MPD The Beat Issue 20

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

HISTORICAL MOMENT: MPD’S FIRST FEMALE SWAT MEMBER

RECORDS UNIT RESPONDS TO HUMANITARIAN NEEDS OF HURRICANE DORIAN VICTIMS

SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 20

GET TO KNOW YOUR VICTIM ADVOCATES Missioned to cultivate victim-centered relationships CHIEF SPEAKS AT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER’S SPOUSE DINNER

Officer of the Month

A MESSAGE FROM THE

CHIEF OF POLICE Lawrence L. Battiste, IV

Terry Sexton Officer of the Month, July 2019 After working in investigations as a firefighter with Mobile Fire-Rescue for nine years, Sexton transferred to become a police officer. In April 2018, he was assigned to work patrol in the Fourth Precinct. During the month of July, Sexton serviced 68 calls and 49 backings, made 26 felony and 18 misdemeanor arrests, and wrote eight traffic citations. Read more...

Appreciative of your families allowing you to serve and protect Greetings, First and foremost, I would like to thank each of you for your continued support of the vision and mission of this department.

As we also continue to face the sometime harsh and overwhelming realities of our profession, it’s through our continued solidarity as one unit that we endure and continue providing a great service to our community.

As we are fast approaching the festive holiday season and before we all get enthralled in the business of it, I would like you all to know that I am always very aware of the sacrifice that each of you make for the benefit of our communities and there still remain no adjectives that can adequately express my appreciation to you for all that you do.

During this season of the year, most times so much more is required of you all; and because of that oftentimes your families very unselfishly, needless to say very unfortunately, take a step or two back into the shadows to allow you to “serve and protect” the city of Mobile.

Rory Graves Officer of the Month, August 2019 Joining the department in March 2018, Graves is assigned patrol in the Second Precinct. During the month of August, he made 19 felony and 53 misdemeanor arrests, issued 20 citations, and served as the primary officer on 101 calls and as the backing officer on 58 calls. Read more...

“I don’t have to draw a line in the sand. I already have one. It’s thin. It’s blue.

It’s mine and if you cross it, I will protect it.” —Anonymous My prayer for your families as they take that backward step is that they will know we appreciate them also; and that I personally pray that peace and favor will follow them always.

Congratulations to all of our officers and civilian employees of the month for your very valuable service: • Civilian of Month for July 2019 and August 2019: Criminal Investigative Analyst Angela Finch and PSD I Kindra Perryman • Officer of the Month for July 2019 and August 2019 – Officer Terry Sexton and Officer Rory Graves

EDITORIAL CONTACT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

Once again, thanks to all of you for all that you do. I remain humbly appreciative to each of you and may God bless you all.

Charlette Solis 208.1918 Sergeant LaDerrick Dubose 208.1926

THIS ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS

Captain Keith Stallings, Heidi Robinson, Tonya Calhoun, Linda Pitts, Kathy Battiste, Chaplain Ed Connick

ON THE COVER: Officer Jennifer Chisholm Submit ideas and info for the next issue!

EMAIL: charlette.solis@cityofmobile.org

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9-11 Remembrance Ceremony held in Garden of Heroes

Mobile Police were among several attending the Mobile Memorial Gardens 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony to honor first responders. Public Safety Director James Barber was the keynote speaker. The ceremony was held in the Garden of Heroes. Pictured from left, Sergeant Johnny Bouler, Corporal Joseph Hebert, Officer John Scroggins, Sergeant Charles Rogers, and Lieutenant Ronald Brown.

Records Unit responds to humanitarian needs of Bahamas victims The Alabama State Port Authority asked for response to the humanitarian needs in the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian slammed into the islands as a Category 5 hurricane. Our Records Unit stepped up and donated over $200 worth of items to assist the victims. They were able to send seven boxes of goods to aid in this effort.

