Abilene Police Department2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Year in Review & Biased Based Policing Report

The Abilene Police Department is committed to the safety of Abilene and its many visitors. The men and women of the Department are thankful to call Abilene home, where we work alongside the community to accomplish the City’s Mission Statement – We work together to build and maintain a community of the highest quality for present and future generations. This report is in furtherance of our mission and is intended to keep our citizens and City Council informed about their police department. This report provides information relating to 2016 as well as the manda-tory biased based policing report.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Message from the Chief 1

Administration & Command Staff 2, 3

Oath of Office 4

The Law Enforcement Officer’s Code of Ethics 5

Value Statements of the Abilene Police Department 6

Significant Accomplishments of 2016 7 - 9

Division Reports 10, 11

SWOT Analysis 12

Crime Data, Statistical Review 13 - 17

Department Goals 18, 19

Budget 20, 21

Review Board Statistics 22

Biased Based Reporting 23 - 27

A Message from Chief Standridge:

To The Citizens of Abilene:

Our City experienced a good year in 2016 in relation to crime. Double digit decreases were seen across many categories, so the men and women of the Police Department thank all of you for partnering with us to make Abilene a safer community. We are better together! I want to highlight a few key events that occurred last year, including the establishment of a new Computer Forensic Unit that conducts child abuse investigations as well as performs forensic audits of electronic devices.

Additionally, the Department acquired an unmanned aerial system (drone) to help find missing persons and assist with crime scene mapping. It was used repeatedly in 2016. Lastly, the Department leveraged technology by purchasing a new computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and records management system (RMS). The Department’s outreach was robust in 2016, with a new program called Pastors on Patrol being implemented in support of unity across our great city. I am excited about the year 2017, and I am confident that your Police Department is ready to meet the upcoming challenges.

Respectfully Submitted,

Stan StandridgeChief of Police

Abilene Police Chief

Stan Standridge

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ABILENE POLICE DEPARTMENTADMINISTRATION & COMMAND STAFF

PATROL DIVISION

Lt. Brad McGary A Company

ASSISTANT CHIEF MIKE PERRY

Uniformed ServicesLt. Shain Burks B Company

Lt. Scott Rowley D Company

Lt. Ken Robinson C Company

Lt. Mike Collins E Company

TRAFFIC DIVISION/SWAT COMMANDER

Sgt. Richard Waggoner

RESPONSIVE INTELLIGENCE DIVISION/ OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Lt. Gerald Moran

Lt. Mark Watson F Company

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ABILENE POLICE DEPARTMENTADMINISTRATION & COMMAND STAFF

CRIMINAL INVESTIGA-TION DIVISION

Lt. Gary Bone

ASSISTANT CHIEF DOUG WRENN

Investigative & Support Services ABILENE/TAYLOR COUNTY CHILD ADVOCACY DIRECTOR

Melinda Beard

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Shane Meffert

SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION

Lt. Craig Jordan

TRAINING DIVISION

Lt. Keith Shackelford

YOUTH DIVISION/MISSING PERSONS

Lt. Joe Tauer

RECORDS MANAGER

Wayne Brandt

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Our Oath of Office:

I do solemnly swear, that I will faithfully execute the duties of the Abilene Police Department, of the State of Texas, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State, so help me God.

Abilene Police Department Academy Class #53

Graduation date, April 4, 2016.

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THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER’S CODE OF ETHICS

“ As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind, to safeguard lives and property, to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder and to respect the Constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice.”

“I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all, maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule, develop self-restraint and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.”

“I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosectution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.”

“I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the police service. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession... Law Enforcement.”

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THE VALUE STATEMENTS OF THE ABILENE POLICE DEPARTMENT

The articulated values of the Abilene Police Department that serve to support the Department’s mission are:

The Department must be willing to involve the community in all aspects to enhance the quality of life in the community.

The Department is committed to maintaining the highest levels of integrity and professionalism in all its operations.

The Department will continue to develop a diverse work force that is reflective of the neighborhoods and community it serves.

The Department will actively seek the input and involvement of all employees in matters that impact job performance and will manage the organization in a manner that will enhance em-ployee job satisfaction and effectiveness.

