Concord NC Police Annual Report 2023 by City of Concord NC

POLICE DEPARTMENT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

2023 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Watch Command

Lieutenant Denan Sabanija

Lieutenant Kevin Berg

Administration

Lieutenant Ramon Gonzalez Deputy

Patrol Bureau

Major Robert Ledwell

Adam District

Captain John Tierney

Baker District

Captain Patrick Tierney

Charlie District

Captain Alan Lee

David District

Captain Cydney McGhee

Airport Unit

Code Enforcement Manager Greg Walters

Community Outreach & Education

Criminal Investigations Captain Larry Hubbard

& Property Control

BUILDING COMMUNITY

DEPARTMENT

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023

T Completed phase one of converting archived records to digital form.

T Implemented psychological wellness exams for officers assigned to crime scene, sex crimes, and crimes against children specialties.

T Continuing to implement the succession plan due to retirements.

T Continuing to utilize the NC Governor Highway Safety Plan, COPS Hiring grant and OSBM Grant (equipment).

2024 DEPARTMENT GOALS

T Enhance our de-escalation program with the use of Virtual Reality technology, through the COPS Deescalation Grant.

T Complete the implementation of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) technology to analyze firearms and ballistic evidence in an effort to be more effective and efficient at solving crime.

T Enhance our recruitment capabilities by adding a Master Police Officer to the unit and increase our recruitment efforts through videos and social media.

T Maintain national accreditation.

T Complete renovation of Charlie District substation and David District substation.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

PATROL BUREAU

The Patrol Bureau is the first line of response provided by the Concord Police Department. Under the command of Major Robert Ledwell, the Patrol Bureau is responsible and accountable for leadership, performance, efficiency, and general good conduct of the department. Interim Chief Hughes delegates responsibilities of patrol as prescribed by the Chief of Police.

WATCH COMMANDERS

Watch Commanders are responsible for oversight of all department field operations to include: oversight of patrol activities by ensuring basic police functions are efficiently and effectively carried out; inspecting staffing to ensure the department can meet service demands and taking corrective action when deficiencies are noted; monitors response to calls for service to ensure timely response and proper disposition; ensures all personnel perform their duties in a timely manner and follow prescribed policies and procedures; ensures departmental equipment is being utilized as intended and is properly maintained; monitoring overtime usage and reducing unnecessary overtime expenditures; conducting an initial review of administrative investigations as directed by the Chief of Police; and other duties as prescribed by the Chief of Police.

CANINE UNIT

The Concord Police Department Canine Unit serves the department and community in several different areas. Each patrol rotation is assigned a Canine Unit that works to assist patrol.

All canines are trained and tested in obedience, aggression control, tracking, building search, area search, and narcotics detection. Each canine is assigned to one officer and stays with that officer throughout his career. When a canine retires, the officer/handler usually keeps the canine.

Major Robert Ledwell Patrol Bureau

Captain John Tierney Adam Patrol District

ADAM DISTRICT

Located in northeast Concord, the Adam Patrol District includes both mixed-use residential and commercial properties. The district has 9 educational institutions, 7 recreational parks, and multiple employment and economic facilities, including Atrium Health, the Carolina Mall, and the Northlight Shopping Center.

Adam District has 8 neighborhoods participating in the Partnership for Stronger Neighborhoods, a program designed to build relationships with established neighborhood organizations to enhance the quality of life in our city. The district encompasses a wide range of options for our visitors and residents to safely explore and enjoy.

Captain Patrick Tierney Baker Patrol District

BAKER DISTRICT

There are 7 educational institutions located within the Baker Patrol District as well as 5 recreational parks, 2 recreational centers, and the 4.25-mile Brown Mill Mountain bike trail. Baker District has 8 active neighborhood partnerships. The district is home to Downtown Concord, where several major projects are underway. These projects promise to transform our downtown into a thriving area filled with restaurants, shops, and residential living.

32,283 POPULATION

Captain Alan Lee

Charlie Patrol District

CHARLIE DISTRICT

Charlie Patrol District has 6 public schools (2 high, 2 middle, 2 elementary) and three private schools. We are also home to Cabarrus Virtual Academy and Performance Learning Center.

