INTEGRITY//FAIRNESS//PROFESSIONALISM
CITY OF WILLIAMSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT williamsburgva.gov/police
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
Chief’s Message
4
History
5 Personnel 9
Financial Report
11
Community Engagement
17 Data 23
Citizen Survey
Williamsburg Police Department 425 Armistead Ave. Williamsburg, VA 23185 police@williamsburgva.gov 757-220-2331
@WilliamsburgPD @WPD_757 @Williamsburgpolice757
2 WILLIAMSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
Design & Layout Queen City Creative Photography Williamsburg Police Department
Contributors Chief Sean L. Dunn Deputy Chief Brian Carlsen Inv. John Heilman Deby Middlebrook Ofc. Stephen Roberts Jr. Nicole Trifone
VISION STATEMENT To work in partnership with the citizens of Williamsburg, providing a safe and secure environment consistent with community values, with an emphasis on responsive community-based policing, integrity, fairness, and professionalism.
CHIEF'S MESSAGE Community policing is not simply a goal of the Williamsburg Police Department. It is a philosophy that drives our day-to-day operations, propels our programming and policies, and encourages us to think of new approaches to policing so that the community feels safe, feels involved, and feels valued. This 2020 Annual Report is an example of our commitment to adapting to the community’s needs so that we are continually earning our community’s trust. We heard the demands for increased transparency nationwide and locally after the senseless death of George Floyd. We want you to be involved in your police department’s operations, and we recognize that we can better engage with you by providing this data and information. We encourage you to visit williamsburgva.gov/crimestatistics to find links to more data and resources that allow you to compare our performance alongside other Virginia localities. There is no community policing without the community. We need residents to help us better define what our service to families and neighborhoods should look like. And let me assure you, we are listening. This year, we are forming a Police Chief’s Citizen Advisory Committee, a diverse group of residents who will offer their input on policing in Williamsburg. I look forward to highlighting their work in the 2021 Annual Report. We accomplished a lot in 2020, as you will see in the following pages, and I am grateful to the community for their continued input and support.
Sincerely, Sean L. Dunn Chief of Police 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 3
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
CHIEF OF POLICE
DEPUTY CHIEF
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT 1 CIVILIAN
OF POLICE
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT OFFICE 1 OFFICER
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
2 OFFICERS PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES BUREAU
UNIFORM
PATROL BUREAU
1 POLICE MAJOR
1 POLICE MAJOR
PARKING SERVICES
1 POLICE LIEUTENANT
PATROL (ALPHA)
SUPERVISOR
1 POLICE SERGEANT
PARKING AMBASSADORS
1 POLICE LIEUTENANT
4 SWORN OFFICERS PATROL (BRAVO)
5 PART-TIME CIVILIANS
1 POLICE SERGEANT
RECORDS
1 POLICE LIEUTENANT
4 SWORN OFFICERS
1 POLICE SERGEANT
JANITORIAL SERVICES
1 POLICE LIEUTENANT
4 SWORN OFFICERS
PROPERTY
1 POLICE LIEUTENANT
INVESTIGATORS
6 SWORN OFFICERS
POLICE AUXILIARY 10 AUTHORIZED
PATROL (DELTA) 1 POLICE SERGEANT 4 SWORN OFFICERS
4 WILLIAMSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
1 POLICE MAJOR
PATROL (CHARLIE)
1 FULL-TIME CIVILIAN
1 PART-TIME CIVILIAN
CRIMINAL
INVESTIGATIONS BUREAU
BICYCLE OFFICERS
2 SWORN OFFICERS
PERSONNEL
ABOUT US Law enforcement in Williamsburg has evolved from the reactive form of enforcement during the Colonial era to the “Town Sergeant” concept in 1930 to the proactive, community-oriented police department of today. The York-Poquoson-Williamsburg Emergency Communications Center dispatches police, fire, and emergency medical services, using the most modern E911 system currently available. The Williamsburg Police Department has more than 40 sworn officers, comprising highly trained, community-engaged staff. We are committed to partnering with our community; we value service, integrity, and respect for all; and we strive for quality through continuous improvement. WPD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In 2020, our workforce was 72% white, 18% Black or African-American, 5% Asian, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.5% Native American. According to the U.S. Census population estimates in 2019, Williamsburg’s population is 67.7% white, 15% Black or African-American, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 6.5% Asian, with all other racial and ethnic groups representing the remaining 3.6%.
