MPD The Beat Issue 22

MA KI NG MOBI LE T HE S A FES T CI T Y I N AMER I C A WI TH RESPEC T F OR E V ERYON E

MPDTheBeat

JAN - FEB 2020, ISSUE 22

K-9 UNIT BRINGS HOME TOP AWARDS IN REGIONAL COMPETITION ACADEMY CLASS 63 GRADUATION Honor Bound to Defend Freedom

TAKE 5 & RESET Destressing and Living a More Purposeful Life WHEN HEART MEETS BADGE:

“AN OBSTRUCTED VIEW”

CONNECTING ON CAMPUS Valentine’s Day at Craighead Elementary School

MOUNTED UNIT A BIG ATTRACTION AT MARDI GRAS

Top Officer Recognition A MESSAGE FROM THE

CHIEF OF POLICE Lawrence L. Battiste, IV

Performing as a Single Unit, Possessing a Single Heart Blake Duke Officer of the Month, December 2019 Third Precinct For the month of December, Officer Duke responded to 137 calls for service, backed on 76 calls and selfinitiated 69 proactive policing stops. He made 24 felony and 93 misdemeanor arrests, and wrote 128 tickets.

To the men and women of the Mobile Police Department, “Thank you.” Once again you have shown your dedication, expertise, and love for the city of Mobile as you performed your duties as law enforcement officers. Thank you to all of our civilian employees who work behind the scenes to ensure that the department is always up to the tasks that lie before us daily. All of you make up the full definition of what “one heartbeat” means.

I am very proud to say that regardless of our differences of personal opinions, and we all have them, when performing the tasks that lead to fulfilling the mission and goals of the department we truly do perform as one single unit that possesses a single heart. That heart is filled with a love for the service that we provide to our city.

Thank you for making this year’s Mardi Gras celebration safe and enjoyable for our citizens and the visitors who came to our city.

Congratulations to our officers and civilian employees of the month for December 2019 and January 2020. I am extremely proud of your service to the department and the city of Mobile, as is the department’s executive staff.

In my previous letter to you, I spoke about entering a new decade and celebrating it with great hope. I reiterate that to you today. Regardless of how wonderful or how bleak our situations may be, we must keep in mind that they change. What is wonderful can transform into something that can be very challenging; while what was once very challenging will develop into a situation of positive change.

On either hand, we must be prepared for the change.

Noah Anderson Officer of the Month, January 2020 First Precinct During the month of January, Officer Anderson responded to 114 calls for service and 53 backings of other officers, and made 10 felony and 24 misdemeanor arrests along with writing 35 citations.

At this writing, we are facing times of uncertainty as we are challenged to meet the needs and demands of response to the latest pandemic —the coronavirus (COVID-19). I am extremely proud of your selflessness as we continue to serve our community as a law enforcement agency. But even more than service to the community, you also have families and loved ones whom you go home to at the end of your shifts, who because of your faithfulness to duty are at risk.

I am compelled to applaud you and your families. You are indeed valiant and courageous!

Whenever and as often as possible, let’s take the time to nurture our best selves by reading a good inspirational book, listening to some great music, or sitting alone and meditating. Let’s evaluate and/or re-evaluate ourselves and our personal goals, ideals, contributions and spend needed time with our families and those we love. So at the end of the night, before we close our eyes, we will be content with what we’ve done and be proud of who we are.

My prayer is that God will continue to protect you, keep you in good health, and renewed spirit.

EDITORIAL CONTACT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

Charlette Solis 208.1918 Sergeant LaDerrick Dubose 208.1926

THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Officer Janee Griffin, Officer Katrina Frazier, Tonya Calhoun, Brandie Bassite, and Tracy Baxter

ON THE COVER: Officer Justin Washam with Borys, Officer Lawrence Battise with Pedro, Sergeant Patrick McKean, Corporal William Byrd with Masco, and Corporal Joshua Evans with Aron Submit ideas and info for the next issue!