The Department will be sensitive to neighborhood needs, collaborating with the neighborhoods to solve crime problems.

The Department will respond to criminal behavior with vigorous law enforcement and aggressive prevention programs.

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SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2016

• Establishment of the Police Foundation

Established in a grass roots effort by citizens, the Abilene Police Foundation provides an avenue for citizens to show appreciation and serve APD officers, their families, civil service personnel and the Department.

• Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni celebration

Over 100 alumni members gathered to celebrate their Department’s successes.

• 11% reduction in violent crime; 20% reduction in property crime

• VINCIBLE was presented to the International Association of Chief ’s of Police. It is expected to go to the national level.

VINCIBLE 4 cornerstones: Wear your armor, Buckle up, Slow down, Stay fit

Roll call training sessions have proven to be one of the most popular aspects of the VINCIBLE program. This program was begun by APD and is now offered throughout Texas, and soon, nationally. These training roll call sessions are conducted in less than ten minutes for sworn personnel, and they cover topics ranging from: active threat protocols, de-escalation tactics, push versus hold, emergency and pursuit driving, mandatory wear of body armor and seatbelts, and dozens of other topics that can save lives if best practices are reinforced weekly.

• Two Medals of Valor awarded along with three Life Saving awards. Additionally 32% of sworn staff attained a rating of “superior” on the Department’s fitness program.

• Fully Recognized Police Agency

Accreditation renewed on January 6, 2016 through the Texas Police Chiefs Association. This was APD’s first renewal, reaccredited every four years.

• Leadership Council

A panel comprised of a combination of sworn and civilian staff was created to address complex Departmental issues, conduct policy review, and provide best practice recommendations to Police Administration.

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• Applied for and received body camera grant from the Office of the Governor (patrol and traffic fully deployed)

• Beginning of Spillman transition

The Department began the process of replacing an aged records management system and computer aided dispatch system.

• Began active participation in the Abilene / Taylor County Alliance to End Family Violence

This coalition was created to proactively address domestic violence by working with all stakeholder organizations.

• Class 53 graduation/Hired Class 54

Graduated 15 new officers in Class 53 and currently have 17 in Class 54.

• Transitioned to new radios

The Department completed phase 2 of 3 projects with an anticipated budgetary impact of 9.5 million dollars citywide. Phase 2 included new portable radios and mobile units.

• Implementation of the drone program

The Department acquired a Small Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) in 2016. The unit was deployed 10 times last year and completed missions of aerial crime scene photography and large area searches.

• Creation of the Citizen Exchange Zone

Space was created in front of the LEC for citizens to complete online sales transactions in a safe area under video surveillance.

• Casino investigations

APD worked with the Taylor County District Attorney’s Office to shutter 8-liner establishments across the city.

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• CopLogic rollout

CopLogic better leveraged patrol resources by funneling lower priority calls to an online reporting method thereby allowing patrol resources to handle priority 1 calls more expeditiously.

• 2nd round of patrol rifle/armor purchases

Purchased by the City of Abilene and fully reimbursed by the officers who participated in the program. There was no budgetary impact, while enhancing the Department’s existing Patrol Rifle Program.

• Public safety survey & results

The City of Abilene sought input from citizens via an online survey in an effort to gather opinions and experiences from the community regarding crime within Abilene. Our citizens identified drugs, domestic violence, and burglaries as the top three issues.

• Computer forensic unit

Funded via Justice Assistance Grant monies from the U.S. Department of Justice, APD utilized a sworn position for the purpose of analyzing and conducting forensic examinations of digital evidence. This position was created in response to significant demands on timely digital evidence processing.

• Meeting with community partners and pastors to address racial reconciliation and city unity. An outgrowth of this was Pastors on Patrol.

• 35th Anniversary of Safety City

On October 10, 2016, The Melvin Martin Center for Children’s Safety celebrated 35 years of educating children on pedestrian, vehicle and bicycle safety.

• Annual ALERRT Exercise

APD worked collaboratively with the Fire Department, EMS, Taylor County Sheriff ’s Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and both school districts to evaluate an external response to an active shooter event.