BY THE NUMBERS
38%
of sworn officers are
military veterans
28%
of sworn officers are
from minority groups
18%
of sworn officers are
identify as female
WPD HIRES IN 2020 • •
Minority Hires: 33% Female Hires: 13 %
GOALS FOR 2021 • •
Minorities will reflect 20% of available applicants Females will reflect 20% of available applicants
CALEA-ACCREDITED The Williamsburg Police Department has been accredited by the prestigious Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) since July 12, 1987. Since that time, WPD has been reaccredited nine times: 1992, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2018. Known as “the gold standard in public safety,” CALEA accreditation means the department meets an established set of professional standards that embrace community-oriented policing. Learn more about CALEA at calea.org.
2020 ANNUAL REPORT 5
MEET OUR COMMAND STAFF Sean Dunn Chief of Police Sean Dunn was appointed as Williamsburg’s Police Chief in June 2017. Prior to Williamsburg, Dunn served as police chief in Martinsville, Virginia, where he led the creation of a totally integrated community policing department with a philosophy of community engagement and responsiveness to community concerns, as well as an emphasis on intelligence-led policing. Chief Dunn began his law enforcement career as a sworn police officer in Portsmouth in 1993. He worked his way up the ranks from uniform patrol officer to Commander (Major) in the Portsmouth (Va.) Police Department. His responsibilities included patrol operations, criminal investigations, crime analysis, crime prevention, public affairs, emergency communications, and community policing. He left Portsmouth to become Chief of Police in Martinsville in 2014. Chief Dunn holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Regent University in Virginia Beach. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police. He also attended the Dale Carnegie Leadership Program and the Vann H. Lefcoe Leadership Program. Chief Dunn has served on several boards and is currently a member of the International Association for Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Alumni, Police Executive Research Forum, Virginia and Hampton Roads Association for Chiefs of Police and the Salvation Army Williamsburg Advisory Board.
Brian Carlsen Deputy Chief of Police Maj. Brian Carlsen oversees the Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations, and Professional Services Bureaus, implementing the Chief’s vision. Carlsen is responsible for the professional delivery of a wide range of operational and administrative police services, including policy development and the coordination of efforts with community partners, intradepartmental staff, and outside local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Carlsen has been with the Williamsburg Police Department for 19 years, starting in patrol and moving through the ranks as an investigator, sergeant, lieutenant, and major. He is a graduate of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and the University of Richmond’s Professional Executive Leadership School. He holds a Master of Business Administration in security management and public administration from DeVry University.
6 WILLIAMSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
Don Janderup Professional Services Bureau Commander Maj. Don Janderup oversees the hiring process for the Williamsburg Police Department, as well as the operation of the Prince George Parking Garage and the department’s team of parking ambassadors. He serves as the records custodian, handles responses to all Virginia Freedom of Information Act Requests, manages general record keeping, and monitors the department’s communication services to ensure officers act with professionalism. Janderup has served in the department for more than two decades. He rose through the ranks as officer, investigator, sergeant, and major. Prior to his career in law enforcement, Janderup worked in retail management at supermarkets and drug stores for nearly two decades. He has a bachelor’s degree from Monmouth College and a graduate certificate in local government from Virginia tech. He is also a graduate of the Institute for Leadership in Changing Times and the University of Richmond’s Professional Executive Leadership School.
David Jay Uniform Patrol Bureau Commander As commander of the Uniform Patrol Bureau, Maj. David Jay supervises lieutenants, sergeants, and officers; assigns personnel; evaluates work performance; enforces policy and regulations; and inspects patrol activities. Jay also contributes to short- and long-term planning for the police department, including budget planning and management. Jay began his career with the William & Mary Police Department before joining the Williamsburg Police Department in 2007. During his WPD tenure, Jay has primarily served in the patrol division, rising to the rank of lieutenant before taking the helm of the Uniform Patrol Bureau. He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and a Master of Business Administration degree from William & Mary.
