MPD The Beat Issue 16

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

February 2019 ISSUE 16

DOWNTOWN PRECINCT EXPANDS, NEW COMMANDERS

“LOCK IT UP!” CAMPAIGN TRAVELS CITYWIDE

25 MOVE UP IN RANK Promotion Ceremony celebrated big with family and friends

Officer of the Month

A MESSAGE FROM THE

CHIEF OF POLICE Lawrence L. Battiste, IV

Spring into the Action of Nurturing Ourselves and Supporting Positive Causes Our 2019 Mardi Gras season was thoroughly enjoyed as one of the safest, less eventful seasons to date. Thank you to the men and women of the Mobile Police Department for all your hard work and even more, observation showed that you did it with a smile. We have received many accolades and much positive feedback from the community of your service and your cordial personalities during this sometimes long and tedious assignment. Now that Mardi Gras season has come and gone, ushering in the spring season, I hope that we will also spring into the action of nurturing ourselves, supporting the positive causes of our city, and building relationships with those we serve.

I send blessings and well wishes to Officer Clayton Graham who is now continuing his recovery at home with his family and loved ones. We will continue to keep him in our prayers and encourage him in his recovery.

I would like to take this opportunity to give kudos to Director Curtis Graves and the Office of Strategic Initiative for the good work that they perform daily in the community. While they have limited resources at their disposal, the Unit remains diligent in their hard work and dedication, striving to make a positive difference among members of our communities and it is proving to be both effective and appreciated by all of our constituents. I would also like to thank the supporters of the Second Chance or Else (SCORE) Program who have invested their time and efforts in assisting the Office of Strategic Initiatives programs and its participants. With the help of the dedicated board members, the SCORE program has had much success in helping to redirect the lifestyles of young men; encouraging and leading them into developing a more positive mindset that has led them to a more productive lifestyle.

Many of whom have graduated from vocational trade programs and have secured jobs. They now lead a better-rounded lifestyle and are now become productive members of the community.

I would like to encourage everyone to support the Office of Strategic Initiatives participation in the SouthSounds Music and Arts Festival, April 12 – 14. As part of their community outreach, the Office of Strategic Initiatives launched a songwriter competition that focuses on music as a healing element for victims of various crimes.

The winners of the competition will be featured in a concert on Sunday, April 14, which is the closing day of the festival.

Raymond Grissett, Officer of the Month for February 2019, has been with the department since September 2014 and is assigned to the First Precinct General Investigation Division. For the month of February, Grissett investigated 33 felony cases and cleared 21 of those cases. Grissett is recognized for his hard work in solving theft cases at a hotel where $50,000 in stolen property was recovered.

On Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019 at approximately 3 p.m., First Precinct units were dispatched to the Marriott Hotel located at 3101 Airport Blvd. in reference to a series of reported thefts from guest rooms. Grissett responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. He interviewed the 12 victims and obtained a list of the items stolen.

During the investigation, a suspect was identified. A housekeeper was linked to all the rooms where the thefts had occurred. His housekeeping master key had accessed each of the guest rooms. On Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, Grissett discovered that the suspect had pawned a diamond necklace at Eddie’s Pawn Shop located at Springhill Ave. and I-65. Read more about Grissett’s accomplishments.

LOCK IT UP! We recently launched our gun safety campaign, which is aimed at preventing the continued upswing of guns being stolen from unlocked vehicles that are being used to commit crimes around our city. Additionally, LOCK IT UP! will also aid in thwarting children and juveniles from gaining access to firearms and the subsequent accidental shootings that can occur. I ask that each of us, whenever the opportunity presents itself, please stress to our citizens and your constituents how utterly urgent it is that we take the time to LOCK IT UP! “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson I remain appreciative to each of you.

EDITORIAL CONTACT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

Charlette Solis 208.1918 Corporal LaDerrick Dubose 208.1926

THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Tonya Calhoun Chaplain Ed Connick Heidi Robinson Laura Angle

Submit ideas and info for the next issue!