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DIVISION REPORTS

Communications

Police Communications handled 348,321 calls for service, of which 103,973 calls were dispatched for police services, including 88,632 emergency 9-1-1 calls. Police calls for service declined 2% from 2015.

Abilene/Taylor County Child Advocacy Center

CAC staff conducted 360 forensic interviews of child abuse victims in 2016. 70% of the interviews were related to sexual abuse and 30% for physical abuse. The CAC also served as the family advocate for 273 families and coducted 20 community awareness presentations.

Special Operations Division

SOD arrested 186 felons (+75%) and 94 misdemeanants in 2016. Arrests were up within the division by 38% as compared to 2015. The unit executed 98 search warrants (+158%), and seized in excess of $50,000 in cash during narcotics investigations. The value of drug seizures also increased from $133,220 to $303,829 (+$170,609).

Criminal Investigations Division

CID investigated 3,036 offenses in 2016, filing 848 cases. Case assignments declined by 11% and case filings increased by 13%.

Patrol/Traffic

Patrol and Traffic officers investigated 3,341 motor vehicle crashes, including 12 fatalities, of which 3 were alcohol related. Fatality crashes declined 37%.

The Department conducted 26,493 traffic stops, issued 15,763 citations (+1,407) and made 5,807 total arrests during the calendar year.

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DIVISION REPORTS (continued)K-9

The K-9 Unit assisted with 853 calls for service, resulting in 113 felony and 49 misdemeanor arrests. The unit seized $9,668 in cash (+456) and $26,376 in narcotics. K-9 Officers performed 62 building searches and 29 tracks resulting in 4 arrests.

Street Crimes Unit

The Street Crimes Unit made 97 felony and 36 misdemeanor arrests. The unit investigated 290 offenses with minimal leads, filed 78 cases, executed 8 search warrants, and recovered $261,054 in stolen property (+121%).

Youth Division

The Youth Division assigned 1,297 cases, made 342 juvenile arrests, handled 281 runaways, and worked 202 Interference with Child Custody cases, for the year.

SWAT/Bomb Squad

The Abilene Police SWAT Team responded to 14 calls for service in 2016. The Bomb Squad responded to 8 calls for service during that same time period. Both units have a geographical area of responsibility of 19 and 21 counties respectively.

Training

In 2016, the APD Training Division completed Academy Class 53. Fifteen (15) officers grad-uated from an applicant pool numbering 162. Class 53 received 974 hours of TCOLE training and achieved a 100% pass rate on the TCOLE exam.

The division also provided 32 classes, which were attended by 1,379 internal students and 96 students from external agencies. These classes represented 882 hours of training. The class topics included Active Shooter Response, Missing and Exploited Children, Canine Encounters, Crowd Control, Interacting with Drivers Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Transnational Gang ID and Interdiction, Patrol Officer Response to Street Drugs, Intermediate Crime Scene, Emergency Police Driving, Glock Armorers Course, Search Warrant Training, Homicide Investigations and Crime Scene Management, Practical Firearm Exercises, Intermediate Spanish, and Intermediate Use of Force.

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Strengths:

The Department’s greatest strength is its committment to professional policing as embodied by a belief that our citizens should be treated with dignity and respect. Because of that, the city has a level of unity which reflects mutual respect and trust.

Weaknesses:

During 2017, the Department will undergo significant technological updates that can cause service gaps, if not carefully implemented. The Department will strive to provide quality services while learning alongside our citizens.

Opportunities:

With new technologies comes improved and more timely services. The Department hopes to implement paperless report writing, which will allow offense reports to be uploaded immediately. This will streamline the process from three days to less than one and thus decreasing the workload on the civilian workforce.

Threats:

In 2016, the citizens of Abilene identified drug abuse as the number one crime issue for the City. Data confirms that drug abuse is high, so the Department must continue intentional enforcement efforts toward reducing its impact.

