MPD The Beat Issue 25

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

AUG - SEPT 2020, ISSUE 25

DETECTIVES PROVE STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COPS & COMMUNITY MATTER

PUBLIC LIAISON TEAM DELIVERS FIRST-CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE AN OFFICER’S PERSPECTIVE:

ANSWERING CALLS DURING HURRICANE SALLY

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony & Memorial Service

Top Officer Recognition A MESSAGE FROM THE

CHIEF OF POLICE Lawrence L. Battiste, IV

Faithfulness not Overshadowed

by Negativity

Jimmy Byrd, Cyber Response Team Officer of the Month, July 2020

Greetings: As I reflect, I am reminded that Mobile is so very fortunate to have a corps of law enforcement personnel (sworn and civilian) that serves with enthusiasm and dedication; especially in these unprecedented times. Your faithful endurance is of great value to this department and to the city of Mobile.

You have stood strong and persevered throughout all of the recent battles that we all have had to endure and live through. Your faithfulness is not overshadowed by whatever negativity seems to arise out of our social times.

You consistently provide high levels of professional law enforcement service.

Kudos to you all.

Paul Callegari, Central Precinct Officer of the Month, August 2020

As the city starts a new school term and our city’s children partially returns to the classrooms, I would encourage each of us to continue imposing positive models in our communities that influences our young impressionable future leaders in progressive ways. Let us continue to open positive progressive dialogues with all of our student-citizens, especially our high school studentcitizens. Impressing upon them as often as possible to focus on the positive outlook of their futures when they make wise choices.

I’ve said this before and I feel that this is a great opportunity to repeat it. Let us commit ourselves to the constant practice of a positive work ethic, as it becomes more evident that we all possess talents and gifts that are better served when we use them to influence effective changes. Doing so will oftentimes open doors that lead to a better sense of gratitude in our lives.

“Work hard in silence. Let your success be the noise.”

Kahdra Hodby, Fourth Precinct Officer of the Month, September 2020

Congratulations to the Officers and the Civilian Employees of the Month for the months of July, August and September 2020. Your valued service to the department and the community is greatly appreciated.

EDITORIAL CONTACT

Thank you all for all that you do. I remain humbly appreciative to each of you

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

Charlette Solis 208.1918 Corporal Ryan Blakely 208.1926

ON THE COVER:

Detective Eugene Evans (Assaults/844) Detective Jamal Slaughter First Precinct GID Submit ideas and info for the next issue!

EMAIL: charlette.solis@cityofmobile.org

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MPD better equipped to respond to individuals with special needs Each shift at the Mobile Police Department is now better equipped with both the tools and knowledge of how to respond to individuals with special needs, especially those with a sensory processing disorder. Through a fundraiser held earlier this year, we raised enough money to make Autism Sensory Kits.

Officers are trained to handle a multitude of challenging situations, but to be able to quickly recognize the signs of autism and know effective ways to approach a person on the autism spectrum or any person with special needs is important. With the proper response, an officer can stabilize the scene sooner and provide the safety needed.

“If these kits can be used to help ease some of the overwhelming stimulation someone with special Watch Officer Alisha Davis-Sonnier’s interview on WKRG News 5 needs may be feeling so that we may better assist them, then that is a win,” said Officer Alisha Davis-Sonnier, who spearheads the autism awareness project.

The Autism Sensory Kit includes a 5-pound weighted blanket that the officer can use to provide comfort to the individual, noise-cancellation earmuffs for keeping them calm, and visual supports for those who have difficulty processing spoken information. Fidget devices and polarized sunglasses for those sensitive to light are some of the other items contained in the kit.

“We, as a department, are striving and should always strive for different, new improved ways to serve our citizens,” Officer Davis-Sonnier said. “This is how we grow and how we can continue to show our love to the community.”

Public Liaison Team delivers first-class customer service Guests of police headquarters and staff members are now greeted with the smiles and helpful service from two new members of the Public Liaison Team. Laurina Parker and Tonji Lofton were assigned the front desk in July after the closure of Central Precinct downtown.

Accustomed to delivering first-class customer service, the transition was an easy one.