The requested items included water, canned foods, batteries, toilet paper, women’s hygiene, first aid kits, and non-perishable baby food. Collections were containerized and placed on a Mediterranean Shipping Company ship service into the Bahamas.

The contributors were Supervisors Jerrovita Jones and Cherri Lewis, Donna Betbeze, Theresa Christie, Carrie Knight, Shamekia Perryman, Andrew Pickett, Shelia Sullivan, Shatonya Nicholson, Primus Ridgeway III, Payton Kennedy, Tangzanika Overton, and Jacinta Hall.

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Motorcycle training at Hank Aaron Stadium Being the best is easy when you train constantly. Lieutenant Darryl McMillan held training for the motorcyle officers on Aug. 20 at Hank Aaron Stadium.

The motor officers trained to master their skills in head and eye placement, maintaining lane of travel and obstacle avoidance.

Motor officers have to be prepared for the unexpected. During everyday patrolling, an obstacle can present itself —from falling objects out of moving vehicles to limbs in the roadways.

Corporal Ryan Blakely, pictured right, is an instructor for the Motors Unit.

Shown below from left, Lieutenant McMillian instructing the Motors, and Officer Jayvien Banks.

Third Precinct officers take home the Mayor’s Cup trophy Two officers of the Third Precinct were awarded the 2019 City of Mobile Mayor’s Cup Obstacle Course Adult Championship Trophy.

On Thursday, Aug. 3, Officer Sean Concannon and his trainee Officer Luke Padgett were assigned to close patrol the Mayor’s Cup event at Herndon Park.

There was an obstacle course event for children and another for adults. The course consisted of completing several stations including carrying a water balloon under the chin, dribbling a soccer ball, assembling a jenga puzzle, running with a balloon between the knees, and using no hands to carry a ball between two competitors. The events were timed, and a trophy would be presented to the winner. The staff of the event repeatedly asked for additional teams to compete in the event. Lieutenant David Evans double dog dared Concannon and Padgett to enter the competition. As their lieutenant, he knew their skill set, the raw determination they possessed and believed they had a chance to win. After some fierce competition, Concannon and Padgett emerged victorious and were named the winners.

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Civilian Employee of the Month recognition Angela Finch, Civilian Employee of the Month for July 2019. Finch was hired March 2007, and currently works as a criminal investigative analyst in the CyberIntelligence Unit. She is recognized for her high level of perseverance and dedication to support officers and the citizens of Mobile.

The most notable example of her work for the month involves a traffic fatality that occurred on Government Blvd. near Azalea Road on July 14. With no witnesses present, the driver fled the scene and the only clues left were a few parts from the front of the vehicle.

Traffic accident investigators could only determine the make and model of the vehicle and had no other leads to follow. On July 15, Finch began to research possible vehicles using the information given and continued searching relentlessly for eight days until she discovered a Lincoln Navigator that fit the description and was missing the same parts that were recovered from the scene. The information was forwarded to Kindra Perryman, Civilian Employee of the Month for August 2019. Employed with the department since May 2013 and serving as a public safety dispatcher, Perryman was chosen because of her vital role in helping officers during a dangerous commercial burglary.

On Aug. 23 at 11:02 a.m. at the VIP Barber Shop located at 2523 St. Stephens Road, three men armed with handguns and rifles robbed the business and left in a white pickup truck. It was determined later that the pickup truck was a stolen vehicle. On that day, Perryman was assigned to the radio relief position. After being apprised of the robbery among all of the other calls for

the investigators that day. On July 24, the vehicle was located at a body shop in Maine. The investigators travelled to Maine and executed a search warrant on July 30 that resulted in the recovery of further evidence linking the vehicle to the crime.

One of the possible suspects, who happened to live within close proximity to the collision, is on parole for two counts of vehicular homicide in Maine. As of July 31, the investigators and Maine State Police are actively searching for the driver of the vehicle. Per their statements, none of this would have been possible without the diligence and perseverance that Finch put into finding the vehicle.

