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
MAY - JULY 2020, ISSUE 24
RECORDS’ MOVE TO RENOVATED OFFICE SPACE
UNITY LUNCH AT ROSHELL’S IN MIDST OF PROTESTS CHIEF PASSES “SMILES BEHIND SHIELD” AWARD TO ENTIRE DEPARTMENT
ACADEMY CLASS #64 GRADUATION END OF WATCH RIDE TO REMEMBER 146 OFFICERS ACROSS 30 STATES
BICE, SHELTON & WATSON NEWEST MOTOR OFFICERS
A MESSAGE FROM THE
Top Officer Recognition
CHIEF OF POLICE Lawrence L. Battiste, IV
Go Beyond the “Just” It has been a while since I’ve had the opportunity to address you, as we’ve all been extremely hard-pressed to meet the added needs of our community during this time of experiencing the effects of the pandemic. But rising to the task, taking the bull by the horn and accomplishing what needs to be done is what this great law enforcement agency does. For all that you do a mere “thank you” seems so small. Although those two words are small, they are spoken with swollen gratitude to you for all that you do.
Colton Fuitral, Fourth Precinct Officer of the Month, March 2020
I continue to offer prayers and support to all of our police-family members who are recovering from various injuries and illnesses. You are never far from my thoughts and always in my prayers. Congratulations to the Civilian Employees of the Month for April, May, and June 2020, as well as the Officers of the Month for March, April, May, and June 2020. The City of Mobile, the Department, and I are very appreciative to your service and exemplary performance of duty. During this time of uncertainty, it seems more true than ever before that people sometimes search their entire lives trying to identify the thing, the task, etc. that they love to do, sometimes thinking “If I just …”. But life teaches us that “If I just …” isn’t enough. The following excerpt encouraged me and I hope it encourages you to go beyond the “just” and take the “just” opportunity and turn it into something meaningful to develop your total person. “Don’t Just Don’t just learn, experience. Don’t just read, absorb. Don’t just change, transform. Don’t just relate, advocate. Don’t just promise, prove. Don’t just criticize, encourage. Don’t just think, ponder. Don’t just take, give. Don’t just see, feel. Don’t just dream, do. Don’t just hear, listen. Don’t just talk, act. Don’t just tell, show. Don’t just exist, live.” — Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Let us challenge ourselves to go beyond our personal “just” to produce more fulfillments. This present situation of the pandemic is a great opportunity to refine who we are and be more attentive to developing our “just” situations. We will all be better for doing so. With the dedication and fierce resolve of you who make up this great organization, I am confident that the sky is the limit to what we as a law enforcement agency can accomplish. But I am even more confident of the personal accomplishments that each of you can achieve. Thank you all for your honorable service and the dedication of your time and talent for the greater good of the service that you each provide. Thank you, Mrs. Charlette Solis, for all that you do to promote all of the positive, touchable personality traits of the police department. You are an asset to your organization’s culture.
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David Reyes, First Precinct Officer of the Month, April 2020
Steven Guidry, Third Precinct Officer of the Month, May 2020
Edward McAlpine, First Precinct Officer of the Month, June 2020 EDITORIAL CONTACT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE Charlette Solis 208.1918 Corporal Ryan Blakely 208.1926
ON THE COVER: Shamekia Perryman, Records Unit Eric Brown, Records Unit Submit ideas and info for the next issue! EMAIL: charlette.solis@cityofmobile.org January - Newsletter Template May - 2013 July 2020 | MPDTheBeat
Traffic Safety Unit officer makes boy’s biggest dream come true When one of our police officers takes a little boy for the ride of his dreams in a patrol car, smiles happen and a thumbs up is received. On June 19, Officer Joshua Pounds of the Traffic Safety Unit gave 13-year-old Bryce a ride to remember. First, Officer Pounds made him a junior police officer and then the fun began. Bryce jumped inside the patrol car and rode around the block of his neighborhood while Officer Pounds taught him a few things about being a police officer. Bryce also rode in a MFRD fire truck. Bryce has Kabuki Syndome, a rare disorder that can have terminal conditions. WATCH THIS STORY ON NBC 15 NEWS
Azalea City Republican Women deliver basket of goodies
Chief Battiste and officers of the Third Precinct take a picture with the Azalea City Republican Women. Second picture (submitted by Veronica Williams), from left, Corporal Michael Motykiewicz, Detective David Draime and Detective Stephen Sam.