Bruce Johnson Criminal Investigations Bureau Commander Maj. Bruce Johnson oversees the Criminal Investigations Bureau, which is responsible for follow-up investigations of crimes committed against persons or property that require a degree of specialization or a centralized investigative approach. This bureau also conducts background checks for prospective employees and handles the property and evidence control for the department. Johnson, a native of Williamsburg, began his career with the Williamsburg Police Department in 2004 and primarily served in the patrol division until his current appointment overseeing the Criminal Investigations Bureau. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University and graduated from the University of Richmond’s Professional Executive Leadership School.
2020 ANNUAL REPORT 7
RETIREMENTS The Williamsburg Police Department congratulates Deputy Chief Susan Galvin and Lt. Ed Schneider on their retirements in 2020. Galvin retired after 28 years of service to the City Susan Galvin, Deputy Chief Ed Schneider, Lieutenant of Williamsburg and its residents. She began her career with the Williamsburg Sheriff’s Office in October 1992. Within a year, she moved to the Williamsburg Police Department and has since attained every rank in the department up to deputy chief. Schneider retired after nearly 23 years of service with WPD. He began his career in law enforcement in 1994, serving
with Thomas Nelson Campus Police. He joined WPD in 1998. During his tenure, Schneider worked as an investigator for eight years. He attained the rank of lieutenant in 2011. We thank them both for their dedicated service to City residents and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
AWARDS
Inv. Alex Willetts and Sgt. Jeremy Elston Virginia State Police’s Help Eliminate Auto Theft The pair investigated and solved motor vehicle theft cases across Hampton Roads, resulting in the recovery of 5 stolen vehicles.
Inv. Alex Willetts Virginia Peninsula Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Investigator Alex Willetts won the Officer of the Year award for his work on human trafficking and prostitution cases.
Ofc. Joseph Burns Mothers Against Drunk Driving Virginia Officer Burns earned the award in November 2020 for his work in the fight against drunk and impaired driving. He made 14 DUI arrests in 2019.
Sgt. Ben Smith Greater Hampton Roads regional Crime Lines Top Cop Award Sgt. Smith received the award for using innovative means to locate someone within a heavily wooded area who had attempted suicide by hanging but had changed their mind. Sgt. Smith called dispatch to have his cell phone “pinged” in an attempt to match with the “pinged” location of the individual’s cell phone. Sgt. Smith also received WPD’s Life-Saving Medal for his actions during this call. 8 WILLIAMSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
FINANCIAL REPORT
The Fiscal Year 2021 budget for the Williamsburg Police Department included $5,390,342 for operating costs and $199,000 Capital Improvement Projects. The department’s operating budget consists of three divisions – Police, E911, and Parking Garages. In total, the FY 2021 Police Department operating budget increased 5.7% over the FY 2020 budget. Allocated by division, the Police division budget increased $207,000 or 4.7%. This increase is attributable to the addition of two patrol officers and increases to service contracts. E-911 had a slight increase of less than 1%, or $3,731, in FY 2021. For the Parking Garage division, salary expenses increased the FY 2021 budget by $41.478. The Police Department comprises 14% of the City’s general fund budget. Seventy-eight percent of the department’s operating budget is personnel costs. There are numerous police projects in the five-year capital improvement program (CIP). The FY 2021 CIP budget includes additional funding of $65,000 for body-worn and in-car cameras as well as Tasers, an increase of $89,000 to the Portable Radio Upgrade project, and a $45,000 contribution to the E-911 Regional Center Expansion. The renovation of the police station is planned as a future project in the five-year CIP plan.