During the month of July, Finch also assisted in identifying suspects and vehicles in over 36 other cases.

This includes another leaving the scene of an accident (LSA) involving a pedestrian stuck by a vehicle and a serial thief at Target in the Fourth Precinct. Finch helped with several assault cases as well. service, she relieved the Third Precinct dispatcher at approximately 11:49 a.m.

At approximately 12:32 p.m., an officer fell in behind the stolen vehicle on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Bishop GW Ayers Street and initiated a vehicle pursuit that led to an incredibly tense situation lasting for nearly one hour. The suspects were armed with not only handguns but rifles as well.

Perryman immediately held traffic and started backing units. The pursuit was extremely fast paced and the officer pursuing was continuously giving updated locations. Perryman executed the echo procedure flawlessly, giving locations even when the sound from the officer’s radio was partially garbled. Her voice never wavered. Read more...

Jerrovita Jones’ co-workers gave her a retirement party to remember! In return, Jones delivered a most heartfelt speech of memories and cherished experiences from working at the Mobile Police Department. She served 25 years. VIEW PHOTOS

SAVE THE DATE! Christmas Party at The Locale One of the best holidays of the year is quickly approaching. Save the date for this year’s Christmas party! It will be held at The Locale, 4128 Government Blvd., on Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 7 p.m. to midnight.

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Our favorite DJ, Officer Roderick Cotton, will be there.

Bring a date and enjoy delicious food. You may BYOB. To RSVP, email Chaplain Connick at edward.connick@ cityofmobile.org or call 251.423.6266.

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GET TO KNOW: MPD victim advocates missioned to help victims Stacey Woodyard, Victim Advocate. Woodyard is a victim advocate who works with victims of crime. She wants victims to know that they do not have to walk through victimization alone.

Victims have rights and Woodyard wants them to know it. She believes if she can just bring a listening ear to victims of crime, that’s a good start to what can sometimes be a lengthy process.

Woodyard is a graduate of the University of South Alabama and has worked in the Mobile community for 20 years helping individuals From left, Brandie Battiste, Stacey Woodyard, Emma Kate Hancock and Officer Nathaniel McCarty and families. Her areas of expertise are in training of their trauma. She is super excited to be a part of this facilitators in adolescent agency and community. health curriculum and providing technical assistance to them. She also has numerous years of experience Brandie Battiste, Victim Advocate. Battiste is a graduate providing case management, crisis intervention and of Auburn University and recently relocated back to supportive resources in several facets of social services.

Mobile after spending 12 years in the Auburn/Opelika One of her greatest accomplishments is when she sees area. She holds a degree in Clinical Mental Health someone she has helped in the past living life and Counseling and has five years of work experience in social prospering. Woodyard says seeing a person better always bring a smile to her face. Helping people is what she aims services. As an advocate she hopes to help bridge the gaps between law enforcement and victims of crime in to do through MPD Victim Services Unit. order to promote positive experiences and healing for Emma Kate Hancock, Victim Advocate. Hancock is from members of the community. As a system-based advocate, she is looking forward to working with the different units Birmingham. She graduated from the University of South to show how compassionate and empathic our agency Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. While at the University of South Alabama, she worked in a research and officers are to the tribulations of the public. lab studying contextual risk factors for high-risk pregnant women in Mobile. She also coded themes from transcripts regarding aggressive behaviors and smoking. In her free time, she tutors the student athletes at the University of South Alabama and continues to do research for conferences.

Hancock has always had a passion for helping underserved communities and helping people, which is why she is in the career that she is now. Being an advocate for victims of violent crimes is an opportunity to uplift and serve the community in a way that was not being done before. The goal is to utilize community resources, as well as provide access and information to these victims of crime in order to help them overcome

Through information, support and access, the Victim Services Unit will help the department achieve its mission to become the safest city in the nation with respect for all. Battiste is proud to work for an agency that is focusing not only on catching criminals, but dedicated to creating a trauma-informed recovery environment and community for victims.