Charlie District has a total of 31 recognized communities with most of them being active.

The district is continuing to experience enormous residential growth with 81 single-family homes and 221 two-story townhomes under construction in Piper Landing neighborhood off of Rock Hill Church Road. Concord Parkway near Pitts School Road is home to Evolve at Parkway apartment homes that opened in April 2023 with 300 luxury apartments available. There is also new residential construction taking place on Concord Parkway across from Concord Farms Road.

Charlie district is home to the new Eli-Lilly research and pharmaceutical manufacturer that is scheduled to open in 2024. The construction is on pace to be completed early including some new traffic patterns to alleviate traffic congestion once the company opens.

Dorton park will be closed for the majority of 2024 while construction crews work to provide significant updates to the park.

Charlie district offices will be receiving a much-needed remodel to accommodate the growing district. In early 2024 construction will begin at the current district office location. The remodel will provide a training/roll call room, supervisor workspace, motor officer and district investigator workspace and a larger patrol work area for the officers. The updates will also include a locker room and break room for employees.

Charlie district will be getting a new district commander in January 2024. Captain Alan Lee will be retiring after serving the City of Concord for 27.5 years. Captain Lee has spent the last 5 years of his career overseeing the day-to-day operations of Charlie district. Captain Lee is proud of the relationships he has built with the community and will forever be grateful for his time spent with the

City of Concord police department and especially to the community members in Charlie district.

1% DECREASE IN PROPERTY CRIMES 12% DECREASE IN VIOLENT CRIMES

27 OFFICERS 20.98 SQUARE MILES

Cydney McGhee

David Patrol District

DAVID DISTRICT

37,144 POPULATION

David District contains one high school and one middle school, and has community partnerships with five established neighborhoods. David district is home to several larger spectator events and attractions along with local communities. The Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts several events throughout the year such as concerts, NHRA, NASCAR, and Motor Cross. David District has one of the area’s largest tourist attractions, Concord Mills Mall, with over 200 stores and amenities as well as Sea Life.

Along with these, David District fully staffs Concord Regional Airport with 4 officers and 1 supervisor. Allegiant Airlines flies to destinations including Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. Great Wolf Lodge is also an indoor water park and resort for the whole family.

12% INCREASE IN PROPERTY CRIMES

30% INCREASE IN VIOLENT CRIMES

37 OFFICERS 15.39 SQUARE MILES

22,562 POPULATION

CHARLIE

DAVID

Captain

OPERATIONS BUREAU

The Operations Bureau is responsible for providing operational support to the Patrol Bureau via specialized teams, intervention strategies, and tactics. Commanded by Major Todd McGhee, this bureau partners with patrols, schools, and the community, and works collaboratively to reduce the levels of crime, fear, and disorder in neighborhoods; improve the quality of life for Concord’s citizens, visitors, and businesses; and have a positive and lasting impression on the lives of student-aged youth.

CODE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION

The Code Enforcement Division consists of one manager, a senior code enforcement officer and seven enforcement officers. The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and executing the enforcement of the city code and ordinances as set forth by the City Council. Other duties of the division include conducting field inspections of properties and public facilities for violations of minimum housing, zoning, and historic preservation standards, receive and investigate complaints regarding substandard housing conditions, hazardous conditions, improper use of dwellings and commercial structures, nuisance conditions, and other code related issues on public and private property within the city.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & EDUCATION

The Community Outreach and Education Unit is comprised of two sergeants and 22 school resource officers. The unit’s ultimate responsibility is to ensure a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and others who work and visit our schools while providing educational programs to the students.

In 2023, the Community Outreach & Education Unit comprised of School Resource Officers hosted a one-day Youth Police Academy in the Spring and a comprehensive Youth Police Academy for several days over the summer – exposing students to the various responsibilities of law enforcement.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS

The Criminal Investigations Division is comprised of a captain, three sergeants, and 10 investigators. The division is responsible for providing the patrol bureau with operational support through the investigation, relentless follow-up, and case management of felony crimes that are complex and severe in nature; providing forensic and other crime scene services; assisting in the collection and storage of evidence and other property coming into the department’s possession; managing property control and identification processes and records; and, investigating any other crimes as directed by the chief of police. In 2023 the division was assigned 361 cases, which included incidents of homicide, serious assaults, and crimes against people.