SWOT ANALYSIS (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities & Threats)

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2016 CRIME DATA

AND

STATISTICAL REVIEW

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2015 2016 % of changeMurder/Homicide 7 8 14.3%Rape 83 69 -16.9%Robbery 127 132 3.9%Aggravated Assault 393 332 -15.5%VIOLENT CRIME TOTAL 610 541 -11.3%

Burglary 1,169 904 -22.7%Th eft 3,806 3,116 -18.1%Auto Th eft 387 251 -35.1%PROPERTY CRIME TOTAL 5,362 4,271 -20.3%

UCR PART 1 TOTAL 5,972 4,812 -19.4%

Simple Assaults 2,827 2,593 -8.3%Forgery 309 349 12.9%Fraud 710 622 -12.4%Criminal Mischief 1,189 1,041 -12.4%Weapons Off enses 116 98 -15.5%Other Sex Off enses 147 156 6.1%Drug Abuse 936 1,131 20.8%Driving While Intoxicated 273 345 26.4%Public Intoxication 601 591 -1.7%Disorderly Conduct 146 109 -25.3%UCR PART 2 TOTAL 7,254 7,035 -3%

UCR TOTAL 13,226 11,847 -10.4%

ABILENE POLICE DEPARTMENT 2015 - 2016 CRIME STATISTICS

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Uniform Crime Report Index 2010 - 2016

Includes Murder, Robbery, Forcible Rape, Aggravated AssaultBurglary, Th eft, and Auto Th eft

Violent Crimes Comparison 2010 - 2016

Includes Murder, Robbery, Forcible Rape, and Aggravated Assault

578

427 436

474

567

610

541

54805972

4821 48995251

5927

4812

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Violent Crime Comparison 2014 - 2016

Property Crimes Comparison 2014 - 2016

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Domestic Violence Reports 2010 - 2016

Assault on Offi cers 2011 - 2016Assault on Offi cers 2011 - 2016

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Domestic Violence Reports 2010 - 2016

DEPARTMENTAL GOALS - SEEING THE FUTURE 2017 - 2021

1. Staffing - aquire and maintain a competent and well trained staff to accomplish the mission statement.

2. Technology - pursue innovation that supports mission accomplishments.

3. Procedures - practice continuous improvement through constant evaluation of policies and procedures.

4. Facilities - provide a safe and pleasant workplace for staff and visitors; provide fleet vehicles in accordance to needs of the community and the Department.

5. Impact - collaborate with stakeholders to reduce crime, DWI related collisions, and on-the-street traffic collisions.

6. Safety - operate in a manner which minimizes risk to all persons involved.

7. Quality Control - constantly review competence, integrity, motivation, and performance, working to ensure the Department is serving those they protect.

8. Stewardship - carefully manage that which has been entrusted to the Department.

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ENABLING OBJECTIVES Related Goals

Time Frame Budget Impact

Proactively address family violence by partnering with the Abilene/Taylor County Alliance to end Family Violence 3,5 Short-term Low

Recruit and train new Academy classes to meet the Department’s authorized strength of 216 1,5,6 Mid-term High

Address aging infrastructure issues in Property and Evidence and throughout the Law Enforcement Center (responsive to 2015 Bond Election Campaign)

4,6,8 Short-term High

Replace Computer-aided Dispatch and Record’s Manage-ment Systems 2,7 Short-term High

Further develop the Department’s Computer Forensic Unit to accomplish more child abuse and online solicitation investigations.

2,5 Mid-term Med

Be responsive to Part 1 and 2 UCR crimes and work to address the fear of crime 5 Short-term Med

Maintain accreditation through the Texas Police Chiefs Best Practices Program 1-8 Mid-term Low

Work with regional partners to enhance quality of life issues, including but not limited to: Hand Up Not Out, United Way, Universities, Noah Project, District Attorney’s Office, RVCC, 1-Kingdom, and other state and federal law enforcement agencies

3,5,7 Mid-term Low

Explore a “Citizens on Patrol” Program as a measure to address crime

1,3,5 Long-term High

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DEPARTMENTAL GOALS - ENABLING OBJECTIVES - ACHIEVING THE FUTURE

Each of the objectives in the Enabling Objectives Chart is referenced to one of the eight listed goals on page 18. Additionally, it is given a time frame and a budgetary impact.

