MERRIAM POLICE 2019 Annual Report
2019 ANNUAL REPORT | 1
CONTENTS 3 4
CHIEF'S MESSAGE
5 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 12 13 14
FORFEITURE REPORT
BUDGET REPORT CRIME STATISTICS DDACTS POLICE TRAINING PATROL DIVISION INVESTIGATIONS MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES OFFICERS AT WORK HIGHLIGHTS OFFICER OF THE YEAR COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Follow us on social media: @MerriamPolice @MerriamPolice
CITY POPULATION
11,178
CALLS FOR SERVICE
9,637
SELF-INITIATED CALLS
11,732
WRITTEN REPORTS
3,701
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES
621
POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES
37
SPECIAL OLYMPICS MONEY RAISED
$23,847
TOTAL BUDGET
$4,190,673
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MESSAGE FROM
THE CHIEF
To Merriam’s citizens, city staff, and the men and women of the Merriam Police Department, I want to talk about how thankful I am for all of you. 2019 started badly for our organization. Cpl. Phil Lewis and I were diagnosed with cancer in January. We both immediately left work and did not know if we would return. During the next few months, the police department lost more personnel. Five officers left our department for various reasons. We then had two veteran employees leave due to retirement Karen Gibson, one of the records clerks, retired after 26 years of dedicated service. Then, Police Chief Mike Daniels retired after 32 years of service. We missed his leadership during these trying times. Within a four-month timespan, our department lost a quarter of its personnel. We lost strong leaders and a lot of experience. Thankfully, we are a resilient organization. Captains Todd Allen and Troy Duvanel took on an increased leadership role during this time. Our officers and supervisors worked harder to provide services with fewer people. I have never been so proud of how they rallied around each other. On a personal level, I am thankful for the citizens of this community, city staff, and our police officers because of their support for Phil and me during our cancer battle. I cannot explain the gratitude I have for what you all did for me, my family, and Phil and his family. I can say all of you played a huge role in my healing and being able to return to work in September. I am honored to be appointed your new Chief of Police. I look forward to the future. I have learned that no matter what this organization faces, we will be up to the task. In 2019, your police department lived up to our core values of Courage, Sacrifice, and Compassion. Sincerely, Darren L. McLaughlin Chief of Police PATROL COMMANDER Capt. Todd Allen INVESTIGATIONS COMMANDER Sgt. Chris Brokaw SUPPORT SERVICES COMMANDER Capt. Troy Duvanel 2019 ANNUAL REPORT | 3
BUDGET EXPENSE REPORT In 2019, Merriam's total police budget was $4,190,673. This amount included all projected costs of personnel, contractual services, commodities, and capital outlay purchases. Below is a breakdown of expenditures by major categories.
PE R S O N N E L
This budget item includes salaries and benefits. B U D G E T E D: $3,758,029 S PE N T: $3,583,988 PE R C E N T O F B U D G E T S PE N T: 95.4% CO N T R AC T UA L S E R V I C E S
This budget item includes utilities, equipment rental and repair, custodial services, training expenses, vehicle repair, and building maintenance. B U D G E T E D: $251,944 S PE N T: $193,329 PE R C E N T O F B U D G E T S PE N T: 76.7% S U PPL I E S A N D E Q U I PM E N T
This budget item includes office equipment, police equipment, uniforms, and fuel. B U D G E T E D: $180,700 S PE N T: $137,894 PE R C E N T O F B U D G E T S PE N T: 76.3% Police department spending was $275,462 under budget in 2019.
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FORFEITURE REPORT According to K.S.A. 60-4117, law enforcement agencies are required to report the status of their Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund in an annual report. The report must include the type and approximate value of the forfeited property, the amount of any forfeiture proceeds received, and how any of those proceeds were expended. This section is included in all annual reports to ensure the Merriam Police Department stays in compliance with K.S.A. 60-4117. Any questions concerning specific details should be directed to the City of Merriam’s Finance Department.
