MPD The Beat Issue 23

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

MARCH - APRIL 2020, ISSUE 23

FACING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC LIGHT IT UP BLUE FOR AUTISM

MCGRUFF & OFFICERS SURPRISE BOY IN DRIVE-BY BIRTHDAY PARTY

KEY SUPPORTERS DONATE PPE DURING PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS

ALL HEROES DON’T WEAR CAPES, RECOGNIZING OUR OPERATORS

DOWNTOWN PRECINCT MOVES TO WATER STREET

Top Officer Recognition

A MESSAGE FROM THE

CHIEF OF POLICE Lawrence L. Battiste, IV

A New Level of Serving and Protecting Amid COVID-19 I would first like to thank each of you for your continued dedication and contributions to advancing the vision of our department.

Secondly, I would like to encourage you to continue to do the great things that you do.

Steven Guidry Officer of the Month, February 2020 Third Precinct

Our city, as is the rest of our country, has embarked on a new level of protecting and serving our communities. We have been introduced to a pandemic situation that the majority of us have never seen or experienced at all —the coronavirus to date known as COVID-19. This situation is one for the history books of our lives.

We are all experiencing a health crisis that is altering human behavior because of fear and stress as we have never witnessed or taken part of before.

Joining the force in May 2017, Guidry has distinguished himself through his dedication of service. During the month of February, he responded to 66 calls for service, 61 backings of other officers, and he made nine felony and 53 misdemeanor arrests. Guidry also performed 53 self-initiated proactive policing stops and wrote 92 citations.

It is imperative for us to continue to take every precaution to be actively engaged in protecting ourselves when performing our duties by using personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.

To those of our MPD family who were victims to this serious and deadly disease, I thank God daily and I count it joy that your health was restored and lives spared.

Your personal families unselfishly allowed you to daily perform your oath to our city. I am most certainly aware of the sacrifice that each of your families has to commit to so that you may serve our community. There are really no words to adequately show gratitude to them, but they too are revered in my admiration of you.

Guidry is commended for his efforts to remove drugs and guns off the streets as well as for recovering stolen property. He cleared a total of 49 outstanding warrants in one month.

The COVID-19 pandemic has once again placed us in a situation where we have had to face some harsh realities in relationship to the job that we perform and adjustments to how we perform our duties. But, through our collective efforts and the solidarity of our family we continue to endure and forge ahead.

On Feb. 7, 2020, Guidry played a key role in apprehending three first-degree robbery suspects known to be armed with a semi-automatic handgun. He was informed that the suspects were walking west on Clinton Ave.

After going through a curfew period, challenging stay-at-home orders and socialdistancing regulations, the city has now re-opened and we face the harsh reality that neither crime nor did the criminal element disappear. A reality that forces us to re-think the way we react and interact with those we serve, while at the same time trying to keep ourselves and those that we live with safe from contracting this disease.

Guidry helped to coordinate the officers’ descent upon the suspects so that they would not flee on foot. Read more...

As your Chief, I find it very rewarding to lead you always, but even more so during this time. I am proud to say that Mobile does indeed have the “finest” group of men and women who wear police badges and uniforms. Although, as with all humans, you are fearful of the unknown at this time, but you face those fears in the most valiant way. You show up for your shifts and perform your duties very diligently. I boast of you because I see you. I see your hard work. Your perseverance is commendable.

I reaffirm to you, “It is not in the still calm of life, or the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed. The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties.” (Abigail Adams) Thank you all for all that you do. I remain humbly appreciative to each of you and may God bless you all.

EDITORIAL CONTACT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

Charlette Solis 208.1918 Sergeant LaDerrick Dubose 208.1926

THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Lt. Ernest Treubig, Officer Alisha Davis-Sonnier, Tonya Calhoun, Kathy Battiste, Brittany Dunning, Stephanie Nelson

ON THE COVER: Corporal Miranda Hayes-ingram, Officer Ian Rebhorn, and Officer Alisha Davis-Sonnier of the Identification Unit Submit ideas and info for the next issue!