Time Frame: Long-term - Consideration should be given within 5 years. Mid-term - Consideration should be given within 2 years. Short-term - Consideration should be given immediately

Budget Impact: High - Greater than $25,000 Medium - Between $5,000 and $24,999 Low - Less than $5,000

GENERAL OPERATING FUND POLICE

Departmental Revenue Actual 2014 - 2015 Revised 2015 - 2016 Approved 2016 - 2017

Total $1,992,494 $2,019,550 $1,973,350

Expenditures by Division Actual 2014 - 2015 Revised 2015 - 2016 Approved 2016 - 2017

5005 Police Administration $1,509,305 $1,651,780 $1,707,570

5006 Training $542,999 $742,290 $928,130

5015 Patrol $11,943,069 $12,798,220 $13,654,990

5018 Traffic $1,252,573 $1,188,490 $1,112,170

5025 Criminal Investigation $3,287,791 $3,409,340 $3,389,430

5035 Communications $1,761,973 $1,873,700 $1,866,980

5040 Records / ID $716,817 $674,820 $654,700

5045 Youth $1,615,254 $1,702,650 $1,731,120

5050 Responsive Intelligence $821,608 $877,440 $883,400

5065 Special Operations $1,105,916 $1,280,990 $1,307,000

Total $24,557,305 $26,199,720 $27,235,490

Full-Time Personnel Actual 2014 - 2015 Revised 2015 - 2016 Approved 2016 - 2017

Total 258 260 265

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EXPENDITURES BY CLASSIFICATION2016 - 2017 BUDGET

Personnel Services $23,241,920Supplies $805,170Maintenance $159,520Other Services/Charges $3,028,880Capital $0

Total $27,235,490

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• Use of Force

Between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016, there were 60 documented use-of-force incidents. Of all of the use of force events, only one appears to have violated Department policy, which involved the use of a CEW (TASER) when such force was not needed or authorized by policy. During 2016, OC Spray was the most used force option. It was utilized 26 times, comprising 43% of all force used by the Department. TASER was the next most utilized force option with 18 incidents, representing 30% of all force used by the Department. Stop sticks were deployed 3 times (5%). Firearms were used 1 time (2%). No K-9 bites were reported. Ten officers were assaulted in 2016.

OC spray: (26 times/43.33% of all force used)CEW: (18 times/30% of all force used)Impact weapons/hard empty hands: (12 times/20% of all force used)Stop sticks: (3 times/5% of all force used)Firearms: (1 time/1.67% of all force used).No K-9 bites were reported. Force was used against dogs in two (2) instances (one firearm and one CEW).

• Pursuits

Of the 19 pursuits, 16 were found to have been authorized pursuits, meaning they were initiated within the guidelines of current policy and procedures. Three pursuits were not authorized under policy. One of the pursuits was found to have been authorized, initially, but should have been terminated by the initiating officer.

2016 EVENT REVIEW BOARD STATISTICS

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BIASED BASED POLICING REPORT GRAPHICS

White 12,176Hispanic 4,397African American 2,515Asian 231Native American 67Middle Eastern 57

2016 Total Stop Breakdown

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2016 Percentage of Total Stops

White 62%Hispanic 22.6%African American 12.9%Asian 1.2%Native American 0.3%Middle Eastern 0.3%

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Race Not Known Prior to Stop

White 90.6%Hispanic 91.9%African American 90.8%Asian 97%Native American 95.5%Middle Eastern 91.2%

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2016 Stop Searches Conducted by Race

Hispanic

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African American

Native American White

Asian Middle Eastern

TIER 1 PARTIAL EXEMPTION BIASED BASED POLICING REPORT

The Department utilizes the partial racial profiling report exemption because our patrol vehi-cles are equipped with video and audio equipment, and the department maintains videos for a minimum of 90 days. The Department has a detailed written policy that strictly prohibits Biased Based Policing.

Motor Vehicle Biased Based Policing Informaiton 2016

Number of motor vehicle stops: Race or ethnicity known prior to stop?

9,680 citation only 1,746 Yes

325 arrest only 17,797 No

217 both arrest and citation Total 19,443

9,221 verbal warning

Total 19,443

Race or ethnicity: Search conducted

12,176 Caucasian 1,233 Yes

4,397 Hispanic 18,210 No

2,515 African American Total 19,443

231 Asian

57 Middle Eastern Was search consensual

67 Native American 127 Yes

Total 19,443 1,106 No

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