Officer Nathaniel McCarty has a dual role in the Office of Strategic Initiatives. He brings nine years of law enforcement experience, including his detective skill set, to assist the Victim Services Unit as well as the Family Intervention Team. McCarty is committed to being an integral contributor to provide total healing within the community one victim at a time.

MPD Praise & Recognition

from the Community

A Downtown Mobile Experience

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A lot of officers downtown yesterday were very sweet to our 20-month-old little boy but Officer Whitney went above and beyond. Our son can be a little shy at times but warmed up to him immediately! It was nice seeing so many officers downtown and even nicer that they had the time to interact with us.

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MPD Praise & Recognition

from the Community

On July 29th, our daughter and her 2-yearold son missed their 7:10 p.m. flight at the downtown Mobile airport. They literally locked her out and left for the day. She had turned in her rental car so she was stranded. We live in Lockhart, AL, which is about 2.5 hours away.

We had family close by but it was going to take them about 45 minutes to get to her.

Our daughter, Shelby, was in a complete panic, unsure of what to do so she started walking.

Unfamiliar with Mobile, she did not realize that the area was not one that she should not be walking in alone at night.

Lieutenant Screws saw her and stopped and asked what in the world she was doing with a toddler walking there at night. She explained the situation and he explained that the area was not safe for her by herself. He took her back to the airport and he let her and our grandson sit with him in his car until our family arrived to get her.

He went above and beyond the call of duty to entertain our very active grandson, Silas, and make them both feel safe. It was a situation that could have turned into a tragic one had she not been under Lieutenant Screws’ care. The world needs more police officers like him. — Edwin and Amanda Williams

Harley Davidson Ultra Classic for sale

Sergeant LaDerrick Dubose, Public Affairs, is selling a 2011 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic. $13,299. Mileage 12,300. If interested, email him at ladubose@yahoo.com

SAVE THE DATE!

MPD FAMILY THANKSGIVING DINNER

Thursday, November 21st Woodridge Baptist Church, 2700 Schillinger Road S RSVP by November 15th Chaplain Connick 423-6266 2019 | MPDTheBeat January 2013September - Newsletter Template

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Special Column: Officers are People too Written by Linda Pitts

Corporal Scott Davis, who traded in his construction hard hat to work a patrol beat over 15 years ago, can now be found in the Auto Theft Unit as an investigator diligently locating stolen vehicles and the criminals responsible. Scott says he decided that a law enforcement career would provide a greater challenge because crime never sleeps. In his words, “no matter how hard I try, I will never work myself out of a job.”

On his downtime, Scott likes to do a unique form of wood burning which utilizes what is called the “Lichtenberg Effect.” Lichtenberg or Fractal burning is a relatively new embellishing technique that works by passing electricity at a very high voltage between two electrodes while they are in contact From left, Corporal Scott Davis, Auto Theft Unit, with Officer Gary Owens, Crime Prevention Unit, holding up the sign he created for the store Bienville Souvenir & Gifts. with a piece of wood that produces patterns on the wood resembling lightning flashes. An electrolyte (a solution that conducts electricity) is often placed on the wood to help the electricity move between the two electrodes. Scott says that the process he uses is where he hooks up the two parallel ends of a neon sign transformer and attaches them to the opposite ends of a piece of pine wood that is rubbed down with baking soda and water. Once the power is connected, the electricity passes over the wood making the lightning like burns.

After that a myriad of designs or wording can be added via router to the wood. Scott says on average it takes over four hours from start to finish on a project and that he has been utilizing this wood burning technique for about six months when his father in-law first introduced this to him. He says that he plans to debut his talent at his first craft festival, the “Gingham Tree” in Lucedale, Mississippi on November 9, 2019.

Hayden, son of Corporal Scott Davis.