EMAIL: charlette.solis@cityofmobile.org

2

January 20132020 - Newsletter Template March-April | MPDTheBeat

Central Precinct moves from Dauphin Street to Water Street The move from Dauphin Street to Water Street now makes Central Precinct large enough to support the growth of the downtown area.

The new state-of-the-art precinct, located at 55 North Water Street, is 4,215 square feet. That is almost triple the size of the previous location, which shared space with the police history museum.

With new businesses, restaurants and residential developments opening on every corner, a larger-size precinct was needed.

Although downtown remains a low-crime area, there are simply more people to serve on a daily basis. Captain James Cunningham says the number of officers Captain Cunningham gives remarks to the press at the ribbon-cutting ceremony held on March 13. assigned will eventually double.

Captain Cunningham’s two boys take a picture with the precinct’s specialized patrol unit at the grand opening. From left, Officer Paul Lee on Segway; Officer Joshua Hart, Officer John Schaffer, and Officer Thomas Whittington on Mounted; and Officer Christopher Colbert on bike.

Officer Roderick Cotton drops new single COVID-19 has definitely changed our normal. Transition for a moment, in the midst of it all, and take a listen to “Switch Lanes” – jazz music at its best to help you breathe in the calm and unwind.

Officer Roderick Cotton says when he created this song he imagined driving a muscle car on a sunshiny day, not too hot but beautiful, and the windows are down as he switches lanes. He hopes the song will also take you to a peaceful place. Officer Cotton began playing the saxophone in 1989, spreading his love for jazz and R&B. January 2013 - Newsletter March-April 2020 |Template MPDTheBeat

3

Facing the COVID-19 pandemic as Mobile becomes county with most cases

From left, Officer Alisha Davis-Sonnier, Officer Ian Rebhorn, and Corporal Miranda Hayes-Ingram of the Identification Unit wearing masks donated by Lynn Wilson and Lisa Holcomb, who are friends of Detective Dorothea Long of the Child Advocacy Center.

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) received its first positive test result for a case of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in an Alabama resident on Friday, March 13. The ADPH’s Bureau of Clinical Laboratories tested the individual, a resident of Montgomery County who had traveled outside Alabama.

On March 19, the first positive test result for a case of COVID-19 in a Mobile County resident was reported.

At the end of April, ADPH reported that Mobile County surpassed 1,000 confirmed cases —the highest number of confirmed cases of any county in Alabama, putting Jefferson County leading second.

During this same time period, Alabama’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard also showed Mobile County

with the most confirmed deaths, over 50, from the virus.

The total number of confirmed cases in the state of Alabama exceeded 7,000 on April 30.

Gov. Kay Ivey’s stay-at-home order became effective April 4 statewide, which put police as the enforcers of it to ensure residents abide by the social distancing rules. On the local level, Mayor Sandy Stimpson issued a city curfew order from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. effective through April 30 to help prevent the coronavirus spread.

In sum, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the role of law enforcement that of protecting people’s health and the wearers of greater personal protective equipment to protect themselves from exposure of the respiratory illness while responding to enforce the orders.

Alumni association donates handmade masks

The Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association donates 325 handmade masks to the department. From left, Chief of Staff Clay Godwin receives the masks from the members. Volunteers participating in this project include Tonyia Percy, Karen Atchison, Bonnie Dunning, Paula Clark, Frances Jones, Rosemary McLain, and Marsha Britton. The members also donated 500 pairs of safety glasses to the department.

4

March-April | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2020 - Newsletter Template

Nelson’s take on COVID-19: Finding the upside from this unthinkable time

By Stephanie Nelson Second Precinct, CRO Quarantine. Quadraginta is the Latin root word. Quadraginta means forty. This is an interesting number on so many levels.

The word quarantine is derived from the Italian form which is quaranta. “Quaranta giorni” in Italian literally means 40 days.

