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
April/May 2019 ISSUE 18
AUSTIN COLLIER EARNS OFFICER OF THE YEAR REBECCA TURK KEEPS PRECINCT GROUNDED NAMED CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK A TIME TO REMEMBER AND HONOR THE FALLEN FIRST AUTISM AWARENESS FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS AWARDS BANQUET AN ANNUAL GLAM EVENT
Officer of the Month A MESSAGE FROM THE
CHIEF OF POLICE Lawrence L. Battiste, IV
Possessing a Large Degree of Selflessness As always it is a privilege for me as your Chief of Police to address you each month in the “MPD The Beat” publication. The more I observe Mobile’s finest perform one of the most valued services to civilization, the more humbled I am at your selflessness. It is impossible to work as a police officer and not possess a large degree of selflessness. Thanks to each of you for all that you do. Continually, we offer our prayers to Officer Clayton Graham in his continuing recovery and to Corporal Talon Edwards and Officer Justin Tullie for restored health. Congratulations to PSDI Kindra Perryman as Civilian Employee of the Month for April 2019 and Precinct 3 Officer Stephen Corley who is Officer of the Month for April 2019. Your exemplary performance of duty is certainly valued and appreciated. Congratulations to all of our award recipients, who were honored during the department’s annual awards banquet that was held on May 16. Thank you to the awards committee for presenting a very memorable banquet that all in attendance enjoyed. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” — Ambrose Redmoon, AKA James Neil Hollingworth Across our country countless communities and law enforcement agencies came together to pay tribute to all of our fallen officers during the observance of Law Enforcement Memorial month. As this celebratory month comes to an end, while we are quite appreciative for the month being designated to formally acknowledge our profession, let us be reminded to keep our brothers and sisters close to our hearts daily. We shall seek to cover one another with grace as we all courageously perform the duties that foster safety for our communities. Let us admonish one another to not only be diligent in the performance of our duties, but to be wise and practice safety. Lastly, but most certainly not least, kudos to Mrs. Charlette Solis on all that she does to promote and present one of our department’s personality traits, community engagement. Special thanks to her for the professional development and publication of “MPD The Beat.” Thank you, Charlette, for all that you do!
Stephen Corley is the Officer of the Month for April 2019. Corley, who works patrol in the First Precinct, has demonstrated excellence in his overall performance. He responded to 113 calls for service and 60 backings, made 19 felony and 13 misdemeanor arrests, and wrote 11 traffic citations. Corley’s assigned patrol area is around Dauphin Island Parkway from Duval Street to Interstate 10. While on patrol, he routinely checks on suspicious suspects and vehicles for illegal contraband and warrants. There were several incidents in particular during the month of April in which Corley displayed his dedication to duty. On April 4, 2019, Corley successfully apprehended a suspect who had just burglarized a convenience store. Officers were dispatched to a commercial burglary alarm at the On the Run Convenient Store off Halls Mill Road. While en route to the location, Corley observed a man riding a bicycle on Halls Mill Road near Pleasant Valley Road in the opposite direction of the store. He was carrying a large blue duffle bag on his back, which appeared suspicious. As Corley approached, the suspect abandoned the bike and attempted to flee on foot. Read more... EDITORIAL CONTACT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
I remain appreciative to each of you.
Charlette Solis 208.1918 Sergeant LaDerrick Dubose 208.1926
THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS
Captain Melvin Jones Tonya Calhoun Heidi Robinson Officer Alisha Davise-Sonnier Laura Angle
ON THE COVER: Officer Austin Collier Submit ideas and info for the next issue! EMAIL: charlette.solis@cityofmobile.org
2
January 20132019 - Newsletter Template April/May | MPDTheBeat
Culman PD presents special signed flag
The Cullman Police Department remembered our Fallen Officer Sean Tuder during National Police Week. Lieutenant Warnke, commander of the traffic homicide unit for the Cullman Police Department, made a visit to police headquarters Friday, May 17 to present a Thin Blue Line Flag signed by the law enforcement officers of Cullman, Ala. Captain Billie Rowland accepts the flag.
Fallen officers remembered in Anniston
Health department now offers urgent care services
It has come to our attention that many people who work and live in Downtown Mobile are not aware of the Mobile County Health Department’s Urgent Care services at 251 North Bayou Street. The first floor of the Keeler Memorial Building that once housed Immunization Services has now been converted by Family Health — MCHD’s primary care division — to help individuals who need assistance “for when it’s not quite an emergency.” Urgent Care services are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. No appointment is necessary. The phone number is 251-445-8640.