“I am a people person,” Parker said. “I love working with the community.”

Parker expressed that she loves communicating with people and helping them accomplish whatever they need within the department.

Laurina Parker assisting Sonja Huff of the Records Unit.

“We are One Mobile and we want to keep it safe and I want to be a part of it,” Parker said. “I am so blessed to be able to work with such wonderful people. I’m proud to work under the leadership of Chief Battiste and the rest of the staff.”

Parker added that the department is like a family to her. She was hired eight years ago, and is committed to doing 25 years of public service.

Lofton has been employed with the City of Mobile for 23 years. She said she enjoys interacting with people. “Each day brings a new joy and learning experience my way.”

January 2013 Aug- -Newsletter Sept 2020 |Template MPDTheBeat

Tonji Lofton on the phone with a caller.

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Gun Intel awarded its 100th and 200th NIBIN Leads plaques

by Linda Pitts

On September 1, the Gun Intelligence Detail was awarded its 100th and 200th NIBIN Leads plaques by the Ultra Electronics Forensic Technology team in coordination with the ATF Crime Gun Intelligence Center and the ATF Mobile Field Office.

The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) program automates ballistics From left, Linda Pitts, Officer Shawn Schlumpf, Officer John Jackson, ATF Special Agent Kim Suhi, evaluation and provides Chief Battiste and Intelligence Specialist Greg Griffin of the ATF Crime Gun Intelligence Center. actionable investigative leads in a timely manner. NIBIN is the Currently, the Gun Intelligence Detail has 343 leads and only interstate automated ballistic imaging network has bypassed all agencies in the region on its annual in operation in the United States where certified statistics including Montgomery, Birmingham, Huntsville technicians enter ballistic evidence into the Integrated and Chattanooga.

Ballistic Identification System, which is then correlated against the database.

While members of the Gun Intelligence Detail are proud This program is one investigative tool accessed by law enforcement that allows for seamless sharing and collaboration between jurisdictions ensuring more effective outcomes in closing major crime cases.

of their accomplishment, they want to emphasize that without the proactive efforts of the patrol officers and detectives turning in the evidence to be processed, there would be no leads generated and many cases would go unsolved.

MPD’s Integrated Ballistic Identification System went operational on June 14, 2019 and the Gun Intelligence Detail received its first lead back on June 24, 2019. Since then, leads have come in connecting MPD cases with not only local cases but cases from Montgomery, Selma, New Orleans and even as far as South Carolina.

So, whenever you are at headquarters, stop in the new Gun Intelligence Detail office to get the tour. They can show you how your role in the process makes a huge difference in getting the criminals off the streets and keeping the citizens of Mobile safe.

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony & Law Enforcement Memorial Service

Sergeant Ernest Woodard, Officer Jason Martin, Officer Joshua Hart, Officer John Schaffer; Chaplain Connick above; and Officer Taylor Wood below.

The 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony is a time when we pay tribute to all first responders by remembering the dramatic example of selfless sacrifice made by the first responders on September 11, 2001.

This year, the Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service was held in conjunction with the event to remember and honor local first responders who died in 2019. Ray B. Cook II, FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Mobile Office, was the guest speaker for the event.

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An Officer’s Perspective: Answering calls during Hurricane Sally

by Officer Santuan McGee

Walking into Roll Call I walked into Roll Call with a room of 20 plus officers. We were assigned a partner to double up with. It gave most of us an opportunity to answer calls and form friendships with co-workers from a different squad who we otherwise might only say hi and bye to in passing during weekly shift changes.

Night Shift Got the Better End of the Deal For me, this was my first time ever working Hurricane Detail. I was told that by being on night shift we got the better end of the deal —by not being on day shift having to direct traffic as our assignment. My assigned area was the Beltine up to McGregor Avenue from Airport Boulevard over to Old Shell Road.

Something I Will Never Forget The night of the hurricane, once weather conditions started to get bad, we spent most of our time responding to residence alarms on McGregor Avenue.

Something I will never forget is when I and Officer Jonathan Kriss, my partner, had just crossed Dauphin Street going south on McGregor Avenue and this huge tree was down across the roadway. I mean it was huge with power lines tangled all around it.