Law Enforcement Special Funds Report On Jan. 1, 2019, there was $55,224.44 in the Merriam Special Law Enforcement Fund. Through the course of the year, the following receipts and expenses were made to this fund: RECEIPTS Total funds received – cash seizure (case 118CV4530) Total Assets for 2019
$5,612.00 $5,612.00
EXPENDITURES Traffic cameras and installation Total Expenditures in 2019
$6,481.97 $6,481.97
Fund balance as of Dec. 31, 2019
$54,354.47
2019 ANNUAL REPORT | 5
CRIME STATISTICS
Each year, we report crimes to the Kansas Bureau of Investigations. MURDER
RAPE
0
ROBBERY
9
ASSAULTS
7
148
BURGLARY
33
THEFT
459
AUTO THEFT
83
ARSON
1
CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
GRID
ARSON
MURDER
RAPE
ROBBERY
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
SIMPLE ASSAULT
BURGLARY
THEFT
AUTO THEFT
TOTALS
The Merriam Police Department tracks criminal activity and trends by dividing the city into grids that separate residential areas from business areas, as much as possible. The chart below will give you information on some of the crime reports taken in each grid during 2019.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 2 0
1 3 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 0 3 0 3 1 3 4 1
13 15 10 1 8 0 1 2 1 12 14 11 1 7 4 4 1 4 7 0
1 4 2 1 1 1 0 1 2 1 2 3 1 5 2 0 0 6 0 0
28 16 39 0 18 4 8 3 10 20 18 16 4 28 7 53 6 23 157 1
8 12 7 0 10 0 4 1 5 7 3 5 1 3 3 9 0 1 2 2
52 53 66 2 38 5 13 7 18 43 39 38 7 48 16 72 8 38 173 4
1
0
9
7
32
116
33
459
83
Totals
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GRID MAP Blue lines represent the grid boundaries.
DDACTS Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Study Since starting Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Study (DDACTS) in 2017, car crashes went down two years in a row. DDACTS enforcement identifies areas with high incidences of crime, crashes, and traffic violations. The program uses statistics to determine the most effective places and times to patrol areas in Merriam. Statistics from the past six years showed overlapping high points of crime and crashes around Merriam Town Center and down toward Shawnee Mission Parkway. The information has allowed the department to increase its patrol efficiency along Shawnee Mission Parkway north to Antioch Road, across 55th St., and down Merriam Drive.
All Crashes
590
2014
985
912
864
828
Non-Highway Crashes
647
2015
693
2016
944 765
2017
847 697
2018
621
2019
Crash Totals Per Year As part of DDACTS enforcement, the department focused on areas with higher crash totals. Since 2013, crash totals grew by an average of 71 crashes a year. Based on the previous five years, the projected total number of crashes in 2018 was 1,053. The actual total number of crashes decreased in 2018 to 944 and 847 in 2019.
TRAINING
The State of Kansas requires all police officers to complete a state-sponsored police academy. The Merriam Police Department also requires new officers to complete a 12- to 14-week field training program. The State of Kansas requires certified police officers receive a minimum of 40 hours of training each year. Merriam police officers received an average of 152 training hours in 2019. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT | 7
PATROL DIVISION The patrol division is responsible for answering calls for service, traffic enforcement, traffic accidents, and other tasks essential to serving Merriam. Officers work 10-hour shifts with varying start times to cover all 24 hours of the day, seven days a week. They are assigned to one of six supervisors. In 2019, our officers answered 9,637 calls for service. These calls ranged from simple city ordinance violations to severe crimes involving personal injury. Merriam police officers also conducted more than 11,732 self-initiated citizen contacts. These included traffic stops, suspicious person checks, business checks, community outreach, and other miscellaneous duties. Officers wrote a total of 3,701 reports.