FORENSICS & PROPERTY CONTROL

A key component of Forensics & Property Control is maintaining the security and integrity of all property and evidence that comes into the police department. The Police Department subscribes to evidenced-based best practices, and as such, both coworkers are trained and certified through the International Association for Property and Evidence. In 2023, 5,151 individual pieces of evidence were submitted to the department’s Property Control section. Of those items of evidence, 322 firearms were seized and 1,832 were narcotics.

Greg Walters Code Enforcement

Captain Larry Hubbard Criminal Investigations

Major

Todd McGhee Operations Bureau

Captain Jeremy Baggarly Special Operations

SPECIAL OPERATIONS

The Special Operations Division is responsible for providing operational support by utilizing a variety of special teams, intervention strategies, and tactics. In 2022, Special Operations continued to partner with the Patrol Bureau to achieve the overall goal of reducing the levels of crime, fear of crime, and disorder while improving the quality of life for citizens and visitors. The division is comprised of three units: Public Safety Unit, Street Crimes Unit, and Vice & Narcotics.

PUBLIC SAFETY UNIT

This unit consists of one sergeant, two traffic officers, and two park patrol officers, along with nine crossing guards.

STREET CRIMES UNIT/VICE & NARCOTICS

For the 2023 year, the VICE and Street Crimes Units of the Special Operations Division focused on the seizure of fentanyl and cocaine due to the high risk of abuse and addiction that is associated with these specific narcotics. In addition, Fentanyl has continued to become more prevalent and readily available around the world, which has greatly increased the number of overdoses nationwide. In particular, the ones resulting in death. VICE, along with the assistance of our Street Crimes Unit were able to seize over 2500 grams of Fentanyl and Opiates over last year. This is over a 1000 percent increase in Fentanyl seizures from the year 2022. In addition, over 1400 grams of cocaine, 190 grams of methamphetamine, 14 pounds of marijuana, and 28 firearms were seized. These investigations and seizures resulted in the arrests of over 50 individuals.

SWAT

The SWAT team consists of one commander, one executive officer, two team leaders, two assistant team leaders, sixteen operators, four snipers and a medic. The team is responsible for evaluating search warrants and assessing the risk associated with executing the warrants as codified by department policy and procedure. The team also executes search warrants deemed “high risk” and any other warrants as directed by the chief of police. Finally, the SWAT Team provides the department with a highly motivated, technically and tactically proficient special operations team capable of responding to a variety of critical incidents and resolving them with minimum risk to officers, suspects, and innocent parties.

ADMINISTRATION BUREAU

Major Keith Eury Administration Bureau

Commanded by Major Keith Eury and support staff, the Administration Bureau is responsible for numerous aspects of the department outside of normal patrol and investigative functions. The bureau reviews policies and procedures to ensure they are up to date with current laws and court rulings. Budget oversight remains a major component of the Administration Bureau, as it continues to be responsible for budget management and preparation. Other responsibilities of the Administration Bureau include: staffing, grants, facilities management, information and vehicle technology, strategic planning, career development program, secondary employment and the administering and planning of promotional processes.

CRIME & STRATEGIC ANALYSIS UNIT

The crime analyst is responsible for collecting, collating, analyzing, disseminating, and evaluating crime data to identify emerging trends, patterns, and changes in criminal activity using mapping and analytical software. The analyst prepares crime data that is used to make recommendations for deployment and resource allocation, measures and forecasts long-term public safety activities related to problem solving, intervention, and crime reduction efforts.

Lieutenant John Parker

Professional

Standards Division

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS DIVISION

CALEA

Maintaining CALEA accreditation is a continuous process and serves as the foundation for a successful, well-managed, transparent, community-focused public safety agency. CPD is required to maintain its accredited status by remaining in compliance with all 180 CALEA standards – at all times – while being subject to annual CALEA assessments.