FY 2021 GENERAL FUND BUDGET POLICE VS NON POLICE BUDGET POLICE BUDGET GENERAL FUND LESS POLICE
$5,380,342
$33,221,780
2020 ANNUAL REPORT 9
GRANTS Grants are an integral part of modern policing, as both federal and state grant programs help law enforcement agencies to train for a wide variety of situations and more efficiently investigate crimes. Williamsburg Police Department received six grants in 2020.
DMV Highway Safety Grant (Alcohol Selective enforcement): $12,000 Funding for the effort to get impaired drivers off the road and increase the safety of the motoring public. •
Selective enforcement of alcohol-related traffic
•
Traffic safety checkpoints
violations
DMV Highway Safety Grant (Speeding): $8,000 Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Training Grant: $60,000 Funded training sessions on: •
Peer support
•
“Winning Back the Community – Improving Public
•
• •
Selective enforcement of speeding violations
Perception”
Funding to reduce crashes involving pedestrians and
Officer-involved shootings / critical incidents
Rape Aggression Defense (RAD), including equipment
responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
•
•
DMV Highway Safety Grant (Bicycle/ Pedestrian): $4,000
Funding to assist in preventing, preparing for, and
•
speed injury crashes.
Officer wellness
Coronavirus Emergency Supplement Funding (CESF) Grant: $25,995
•
Funding for the effort to reduce speed-related violations and
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for personnel Smart messaging board to direct residents and visitors at large events
Smart touchboards for training
10 WILLIAMSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
bicycles. •
Selective enforcement of violations that endanger
•
Safety information materials and equipment for
pedestrians and bicyclists pedestrians and bicyclists
2020 Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership: $2,727.21 Funds the purchase of bulletproof vests •
Half the price of bulletproof, armored vests that are National Institute of Justice-compliant.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
2020 ANNUAL REPORT 11
HIGHLIGHTS The Williamsburg Police Department strongly embraces the philosophy of community policing in all its daily operations and functions. Community policing is based on a partnership whereby the police and the community share responsibility for identifying, preventing, reducing, and eliminating problems that affect community safety. By working together, the police and the community can reduce crime and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods citywide. Our Community Engagement Unit comprises two school resource officers (SRO) and the Community Engagement and Crime Prevention Officer. While 2020 presented many obstacles in our efforts to connect with residents, Community Engagement Officer Aundrea Holiday, SROs Master Police Officer Charles Ericsson and Ofc. Courtney Tuttle, and the department’s 20 Neighborhood Resource Officers found ways to safely foster strong community connections with our neighbors.
Stuff the Cruiser Thanksgiving Food Drive
Inspired by the success of the annual Stuff the Trailer Toy Drive, WPD started a new annual tradition with the Stuff the Cruiser Thanksgiving Food Drive in response to the unprecedented community need because of the pandemic. The generosity of the community filled four cruisers with food during this inaugural event.
12 WILLIAMSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
Virtual National Night Out
Though the pandemic canceled the annual in-person event, WPD hosted a virtual community gathering that introduced residents to their Neighborhood Resource Officers, toured a police cruiser, offered a lesson on basic forensics, and introduced our new community care kit program.
17th annual NAACP Golf Tournament This annual charity golf tournament supports the York-James CityWilliamsburg NAACP. In 2020, the tournament raised $5,100, more than double the amount raised in previous years.
NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE OFFICERS The Neighborhood Resource Officer (NRO) program assigns an officer to each of the 20 districts in the City of Williamsburg. This program allows each neighborhood to have a point of contact within the police department who can address issues and build relationships within the community. NROs spend time during each of their shifts in their assigned district. NROs are meant to address non-emergency situations. They can provide advice and assist in directing you to the resources available that will address your concerns. See the district map and the assigned officers at williamsburgva.gov/NROmap. NRO District 1 Richmond Rd. (3030-3100 block) Claiborne Patriot Ln. Westgate Condos Mooretown Rd. (5100-5200 blocks) NRO District 2 Savannah Green Patrick Henry Dr. Piney Creek Estates NRO District 3 Longhill Rd. Richmond Rd. (1600-3029) Skipwith Farms NRO District 4 Bristol Commons Wales Ironbound Rd. (200-400 blocks) NRO District 5 High Street businesses and neighborhoods Ironbound Rd. (100-200 blocks) Richmond Rd. (1400-1500 blocks) Sylvia Brown Apartments NRO District 6 Garrison Dr. Lafayette St. (1200 block) Matoaka Ct. Monticello Ave. Mount Vernon Ave. Midtown Row Julia Ann Apartments Spring Road Apartments Clinton Garden Richmond Rd. (Even addresses 1000-1400 blocks) NRO District 7 Richmond Rd. (Odd addresses 100-400 blocks) Richmond Rd. (500-800 blocks) Richmond Rd. (Odd addresses 900-1100 blocks) Virginia Ave. Harrison Ave. College Terrace neighborhood Blayton Building Brooks St. Randolph St. Nelson Ave. Lafayette St. (200-1100 block) Wythe Ave. Delaware Ave. Westover Ave. Bacon Ave. Scotland St . Harriet Tubman Dr. Prince George St.
Merchants Square N. Boundary St. Armistead Ave. N. Nassau St. Bright St. N. Henry St. Braxton Ct. NRO District 8 Jamestown Rd. (Even addresses 200-900 blocks) Chandler Ct. Wythe Ln. Griffin Ave. Cary St. Norfolk St. Ballard Ln. Pollard Park Newport Ave. (500 block) Idlewood Ln. Indian Springs Rd. Burns Lane neighborhood Rolfe Road neighborhood NRO District 9 The Woods The Woodlands Village Green Jamestown Road (1150-1200 block) Jamestown Commons Holly Hills Carriage Homes Holly Hills Townhomes Peppertree Condos NRO District 10 Holly Hills Yorkshire Walsingham Academy NRO District 11 Strawberry Plains neighborhood Walnut Hills Berkeley Hills Strawberry Plains Rd. Governor Berkeley Professional Center Jamestown Rd. (1000 block-1110) NRO District 12 Highland Park NRO District 13 Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg S. Henry St. Newport Ave. (300-400 blocks) S. Boundary St. Port Anne The Coves The Oaks Mimosa Dr. Richmond Hill Blacksmith Alley Counselor's Close
Crump Ln. Ireland St. Court St. NRO District 14 Newport Ave. (100-200 blocks) S. England St. Williamsburg Ave. Tyler St. Tyler Court Townhomes Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area NRO District 15 Capitol Landing (800-1000 blocks) Parkway Dr. (400-500 blocks) Haynes Dr. Forest Hills Dr. Woods Dr. Maynard Dr. Brandywynne Hangmans Ln. Bypass Rd. (1200-1900 blocks) NRO District 16 Merrimac Trl. Priorslee Merrimac Crossing Colonial Pines Apartments Barclay Square Shellis Square Colonial Towne Apartments Parkway Apartments NRO District 17 Capitol Landing Rd. (300-700 blocks) Bruton Heights Education Center Capitol Heights Page St. Pinecrest Second St. Penniman Rd. Capitol Court Capitol Landing Green Parkway Drive (100-300 blocks) Wyndham Wyndham East Parkway Townhomes Willow Creek Apartments NRO District 18 York St. (200-800 blocks) Pocahontas St. Powhatan St. Quarterpath Rd. (200-1100 blocks) Villages @ Quarterpath The Flats of WilliamsburgA191 NRO District 19 Quarterpath Rd. (1400-1500 blocks) Quarterpath Crossing Shopping Center Quarterpath @ Williamsburg Riverside Doctors' Hospital
2020 ANNUAL REPORT 13
14 WILLIAMSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
2020 ANNUAL REPORT 15
PARKING AMBASSADORS The Williamsburg Police Department’s Parking Ambassador Program celebrated its third year in 2020. The program’s four part-time civilian employees are easy to identify in their royal blue parking enforcement shirts. These ambassadors are the City’s parking enforcement unit. They address community parking concerns in neighborhoods and busy streets. They also engage with the community as they travel around the City, providing information on parking options and handing out ice cold water in the heat of summer. When the City allowed outdoor dining on Prince George Street due to the pandemicrelated indoor capacity limits, the parking ambassadors maintained an orderly flow of vehicles along a street that became one-way and offered fewer parking spaces.