I came so close to hitting the tree because the roadway was very dark and the rain made visibility low. We had just driven that route a few minutes prior and the tree wasn’t there.

These pictures show some of the aftermath of Hurricane Sally.

Hearing the Wind Slap the Patrol Car At 0400 hours until 530 hours, the winds and the rain were the worst I had ever seen. Betwen calls, we were sitting in the car in the opening of the parking lot so nothing would fall on top of us. Hearing the wind slap the patrol car and rocking us back and forth was intense.

We finally decided to park under the Orthopedic Group parking deck with some other units.

The Sky was this Carolina Blue While we were on Airport Boulevard near Downtowner Boulevard looking east, the sky became this Carolina

blue due to transformer after transformer exploding.

We saw what seemed like 10 explode within a matter of seconds.

As the sun begin to come up, trying to maneuver the roadways back to the precinct was like being in a maze.

We were driving around so many down power lines and seeing roads completely blocked off. Citizens not knowing how to treat major intersections with the traffic lights completely out was crazy. Hurricane Sally was definitely one for the books!

MPD Praise & Recognition from the Community My name is Jack Maxwell. I am Mr. Frontlines 2020. I have autism and I am sending thank you messages across the whole country to say thank you to all of the frontline heroes. Thank you for being so dedicated, courageous and selfless as we continue to work together to overcome this challenge we are currently facing. I’m trying to do my part to inspire the frontline workers for everything they do. Your efforts, sacrifices, commitment and leadership during these uncertain times is really appreciated.

—Jack Maxwell, Scottsville, VA, tributetofr.org

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A special column by Officer Janee Griffin

MPD Praise & Recognition from the Community

“Over the Moon”

Retrospect 25 years to life was his sentence. Not by a judge or jury, but prosecuted by his own mind. The defense had a strong argument. He was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Everything from his past came into question. Unforgiveness lingered in his heart and bound him with restraints. Selfdoubt and loneliness were relentless as they cross-examined him. He pleaded his case to many and he believed no one understood.

He thought he would be imprisoned forever so he took his own life, thinking that was the only route to freedom. He was wrong. He left us with self-doubt and unanswered questions.

I responded to his residence a week before his passing. What could I have said differently? Could I have stayed longer or had a little more patience? Or was his mind made that no one cared?

I will now be more gentle because of you and now when I see a bird soaring, I’ll imagine that you’re finally free.

Send comments to janee.griffin@cityofmobile.org

Thank you to the officer who made made this little boy’s day!! He was over the moon when you stopped and walked over and gave him this.

Thank you for all you do. God bless all of you and stay safe. —Demarise Reed Sargent MPD Facebook Follower, Posted 9/6/20 Good morning, I would like to thank the men and women who sacrifice their lives daily to protect the citizens. If no one has told you, you are appreciated. I pray that God will always bless, protect and favor you highly. Stay safe. We support you. —Lenetta Pauley-Enlers MPD Facebook Follower, Posted 9/23/20

ID officer makes school visit to Heartwood Christian Academy Masks on and intense cleaning between classes, the Heartwood Christian Academy made its home-school co-op program safe for ID Officer Albert White to deliver a forensics presentation.

It was a small class size of eight and Officer White customized the presentation to address all their interests. The students learned about preparation to enter a crime scene, how to collect materials, and how markers are placed and sketches are done.

The students’ base knowledge was from their studies in anthropology and odontology.

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New public safety recruiter attracts big number of potential police officers This summer, Tony McCarron became the new public safety recruiter, taking the position after retiring as a firefighter from the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department.

McCarron got the ball rolling immediately seeking qualified candidates for the position of police officer. He filled the seats for Academy Class #65, which is one of the largest classes in some time.

30 new recruits began the 20week training at the Mobile Police Academy on September 21.

Photos: Recruits pictured during their second week reciting the Oath.

Hardest-Working Official for the City of Mobile The 2020 Nappie Awards Ceremony scheduled to take place at the Saenger Theatre was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, Lagniappe made sure that the party was still on! The event took place in a virtual ceremony on August 5.