EMAIL: charlette.solis@cityofmobile.org

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January 20132019 - Newsletter Template February | MPDTheBeat

LOCK IT UP! Campaign travels citywide What will it take to get people to lock their vehicles and secure their weapons? It’s our same old song but here’s the remix that is traveling citywide! The Office of Strategic Initiatives led by Commander Curtis Graves has launched a “LOCK IT UP!” campaign, which kicked off mid-February with a 30-second public service announcement video that aired on all three local news stations. The message is simple, always is, urging citizens to be responsible by taking time to record their gun’s serial number and secure it.

Public Safety Director James Barber, Chief Battiste and Dr. Linda Ding, a surgeon at University Hospital, speak three powerful words in the video — LOCK IT UP! The video ends with a 4-year-old little girl name Jenna saying “lock it up for me”. There have been 16,000 views of the video on the MPD Facebook page.

Officer Lawrence Battiste and Officer Nguyen Campbell drive the message home through a poster campaign, which will be phase two of the LOCK IT UP! launch to help make Mobile safer for all families.

The Lock It Up! campaign was made possible by the Office of Strategic Initiatives Project THRIVE partnerships.

Westbrook is Civilian Employee of the Month Selenia Westbrook is the Civilian Employee of the Month for February 2019. Hired in August 2013, Westbrook works in the Communications Unit as a public safety dispatcher.

She is commended for her ability to remain calm under formidable circumstances and her attention to detail to help officers take violent criminals off the streets.

On Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, Westbrook was assigned to dispatch on Precinct 3. At 10:50 a.m., she received a report of one shot at Laced located at 3000 Springhill Ave. The suspect shot into the store and the victim was lying on the floor. Westbrook immediately started units to the location and sent out notifications to the field supervisors.

Who thought of this idea?

As would be expected on a Saturday morning in a busy shopping center, Westbrook was inundated with calls that placed the shooting at four different locations. The sheer magnitude of the calls received proved to be a daunting task.

Each call screen had different information about the number of people shot, the number of suspects involved and their description, mode of travel, and direction of travel. But Westbrook went through each call methodically and updated the officers with each piece of information received.

Her teammates rallied behind her and sent officers from every precinct to assist. Although Westbrook’s workload increased dramatically due to the vast number of units that were switching to her channel, she remained remarkably calmed and her voice never wavered. She followed protocol and did everything that was expected of her, thus helping units track down the suspects involved.

Here’s an example of when a brainstorm idea becomes a grand idea and quite popular. Sergeant Joe Cotner of the Special Victims Unit wanted to find a better way for kids to be reunited with parents if they became lost during Mardi Gras parades. He wanted to create something that would give officers basic information to quickly locate the child’s parent or guardian.

Cotner presented the idea to the Public Affairs Office, Chief Battiste approved it, and the branding began! The myMPD Carnival Badge was designed to make parents partners with police in keeping their kids safe.

On the back of the card, parents write the name of the child, address, and at least two relatives and their telephone numbers. About 2,000 badges were made available at all precincts as well as the downtown precinct.

January 2013 - Newsletter February 2019 |Template MPDTheBeat

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Whataburger “Oh Whata Night” fundraising event Whataburger hosted an “Oh Whata Night” fundraising event for the Officer Sean Tuder Memorial Fund with all three Mobile restaurant locations participating. The fundraiser was held Monday, March 11, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The franchise donated 20 percent of the proceeds to the memorial fund.

The fundraiser also included a meet and greet with police officers and McGruff at the Whataburger on Schillinger Road and Cottage Hill Road.

Left, Officer Gary Owens, Crime Prevention, and McGruff share information with Whataburger staff members. Right, the Whataburger mascot showing off its muscles in front of the SWAT Unit BearCat. View more photos.

Two operators to receive APCO recognition Two MPD operators from the Communications Unit will be recognized at the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials Alabama Chapter banquet for their dedication and hard work on April 26, 2019 in Pelham, Ala. Kati Wigfield will be honored as the Commuinications Officer of the Year for demonstrating a genuine care for her co-workers and having an overall teamwork mentality and for her dedication to service.