16 WILLIAMSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY CARE KITS In 2020, WPD officers began carrying Community Care Kits in each of their cruisers. These kits contain various supplies — such as snacks, trash bags, bottles of water, feminine hygiene products, and socks — that an officer can give to a resident in need of a specific item or a simple pick-me-up.
DATA
CRIME STATISTICS The Williamsburg Police Department keeps meticulous records of all calls, reports, incidents, and arrests within the City. Much of that data is submitted to the Virginia State Police’s Data Analysis and Reporting Team (DART), which collects crime statistics from departments throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and creates the annual Crime in Virginia report. In this section, you will find crime statistics that WPD collected throughout 2020. For more data and resources than listed in this report, visit williamsburgva.gov/crimestatistics.
CALLS FOR SERVICE Every time a person calls 911, the non-emergency line, or an officer initiates a police action, it is documented as a call for service. The number of calls for service within the City of Williamsburg has continued to rise year after year.
Year
Calls for Service
2016
33,500
2017
34,275
2018
34,766
2019
42,093
2020
42,638
2020 ANNUAL REPORT 17
REPORTED CRIME 2018
2019
2020
Group A Offenses Crimes Against Society
Crimes Against Persons Murder & Nonnegligent Manslaughter
0
0
0
Drug/Narcotic Violations
149
155
133
Negligent Manslaughter
0
0
0
Drug Equipment Violations
5
20
16
Kidnapping/ Abduction
1
6
9
Betting/Wagering
0
0
0
Forcible Rape
1
3
4
Operating/Promoting/Assisting Gambling
0
0
0
Forcible Sodomy
2
0
1
Gambling Equipment Violations
0
0
0
Sexual Assault with an Object
0
0
2
Sports Tampering
0
0
0
Forcible Fondling
6
8
9
Pornography/Obscene Material
0
4
1
Incest
0
0
0
Prostitution
1
5
3
Statutory Rape
0
0
1
Assisting or Promoting Prostitution
0
0
0
10
14
14
Purchasing Prostitution
0
2
1
129
127
141
Weapon Law Violations
15
20
14
13
31
8
Animal Cruelty
0
3
0
Human Trafficking, Commercial Sex Acts
0
0
0
Total Group A Offenses
718
770
717
Human Trafficking, Involuntary Servitude
0
0
0
Group B Arrests
Arson
0
0
1
Bad Checks
0
0
0
Bribery
0
0
1
Curfew/Loitering/Vagrancy Violations
0
0
0
11
15
3
Aggravated Assault Simple Assault Intimidation
Crimes Against Property
Burglary/Breaking & Entering
Offense
5
13
14
Counterfeiting/Forgery
21
11
6
Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property
83
69
97
Drunkenness
7
7
11
Embezzlement Extortion/Blackmail
Disorderly Conduct Driving Under the Influence
67
94
51
119
143
65
Family Offenses (Nonviolent)
1
2
10
Liquor Law Violations
9
11
3
1
1
2
False Pretenses/Swindle/Confidence Game
28
60
43
Credit Card/Automatic Teller Fraud
25
14
6
Trespass of Real Property
Impersonation
11
3
2
Welfare Fraud
0
0
0
Wire Fraud
2
1
1
Identity Theft
0
0
0
Hacking/Computer Invasion
0
0
0
Robbery
7
5
0
Pocket-picking
0
2
1
Purse-snatching
0
2
0
Shoplifting
27
24
20
Theft from Building
38
32
17
0
0
0
39
44
56
7
12
14
Theft from Coin Operated Machine or Device Theft from Motor Vehicle Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts/Accessories All Other Larceny
71
64
54
Motor Vehicle Theft
8
5
14
Stolen Property Offenses
6
3
0
18 WILLIAMSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
Peeping Tom
0
0
1
11
32
8
All Other Offenses
127
203
208
Total Group B Arrests
345
500
349
PART 1 CRIMES Part I Crimes, defined as crimes that fundamentally impact quality of life in a locality, are an index of eight more serious offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter; forcible rape; robbery; aggravated assault; burglary, breaking & entering; larceny; motor vehicle theft; and arson. Since the Williamsburg Police Department implemented its current community policing initiative in 2017, Part I Crimes have trended downward, with a 5% decrease between 2019 and 2020.