Just about every week, someone in the community makes a visit to the police department to bring goodies as a gesture of showing their support for law enforcement. On June 18, the Azalea City Republican Women brought a basket full of goodies for the police officers at headquarters. The ladies also stopped by the Third Precinct and brought a basket of snacks for those officers. They have delivered goodies in past years and always voice that they are an organization that backs the blue. January 2013 May- Newsletter - July 2020 |Template MPDTheBeat
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Lunch together 4 unity at Roshell’s Cafe & Diner In the midst of protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, Sergeant Patrick Sanders coordinated an event called “Lunch Together 4 Unity” at Roshell’s Cafe & Diner, 2906 Springhill Avenue. Held Saturday, June 20, Sergeant Sanders wanted it to be a spot for police and the community to eat and mingle. For the free-for-all meal, the restaurant served up its popular fish and fries. He encouraged officers to take part in this event and support the cause of unity and relationships. WATCH SERGEANT SANDERS’ INTERVIEW ON NBC 15 NEWS
Officer Earl Smith retires after 20 years of service
From left, Officer Earl Smith and Captain Melvin Jones take a pose together. Second photo, from left, Officer Mark Breslin, Officer Noah Anderson, Officer Blakely Miles, Corporal Steven Chandler, Officer Smith, Officer Jarred Graham, Officer Isaac Young, Captain Jones, Lieutenant Charles Bagsby and Officer Frank Turner.
After 20 years of serving the citizens of Mobile, Officer Earl Smith of the First Precinct has retired. Captain Melvin Jones, Officer Smith’s squadmates, Lieutenant Charles Bagsby and Corporal Steven Chandler gathered to wish him a happy retirement. It was an occasion Captain Jones, Lieutenant Bagsby and Corporal Chandler couldn’t miss. All three were in the
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same police academy class together with Officer Smith. The celebration was held at the First Precinct on July 6. Officer Smith was presented with a watch and a plaque. Known to many by the name “Smooth”, this makes Officer Smith’s second retirement. He is a United States Navy veteran. He retired from the military after serving 20 years.
May -2013 July 2020 | MPDTheBeat January - Newsletter Template
EOW Ride to Remember honoring 146 officers including Officer Sean Tuder The EOW Ride to Remember came through Mobile on Saturday, June 27 to raise awareness of the law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty last year. In 2019, there were 146 officers across 30 states who tragically lost their lives. EOW riders crisscrossed the country and stopped by each agency that had a fallen officer. A customized dually truck towing a 28-foot trailer with pictures of all
the fallen officers, including Mobile Fallen Officer Sean Tuder, followed the riders. The riders arrived at police headquarters that morning. Chaplain Ed Connick offered a prayer during the event to honor and hold the remembrance of Officer Sean Tuder in our hearts. Our agency patch was added to the banner displayed at each stop. Several officers participated in the EOW Ride to Remember.
From left, Chaplain Ed Connick, Chief Battiste, Captain Keith Stallings, Corporal Jerry Lewis, Officer Anthony Black, Assistant Chief Clay Godwin, Corporal Ryan Blakely, Officer Steven Guidry, Corporal Dennis Johnson, Officer Anh Phan, Corporal Jeffery Robinson, Corporal Rusty Hodge, Officer Joshua Boyer and Officer Matthew Towey.
Chaplain Connick leads the prayer during the EOW Ride to Remember event while the riders respectfully bow their heads.