Lagniappe readers selected Chief Battiste as the “Hardest Working Official for the City of Mobile.” He did not wage a campaign for the award, as stated by Lagniappe. However, with Chief Battiste appearing frequently on TV during our most turbulent year, the nominations poured in applauding his handling of the protests and his response to COVID-19 enforcements.

“We are pretty much dealing with the pandemic of 1918, the Great Depression of the 1930s and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, all in 2020,” Battiste said. “And now, it’s hurricane season.” — Chief Lawrence Battiste

Best Police Officer Sergeant Jeremy March received the 2020 Nappie Award for Best Police Officer. In a thank you video, Sergeant March expressed how he hoped he represented the city well the past 23 years on the department. Although he doesn’t serve to get any type of recognition, he says being a Nappie Award Winner is humbling and a blessing.

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Detectives prove strengthening relationsh

by Detective Eugene Evans “Bridging the Gap” is a statement that I take seriously in my profession. You can’t have law and order without community relations. For example, when I was a child, I was met by a New Orleans police officer during a Mardi Gras parade. The police officer made sure to speak to me and listen to what I had to say instead of just turning the other way.

As a curious child just having that officer speak with me and take a picture with me, left an impression that carried with me even when I became an officer myself.

During the month of October, MPD is set to participate in “Bedtime Stories by Leaders in Mobile” on Facebook Live.

When I heard of the opportunity to read to kids, I jumped on it.

My hope is to make an impression on them like that officer did on me when I was young.

I chose the book “Our Police” by Jack E. Levin because it details the curiousity that kids have for police, explains how they help the community and describes a police officer’s duties.

It is my hope that my small gesture will help the younger generation be more comfortable with officers and possibly lead the younger generation in joining the police in the future.

MPD and Dickerson Literacy Initiatives partner for the ‘Our Police’ Literacy Project To support literacy and encourage summer reading, MPD partnered with Dickerson Literacy Initiatives to distribute the book “Our Police”

by Jack Levin to elementary-aged children. It is a picture book to help children learn about the role of law enforcement.

Police officers will give the book to children they see in the community while out patrolling their assigned beats. This project is three-fold. It allows officers to encourage a love of reading, raise awareness of how a police officer serves and protects, and strengthen police-community unity in the City of Mobile.

Detecive Eugene Evans holds the “Our Police” book, which he plans to read during his appearance in Bedtime Stories by Leaders in Mobile on Facebook Live on October 26.

“I hope that this book will be added to hundreds of children’s home libraries,” Chief Battiste said. “And, I hope that it will become a child’s favorite book to read.”

2,000 books were purchased so that the young residents of each area of the city can obtain a copy of the book.

Dickerson Literacy Initiatives, based in Orange Beach, Ala., researches, initiates, and designs specialized literacy projects geared primarily toward the critical years of elementary-aged students. To learn more, visit dickersonliteracy.com.

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Aug -2013 Sept 2020 | MPDTheBeat January - Newsletter Template

hips between cops and community matter

by Detective Jamal Slaughter I have been on the department for four years now. Each time I encounter a citizen, I make it my personal mission to treat them with the most respect to make sure that at the end of our conversation that person has a positive view of police officers.

I recently had the opportunity to be a part of the Bridging the Gap program where I met the selected members of the high schools’ student government association.

During the time together, I was chosen for an acting role that demonstrated what not to do when encountering police officers. We had a few laughs in the midst of the demonstrations but overall I believe that the students learned something new about police officers that day.

At that moment, I knew this program helped those students see a different side of police officers that media rarely portrays. On that day, those students gained a better understanding of what it felt like to be a police officer and what it is like to deal with current events that we face today.

If we as a department continue to do our part, we can show other departments how important it is to build these relationships with the community so that when situations arise, we will not have to go through the chaos and destruction as these other states and departments have endured.

New Bridging the Gap Training Video Coming Soon!

In the wake of COVID-19 and the death of George Floyd, our focus and priority have shifted to how can we better connect with local high school students to further bridge the gap between police and law enforcement.

Launched in 2015, the Bridging the Gap interactive training program has been presented to selected high school students at the Metro Firing Range. Because of the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19, we are not able to present the training in that format for the 20202021 school year.