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Murder and Nonnegligent Manslaughter
0
1
0
0
0
Forcible Rape
3
0
1
3
4
Robbery
9
9
7
5
0
Aggravated Assault
7
11
10
14
14
Burglary, Breaking & Entering
11
12
5
13
14
Larceny
214
167
182
180
162
Motor Vehicle Theft
10
13
8
5
14
Arson
0
0
0
0
1
254
213
213
220
209
Total
MOTOR VEHICLE-RELATED CRIME Theft from Motor Vehicle
Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts / Accessories
Motor Vehicle Theft
2016
42
5
9
2017
38
5
14
2018
39
7
8
2019
43
16
4
2020
55
14
15
WPD saw a marked increase in motor vehicle-related crimes, including larcenies from vehicles, theft of motor vehicle parts and motor vehicle theft. The total number of reports in these three categories increased by 25% between 2019 and 2020. In response, WPD performed additional patrol checks in neighborhoods between midnight and 5 a.m. Additionally, the department assigned multiple sworn officers and staff to monitor higher risk areas; deployed a smart messaging board and temporary signage to remind residents to lock their car doors and secure their valuables; and launched a social media campaign to remind residents to follow a 9 p.m. routine that includes locking their car doors, securing their valuables, and turning on their porch lights.
2020 ANNUAL REPORT 19
USE OF FORCE It is the policy of the Williamsburg Police Department to value and preserve human life. Personnel will only use reasonable force to accomplish lawful objectives and apply de-escalation techniques when possible. WPD adheres to the Use of Force Project’s eight recommended policies, all of which are associated with a reduction in the use of deadly force. 1. Comprehensive Use of Force reporting 2. Require officers to exhaust all options before using deadly force 3. Ban carotid holds and chokeholds 4. Maintain a Use of Force continuum, which is an escalating series of actions an officer may take to resolve a situation 5. Require de-escalation 6. Invoke a duty to intervene and stop excessive force 7. Issue warning before the use of deadly force, when possible 8. Restrict shooting at moving vehicles
Over the course of a week in October 2020, every member of the Williamsburg Police Department – from officers to civilian staff to parking ambassadors – attended a verbal de-escalation training offered by Lt. Daniel Nieters with Dolan Consulting Group. WPD has set a goal for 2021 to have at least an additional five officers attend Crisis Intervention Team training, which emphasizes de-escalation and focuses on how to help people experiencing a mental health crisis. At the end of 2020, WPD has three CIT instructors, and all nonprobationary patrol officers were CIT-certified.
WPD remains a law enforcement policy leader through its CALEA accreditation with its Use of Force policy. Officers must document the utilization of force every time an officer: •
discharges a firearm, excluding training exercises, recreational purposes, or humane dispatchment of an animal
•
takes an action that results, or is alleged to have resulted in, injury or death of a person
•
applies, uses, or displays weapons against a person
•
applies weaponless physical force when a subject is not fully compliant, and the officer is required to use his or her hands to effect an arrest
20 WILLIAMSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
If a person is injured during a use-of-force encounter, the officer involved is required to render medical aid as soon as possible. When a Taser is deployed, medics are always summoned to the scene to evaluate the subject. Officers are trained to recognize and prevent positional asphyxia.
USE OF FORCE STATISTICS Out of more than 42,000 calls for service in 2020, officers used force or presented weapons in less than 0.08% of incidents — a total of 32 incidents that involved 40 people. Officers used force, such as hand-control tactics, pepper spray, and Tasers, in 10 encounters involving 12 people. No officer-involved shootings nor any use-of-force fatalities or serious injuries occurred in 2020. Seven officers were assaulted during four encounters.