Officer Sean Tuder was one of the fallen officers remembered at the Alabama Law Enforcement Memorial in Anniston. His name was added to the wall along wtih Benjamin McDonald and Sergeant Wytasha Carter of the Birmingham Police Department. Chief Battiste and Krissy Tuder were present for the ceremony that was held Friday, May 17 where Governor Kay Ivey spoke. They stand by the new statue unveiled at the ceremony that shows an officer offering comfort to a grieving child who had recently lost a family member in the line of duty. Photo above, Officer Kyle Carag, Krissy Tuder and Officer Tuder’s mother and brother in front of the Alabama Law Enforcement Memorial. January 2013 - Newsletter April/May 2019 |Template MPDTheBeat
All forms of insurance are accepted, including Medicaid and Medicare. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Family Health continues to provide health care on a sliding fee scale to the medically underserved of the community. Urgent Care is available for non-emergency cases. Treatment options include allergies; animal bites; back pain; blood work; bumps, cuts and scrapes; cold or flu symptoms; coughs and sore throats; ear or sinus pain; eye irritation, fevers; foreign objects in the eye or nose; mild asthma; minor allergic reaction; minor fractures; minor headaches; nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; rashes and minor burns; sprains and strains; swelling or pain; vaccinations; and X-rays. MCHD has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its nationally recognized standards. Family Health has also been presented with the Patient-Centered Medical Home’s Recognition Quality Award for commitment and investment in quality improvement activities at all of its sites. There are thousands of residents and workers who find themselves in Downtown Mobile most days. Should they ever need medical attention without an appointment, they need not look far to find high-quality healthcare.
3
Tuder’s name added to Mobile County Law Enforcement Monument Fallen Officer Sean Tuder’s name was added to the Mobile County Law Enforcement Memorial monument. Tuder was remembered and honored at the Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service held May 16 at Public Safety Memorial Park. Twenty other local law enforcement officers who died in 2018 were
also honored at the service. They included John J. Wynne, Mobile Police Department; Fred C. Drago, Mobile Police Department; James W. McCaskill, Jr., Mobile County Sheriff’s Office; Christopher David Hill, U.S. Marshals Service; James W. Stallings, Alabama State Trooper; Justin Taylor Billa, Mobile Police Department; Jimmy M. Overstreet, Mobile Police Department; Jene W. Owens, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Roderick H. Steade, Mobile Police Department; Edwin Frank Greenwald, Federal Bureau of Investigation; John Franklin Sweet, Sr., Mobile Police Department; Vaughn Aiken, U.S. Marshals; Richard D. Johnston, Mobile Police Department; Randall Howard Baldwin, U.S. Border Patrol; Kater W. Williams, Mobile Police Department; Kevin Louis Douglas, U.S. Border Patrol; David Haire, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office; Chase Sabethal White, U.S. Marshals; and Donald Herbert Roberts, Federal Bureau of Investigation. Watch Chaplain Ed Connick’s Fox 10 News Interview.
Dozen MPD officers support Biloxi after officer’s murder
This Summer: MPD & MFRD Family Picnic at Camp Grace
A dozen Mobile police officers attended the funeral service of the fallen Biloxi police officer who was ambushed and killed outside of his police headquarters. As several police departments supported us in our time of loss, there was no question that we would be there to support our Mississippi neighbors. “When you hear of another death, your wounds reopen and you hurt,” said Captain Jonathan Lee when explaining to NBC 15 News what it’s like to find out about an officer killed in the line of duty. The funeral service for Officer Robert McKeithen was held Monday, May 13.
4
April/May | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2019 - Newsletter Template
Identification Unit gives young minds at Allentown insight into CSI
Perryman named Civilian Employee of the Month Kindra Perryman is the Civilian Employee of the Month for April 2019. Perryman is a public safety dispatcher and has been with the department since May 2013. She is commended for her role to help officers capture most wanted criminal Tommy Goleman. On April 19, 2019 at 7:28 a.m., Perryman received a call from the 2900 block of Blue Ridge Drive West in reference to a wanted suspect, Tommy Goleman, knocking at the complainant’s door. The suspect was involved in a vehicle pursuit the previous night and had fired shots at responding officers. A man hunt had taken place afterward but was unsuccessful. Perryman sprang into action and was able to dispatch officers 18 seconds after the call was received. As a result, the first unit was in the area after only four minutes had elapsed.