Instead of not offer the training altogether, we partnered with Fox 10 News to help us produce a new Bridging the Gap training video. This means we will be able to present the training in video format, thus continuing our efforts to build trust and mutual respect among youth.

Detective Slaughter gives his acting debut in the soon-to-be-released training video. He plays a misbehaving teen in a domestic scenario and the driver pulled over in the traffic stop.

Bridging the Gap is under the direction of Commander Curtis Graves, Office of Strategic Initiatives. The objective of the program is to teach by demonstrating the proper conduct youth and law enforcement should expect from one another during an encounter.

January 2013 Aug- Newsletter - Sept 2020 Template | MPDTheBeat

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Giving back to the community by donating to outreach food pantry

by Commander Heidi Robinson

The Communications Unit had a little fun competition between squads to provide assistance to a local community organization that provides food during a crisis. From August 10 through September 20, the goal was for each squad to collect non-perishable food. It would be donated to the Gateway Community Outrach Food Pantry.

The Communications Unit collected a total of 634 items. The 200 Squad was the winning team, collecting 299 items. Gateway Community Outreach showed their appreciation by providing them with lunch.

New Communications Unit Training Officers

Congrats! Communications Unit Promotions

As of September 3, the following public safety dispatchers have earned their certification to be a Communication Training Officer.

• PSD I Brittany Dunning • PSD I Andrea Atchison • PSD I Janeen Hornsby • PSD I Amanda Winfield

Eric Schulz was promoted from Public Safety Dispatcher II to Radio Communications Officer (RCO) on September 12.

Dakota Vest-Wright and Kati Wigfield were promoted from Public Safety Dispatcher I to Public Safety Dispatcher II on August 15.

Recognizing Top Civilian Employees, all from Communications Unit

Kirby Briggs July 2020

Eric Schultz August 2020

Paulita Holmes September 2020

Welcome new personnel to the Communications Unit The Communications Unit has hired three new operators who began their journey as a public safety dispatcher on September 14. First, they complete their classroom training and then began their on-the-job training, set for October 10. Please welcome Heather Sterrett, Morgan Reynolds and Arielle Petite.

The Communciations Unit is in the process of hiring additional personnel and is always looking for hardworking and dedicated applicants to work in a challenging and rewarding career.

Happy Retirement RCO Monteiro and RCO Walker Congratulations to RCO Katherine Monteiro and RCO Sheila Walker on your upcoming retirement!

RCO Monteiro (pictured far left) retires on December 1, after 29 years of service. And, RCO Sheila Walker retires on November 1, after 19 years of service. Wishing the best to you both and thank you for your service to the Mobile Police Department.

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Battiste and Angle earn Motor Wings

by Corporal Ryan Blakely , Motor School Trainer (Tracy Baxter, Photographer)

Passing Motor School is a big accomplishment, mentally and physically. It gives you a sense of pride and joy because of the work and effort that you put your mind and body through.

Chief Battiste and Lieutenant John Angle of the Traffic Safety Unit were both very competitive and were not going to let the other one show the next one up. They were both like sponges. They listened, absorbed and were determined. They then executed.

Chief Battiste is making a 180-degree turn inside of a 20-foot square, setting himself up to transition into an 18-foot circle to make a 40-degree turn.

One of the advantages of earning your motor wings in the extensive hours of training is the knowledge that you acquire that truly prepares you for safe riding.

I will tell anyone that earning your Motor Wings is a prestigous honor.

Motor School for Chief Battiste and Lieutenant Angle was from July 31 through September 11.

Lieutenant John Angle is attempting to exit out of Bo’s Back Door after a series of U-turns.

10 Tips to Fall into Relaxation

by Victim Services Unit

Fall is a great time of year to get out of the house and enjoy the weather. Whether with your family or by yourself, these activities can be enjoyable and a great mental break.

January 2013 Aug- Newsletter - Sept 2020 Template | MPDTheBeat

1. Fishing 2. Hiking 3. Dominoes 4. Football 5. Volunteering

6. Campfires/Smores 7. Cornhole 8. Coloring 9. Baking Fall Treats 10. Sleep

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