EMAIL: charlette.solis@cityofmobile.org

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January 20132020 - Newsletter Template Jan-Feb | MPDTheBeat

FBI recognizes Nettles for contribution to joint task force Officer Julian Nettles was recently recognized by the FBI for his contributions to the joint task force efforts. Nettles has served on the FBI task force for one year.

The agency praised his performance, comparing his work to the highest traditions of effective law enforcement.

Several FBI representatives including James Bolden (left), Supervisory Special Agent of the FBI Mobile Joint Terrorism Task Force, arranged a visit on Jan. 21 to meet with Chief Battiste.

Bolden presented Officer Nettles with the certificate award and thanked him for a job well done.

Identification Unit delivers forensic presentation at UMS-Wright

Officer Albert White of the Identification Unit is an educator at heart who is passionate about his work. Above, Officer White is in the classroom at UMS-Wright Preparatory School teaching students forensics from the perspective of real-world crime scene experience. About 15 students received the hands-on instruction.

New laser technology at crime scenes A new piece of technology is now in use on crime scenes. It’s called the FARO Focus 3D Laser Scanner. It scans the crime scene to depict the scene at a finer detail. Blood spatter analysis and bullet projectory can be done away from the crime scene, making time efficient.

Watch NBC 15 news story “MPD Using New Laser Technology at Crime Scenes” featuring Officer White January 2013Jan-Feb - Newsletter 2020 |Template MPDTheBeat

Officer Albert White is a primary user of the FARO, and says his goal with having the new technology is to build better cases where the outcome is that of more convictions.

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2020 Mardi Gras Season: Officers working hard letting the good times roll

Corporal Ryan Blakely and Chief Lawrence Battiste

Officer Aleksandar Cika giving a thumbs up

Officer Joanne Watson with happy Mardi Gras parade-goers

Officer Tomatra Johnson and Lieutenant Scott Hanks

Officer Mona Wade taking a fun pic with two young parade-goers

Officer Leslie Little at the beginning of the parade

CRO Supervisor Theretha Walley and Sergeant Paul Workman

Corporal David Marston working his last Mardi Gras before retiring

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Tracy Baxter, Traffic Safety/Special Operations Unit

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Jan-Feb | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2020 - Newsletter Template

Valentine’s Day at Craighead Elementary School

Feeling the sweet love from Craighead Elementary School! Spending time with the students at their Valentine’s Day “We Love Our Partners” breakfast was really special. The students expressed thanks for the gifts we give daily —protection and safety —and everything we do to help make their dreams come true. Attending included First Precinct Captain Melvin Jones, Sergeant LaDerrick Dubose, and Officer Mark McCormick.

Never to young to explore a career in law enforcement

Craighead Elementary School hosted a Vehicle Day to promote career awareness during its winter term. Vehicle Day was held on the school campus and consisted of vehicles representing different occupations. The purpose of the event was to enable the students to gain knowledge of the various career opportunities available to them. The Mobile Police Department sent a patrol car and the SWAT BearCat. From left, representing the Mobile Police Department were Officer Caitlyn Williams, Officer Jennifer Chisholm and Officer An Ngo.

Registration open for the Junior Police Academy Junior Police Academy is the perfect opportunity for kids who are fascinated with law enforcement to step into the role of a Mobile police officer for a week to learn how crimes are solved and observe real-world police officers. Participants will explore specialized police units and take an adventure into the criminal justice system via field trips.

The Junior Police Academy is for kids ages 9 to 12. It’s set to be held July 6 through July 10 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The enrollment fee is $85 per person. Based on application and essay, up to 20 kids will be selected to participate. Junior Poilce Academy is a program designed and offered by the MPD Crime Prevention Unit. To register your child, visit mobilepd.org/juniorpoliceacademy.

January 2013Jan-Feb - Newsletter 2020 Template | MPDTheBeat

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Special Column by Officer Janee Griffin of neighbors staring at me. I looked down at my hands and they were shaking. I had a job to do and this was not about me. There was no time for an emotional breakdown. But, I just talked to her last week.