Officer Albert White, Idenification Unit, taught students at Allentown Elementary School about crime scence investigation including fingerprints. White also set up a mock crime scene to demonstrate that the obvious is not always the right answer. He conducted the classes on April 26 and April 30.
Preliminary results of SAKI police survey
Perryman started multiple units to the location including the patrol sergeant and lieutenant. The suspect was fleeing on foot. Supervisors requested the K-9 Unit as well as the Cyber Unit equipped with drones. A perimeter was set up and a massive manhunt ensued. Perryman dispatched a plethora of officers to aid in flooding the area. She remained extremely calm and level headed. Her master dispatching skills prevailed. Read more...
In April 2018, Chief Battiste invited all sworn officers to participate in an anonymous online survey in order to determine baseline levels of officer training exposure, self-care, burnout, and rape myth beliefs. A minority of officers (22 percent) endorsed receiving training in trauma-informed interviewing. Even fewer officers (10 percent) endorsed knowledge of the MPD’s Promise Initiative. Sixty percent of officers reported experiencing a traumatic event in the line of duty, with the average officer exposed to four critical incidents. High levels of burnout were noted: 86 percent of officers endorsed clinical levels of depersonalization and 60 percent endorsed clinical levels of emotional exhaustion, despite 82 percent of officers reporting average or high levels of personal accomplishment.
Self-care activities, specifically involvement in professional development, better predicted all three aspects of burnout than years on the force, trauma exposure, injury, and number of critical incidents experienced. January 2013 - Newsletter April/May 2019 Template | MPDTheBeat
5
Big honors for two public safety dispatchers Two public safety dispatchers were recognized by the Alabama Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, Inc. (APCO) for their hard work and dedication. Kati Wigfield and Kindra Perryman received the big honors at the APCO annual workshop and banquet held in Pelham, Ala. on April 25. Wigfield was honored as the Communications Officer of the Year for 2018. She genuine cares about her coworkers. And, she was praised by her supervisor for her overall teamwork mentality and dedication to service. Wigfield always has a positive attitude in the most challenging circumstances and can be counted on to go above the call of duty.
From left, Kati Wigfield and Kindra Perryman being honored with awards by the Alabama Chapter APCO International, leaders in public safety communications.
Perryman was given the Award of Excellence. She demonstrates the important nature of the job by the level of service, skill and knowledge that she displays on a daily basis. Perryman goes above and beyond servicing the general public, law enforcement, other agencies, her peers and administrators. Additionally, she was asked to do the final roll call for Officer Sean Tuder, something that isn’t taken lightly. This was an honor for Perryman. She performed eloquently, holding her head high with utmost composure, only to be overcome with emotions afterward.
First autism awareness fundraiser a success The Mobile Police Department raised awareness for autism in April. We’re one of the few law enforcement agencies in Alabama who joined the Autism Awareness Patch Challenge. Led by Officer Alisha Davis-Sonnier, Identification Unit, the fundraiser was widely supported. A total of 258 patches were sold, allowing $1,235 to be given to the Woody’s Song School. The money was presented to the school on May 20. Sonnier also invited McGruff the Crime Dog (Cadet Xavier Loper), the Mounted Unit Officers Jason Martin and Josh Hart, and Officer Gary Owens, Crime Prevention, to spend the morning with the students at Woody’s Song School.
6
April/May | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2019 - Newsletter Template
Communications Unit welcomes new operators The Communications Unit welcomes three new operators. Emily Graves, Casie Smith and Kimberly Lett became part of the team on May 13. They have already started attending class to obtain their Association Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) telecommunicator’s certification. Communications Unit commander Heidi Robinson says all three are eager about starting their new career with MPD’s Communications Unit.
Officer Donald Griffith retired in April after serving 35 years as a sworn officer for the Mobile Police Department. Most know Griffith by the nickname “Tiny”. His last assignment was working Municipal Court Detail.
Arrington named training officer of the quarter At the Communications Training Officer quarterly meeting held May 21, public safety dispatcher Kathy Arrington received the Training Officer of the Quarter recognition. Arrington has been a trainer since May 2014, and has been diligently training new and current personnel. Consistently, she receives high praises from her trainees. They say Arrington is very patient and encouraging during and after their training period. Along with her training responsibilities, Arrington is the floor supervisor. In this role, she is required to provide guidance and supervision to all of the personnel on her squad. According to her supervisor, she takes pride in her work and strives to give her very best.