Kindra Perryman will receive the Award of Excellence. If you recall, Perryman was asked to do the end of watch call for Officer Sean Tuder. When the time came, she performed eloquently, holding her head high, with the utmost composure only to be crumpled to tears afterward.

Save the Date

The Mobile Police Department & Mobile Fire-Rescue Department Family Picnic is Sunday, Aug. 4 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Camp Grace. It’s a family fun day for all!

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February | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2019 - Newsletter Template

Downtown precinct expands to accommodate growth “There’s no great city without a great downtown,” said Mayor Sandy Stimpson at a press conference held Feb. 27, 2019 annoucing the expansion of the downtown precinct. The Central Events MiniPrecinct was established in 1992 to serve the citizens downtown. Over the years, the residential areas, shoppes, eateries and events held downtown became a big attraction causing significant growth for the area. The call for a greater police presence and increased surveillance to make sure everyone feels safe was determined necessary.

The precinct, now to be called Central Precinct, will serve as a specialized patrol precinct with specialized tactics and equipment.

Businesses and residents can now expect more community policing from officers on mounted, bike, foot and Segway patrol.

Captain James Cunningham said he appreciates the opportunity to take command of the precinct and work side by side with Lieutenant Sean Fisher and Lieutenant Lee Laffitte to make a good difference.

Making history, MPD became a five precinct department once again in March 2019 and staffed to acommodate downtown growth.

Saturday, April 13th 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mardi Gras Park The 4th Annual MPD Chili Cook-Off is a family-fun event!

Teams of police officers compete against each other with their best chili recipes. Proceeds benefit the Mobile Law Enforcement Foundation and MPD Crime Prevention Unit.

Law Enforcement Memorial Service

Top photo: Corporal Billie Dunn pictured on Mounted in front of Central Precinct.

Bottom photo: Lieutenant Laffitte and Captain Cunningham talk with Assistant Chief Hodge after the press conference.

January 2013 2019 - Newsletter Template February | MPDTheBeat

“To Remember and To Honor” Thursday, May 16th at 10:30 a.m.

Public Safety Park

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Moving up in rank celebrated big with family and friends Career advancement is always a memorable moment. And, what better way to celebrate it than with family and friends.

The first promotion ceremony of the year was held March 1, 2019 at Government Plaza Multi-Purpose Room with 25 officers rising in rank.

James Cunningham has been promoted to captain. John Angle, Sean Fisher, Lee Laffitte, Leron Lewis, Louis Screws, Kendall Sterrett and Erika Stuart got promoted to lieutenant.

Our newest sergeants are Michael Cook, LaDerrick Dubose, Joseph Goff, Mark Hearn, James Manning, Charles Rogers and Paul Workman. Earning the promotion of corporal include Erica Adams, Talon Edwards, Joshua Evans, David Goodman, Raymond Grissett, Rusty Hodskins, Charles Miller, Kevin Naman, Joshua Nix and Matthew Shirey.

From left, Lee Laffitte, Sean Fisher and John Angle pictured during the Promotion Ceremony as soon-to-be lieutenants. For Laffitte and Fisher the promotion leads them to help command a new precinct.

This promotion ceremony also recognized civilian employee promotions. Tonya Calhoun was promoted to executive secretary and Kimberly Zirlott was promoted to secretary III.

Family and friends fill the room to share in the promotion presentation with grand applause for Corporal David Goodman and other promotees.

Public Safety Director Barber shakes hands with Erika Stuart after she receives her lieutenant badge.

Cecilia Workman, Communications Unit, and Sergeant Paul Workman, Firearms Training Unit

Sergeant LaDerrick Dubose, Public Information Office, and family

Captain James Cunningham, Central Precinct, and wife

Corporal Talon Edwards, Fourth Precinct, and wife

Lieutenant Louis Screws, Third Precinct, and wife

Sergeant Charles Rogers, Second Precinct, and his beautiful baby girl

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February | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2019 - Newsletter Template