held Wednesday, December 13, 2017.Office of Strategic Initiatives gives Christmas gifts to juvenile victim of gunviolence and other familiesThe Office of Strategic Initiatives serves other while running up Scott Street fromas the heart of the police department, Pillans Street. Several bullets entered theliterally. Our family intervention team residence where Kalaughn was insidespecialists stay busy assisting victims in and struck her in the arm. The 23-year-oldtheir recovery of traumatic experiences, suspect responsible, Eric Blackledge, washelping them heal emotionally, and arrested two days later.directing them to needed resources. One could only imagine how this incidentThis Christmas, the Office of Strategic affected the 6-year-old little girl. But withInitiatives presented Christmas gifts the support of the Family Interventionto several of the families they serve, Team, Kalaughn is learning at a veryincluding the family of 6-year-old young age the magnitude of care theKalaughn Franklin. Mobile Police Department gives.On Sunday, October 15, 2017, Precinct A Christmas luncheon was also provided1 Units responded to the 900 block to the families. The event was held at theof South Scott Street in reference to WAC on Friday, December 22.a juvenile being shot. The mother of Photo: Meosha Rayford, familyKalaughn stated she was sitting in her intervention team specialist, takes avehicle when she observed two men picture with Kalaughn at the Office ofarguing. Strategic Initiatives Christmas event.The two men began firing shots at eachJanuarJyan2u0a1ry3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet 5

WE’RE PEOPLE TOOLearn about what our police officers do out of uniform. Get to know them ona more personal level including their interests and many hidden talents.Officer Lance Deleston, who by day works as an investigator in the YouthServices Detail, has a couple of other passions in his life that seem to whollycompliment his unique personality.The first is his love of painting which seemed to be sparked 10 years ago whenhe, on a whim, took a class at Daugherty’s Art Gallery in Mobile. Throughthe help of his mentor, Joan Daugherty, Lance developed his own signaturestyle of abstract painting mainly using acrylic and oil based paints and hascompleted around 20 paintings.Lance likes to paint a multitude of subjects such as landscapes, flowers andanimals. However, he is partial to highlighting well-known persons in his workand has already featured the likes of President Barack Obama, Jimi Hendrix andNelson Mandela. He is currently working on a Martin Luther King Jr. paintingand hopes to paint Muhammad Ali and Serena Williams in the near future aswell.His work has been noted to be exceptional and his painting entitled, “RedPoppies” was displayed and auctioned off during a 2016 Child Advocacy Centerfundraiser. Officer Lance Deleston enjoys painting abstract art. In honor of Black History month, Lance will have some of his work on display at the Lower Downtown Area (LODA) Art Walk the second Friday of every month. Lance’s second love, of all things tennis, has been his passion ever since first hitting the courts back in his college days at Alabama State University some 20 years ago. He now channels his incredible talent into helping everyday kids develop their tennis skills.--Spotlight somone for this column! Email Linda Pitts, [email protected] “Coach Lance” can often be found instructing his group of enthusiastic students at the Lyons Park Tennis Center. In addition to being a certified teaching instructor with the Professional Tennis Registry, Lance is the CEO and Founder of Kid Tennis LLC, which is a registered community organization with the United States Tennis Association (USTA).Bible Study Thursday mornings JanuarJyan2u0a1ry3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaetInterested in studying the scriptures with colleagues? Every Thursdaymorning at 7 a.m. a group of police officers gather at the PoliceAcademy for a Bible Study. If you are a Christian or just want to be a part,you are encouraged to show up.The group also accepts prayer requests. If a member of the departmentor family member is injured or ill, or in the hospital, please let the groupknow.To learn more, contact Major Philip McCrary at ext. 1710 or [email protected] or Commander Curtis Graves at ext. 1824 or [email protected]