How could she be dead?

Til death do us part is more than just a wedding vow. It is the commitment you make to yourself everytime you justify the scars left from a lovers quarrel. “He loves me” is what I hear all too often.

An Obstructed View I walked through the living room toward her bedroom expecting to talk to her as usual, but instead my eyes got blurry as I saw her 2 year old and 11 month old baby crawling on her bloodied body as she lay in her bed uncovered. Blurry vision is common during anxiety attacks, I later learned.

My partner advised the dispatcher that the scene was secure for medical and I stumbled toward the front door for air. As I stepped outside, I was encountered by a group

Love is not easily angered. Love does not delight in evil.

Love does not leave little bloodied hands shaking and wondering why mommy won’t wake up. Love does not leave you black and blue.

But I will wear the blue to save you from him. But how can I save you from you, and your obstructive view? The prison of your mind makes you feel worthless. But little do you know that even a lotus can grow through muddy water to become a flower. Til death do us part is more than just a wedding vow. It is the commitment you make to yourself and your loved ones every time you justify the bruise that you think is your fault.

Send comments to janee.griffin@cityofmobile.org.

Patterson and Modelski named Civilian Employees of the Month Paula Patterson was recognized as the Civilian Employee of the Month for December 2019. Hired in September 2016, Patterson serves as a public safety dispatcher in the Communications Unit. She is recognized for her great work ethic and exemplary performance under pressure.

During the evening shift on Dec. 5, 2019 at approximately 7:10 p.m., the 911 operator received a burglary in progress call where a suspect was seen taking items from a church van. The complainant was at home watching the suspect on camera.

Paula Patterson Civilian Employee of the Month December 2019

After the 911 operator talked to the complainant and put in a call screen, the call was immediately dispatched. Patterson started units to the call. Updates advised that the suspect was still on the scene and was taking items from underneath the church van and the address of 755 Lakeside Drive West, which is Newness of Life Outreach Center, was given. At 7:15 p.m., the suspect got into his vehicle and left the scene heading eastbound on Lakeside Drive. Detective Joshua Coleman heard the call over the radio and was in the area immediately. READ MORE...

Leah Modelski was named the Civilian Employee of the Month for January 2020.

Modelski, who began her employment with the department seven years ago, provides courteous and helpful support to users of the department’s software system and assists with the coordination of response for technical issues. She also plays a key role in the department’s crime data submissions and pulling of crime statistics from the system.

According to Modelski’s supervisor, without her skill set in the highly-technical SSRS software, the department would be virtually blind to crime trends and patterns. During the month of January, Modelski built specialized reports to track charge changes on reports, calls for service, and a special project involving rental scooters in the downtown district.

Leah Modelski Civilian Employee of the Month January 2020

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Additionally, she prepared and reviewed crime stats for submission of the year-end numbers to the state through the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, including verifying and correcting final numbers with each major crimes unit. READ MORE...

Jan-Feb | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2020 - Newsletter Template

25 Congrats! Welcome to the MPD family Academy Class 63 “Honor Bound to Defend Freedom” is the motto for the Mobile Academy Class 63. The 25 recruits graduated Friday, Jan. 31 and earned their Mobile Police Department badges after completing 20 weeks of training.

Chief Battiste encouraged the new officers to endure the journey and enjoy the peaks of their law enforcement career, and to stick with it no matter what.

Best success to Officers Justin Beach, Rachel Bohannon, Eric Bolton, Joshua Boyer, Paul Callegari, Christopher Colbert, Ulla Compton, Mark Coombe, Robert Dewberry, Pictured from left, Christopher Colbert, Ulla Compton, Mark Coombe and Robert Dewberry Emmanuel Dillon, Trevin Fortner, Jarred before the graduation ceremony held at Cottage Hill Baptist Church.

Graham, Daniel Hill, Luther Homsher, Michael Hull, Timothy Jones, Steven Laster, Brandon Light, Tyrese Long, Ronnie Rester III, Gage Roberts, Jonathan Thomas, Ryan Turner, Christopher Uptagrafft and Arak Young.