MPD Praise & Recognition
from the Community
Chief Battiste, your officers were very professional! They looked out for my wellbeing. Glad they were there to help me. They are the best. Thank you so much for them. —Danny Drew E. Daniels Road Dauphin Island Parkway
no hablo español
Interested in learning Spanish? Call Iris Smith Franklin 251-208-2581 or email iris.smith@cityofmobile.org.
Selma participates in ‘Bridging the Gap’ program
Back in 2015, the master minds of law enforcement developed a program that would rebuild mutual respect and trust between youth and police. Since then, the program has reached several high school students beyond the city of Mobile. Most recently, the Selma Police Department hosted the program. 2019 | MPDTheBeat January 2013April/May - Newsletter Template
On May 3, Selma High School students got a daylong lesson learning about law enforcement and what to expect if they were to ever experience a law enforcement encounter. Representatives from the Mobile Police Department, FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office facilitated the program.
7
Officer of the Year: The officer who can ‘sniff out the bad guy’ “Blessed to serve a community that supports me.” — Officer Austin Collier Fellow officers describe him as the officer who can “sniff out the bad guy.” Although there is not one particular incident that sets him apart, it is the consistency of performing a superior job on a daily basis that placed Officer Austin Collier in the spotlight of recognition. Collier says it’s an honor for him to be named Officer of the Year but returns the applause to his great squad. Collier joined the force in March 2016 and works patrol in the Fourth Precinct. In 2018, he responded to 994 calls for service, backed on 643 complaints and made 60 felony and 214 misdemeanor arrests. He issued 217 traffic citations and patrolled a total of 18,201 miles. Known as a natural leader, Collier is commended for understanding how to effectively perform his job while treating the citizens of Mobile with the upmost respect. Read more about Collier in the article “Real Stories of Everyday Patrol.”
Civilian Employee of the Year: ‘Keeping first precinct grounded’ Turk performs the administrative work for more 50 officers, whom she treats like her very own family. Some of her daily duties include the recordkeeping of the calls for service and making sure those records are up to date and that officers are accounted for so they are paid correctly. “When Rebecca notices a problem, she immediately identifies ways to fix it and installs safeguards in an effort to prevent further mishaps,” Jones said. On top of her regular tasks, for six months Turk was responsible for the successful operation of the Officer of the Month program. She implemented new and more efficient ways to help coordinate the program with the Midtown Optimist Club.
The Civilian Employee of the Year award is presented to the employee who consistently gives outstanding performance. Rebecca Turk has been more than stellar at her duties, according to her supervisor Captain Melvin Jones. She is said to be the driving force in keeping the First Precinct grounded in 2018.
8
Additionally, she was most influential in the administrative task that is associated with the annual awards banquet. She made sure every officer was notified and that all award packages were correct. Turk has been working for the Mobile Police Department for nearly 12 years.
April/May | MPDTheBeat January 2013 2019 - Newsletter Template
An annual glam event to recognize grand accomplishments The Honorable Judge Edmond G. Naman delivered the keynote address at this year’s Annual Awards Banquet held at the Heron Lakes Country Club on May 16. Judge Naman said by far, the officers of the Mobile Police Department are the best trained and equipped officers in our county, probably in the state, and the finest in the nation. He honored the men and women in blue for their dedication, expertise and bravery. Judge Naman said what they do is for the unfortunate and to bring hope and life to this community. He esteemed our leaders in law enforcement and praised the officers for their long hours on the streets and in the courtroom to help uphold justice, freedom and Lieutenant Sean Fisher, Central Precinct, Meritorious Service Award peace every day. View more photos.
Officer Philip Morris, SWAT, Meritorious Service Award
Officer Jayvien Banks, Fourth Precinct, Lifesaving Award
Officer Brittney Latner, Cyber Intel, Lifesaving Award
Sergeant Jeremy March, Internal Affairs, Meritorious Service Award
Lieutenant Charles Bagsby, Major Crimes, Chief’s Unit Award Robbery Officer Tanner Whipkey, SWAT, Meritorious Service Award 2019 | MPDTheBeat January 2013April/May - Newsletter Template
9