TRAINING

The Training Division is responsible for managing all officers’ training, including state-mandated in-service training. Stated mandated training consists of 24 hours, including firearms and departmental choice training. The Concord Police Department mandates all officers to take Active Bystander Law Enforcement Training, Fair and Impartial Training, and Crisis intervention Training to strengthen their skills and address situations that each officer will encounter in their career.

PERSONNEL INVESTIGATIONS

The Professional Standards Division is responsible and accountable for the governance, leadership, performance, efficiency, and general good conduct of the department. When directed by the Chief of Police, the Professional Standards Lieutenant will coordinate and conduct personnel investigations.

COMPLAINTS

The total number of complaints received by the department.

Lieutenant Kelly Seagraves

Support Services Division

SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION

As head of the support Services Division, Lt. Seagraves is responsible for recruiting new officers, conducting the hiring process, coordinating career development, and managing secondary employment through extra-duty solutions. The Support Services Division also oversees records management, Center City, planning and logistics and the customer service unit.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

The Customer Service Unit conducts fingerprints, assists people who come in the police department lobby, as well as analyzing and managing reports that are completed by officers.

PLANNING AND LOGISTICS

This component is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating department personnel and resources for secondary employment, special events, and any other gatherings or events as directed by the Chief of Police. This component also provides uniformed presence in and around the Center City area as well as a District Court Liaison Officer. This officer acts as a liaison between the district attorney’s office and the department officers during district court proceedings.

POLICE CHAPLAIN PROGRAM

The Police Chaplain Program is designed to provide a source of emotional and spiritual support to department coworkers, their immediate family members, and the community. The police chaplains are present in the workplace and actively listen with empathy and experience, advising calmly in the midst of turmoil and danger, and offering assistance when appropriate or requested. This support is offered to all coworkers regardless of one’s religion, race, gender, or sexual orientation and without cost.

BY THE NUMBERS

PART I CRIMES

Aggravated Assault

PART I CRIMES

STATISTICAL DATA

DATA CATEGORIES

3,233 INCIDENT REPORTS 3,421 ARREST REPORTS

43,642 TRAFFIC STOPS 3,514 FIELD CONTACTS

3,372 ACCIDENT REPORTS

34,473 WARNINGS ISSUED

8,481 CITATIONS ISSUED

94,502 OFFICER-INITIATED CALLS

48,687 DISPATCHED CALLS

143,189 TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICE

TASK FORCE

In 2019, The Concord Police Department formed a task force to focus traffic enforcement in areas with high occurrences of complaints, crashes, or DWIs. This group later received a funding grant from the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program to reimburse the City for officers’ time dedicated to deployments. The taskforce typically has three deployments each month at strategic times and places to impact violations and driver behavior. The funding grant has been renewed each year since 2020 and continues to be an effective tool to make our roadways safer.

TRAFFIC SAFETY GRANT TASK FORCE 2023

32 DEPLOYMENTS

21 DWI CHARGES

31 SEATBELT/CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINTS

65 SPEED

71 DWLR

103 NOL

510 OTHER VIOLATIONS

327 WARNING CITATIONS

CONCORD POLICE FOUNDATION

The Concord Police Foundation (CPF) is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to support Concord Police Department employees and their immediate family members; and, to supplement department funding for innovative community policing programs, equipment, and technology to make Concord a safer community to live, work, and visit.

The Foundation was established in the Spring of 2021 with an initial strategic objective to support officers and their families in the event of a line-of duty-death or serious bodily injury. Concord Officer Jason Shuping was tragically killed in the line of duty on December 16, 2020. While the greater Concord community rallied around the Shuping family and Concord Police Department, it quickly became apparent there was a need for a non-profit like CPF to strategically organize that community support.

The CPF Board is comprised of civic-minded community and business leaders with a passion for supporting first responders and public safety professionals. Board members volunteer their time and talents to ensure that the Foundation is positioned, willing, and able to accomplish its mission.

Since establishing the board the Foundation has hosted the Concord Police Department annual awards dinner each year, which recognizes the officers and their families that have gone above and beyond for our department and community.