What about the number 40? Forty is mentioned 146 times in scripture. It usually symbolizes a period of testing, trial and probation.

Remember the story of Noah’s Ark? It rained for 40 days, but the earth was flooded for 10 months —that’s 40 weeks. Can you imagine being stuck in a boat with your kids, spouse, in-laws and two of every animal for almost a year?

Moses led the Israelites for 40 years in the desert, and he was undaunted. Moses was also on the mountain 40 days and nights but he was never moved. Jesus fasted 40 days and nights. He stood fast.

numerology originated in China. And, the country’s track record for dependability is debatable.

However, some facts can’t be denied, and others are entertaining. What I believe is, no matter what your take on the COVID-19 virus scenario is, we can find the positive things in a less than positive situation. We can slow down. Enjoy cleaner air, a lower crime rate and less traffic.

A Monoploy board has 40 spaces, which may seem inconsequential because it probably is. But, seriously, the average pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. People average 40 hours in a work week. When the bubonic plague gripped Europe during the Middle Ages, isolation lasted 40 days before anyone was allowed to leave the ship. This year is the year 2020, which seems to signify a time of trials as 20+20=40.

In our homes, we show gratitude for the simplest things we normally take for granted; for example, any kind of “multipurpose paper.” We can take the wisdom from this unthinkable time and apply it as we begin to reintegrate our city. Among all of the things that we have in common with biblical characters and foreigners on European ships is that the quarantine will end. Yes, eventually our 40-day trial will expire. So be encouraged as we enter the end of spring. Moses got through it. Noah got through it. Jesus got through it. The European ships got through it and we will get through it too.

Now I am not trying to be mystical or find some hidden message in numerology, as that would be ironic since

Send comments to stephanie.nelson@cityofmobile.org.

Sources: Genesis 6-9KJV; cdc.gov/quarantine/historyquarantine. html; rd.com/culture/facts-about-number-40

Thin blue line masks distributed John Cauley Jeweler and Bienville Souvenir & Gifts wanted to make sure all officers and civilian personnel stay safe and stay well during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reusable fabric that is washable and elastic has been in high demand.

So the two businesses had masks made for the department. Once completed, the masks were distributed by Officer Gary Owens, who made sure everyone at the department received one.

January 2013 - Newsletter March-April 2020 Template | MPDTheBeat

5

An Officer’s Perspective on COVID-19: “Our administration has met this invisible enemy head-on” COVID-19 has brought our world to a crawl. Businesses that we come to rely upon are no longer accessible.

We now rely on virtual meetings to keep employees informed. Our schools are closed, and youth are experiencing first-hand the meaning of distance learning, while we as a nation practice social distancing.

I have personally seen how this unforgiving virus has silenced ones close to me. As first responders, we know all too well how situations change daily, and we must be willing to adapt. When responding to calls, you can see the uncertainty in the eyes of all. This invisible enemy has touched everyone to some degree.

I feel our administration has met this invisible enemy head-on. No one is immune from this unpredictable storm. There were no benchmarks to compare, yet the administration provided the essential items deemed necessary to aid in protecting police officers.

We were provided gloves, masks, disinfectants, and above all, guidance on addressing this unknown villain.

Additional steps continue to be taken to stop the spread of this virus through sanitizer dispensers and proper PPE at fueling pumps.

Our administration has addressed the silent killer by offering COVID-19 testing. I, for one, am truly grateful to work for an organization that stands with and ensures the safekeeping of the men and women in blue and their families as well.

COVID-19 is truly uncharted territory for the world. There is no simple answer one can provide.

However, the steps implemented so that we don’t infect our loved ones and can return home safely have been remarkable. The actions taken to provide a decontaminate solution for our city-issued vehicles further shows the length our leaders are willing to take for our health and well-being.

I also appreciate the adminstration setting time aside to answer the questions each of us had and alllowing us to express any concerns moving forward.