Shawnee Mission Parkway Crashes We believe the reduction in crashes this year on Shawnee Mission Parkway is due to it being identified for officers as a primary focus for traffic enforcement. It has the highest number of crashes in Merriam, not including I-35. Over the last six years, Shawnee Mission Parkway has had over 2 ½ times more crashes than any other street in Merriam. 2018 had the lowest number of crashes on Shawnee Mission Parkway since 2013.
167 104
152 148 146 116 118
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
INVESTIGATIONS Merriam Police Department contributes regularly to both the Metro Squad and the Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Team (OISIT). This year, officers and investigators helped out on three Metro Squads and two OISIT.
"The cooperation and professionalism exhibited by this group by coming to assist us was another example of what makes law enforcement work in this region unique." — CHIEF TROY RETTIG, LEAWOOD
8 | MERRIAM POLICE DEPARTMENT
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES One of the fundamental duties of any police department is to investigate motor vehicle crashes. The City of Merriam has 65 miles of roadway within its borders, including approximately three miles of interstate highway. According to data provided by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the portion of I-35 just north of 75th St. is the busiest highway section in Kansas. KDOT estimates more than 145,000 cars drive through Merriam each day.
2019 Crash Facts There were 621 motor vehicle crashes reported to the Merriam Police Department in 2019 compared to 697 in 2018. Of these: » 149 crashes involved some level of personal injuries » 2 crashes resulted in fatalities » 361 crashes resulted in damage of more than $1,000 » 109 crashes resulted in damage of less than $1,000 » 34 crashes were alcohol-related • There were injuries in 13 of these crashes » 61 crashes were on private property NOTE: The above statistics do not include crashes reported to and investigated by KHP that occurred on I-35.
Top Crash Locations
118 SHAWNEE MISSION PARK WAY 72 ANTIOCH ROAD 59 75 TH STREET 48 JOHNSON DRIVE 22 67 TH STREET
Drunk Driving Campaign The Merriam Police Department participated in the statewide “You Drink. You Drive. You Lose.” campaign in August. The program aimed to remove impaired drivers from Kansas roadways. Officer Grant Sparks was recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving for his work enforcing drunk driving laws.
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OFFICERS AT WORK Merriam police officers respond to many different types of service calls. The following are examples of memorable incidents handled by Merriam officers in 2019. The incidents on this list were submitted by patrol supervisors. 3/19/2019 // FATALITY DUI CRASH
A woman was travelling east on the 8600 block of Shawnee Mission Parkway when she crashed into two vehicles. An elderly woman in one of the vehicles struck died as a result of her injures. Officer Sparks contacted the driver who struck the vehicles, recognized she was impaired, and arrested her for DUI. Detectives assisted with investigation and collected evidence. The case is still pending in court. Case #1900789: PO Sparks, Det. Waller, Det. Simmons, Det. Castaneda, MPO Rock, and Sgt. Brokaw
5/31/2019 // AGGRAVATED ASSAULT OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Officer Jasinski responded to a theft call at Home Depot. As she arrived, the loss prevention officer contacted the woman suspect. While Jasinski was placing her under arrest, the suspect cut Jasinski with razor blades. The case is still pending in court. Case #1901560: PO Jasinski and Cpl. Weiler
10/17/2019 // ARMED ROBBERY
A man pointed a handgun at employees of Aristocrat Motors and stole a vehicle. Master Police Officer Herron responded to the scene just at the suspect was leaving in the stolen vehicle. As Herron pursued the man, the suspect crashed the vehicle in Overland Park. A small handgun was removed from the suspect, and he was arrested. Detectives Waller and Simmons interviewed the suspect, who admitted to taking the vehicle. Officer Keith investigated and interviewed witnesses. Case #1902988: MPO Herron, PO Keith, Det. Waller, Det. Simmons, and Sgt. Reynolds
10 | MERRIAM POLICE DEPARTMENT
11/8/2019 // FATALITY CRASH