Scott may normally portray himself as a stoic and pragmatic guy but when asked about Hayden, his 18-year-old son with Down Syndrome, his eyes came alive and he couldn’t help but break into an enormous smile. He explained to me that he has continued with this wood burning hobby because it is something that he can do with his

“buddy,” and it brings immense joy to him when Hayden says “dad let’s go burn wood.” But their bond doesn’t just consist of wood burning; they also both participate in the Mobile Area Special Olympics and the Down Syndrome Awareness Buddy Walk every year. Scott is particularly proud of Hayden for his exceptional skills in placing first in the Javelin throw category and would like everyone to remember that October is not just Breast Cancer Awareness Month but also Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

So while everyone “Thinks Pink”, Scott’s wish would be that we don’t forget the “Teal and Yellow” and remember that it’s not about celebrating people’s disabilities but celebrating their abilities and the joy that they bring into our lives every day.

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Historial Moment: MPD’s first female SWAT member Making history, Officer Jennifer Chisholm is the first female to be selected to the Mobile Police Department Special Weapons and Tactical (SWAT) Team. Being a SWAT member wasn’t something Chisholm thought could be a reality until the opportunity presented itself and she decided to go for it.

Chisholm graduated from the Mobile Police Academy in February 2018, worked patrol in the Second Precinct, and later became a detective in the Special Victims Unit-Youth Services Detail. SWAT tryouts were held late spring of this year.

“You have to train your mind, body and spirit for this,” Chisholm said. “The opportunity to be part of such an elite group humbles me.”

The SWAT Unit is a life-saving unit of highly-trained officers who deal with the most dangerous criminals and situations.

Therefore, it has the toughest standards and performance requirements.

“As far as preparation, I don’t think I can ever get enough,” Chisholm said.” I am in various forms of physical competitions from CrossFit, which is high-intensity training, to The Tactical Games, which involves physical fitness as well as the tactical side such as shooting.”

When competing in The Tactical Games in Autryville, North Carolina October 2018, Chisholm placed first in the women’s division, earning world’s best tactical athlete recognition. She believes the competitions helped her tremendously with the physical aspect of the SWAT tryouts.

There are six phases to pass in order to become a member of SWAT. They consist of an obstacle course, which must be completed in 80 seconds, and a gear run completed in

95 seconds. The other phases include a pistol qualification course, combined rifle/handgun combat course with physical tasks, a max effort fitness evaluation and an oral interview to demonstrate professional appearance, demeanor, personal presentation and articulation.

The SWAT team functions by combining the efforts of all its members to achieve greatest success. Chisholm said knowing that she has a team is what prepares her mentally. “They have my six and I have theirs,” she added.

When asked how does it feel to be the first female Mobile Police Department SWAT officer. Chisholm explained that she does not want to take anything away from the other SWAT officers simply for being the first female on the team.

“I am too, an officer,” she said. “We’re not males or females here at the MPD. We’re family. We work together. We are a team.” WATCH WKRG News Story!

Welcome Academy Class #63, Best Success to You!

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Communications Unit: New employees and new Head CTO On Sept. 28, the Communications Unit welcomed six new operators. They are Misty Parnell, Vanessa Williams, Payne Bowron, Jasmine Williams, Tatyana Dorsey and Whitney Adams. Their next step is obtaining the Association Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Telecommunicator’s certification and Mobile Police Department’s Communications Telecommunicator’s course certificate.

Dakata Vest-Wright has been a Communications Training Officer since March 2017. She continuously looks for ways to improve upon the CTO program such as generating testing tools for trainees and seeking out new techniques in pairing a trainee with a trainer. Because of her hard work, dedication as a public safety dispatcher training officer and her excellent organizational skills, she has earned and accepted to take on the responsibilities as a head communications training officer.

Self-initiated community policing

Officer Robert Walker of the Second Precinct recently went to Florence Howard Elementary and met with the first grade classes. Since Halloween was around the corner, he spoke to the students about stranger danger and talked about why bullying is not OK. To add a little fun, Walker allowed a few students to try on a bullet proof vest and see how many push-ups they could complete.