OPERATING EXPENDITURES

$26,539,044

QUICK FACTS ABOUT CONCORD

DEMOGRAPHICS CONCORD TOURISM

7th LARGEST

MUNICIPALITY IN NC BY LAND AREA

9 th LARGEST

MUNICIPALITY IN NC BY POPULATION

85%

CITY’S SHARE OF LODGING IN CABARRUS COUNTY

786,381 HOTEL ROOM DEMAND

41,083

TOTAL HOUSING UNITS 37.7 MEDIAN AGE

110,229 POPULATION

(Source: NC State Demographer’s Office 2023)

CITY AREA

63.8 square miles TOTAL AREA

0.65 square miles

ANNEXATIONS (2020 – 2023)

17 MILLION ANNUAL VISITORS TO CONCORD MILLS MALL

12.1% INCREASE IN ROOM DEMAND

ON THE MOVE

2023 COMMENDATIONS

ROBERT J EURY AWARD

CAPTAIN LARRY HUBBARD

The Robert J Eury Award is given to an officer with a least 20 years of experience and someone who embodies the integrity of Lt. Eury who was killed while honorably protecting the people of Cabarrus County. The award is known as the most prestigious law enforcement award in the community. It is given to an officer who demonstrates true commitment to law enforcement and service to the community.

EXCELLENCE IN POLICE SERVICE AWARDS

DETECTIVE ANGEL GONZALEZ

In March 2023, Detective Angel Gonzalez worked over 50 extra hours serving the citizens of Concord. These hours were a combination of working long hours to complete cases in VICE, as well as coming on his days off to assist CID. In addition, Detective Gonzalez provided translation services during a crime scene investigation and helped his fellow detectives get a confession from a suspect connected to a shooting on McGill Avenue. Detective Gonzalez is dedicated, dependable, and truly cares about his work and the citizens of Concord.

MPO AARON MYERS

When a student in Basic Law Enforcement Training couldn’t pass the physical fitness portion of their curriculum, Officer Myers stepped in and developed a plan that would help this student improve. Officer Myers went out of his way to help a fellow officer by coming in on his days off and working one-on-one with this student to ensure they passed the test on the second try.

MPO ERIC COX AND MPO HENRY COLLINS

Master Police Officers Eric Cox and Henry Collins worked 11 days at the firing range, nearly 14 hours each day, to conduct the

department’s annual handgun qualifications. This was done on top of their other duties as officers, and much of it completed when they were scheduled to be off work. Additionally, these officers assisted several Basic Law Enforcement Training students who needed extra help qualifying for the firearm portion of their class. Master Police Officers Cox and Collins completed these tasks without being asked, and without complaint. They displayed patience with students, hard work, and commitment in maintaining the department’s high standards in firearm qualifications.

DETECTIVE ELLEN GARNER

While conducting overdose follow-ups, Detective Garner was able to gather information about a local fentanyl dealer. Without hesitation, Detective Garner started making cold calls to track down this dealer and posed as a potential buyer and set up a meeting. Once the search warrant was secured, Detective Garner was able to make an arrest and seized 1.8-kilograms (1800 grams) of Fentanyl, 180 grams of Cocaine, a stolen firearm, and $15,000 cash. This dealer was charged with Trafficking Opium/Opiate/Opioids, Trafficking Cocaine, Manufacturing Controlled Substances, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by Felon, Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substances, and Child Abuse. Detective Garner didn’t just stop here, she kept searching up the chain until she was able to locate an additional dealer who had 18 grams of Fentanyl and charged them with Trafficking Opium/Opiate/Opioids, 3 counts of Sell/Deliver, and 3 counts of Felony Conspiracy. Concord is a safer city because of Detective Garners hard work and tenacity.

MASTER POLICE OFFICER RONALD DORSEY

The Concord Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit was tasked with developing a plan to apprehend a dangerous suspect who had threatened to harm his ex-wife and her attorney, and harm any officers who attempted to stop him. Master Police Officer Dorsey has previously succeeded in getting suspects to turn themselves in, so without hesitation he stepped up to take on this dangerous encounter. After tracking down where the suspect was, Officer Dorsey was able to contact the suspect. At first, the suspect became very hostile and made countless threats to harm himself and others, however, after a few more minutes on the phone, Officer Dorsey

convinced the suspect to come outside and peacefully turn himself in. Dorsey was able to remain calm during a stressful situation, exemplifying the core values of competence and courage.