Officers responded to an injury crash at the intersection of Shawnee Mission Parkway and southbound I-35. A vehicle traveling eastbound struck a vehicle turning south from the westbound lanes. The driver of the vehicle struck - a 72-year-old woman - died several weeks later as a result of her injuries. The Shawnee Police Department assisted with mapping the crash scene. Merriam detectives investigated the crash, and the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office is evaluating the case for criminal charges. Case #1903633: Sgt. Walton, Det. Sgt. Brokaw, Cpl. Weiler, Cpl. Waller, and PO Moeller
11/10/2019 // ARMED DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE
Officers responded to a domestic disturbance at the 8200 block of 58th St. A husband and wife were involved in a disturbance involving a gun where threats were made and a shot was fired. The woman was able to safely get out of the house. Officers arrived on scene, but the suspect didn’t come out of the house. Lenexa’s SWAT team responded to assist, and, after several hours, the suspect was arrested inside the residence. Case #1903189: MPO Meyers, Sgt. Brokaw, Det. Jasinski, and Capt. Duvanel
12/25/2019 // AGGRAVATED BATTERY
Officers responded to a person who appeared at a house on the 4700 block of Antioch and said they had been shot by a known person a few residences away. Officers searched the house but didn’t find the suspect. Officers found several bullet holes in the house with shells on the floor. The case is still pending in court. Case #1903633: Sgt. Walton, Det. Sgt. Brokaw, Cpl. Weiler, Cpl. Waller, and PO Moeller
PROMOTIONS AND NEW OFFICERS Promotions Master Police Officers Wes Waller and Aaron Simmons were promoted to corporals in November. New Officers
From left to right: Cpl. Wes Waller, Chief Darren McLaughlin, Cpl. Aaron Simmons
Brandon Bates
Nicholas Fling
Jordan Berry
Nathan Hoff
Justin Bilyeu
Holly Keith
Thank you for putting on that uniform every day, thank you for risking your lives to ensure security, and thank you for doing all of this, even when others are ungrateful.
FORCE
USE OF
— THE TEAM AT HARD HEAD VETERANS
Law enforcement officers face many challenges and occasionally need to use force to subdue a violent offender or take a person into custody for their own protection. Merriam officers arrested 1,184 individuals in 2019 and only used force in 55 of those incidents. This is a testament to our officers’ ability to de-escalate tense situations and gain compliance without force. The Merriam Police Department makes it a top priority to conduct comprehensive examinations of any incident when force is involved in making an arrest. It's critical to be absolutely sure each use of force was necessary and within policy. Therefore, each incident is reviewed by the officer’s supervisor and a three-member Use of Force Panel for a thorough analysis. The panel and supervisor examine the reports, videos, witness statements, and other evidence to get a complete understanding of the incident. Recommendations then are made to the training committee to consider whether lessons learned from the incident could benefit all officers in future work and improve best-practice standards. All 55 use of force incidents were reviewed and found to be within department policy. We believe our comprehensive oversight makes the community safer and our officers more accountable. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT | 11
HIGHLIGHTS Police Chief Retires After More Than Three Decades with Department After 32 years of service, Chief of Police Michael Daniels retired in April. Daniels began his tenure with the Merriam Police Department as a patrol officer in 1987 before rising up the ranks to chief of police in 2014. Daniels oversaw the police department’s remodeled facility in 2018 and brought back the police bicycle unit. He also was committed to having officers attend every City event and connect with students at Merriam Park and Crestview elementary schools. Capt. Todd Allen took over as Merriam’s acting chief of police after Daniels retired. Allen began his career with the department in 1996.
Darren McLaughlin Named New Police Chief A 30-year veteran with the Merriam Police Department, Darren McLaughlin was named the new Chief of Police in September. Congratulations Darren. You are one of the nicest guys I've ever met, and I am so happy to hear you are in remission. – PAT B.