MPD Sports: On the court with MFRD

Smiles Behind the Shield

On the basketball court with Mobile Fire-Rescue always brings an unexpected end. But, regardless of the score, 43-32 with MPD experiencing a lost, both teams played hard for the cause —Childhood Cancer Awareness.

Smiles Behind the Shield recognizes local first responders who have gone above the call of duty and made a difference in someone’s life. Officer Deron McMichael of the Fourth Precinct was honored by WKRG’s community partners in August.

WATCH THE NEWS STORY!

The basketball game was a fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting the Aubreigh’s Army Foundation. Over $1,500 was raised. The game was held at Davidson High School gym on Sept. 20. WATCH THE GAME RECAP!

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Chief speaks at law enforcement officer’s spouse dinner

At the Law Enforcement Officer’s Spouse Dinner, Chief Battiste gave personal testimony of what it’s like to be married and serving in law enforcement. Understanding the entire family dynamic and asking God for guidance are critical he said as he makes decisions concerning his officers, especially when determining disciplinary actions. He advised the spouses to find a way to deal with family and marital problems so that those issues don’t make their way to the Chief’s Office.

“We see the worst of people every day,” he said. “Give your spouse an opportunity to deflate and be a listening ear.” Although there are some things that are out of our control, officers must respond to situations that can be devastating to a community. He described the shooting

that occurred at Ladd Peebles Stadium where nine people were shot within nine seconds.

He proudly esteemed the officers of the Mobile Police Department for doing more with less. The city has seen a 15 percent crime reduction in Part I Crimes through August of this year. And, even last year violent crime declined by 11 percent. “Law enforcement officers aren’t appreciated enough,” he said. “They need a pat on the back every day.”

The Law Enforcement Officer’s Spouse Dinner was held Sept. 6 at Luke 4:18 Fellowship and sponsored by the Law Enforcement Officer’s Wife Ministry with assistance from the Mobile Police Department Chaplain’s Office.

K3 class learns about community helpers

The K3 class at UMS-Wright Preparatory School learn about community helpers. Captain Keith Stallings and Officer Justin Carmen of the Third Precinct made a visit to the class on Sept. 24. They spoke to the students about what a police officer does to help and protect their community each and every day. The students were also allowed to look inside Officer Carmen’s police car, see the flashing lights and hear the siren.

After speaking with the students, Captain Stallings “swore in” the students as Junior Police Officers, and Officer Carmen presented them with their badges.

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JPA student thanks Chief Battiste

Gauge Smith, 12, was a participant in the second Junior Police Academy class.

Since then, every opportunity he gets to hang out with Mobile police he takes.

Gauge has been featured in the Git Up Challenge video and the Trunk or Treat commercial. To say thanks for giving him a memorable experience with police, he presents the chief with a personalized copy of his photo book.

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Police Wellness Survey results

Your participation in the Police Wellness Survey is always valued. There were five survey raffle winners. Each received a $50 gift card. They include Corporal Larry Toland, Corporal David Goodman, Lieutenant Louis Screws, Corporal Chris Giattina, and Detective Eugene Evans.

Garden project grows community bond

Family Intervention Team Specialist Ronwick Thomas believes that the art of gardening can grow a bond between the police department and kids in the Maysville community. Through a collaboration project with the City of Mobile Parks and Recreation, Office of Strategic Initiatives and New Bayside Baptist Church of Maysville, a grant was provided to promote healthy eating. Thomas sees this as an opportunity not only to teach gardening to the kids but also as a chance to get to know them, be a listening ear and a guide to help with any issue springing up in their little lives.

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Thankful citizens

It’s a good feeling to be recognized for your contributions to the community, especially when that “thank you” comes from young hearts.

Fourth Precinct Family Intervention Team Specialist Gloria Hill and Captain Rodney Greeley take a picture with students from the Boys and Girls Club and a parent who stopped by to show appreciation to the Mobile Police Department.

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