Chief Battiste signs the banner after the MPD patch is placed. The banner is carried to each law enforcement agency.
MPD Praise & Recognition from the Community Mr. Knight was involved in a near wreck on Three Notch Road. To avoid hitting another driver who had pulled out in front of him, Mr. Knight had to run up on a curb, flattening his tire in the process. Officer James Stewart (#421A) arrived on the scene, and after getting things straight, he changed the tire on Mr. Knight’s car. He certainly didn’t have to do that, and as Mr. Knight said, with the bad rap some police officers are getting these days, he wanted to make sure MPD was made aware of this officer’s simple act of servant-leadership. —Mr. Cleveland Knight heads up the facilities team at Fox 10 News
January 2013 - Newsletter May - July 2020 Template | MPDTheBeat
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A special column by Officer Janee Griffin
First SAKI conviction a milestone for the Mobile site Submitted by Tiffany Levy The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Mobile site has reached a milestone. During the month of July, it had its first SAKI conviction. On Tuesday, July 14, Frederick Tate was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Tate was convicted of rape first degree and sodomy first degree following a jury trial in February.
A CROSS TO BEAR “Look to your right, now look to your left. In a few years, someone may not be here.” Those words rang truth while I stood in the line at the cemetery and heard the bagpipes play during my classmate’s funeral. This was a few years after graduating from the Police Academy. Many tragedies soon followed. Most recently, a young daughter had to wonder why a person whom she looked at as her protector took her father’s life causing his last breath. The father told the officer he can’t breathe, as he was being unjustly arrested. Then there was one headline after the other of slain police officers and innocent civilians taken by the hands of officers. When the blue line meets your skin color, you’re told to choose a side. When all you want to do is be on the side of right. When will the pain of remaining the same become greater than making a change? The pain and suffering of the world should force us to come together rather than pulling us apart. Report any behavior that is unethical, whether it is an officer or a civilian, so that we can bridge the gap and bring the calm to the storm of life. Send comments to janee.griffin@cityofmobile.org
This was a cold case that occured back in 1997 as the victim was walking home from work on Broad Street. Tate forced her behind a vacant house/building at gunpoint and sexually assaulted her. DNA evidence was collected and submitted at the time of the crime. However, there was no match. The victim didn’t know her assailant and there was no additional leads in the case. Fast forward to 2016, MPD was awarded SAKI funding to address the backlog of stored evidence kits and to focus on cold cases. The DNA sample was resubmitted for testing. Due to a more comprehensive DNA database at that time, the DNA was matched to Frederick Tate. Although this case went to trial in February, the sentencing was delayed several times due to COVID-19. However, Tate was eventually sentenced five months later. The victim, who has waited over 20 years for justice to prevail, was able to attend and make a victim impact statement. It was a good day for all involved. READ LIEUTENANT MATTHEW JAMES’ LAGNIAPPE INTERVIEW
Bragging Rights: Detective Mona Wade’s 31 Years This month (July), I celebrate THIRTY ONE YEARS on the Mobile Police Department. I received five Excellent Police Awards, one Lifesaving Award, and got Officer of the Month a couple of times. I delivered a lady’s baby in the back seat of a Buick and got my name on the birth certificate as the delivering party. I tracked down a suspect for a homicide of a prostitute, and just so happened his name was Gerald Patrick Lewis, known to be a serial killer. He confessed to killing several women, one of which was eight months pregnant in Atlanta. I never made rank. But please remember: Success is not measured by heights obtained but obstacles overcome. Those are indeed, my bragging rights!
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May -2013 July 2020 | MPDTheBeat January - Newsletter Template
Father’s Day celebrated in a Unity Ride “United we roll” is how WKRG Biker Dad Chris Best, MPD and Mobile Bay Harley-Davidson celebrated their morning on Father’s Day. It was the first “Unity Ride” for bikers and motorcycle cops. As protests spread across the country, the purpose of the ride was to focus on what the riders had in common rather than what divided them.