Brandon Light, Academy Class 63 president, congratulated by Officer Chase Clanton.

Corporal Sarah Badon of Special Crimes Detail congratulates her brother Jonathan Thomas.

Cops for Kids receives $5,000 from Academy Sports + Outdoors Fox 10 Surprise Squad along with Academy Sports + Outdoors surprised one of MPD’s very own.

Sergeant Jeremy March received a $5,000 check and gift card for his endeavors in the community with his Cops for Kids program. Sergeant March has worked for the department for more than 20 years and is currently assigned to the Office of Strategic Initiatives Department where he is able to focus on his community work with the Family Intervention Team and Victim Services Unit.

Over the past three years, the Cops for Kids program has assisted hundreds of children in the community with support and resources. Sergeant March often speaks about how his passion is to serve the Lord and believes that he has been called to minister to the youth through Cops for Kids. Congrats, Sergeant March on your achievements and keep up the good Fox 10 Surprise Squad Chelsea Sayasane interviews Sergeant March at Academy Sports + Outdoors. work! Watch Surprise Squad for Sergeant March January 2013Jan-Feb - Newsletter 2020 Template | MPDTheBeat

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Moving Up in Rank, an achievement worthy of family celebration The Mobile Police Department has two sets of twins on the force — the Nettles brothers and Battiste brothers. Usually what happens to one is a joyous occassion for the other. Among the eight officers to move up in rank, Detective Julius Nettles of the Homicide Unit was one of them and his twin brother Julian Nettles of the FBI Task Force was right there to congratulate him.

The unity of family is what makes the Mobile Police Department a special place to work. A host of officers, although not related by blood but by blue, attended the recent promotion ceremony to celebrate the achievements of their fellow officers.

From left, Officer Julian Nettles shakes hands with Corportal Julius Nettles after the ceremony.

The promotion ceremony was held at the Mobile Police Academy on Feb. 28. The seats were filled with family members and the officers lined the back of the room. Mayor Sandy Stimpson was present and gave everyone a book titled “The Little Things” from his collection.

We are so proud to salute the promotees by their new rank: Lieutenant Tina Zanca, Sergeant Joseph Hebert, Sergeant Reginald Lambert, Sergeant Johnathan Mixon, Corporal William Byrd, Corporal Jerry Lewis, Corporal Julius Nettles, and Corporal Deandre Portis.

Major Randy Jackson, commander of the Field Operations Divison, gives his congrats to Corporal Deandre Portis after the ceremony.

Sergeant Joseph Hebert pictured with several of his family members.

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Fourth Precinct Captain Rodney Greeley takes a picture with Sergeant Johnathan Mixon and his wife.

Jan-Feb | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2020 - Newsletter Template

K-9 Unit brings home top awards in the regional competition The MPD K-9 Unit earned top awards competing at the 24th Annual K-9 Seminar hosted by the Dothan Police Department. The seminar, held Feb. 3-7, 2020, drew the participation of K-9 Units from all over the southeast region and gave opportunity to compete for the best trained K-9s. It focused on narcotics and explosives detection, patrol apprehension and tracking.

Officer William Byrd and K-9 Masco earned first place in the Narcotics Scramble. They competed against 54 other teams.

Officer Lawrence Battiste and K-9 Pedro earned first place in the Explosives Building Search. They outshined four other teams. Pedro also received the Top Explosive Dog Award.

Officer Byrd has been a MPD K-9 officer for five years.

Masco is the second K-9 he has trained with since being in the unit. Officer Battiste has served in the K-9 Unit for two years.

Officer Lawrence Battiste and K-9 Pedro

Officer William Byrd and K-9 Masco

READ WKRG News Story: “Mobile Police K9 identified after takedown at Jerry’s Fireworks”

ADVICE COLUMN: Take 5 & Reset Submitted by Officer Katrina Frazier Having an outlet or an outside activity is essential to destressing and living a more purposeful life.