Thin Blue Line Fishing Association helps bring Christmas to four familiesThe Thin Blue Line Fishing Associationcasts out its net of help at the right time,every time. For Christmas, the associationblessed four families each with a $450 giftcard to buy toys for their children. A $50gift card from Greer’s Food Tiger was alsogiven to each of the families so that theycould purchase a holiday meal.The Thin Blue Line Fishing Associationpresented their Christmas gift-giving tothe families on Wednesday, December 13.The families were recommended by theFamily Intervention Team.Watch the NBC 15 First Responders A family member gives Sgt. Rusty Hardeman a hug thanking him for the Christmas gift cards.Helping Families in Need news story.Data Systems Unit: Use proper offenses for stolen vehicles and trailersThe definitions below are from the UCR handbook. Based on The category Motor Vehicle Theft—Other Vehicles includesthese definitions, stolen vehicles are listed in one of three all other motor vehicles that meet the UCR definition suchcategories. When taking a report for a stolen vehicle please as snowmobiles, motorcycles, motor scooters, trail bikes,use the offense that relates to the vehicle type as defined mopeds, golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, and motorizedbelow. wheelchairs.The category Motor Vehicle Theft—Autos includes the theft of If the report is for a stolen utility or other trailer, theall sedans, station wagons, coupes, convertibles, sport utility offense should be Theft of Property Miscellaneous and thevehicles, minivans, and other similar motor vehicles that serve appropriate degree based on the value of the trailer stolen.the primary purpose of transporting people from one place to UPCOMING CLASSES:another. • February 20th – General Users ClassThe category Motor Vehicle Theft—Trucks and Buses includes • February 22nd – Supervisors Classthe theft of those vehicles specifically designed (but not To sign up, email Tonya Hopkins at tonya.hopkins@necessarily used) to commercially transport people and cargo. cityofmobile.org.Pickup trucks and cargo vans, regardless of their use, areincluded in this category.Level III rifle resistance ballistic shield donated to SWAT A Level III rifle resistance ballistic shield will back the future generation of SWAT, said Lt. Tim Perrin when accepting the donation. Charolette and Dean Buffington, members of the Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, purchased and donated the shield in memory of Charolette’s father Captain Michael A. Conniff. The SWAT Team was grateful for the donation. The ballistic shield will provide the unit with safety and security as they carry out their assigned missions. Photo: The Buffingtons take a photo with SWAT holding the the ballistic shield Wednesday, December 27 at the Police Academy.JanuarJyan2u0a1ry3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet 7

Detective Glenn Barton talks about moments where God reveals himselfduring a sermon at the Prayer Luncheon “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 Being a police officer is a hard job, said homicide detective Glenn Barton. It’s hard on your body and it’s hard on your mind because you see people truly in the worst situations. At times, the job can make you lose faith in people. But remember, Barton reminded, it’s because of sin that people behave the way they do. According to Romans 3:3, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.Homicide detective Glenn Barton delivers the serrmon at the Prayer Luncheon held noon Through the chaos and through the darkness,Wednesday, December 6 at the Police Academy. God can still reveal himself to us. Barton tells of an investigation where a small shell casing needed to be found for evidence. In that moment after an exhaustive search, he prayed that the Lord wouldreveal himself. He did, and the shell casing wasfound. With joy, he told Detective Julius Nettlesat the scene with him, that he just witnessed ananswer to prayer.“I can’t do this job without a personalrelationship with Jesus Christ,” Barton said. Hethen posed the question to others. “Wheredoes your hope lie?” He referenced I Peter 1:3,which states God’s divine power has given useverything we need for a godly life through ourknowledge of him who called us. Holding theBible in his hand, Barton said our eternal and living hope is in Jesus Christ.Cindy Morris gives heartfelt thanks Citizen provides holiday luncheonDuring the “Be A Hero, Back the Pink” Campaign, we announced Jamie Southward is a resident of Daphne. But when inspired tothat the funds raised from the bracelet sales were to be donated provide a holiday luncheon, Southward said God led her to doto Cindy Morris in the Training Unit to help with her breast cancer so for the Mobile Police Department. She prepared the holidaytreatment. Presented with $700, Morris gives heartfelt thanks. luncheon for staff on Wednesday, December 13.8 JanuarJyan2u0a1ry3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet

Communications Unit recognizes its Trainers of the QuarterKeyshawn Womack is simulcasting on all channels as she prepares From left: New public safety dispatcher Lindsey Thompson trainsthe work station for training. with communications training officer Sheena Ivey. Ivey says one of the most important aspect of the job is citizen and officer safety.Keyshawn Womack, Trainer of the 3rd Quarter Sheena Ivey, Trainer of the 4th QuarterKeyshawn Womack has been a certified trainer since August Ivey has been a certified trainer since March 2017. The2016, and has been diligently training new personnel on responsibility of training is extremely stressful but Ivey is verytelephone and dispatch. Womack is recognized for providing patient and knowledgeable. She is commended for providingexcellent customer service to the citizens of Mobile and police excellent explanations and demonstrations of tasks so theofficers as well as her trainees. trainee understands more clearly. Ivey provides her traineesWhen the public safety dispatcher II from her squad was out with options on how to complete a task, which allows them tofor an extended amount of time, she stepped up and took on choose which option is best for them.the responsibility as a leader, mentor and coach to her co- Additionally, Ivey assisted in training her peers on how to useworkers. In August 2017, Womack was promoted to public safety the new Symphony console radio system.dispatcher II, which was well deserved.Record Specialist Donna Betbeze is MPD’s New Maintenance Mechanicour Civilian Employee of the Month Welcome aboard Jimmy Thomason!For her outstanding work with MPD online reports, Donna [email protected] / ext. 1900Betbeze has been named Civilian Employee of the Month. Send your maintenance requests to Sgt. Tina Zanca, ext. 1894, for approval. Betbeze emails over 400 reports monthly. She 9 goes beyond her duties everyday by contacting the officers when reports are not available for online request and keeps the online customers informed of the progress of their requested reports within the 48-hour waiting period. As the Records Unit move forward withadvanced technology, Betbeze positive attitude with servicingthe requests for online reports sets the standard. Insurancecompanies often ask for her by name due to her great customerservice. According to her supervisor, Betbeze is dedicated tohigh performance. JanuarJyan2u0a1ry3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet

Mobile placed 22nd across the nation for presenting best National NightOut of 16,377 participatingcommunities, Mobile was the onlycity in the state of Alabama toreceive honors in its category.The Crime Prevention Unit recentlyreceived an award, presented by theNational Association of Town Watch(NATW), recognizing Mobile foroutstanding participation in America’sNight Out Against Crime.National Night Out was held August1 at the Civic Center Arena, adifferent venue than years past whichcontributed to the event’s success. Inthe population category of 100,000 to300,000, Mobile placed 22nd. Right,Corporal Sharon Lewis and OfficerGary Owens showing off the award.Records Unit Christmas desk decoration winners Awards Luncheon for Civilian Employees The annual Civilian Employee of the Month Awards Luncheon was held Monday, December 4. The employees received a catered lunch and award plaques. January 2017, Katina Randolph Family Intervention Team February 2017, Andrew Pickett Records Unit March 2017, Carol Carroll Communications Unit1st Place Winner - Let It Snow by Donna Betbeze 3rd Place Winner - North Pole by April 2017, Anita Otis Shamekia Perryman Second Precinct Records May 2017, Jackie Howze Planning and Research Unit June 2017, Leah Modelski Data System Detail July 2017, Eric Brown Records Unit August 2017, Patricia Tesier Cyber Intelligence Unit Septermber 2017, Carol Londeree Payroll2nd Place Winner - Winter Wonderland by 4th Place Winner - Purple Peace by October 2017, Kimberly PivotorakIndia Harrison Rosalyn Jackson Traffic Safety Unit10 November 2017, Donna Betbeze Records Unit JanuarJyan2u0a1ry3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet

Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Director of Public Safety James Barber takes a photo with the 11 promotees and MPD Command Staff.11 promoted in rank to be a beacon to othersThe first Promotion Ceremony of the year was held Friday, Congratulations to Lieutenants Rusty Hardeman and LelandJanuary 5 at the Government Plaza multi-purpose room. Chief Thomas; Sergeants Jirasak Ingram, Joshua Joerger, and PatrickBattiste told the 11 promotees stepping into their leadership Sanders; and Corporals John Barker, Tyler Brannan, Jamesroles to be a beacon of light to others, providing guidance and Hallmark, Otha Hargrove, Jennings Powell, and Clarencedirection to those they will serve and lead. Robinson.Corporal Tyler Brannon shakes Mayor Stimpson’s hand Chaplain Bobby Brown prays for the Mobile family of policeduring the Badge Presentation. officers during the Promotion Ceremony.Officer Miranda Hayes pins the badge on Sergeant Jirasak Corporal John Barker gets his badge pinned on by JeanineIngram after the Promotion Ceremony. Fowler before posing for the group photo in the atrium. JanuarJyan2u0a1ry3 2-0N1e8w|sMletPteDr TTemhepBlaetaet 11