Officer David Reyes of the Traffic Safety Unit is one of the participants in the “Unity Ride” along with several riders from local motorcycle clubs.
The riders met at police headquarters. They then took off west on Government Boulevard to Azalea Road, then north on Azalea Road to Cottage Hill Road. They went east on Cottage Hill Road into the parking of the Mobile Bay Harley-Davidson dealership to fellowship together. WATCH WKRG NEWS 5 COVERAGE OF THE EVENT
Stewart, Pitts and Thomas receive Civilian Employee of the Month Award
Janet Stewart Civilian Employee of the Month April 2020
Janet Stewart has been an employee with the department for almost 15 years. Her current assignment is unit secretary for the Asset Forfeiture Detail in the Financial Crimes Unit. Stewart is recognized for her contributions to help keep the facility disinfected to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Stewart’s regular administrative duties include keeping monthly reports, overtime reports and vacation reports as well as working the front desk to direct visitors to various units within the building. But, during the month of April, she also agreed to do such things as constantly wiping door handles and spraying down areas that personnel use often. READ MORE... January 2013 May- Newsletter - July 2020 Template | MPDTheBeat
Linda Pitts Civilian Employee of the Month May 2020
Employed with the department since December 2004, Linda Pitts currently serves as a secretary for the Gun Intelligence Detail. She is credited with going above and beyond her responsibilities as secretary. Pitts created a form to streamline the gun intake process and created a case management system to track all work being completed, making the Gun Intelligence Detail more efficient. Pitts was also tasked with creating a Leads Report to track the dissemination of all leads that were produced by the detail. She made the report is easy and simple to comprehend. READ MORE...
Lula Thomas Civilian Employee of the Month June 2020
Nearly 20 years ago, Lula Thomas joined the department. She is currently assigned as the community resource officer for the Financial Crimes Detail. She is recognized for coming in early every morning to disinfect the office space in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is to her credit that not one person in the Financial Crimes Unit displayed symptoms or contracted the virus during the time frame of March, April and May 2020, according to Thomas’ supervisor. This is largely contributed to Thomas constantly wiping door handles with disinfectant wipes and spraying the same. READ MORE...
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Chief Battiste passes the “Smiles Behind the Shield” award to the entire department Chief Battiste is not one for the spotlight. When he accepted the WKRG News 5 “Smiles Behind the Shield “ award, he said its the City of Mobile who got this award. The award yard sign was placed outside of police headquarters. “Even when we’re dealing with adversity, it’s not hard to do a job that you love,” Chief Battiste said during an interview with WKRG News 5 Reporter Debbie Williams.
WATCH SMILES BEHIND THE SHIELD AWARD PRESENTED TO CHIEF BATTISTE
The two citizens who nominated Chief Battiste said the work that he has done in the community has not gone unnoticed.
Detective Robert Harris receives “Smiles Behind the Shield” award in July Detective Robert Harris, GID Second Precinct, was nominated by a friend to receive the WKRG News 5 “Smiles Behind the Shield” award. His friend had a medical emergency while the two were working out at Planet Fitness. Detective Harris responded quickly getting him to the hospital. But the award was about more than Detective Harris helping a friend. The friend’s total perspective of what a cop should be was solidified. Pictured, Harris, WKRG News 5 Reporter Debbie Williams and Davon Wilson. WATCH SMILES BEHIND THE SHIELD AWARD PRESENTED TO DETECTIVE HARRIS
Office of Strategic Initiatives: 4 nonviolent offenders become SCORE graduates The City of Mobile has experienced a 50 percent reduction in drug-related recidivism among graduates of the Second Chance or Else (SCORE) Program over a five-year period. On July 9, four SCORE participants of the most recent class graduated from the program and their accomplishments were celebrated. “At one pont, they were committing drug offenses but now they have a new way of thinking and are contributing to society,” said Commander Curtis Graves who oversees the SCORE program. “Although they are men with limited criminal histories, the drug crimes they committed did endanger the community and would have caused irreversible damage to their future and the future of their families.