CAPTAIN ALAN LEE

During heavy rainfall, Captain Alan Lee responded to a call regarding flooding in the roadway. When Officer Lee arrived, the water was above the bumper of a large truck and the roadway was completely impassable. Without hesitation, Officer Lee put on his rubber boots, borrowed a large rake from a neighbor, and began clearing storm drains that had been clogged by fallen debris. Captain Lee was able to unclog most of the stormdrains along the roadway which allowed the flooding to subside. Captain Lee’s actions reflect his commitment to community and the City’s principles of excellence service.

MASTER POLICE OFFICER CHRISTIAN COE

Officer Coe noticed a stranded motorist and stopped to offer assistance. The driver’s motorcycle needed gas, but their gas can was in a storage unit a few miles away. Officer Coe didn’t hesitate to offer the stranded driver a ride to the storage unit and back to fill up the motorcycle. During the ride, the motorist expressed this was their first-ever encounter with law enforcement and the interaction with Officer Coe changed their entire perception of police officers. Officer Coe’s compassion for others and willingness to help made a lasting impression and exemplified excellent service.

MASTER POLICE OFFICER’S TRACY LAW, DALLAS HURLEY, ERIN ERRINGTON, AND JAZMINE MISSOURI

The Community Outreach Unit hosted the annual Youth Police Academy over the summer. During the program, 33 students from all over Cabarrus County learned about the functions of the Concord Police Department, worked mock crime scenes, learned the ins and outs of criminal investigation, observed how the K-9’s work, and much more. With more students than ever before, this was the most successful Youth Police Academy to date. Master Police Officers Tracy Law, Dallas Hurley, Erin Errington, and Jazmine Missouri went out of their way to make sure the students learned a lot and had a great time. Without their hard work and dedication this event would not have been possible.

SERGEANT MICHAEL LOPEZ AND OFFICER DELONTA VEENEY

When responding to a welfare check, Sergeant Michael Lopez and Officer Delonta Veeney learned that a mother with two teen children did not have housing and planned to stay outside in sleeping bags. With rain in the forecast, Sergeant Lopez booked the family a hotel room for the night at his expense and Officer Veeney purchased food and toiletries for the family. Sergeant Lopez and Officer Veeney showed compassion and care while helping make sure this family had a safe place to stay and a warm meal.

LIFESAVING AWARDS

MASTER POLICE OFFICER ERIC COX

Master Police Officer Eric Cox was the first to arrive on scene to find a gun shot victim in a vehicle. Officer Cox was able to move the victim quickly and safely to the ground and apply a tourniquet to slow the bleeding. Deputy Chief Justin Brines with Cabarrus County EMS remarked that, “MPO Cox’s actions played a role in the favorable outcome for the victim and are certainly meritorious. Failure to control excessive bleeding (like this victim was experiencing) can undoubtedly lead rapidly to death.” Officer Cox’s quick actions showed courage, resourcefulness, and perseverance.

OFFICER ADAM CULP

Officer Culp responded to a reported assault to find a victim with a gunshot wound to the chest laying in a parking lot. Officer Culp quickly assessed the victim and applied a chest seal to the victim’s wound. He was able to keep the victim stable until Cabarrus County EMS arrived and took over treatment. Deputy Chief Brines of Cabarrus County EMS noted that in his professional opinion, “the action taken by Officer Culp to apply an occlusive dressing to a high abdomen gunshot wound ultimately contributed to a better outcome for the patient.” Officer Culp’s quick actions showed compassion and courage.

LIFESAVING AWARDS (CONTINUED)

MASTER POLICE OFFICER THIAGO DESOUZA

Master Police Officer DeSouza responded to a unresponsive male. Without hesitation, Master Police Officer DeSouza started CPR while waiting for other emergency services to arrive. Without his quick response, the male’s chance of survival was low. Due to Master Police Officer DeSouza’s actions and courage the male survived.