I want to give a heartfelt “Thank You” to the command staff’s commitment to meet with the entire department to explain the steps being taken to ensure our safe being. For that, I’m personally grateful because I know the organization I chose to work for cares enough for its employees and their families to stand with them during this unprecedented time. ~Anonymous

Army National Guard provides drive-thru lunch for first responders

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Army National Guard Recruiting Lower Alabama set up tent to give a Foosackly’s drive-thru lunch for all first responders in Mobile County at Fort Whiting on April 15. Mobile PD K-9 officers arrive early to grab a quick photo with the recruiters, who are fans of K-9, and to say thank you.

6

March-April | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2020 - Newsletter Template

Citizen praises records clerk for delivering great service In a letter addressed to the Chief of the Mobile Police Department, Mr. David Hurley of Orange Beach praised Carrie Knight, Civilian Employee of the Month for March, for delivering great service. Knight is assigned to the Records Detail, and has worked for the department for 23 years.

Mr. Hurley shares his experiences in the letter about when his pistol got stolen in May 2014 while he was packing his truck to take a trip to Gatlinburg, TN. Mr. Hurley said he filed a police report immediately. He had planned to target practice with two buddies, police officers, in Pigeon Forge. He missed not being able to compete for lunch with these guys. Last year, he found out that the pistol was used in a robbery that occurred in Mobile.

“Last year, I received a call from the Orange Beach Police Department that an arrest had been made in a robbery in Mobile and my pistol has been identified in that robbery. I was advised that after the court proceeding was completed I could retrieve my property. On March 9, 2020, I decided to follow up with the Orange Beach Police and was informed that I needed to go to Mobile and file an ATF Background Form for Firearm Release. I was given the address as 2460

Government Blvd. On March 11, I attempted to file this form but didn’t have a much needed/major MOBILE CASE NUMBER. I had no clue where to get this information and the Orange Beach Police never mentioned this. Enter CARRIE. After looking at my form and Orange Beach incident report, she proceeded to research thru my name, etc. and after making a number of phone calls (and it took time) was able to find the information. God bless her as I was at the point where I was ready to give up on ever getting this pistol back.”

Mr. Hurley stated he was impressed with Knight’s salutary sophistication and professional expertise. She performed every task (research) in an expeditious manner, her attitude was admirable, and her demeanor most pleasant.

MPD Praise & Recognition from the Community I met an officer from 2nd precinct yesterday for a burglary report. He was very polite and thorough in his investigation. If we the citizens can do anything to help MPD, just ask. I also wanted to say thank you to all of you for your continued protection during these difficult times. —Sharon Reeves, Facebook

Hornsby named Civilian Employee of the Month Hired March 2017 as a public safety dispatcher, Janeen Hornsby is praised for her excellent job performance during the month and dedication of duty.

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, Hornsby was assigned to the First Precinct dispatch. At Janeen Hornsby approximately 1:36 Civilian Employee of the Month a.m., she received a February 2020 call from Fort Whiting, 1630 S. Broad Street.

The caller advised someone had broken into the location, gaining entry through a broken glass in the front door.

Upon arrival, police discovered evidence that someone was possibly still inside the location. Officers immediately requested the K-9 Unit respond to the location. The suspect had barricaded himself inside one of the rooms

and was refusing to come out. Just prior to authorization being granted for the SWAT team to respond to the location, the K-9 sergeant advised that the suspect had agreed to stand down and he was currently in custody.

Throughout the suspect’s apprehension, Honrnsby maintained a calm and professional demeanor. She was constantly updating the officers and her supervisors with new and vital information. She immediately executed any and all requests asked of her, keeping officers informed.

She expertly handled the situation with the speed, accuracy and confidence of an experienced dispatcher.

Hornsby’s outstanding work ethic, attention to even the smallest details, and her calm, professional demeanor was instrumental in several other incidences that occurred during the month of February. She assisted in dispatching officers to capture a carjacking suspect connected to committing sexual assault and kidnapping, gunshots fired inside a neighborhood Walmart that resulted in two homicides, and the burglary at the Marine Corps/National Guard Armory culminating in a standoff with the suspect barricaded inside.