From left, Captain Jonathan Lee, Commander Curtis Graves, SCORE graduate Roderick Williams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama Vicki Davis, and Frederick Caster, chair of SCORE.
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Instead of being arrested and charged with drug distribution, these carefully handpicked SCORE participants met with a community panel once a month, attended a weekly Fatherhood initiative mentoring program, enrolled in a career technical education program, and sought and maintained legitimate employment. WATCH FOX 10 NEWS COVERAGE OF THE SCORE GRADUATION CEREMONY May -2013 July 2020 | MPDTheBeat January - Newsletter Template
Bice, Shelton and Watson pass motor school Being a motor officer is like living in a fish bowl — you are on display for everyone to see. But who doesn’t love the shiny motorcycles and the tall riding boots? Well, passing Motor School is an obstacle in itself. The two-week Motor School is strenous and stressful. But, Officers Ryan Bice, Roddrex Shelton and Tyleem Watson were three of the five officers enrolled for the June 29 class to pass. Here is the course they took to become a motor officer.
From left, Officer Tyleem Watson, Officer Roddrex Shelton and Officer Ryan Bice.
They were first introduced to the course requirements and the motorcycles they would become attached to for the summer class. The weather conditions were in the high 90s with a heat index in the triple digits. Hot! During week one, the Nomenclature of the Motorcycle Course was taught. This course is all about how to raise a downed motor, basic riding skills, and starting and stopping. More training consisted of the five basic fundamentals of riding a motorcycle using head, eyes clutch, throttle and brake. The cone course training and the initial skills test were then conducted. This gave the instructors an idea of the officers’ riding skills. They are given verbal instruction and a riding demonstration prior to every obstacle. Once the entire cone course was taught, it was practice time! The officers had to score an 80 percent or better on each of the eleven obstacle
courses in order to pass and move on to week two. Their completion time had to be 3 minutes and 10 seconds or less. Week two got a little more in-depth. The instructors taught life-saving skills like brake and escape, curve negotiation, braking in a curve, accelerated U-turns, escort training, traffic stops and officer safety. All three officers were proud that they passed. They earned their motor wings. It was definitely nonstop mental and physical focus. When asked what gives an officer an edge to pass, Motor School Trainer Corporal Blakely said, “People with little to no riding experience tend to be more successful in passing.” Corporal Blakely added, “Motor officers work hard but make things look easy. We are the arteries that make Mardi Gras and any other special event flow.”
Officer Shelton is in the Cooper-Wilson completing a 540-degree turn prior to exiting the obstacle course. Officer Bice has just entered the first square where he has to make a 360-degree turn to get into the next square. Click photos above to enlarge. January 2013 - Newsletter May - July 2020 Template | MPDTheBeat
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RENOVATION KINGS: Records Unit’s move to renovated office space
To the left is the office space before the renovations and to the right is what Records looks like now.
From the worst office space at police headquarters to a better place to work, is what our “renovation kings” — Chief Roy Hodge and Captain Billie Rowland — made happen for the Records Unit. The carpet was dirty and stained and the windows leaked. The space just looked old and outdated. CLICK PHOTOS ABOVE TO ENLARGE
With nearly 90 percent of all police headquarters’ visitors coming to the Records Unit for accident and incident reports, background checks, permits or fingerprints, it was time to make the high-trafficked area nicer and cleaner. The renovated office space came with new flooring and paint as well as new furniture. During the renovations, the Records Unit moved to a space on the command staff wing by orders of Chief Battiste. They were relocated in August 2019 as a result of a letter from Chief Clerk Kathy Battiste requesting the move because of employees being sick from molded carpet due to leakage from the windows and air condition units. Chief Clerk Kathy Battiste and her staff would like to thank the administrative staff for their hard efforts in making the Records Unit a more cleaner, adequate space, and working Eric Brown, records specialist of the Records Unit, working at his environment. desk in the renovated office space.
Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation gets substantial donation Mobile businessman, Hamed Akbarian Tefaghi, made a substantial donation to the Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation on July 28. Tefaghi immigrated to the area in 2001 from Iran. As an immigrant, Tefaghi said it was his responsibility to say thank you to law enforcement for doing a great job to serve the community. During the check presentation, the Foundation representatives talked about their ongoing support of law enforcement. Chief Battiste said his long-term goal is to secure enough to help fund a new police headquarters. WATCH WKRG NEWS 5 COVERAGE OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE
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May -2013 July 2020 | MPDTheBeat January - Newsletter Template
Van donation to Officer Clayton Graham The Public Safety Chaplains First Responders Foundation and MPD Crime Prevention Unit reached out to Jay Altmayer and the Nan H Altmayer Charitable Trust to secure a donation to purchase a handicap accessible van for Officer Clayton Graham. On January 19, Officer Graham was traveling east on Halls Mill Road when a vehicle crossed over into the eastbound lane on Halls Mill Road and struck his patrol car. He sustained a From left, Andre Doucet, Josh Altmayer, Jay Altmayer, Tamica Graham (wife), Officer Graham, Captain Jonathan Lee, Chief Battiste and Chaplain Connick. hip fracture and lacerations to his leg. Although it’s been a tough journey to recovery, we count ourselves blessed because his life was spared. Officer Graham showed his expression of gratitude as he holds up the keys to his new van on June 2.
MORE BIG THANKS & OFFICER RECOGNITION
A big thanks to Ms. Raven Russell of Starbucks for providing fresh coffee and snacks for the Second Precinct on June 2. Submitted by Lieutenant Tim Perrin.
Mr. Tony Doughaish of the American Islamic Center of Mobile makes a visit to police headquarters to donate a bag full of masks on May 6.
The Third Precinct honors Officer Steven Guidry for being Officer of the Month for May 2020. From left, Lieutenant Louis Screws, Officer Travis Sentelle, Officer Willie Law, Officer Guidry, Corporal Michael Motykiewicz, and Officer Steve Hassell.
In the uproar of police protests, a woman tells WKRG News 5 that good police are hard to find but when she had a flat tire on I-10 on June 16, she said Officers James Mistrot and Elizabeth Coombe responded and were wonderful. She wanted to thank them for their kindness.
Officer Roderick Cotton releases new album on all digital platforms Officer Roderick Cotton’s album, Transitions, is finally complete and has been released on all digital platforms. Officer Cotton’s sophomore album, Transitions, takes you on a ride from fantasy to reality as you listen. Influenced by the late Grover Washington Jr., Gerald Albright and much of the rhythm and blues from his childhood, Transitions proves to be far from the formal or traditional jazz you’re used to hearing. To learn more about the project, visit roderickcotton.com. Officer Cotton is assigned to the First Precinct. January 2013 - Newsletter May - July 2020 Template | MPDTheBeat
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Academy Class 64 Graduation: “Honored to Serve, Blessed to Protect”
A new piece of gear for Academy Class 64 is a face covering, as they graduate during the time of a pandemic. Regardless of the challenging times, these new police officers hold their heads up high —honored to serve and blessed to protect. Vicki Davis, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, was the keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony. Davis encouraged the class to follow three
rules throughout their career. First, police others as you would like your family policed. Secondly, follow the rule of contaiment, which means don’t tarnish yourself or the MPD with personal social media accounts. Lastly, Davis said have courage to act and not to act. WATCH FOX 10 COVERAGE
Xavier Loper fist bumps with Public Safety Director James Barber.
Jordan Soto receives his badge from Chief Battiste.
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Khiahna Brown receives her diploma from Chief Hodge. May -2013 July 2020 | MPDTheBeat January - Newsletter Template