As law enforcement officers, we encounter many obstacles and challenges with individuals we face daily. Sometimes it seems like every aspect of our job is analyzed and placed under a microscope for further observation. Not only is this frustrating, but it is mentally exasperating at times.

How we choose to respond is critical to our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. I’ve found that having an outlet to express myself is vital to maintaining balance in a world full of chaos and discontentment.

Research suggests meditation, listening to upbeat tunes, yoga, exercising, spending time with family and friends help zap stress. I enjoy cross-fit, kickboxing, general exercising as a form of relieving stress. When we exercise, our body release chemicals called endorphins

that trigger positive feelings. Positive feelings create a better mood and a better you.

I cannot express how important self-care is for us, because of the dark side of life we are exposed to at any given time. Finding an outlet to de-stress is critical to our stress meter. Participating in activities outside of police work can help us refuel emotionally.

We cannot be there physically or mentally for others if we deprive ourselves of self-care. Our emotional databank is like that of an ATM; you cannot withdraw more than you deposit. Therefore, take the necessary steps needed not to become emotionally bankrupt.

Remember, in life we have options. We can choose to be happy, sad, grumpy, or mean-spirited.

MPD Praise & Recognition from the Community Location of Experience: Greyhound | Time of Day: 11:30 I felt safe and the officer [Edward McAlpine] was concerned about my well-being. —Cruz Garcia, Orlando, FL

January 2013Jan-Feb - Newsletter 2020 Template | MPDTheBeat

“Wisdom is knowing the right path to take. Integrity is taking it.” —M.H. McKea Send comments to katrina.frazier@cityofmobile.org.

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Mounted Unit a big attraction at Mardi Gras It was just in time for Mardi Gras. The February 2020 issue of Mobile Bay Magazine provided an in-depth feature story on Mobile’s Mounted Unit.

The magazine writers tagged along with the mounted officers for a day, saw them work, and got some insight into the preparation involved in the months leading up to Mardi Gras.

The feature story, written by Breck Pappas, is titled “On the Beat with Mobile’s Mounted Police” with subtitle “Take a peek behind the barn door as Mobile’s Mounted Police Unit saddles up for another Mardi Gras season.”

Officer Josh Hart, Officer Jason Martin, Officer John Schaffer and Officer Nicey Turton were interviewed for the feature story. Photography was by Meggan Halley.

Read the full article, https://mobilebaymag.com/on-the-beat-withmobiles-mounted-police/

31 participants enrolled in this year’s Mardi Gras Mounted School

Officer John Schaffer instructs as the horses get accustomed to the sound of a marching band.

Officer Arron Washington operates his motocycle running blue lights and sirens during the horses’ traiing.

This year’s Mardi Gras Mounted School had 31 participants and they came from different parts of the country. On Feb. 21, Sergeant Ernest Woodard, commander of the Mounted Unit, set up nuisance training for the horses and riders at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. He invited Williamson High School marching band, the city’s street sweeper and motor officers.

Fox 10 News covered the training and aired the story, including Officer Jason Martin’s interview, on Fat Tuesday.

WATCH the Fox 10 News Story

MPD Praise & Recognition from the community at Mardi Gras

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I didn’t get her name [Sergeant Tracy Gifford] but she is so sweet and so nice to my kids. I would like to say thank you for being so amazing. Such a beautiful person and officer. —Melissa Ocain, MPD Facebook Page Follower

to speak to everyone around him.

Mobile PD has an outstanding officer that made me and my family feel safe and welcome. Thank you very much Officer Young. You were noticed. Keep up the great work! — Brad Johnson, Robertsdale

Sergeant John Young was working the parade in front of my family on February 13, 2020 around 7:00 p.m. He was performing his duties with exceptional attention to the crowd and still found time

Zeb Ramey posted a video on Facebook of our “dancing cop” Sergeant Jeremy March. The video went viral with more than 600K views. It was the Play of the Day on Good Morning America!

Jan-Feb | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2020 - Newsletter Template