Welcome new operators to the Communications Unit The Communications Unit has hired several new operators since the beginning of the year. We want to welcome each of them to the team.

In February, Recruit Tiarra Jones changed her job classification to public safety dispatcher. Since then, she has completed her training in call-taking. Kimberly Singletary, Jenny Woodard, Nicole Humphrey and Paulita Holmes were also hired and are in the process of January March-April 2013 - Newsletter 2020 Template | MPDTheBeat

completing the first phase of their training in call-taking procedures.

On April 25, another four operators began their career as public safety dispatchers. Amber Adams, Chelsea Duncan, Cheryl Whelpley, and Ramerah White are currently attending the required 160 hours of classroom training.

7

NPSTW 2020 Celebration: All heroes don’t wear capes Always the second week of April, National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week has been a celebration for operators around the United States. Here at the Mobile Police Department, dispatchers were recognized and thanked throughout the week of April 12 through April 18 with meals, games and prizes.

The fun-filled celebration began with operators dressing up and posing as old women. With over 51 door prizes donated by local businesses, there were a lot of prizes to win including a Coach purse and laptop bag, gift cards, wax warmers and candles.

The Communications Unit ended its spirited week dressed as superheroes, reminding us all that we are all heroes who don’t wear capes.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week couldn’t have come at a better time. Although the event occured during the COVID-19 pandemic, the efforts to keep a positive spirit in the Communications’ building was felt and welcomed.

The telecommunicators thank both the Mobile Police Department and Commander Heidi Robinson for their warm efforts in making the recognition special. This year’s event will go down as one of the best.

—Submitted by PSDI Brittany Dunning (Operator #12) RCO Coleen Curd and Cmdr. Heidi Robinson

RCO Coleen Curd, Cmdr. Heidi Robinson, PSDI Whitney Adams, RCO Cecilia Workman

8

March-April | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2020 - Newsletter Template

Recognizing the signs of autism and raising over $700 for sensory kits

Officer Alisha Davis-Sonnier, ID Unit

Chief of Staff Clay Godwin

Officer Tiffany Monte, Fourth Precinct

Because police officers are usually the first to respond to an emergency, it is critical that they are able to recognize the signs of autism and truly understand the behaviors people with autism exhibit.

The department’s autism patch movement was launched after seeing another agency on Facebook create a patch and reading comments that a Mobile police officer posted wishing the department did something like this.

Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication, according to the Mayo Clinic. The term “spectrum” in autism spectrum disorder refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity.

“I thought well why does our agency not do something like this,” Davis-Sonnier said. “I also know families who have children with autism and they have voiced concerns about their child coming in contact with police and/or first responders.”

For the second year, during the month of April, Officer Alisha Davis-Sonnier of the Identification Unit has promoted autism awareness and held fundraising activities. With the support of the department, 68 t-shirts and 64 patches were sold. The amount raised was $738.70.

“My goal was to raise enough money in order to build a sensory kit for each precinct. I have raised enough money to create those,” Davis-Sonnier said. “These kits will allow us to better serve our special needs community.”

A sensory kit, also known as a de-escalation kit, is a box, bag, or bin that contains items to soothe persons with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs during times of crisis. The sensory kits will include various items such as noise-canceling ear muffs, sunglasses, a communication board, a weighted blanket, sensory toys and fidget devices.

Davis-Sonnier explained that they fear if their child is experiencing a meltdown, it could be misintepreted as failure to obey an officer or be perceived as them being violent.

“I want to ensure that officers are educated on the signs of autism and can recognize them to be able to best deescalate a situation.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the planned “Police Day” at The Learning Tree, a local school that specializes in educational services for children on the autism spectrum, has been postponed. The goal for the visit is to bridge the gap between police and the special needs community. Last year, the funds raised were donated to this school.