In January, doctors told Chief McLaughlin he had cancer. McLaughlin took time off to undergo months of chemo and other cancer treatments. He came back in August and was promoted to chief a month later, ready to serve Merriam residents and lead the 37-member police department. “Becoming chief has been a goal of mine for many years,” McLaughlin said. “My desire to lead this department has only gotten stronger during my illness. I’m so proud of how my coworkers handled themselves this year.”
Three Officers Receive Life Saving Awards Master Police Officer Matthew Hirsch and Officers April Gebke and Beau Soucie were honored with Life Saving Awards in 2019. In January, Gebke was honored for saving the life of a man who went into cardiac arrest after a car crash. Soucie received a Life Saving Award in April for using an AED to help revive a 31-year-old man whose heart had stopped beating. Hirsch received a Life Saving Award in September for his quick actions in helping save a 61-year-old Merriam woman by performing CPR. She survived thanks to his efforts and those of the Overland Park Fire Department and Johnson County Med-Act.
12 | MERRIAM POLICE DEPARTMENT
Records Clerk Retires Merriam Police Department Records Clerk Karen Gibson retired in March after nearly 30 years with the City of Merriam.
Thank you for checking on our home. We are aware of your dangerous work and appreciate your vigilance. — FRED S.
Gibson started her career in 1990 as a part-time facility supervisor at Merriam’s community center. She joined the police department two years later, providing a variety of administrative duties.
Merriam Police Using Phone App to Create New Neighborhood Watch Program Merriam police joined the Neighbors by Ring app to provide crime and safety alerts to residents. The app allows users to view and share videos of suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. Officers say it's a great way for residents to stay informed of criminal activity in their area.
Department Supports Two Officers Battling Cancer Officers rallied around Police Chief Darren McLaughlin and Cpl. Phil Lewis, who were diagnosed with cancer in January. Officers raised money throughout the year to help with medical costs and support their road to recovery. McLaughlin has returned to the department while Lewis – a 17-year veteran – is continuing cancer treatments.
OFFICER OF THE YEAR The 2019 Officer of the Year is Sgt. Chris Brokaw. Brokaw has served with the Merriam Police Department since 2001. During that time, he has held a variety of positions and special assignments. Brokaw has worked in patrol as an officer and a supervisor. He also served as a detective, and, most recently, as a sergeant of the investigation’s unit. In 2019, the Merriam Police Department faced numerous challenges. Police Chief Darren McLaughlin and Cpl. Phil Lewis were diagnosed with cancer just days apart. McLaughlin was out of work for nearly nine months and Lewis is still recovering. In addition, six other officers left the Merriam Police Department for a variety of reasons during the year. Brokaw was one of many officers who pitched in and went the extra mile during this difficult time. He helped organize numerous fundraisers for both officers with cancer. Brokaw also took on additional responsibilities in his role as detective supervisor to test and assist with the hiring of replacement officers. He did so each day with a positive attitude and a sense of sacrifice. Congratulations and thank you for your service, Sgt. Brokaw! 2019 ANNUAL REPORT | 13
COMMUNITY
CONNECTIONS We are a community-oriented police department. We believe in the importance of building strong connections within our community.
This should be mandatory for PDs. I love that you guys send positive vibes to our little humans and show them the generous and sweet side of being a police officer your community outreach is awesome!
– LAUREN T.
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Throughout the year, officers participate in numerous events across Merriam – from fundraisers and awareness campaigns to building relationships at schools and citysponsored events. Our officers are reading in schools, chatting with residents at Coffee with a Cop events, teaching police work in the Citizens Academy, and giving Merriam Park Elementary students high-fives every week at school. The police department participates in events like Heroes Pull, Popcorn Standoff at Cinemark, Cover the Cruiser at IKEA, and the Torch Run throughout the year to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics. Through all of these events, the department raised $23,847.
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9010 W. 62ND ST.; Merriam, Kansas 66202 · 913-322-5560 · merriam.org/police @MerriamPolice 16 | MERRIAM POLICE DEPARTMENT
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