WATCH TRAINING VIDEO

January 2013 - Newsletter March-April 2020 Template | MPDTheBeat

9

Academy Class 64 completes basic firearms training

Congratulations to Academy Class 64 on the completion of Basic Firearms and great job to all of our Firearms Instructors. From left, Sergeant Joshua Gibbs, Officer Terry Sexton, Sergeant Trey Davis, recruits, Officer Alisha DavisSonnier, Corporal Adam Patridge, Sergeant Paul Workman and Officer Brad Penton.

National Crime Victims Rights’ Week observed April 19-25

Stacey Woodyard, Emma Kate Hancock, and Brandie Battiste of the Victim Services Unit

Corporal Julius Nettles, Officer Glenn Barton, and Corporal Nick Crepeau of the Homicide Unit

The theme for National Crime Victims Rights Week, observed April 19-25, was “Seek Justice, Ensure Victims’ Rights and Inspire Hope.” The Victims Services Unit created awareness throughout the department and publicly released a photo/ video campaign . They also participated in the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office’s public awareness campaign.

10

March-April | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2020 - Newsletter Template

McGruff and officers surprise boy in drive-by birthday party

Latrinda Horace’s heart was set on giving her 9-year-old son, Dashawn Blunt, the best birthday ever. Dashawn suffers from cerebral palsy.

Horace, like many other mothers trying to plan birthday parties in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, faced certain restrictions. But, following the state’s guidelines, family members and friends masked up and held the party outside surprising Dashawn with a drive-by from Mobile Police for his birthday.

Dashawnn Blunt shows pure excitement as the officers drive by during his 9th birthday celebration.

Watch McGruff and officers surpise Dashawn in FOX 10 NEWS COVERAGE

His favorite, motorcycle cops, came through first with Sergeant LaDerrick Dubose and Officer Anthony Black making the drive-by entertaining by doing some cool bike manuevers. Pedro and K-9 Officer Lawrence Battise followed wishing Dashawn a happy birthday.

Crime Prevention Officer Gary Owens and Cadet Willie Tolbert, dressed as McGruff, presented Dashawn with presents. Central Precinct Sergeant Sean Fisher and Officer Joshua Boyer of the Fourth Precinct were also part of the drive-by. The drive-by birthday party was April 28 at 118 North Hallet Street.

Community outpour of personal protective equipment During the COVID-19 pandemic, the community has come to our rescue in the sense of providing personal protective equipment. Through the great efforts of Hien Pham, local nail salon businesses and an oriental food market donated 16,000 gloves and 40 gallons of rubbing alcohol to the Mobile Police Department. We sent our thanks to Mobile Nail & Beauty Supply (458 Azalea Road), Queen’s Nails (2058 S. McKenzie St. Foley), Nancy’s Nails (3361 Cottage Hill Road), and My Hoa Oriental Food Market (454 Azalea Road).

Major Tims, Captain Rowland and Chief Battiste pictured with a delivery of more than 2,000 masks from Karen Hong.

Additionally, Steven Nguyen and Linda Nguyen, owners of I Love Nail & Spa, 3764-B Airport Blvd., and VH Market & Nursery, 8209 Cottage Hill Road, donated 3,000 gloves, 100 masks and several bottles of hand sanitizers. And, Karen Hong of Fairhope donated 2,300 masks.

Gear check recommended in preparation for hurricane season It’s less than 30 days till the start of hurricane season. Now is a good time to do a “gear check” by checking your level of supplies, especially after the COVID-19 lockdown. Some of your items may have been depleted due to having to stay indoors more often than usual. The National Weather Service recommends that you have your disaster supplies assembled in advance, develop an evacuation plan, consider flood insurance, and strengthen your home to protect it from hurricane winds. It is also advised that you keep your important documents together for quick access.

January 2013 - Newsletter March-April 2020 Template | MPDTheBeat

11