Arrests without Force
Arrests with Force
Arrests where force options were presented, or soft-hand control techniques were used
621
10
23
Taser Deployed
Pepper Spray Deployed
Hard-Hand Control Tactics
Soft-Hand Control Tactics
Force Options Presented
1
2
7
6
24
USE OF FORCE REVIEW PROCESS Williamsburg Police Department’s Use of Force reports are reviewed by frontline supervisors, command staff, and the Chief of Police. The review process runs as follows: •
Officer who deployed force must verbally notify their supervisor that use of force occurred.
•
Officer completes a detailed written report of the use of force.
•
A supervisor reviews the written report as well as all available body- and vehicle-camera footage to assess whether the use of force was reasonable, lawful and consistent with department policy.
•
Officer’s bureau commander examines the report and offers a recommendation to the Chief of Police on whether the incident requires further investigation.
•
The Chief of Police determines either that the use of force was reasonable and complied with department policy or orders an investigation into the use of force.
With the exception of command staff who are not routinely working on the street, all Williamsburg Police Department officers are issued Axon 3 Body Worn Cameras (BWC). Additionally, all patrol vehicles are equipped with Axon Fleet or Axon Fleet 2 vehicle cameras. In 2020, officers involved in 100% of the useof-force incidents were wearing a BWC that was recording; supervisors reviewed each of those videos.
2020 ANNUAL REPORT 21
OFFICER ACCOUNTABILITY The Williamsburg Police Department is dedicated to providing excellent police services to those living in the community or visiting our beautiful city. We understand that there may be times when we did not live up to those expectations.
Your complaint will be investigated. You may be contacted and asked additional questions about your complaint. You will be notified that your complaint has been received and an investigation is being conducted.
If you wish to report a complaint about the actions of a Williamsburg police officer, civilian employee, or about any aspect of the Williamsburg Police Department operations, you can fill out a complaint
You will be apprised of the status of your complaint after 15 days if the investigation has not been completed.
form online at williamsburgva.gov/wpdcomplaint or with the help of a Williamsburg Police supervisor over the phone or in person. WPD also investigates anonymous complaints.
When your complaint has been investigated, the Chief of Police will review the investigation and contact you (orally or in writing) to advise the conclusion of the investigation.
COMPLAINT STATISTICS In 2020, WPD received 17 formal complaints — 14 external and 3 internal — against personnel. Three of these complaints were sustained, meaning that the officer’s actions were found to be either unlawful or against policy. As part of the complaint process, the policies and practices pertaining to the complaints are also reviewed; no changes, additions, or deletions were made because of that review in 2020.
External Complaint
Internal Complaint
Exonerated*
3
--
Sustained
1
2
Unfounded*
10
--
Other Outcome
--
1**
*A final disposition of “exonerated” means the investigation found the incident did occur but the officer’s actions were found to be lawful and consistent with department policy. “Unfounded” means the investigation determined the allegation to be false or without credible, supportive evidence. **Employee resigned before investigation concluded.
22 WILLIAMSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY INPUT
The City of Williamsburg has participated in the National Community Survey — previously called the National Citizen Survey — since 2008 to help in the development of its biennial Goals, Initiatives, and Outcomes document, an outline of the City’s priorities. The NCS was last conducted in the summer of 2020. The survey results in a report about the livability of Williamsburg, and residents gave the City government high marks for its public safety work.
PERCENT VERY or SOMEWHAT SAFE In your neighborhood during the day
99%
In Williamsburg's downtown/commercial area during the day
99% 92%
From property crime
96%
From violent crime
PERCENT EXCELLENT or GOOD Overall feeling of safety in Williamsburg Police/Sheriff services COMPARISON TO NATIONAL BENCHMARK
n
81%
Crime prevention
86%
Animal control
85%
n Higher n
95%
Similar Lower
Williamsburg Police Department sent its 2021 Citizen Questionnaire on Jan. 1, 2021, to ask residents questions specific to their experience with and impression of the department. • • • • •
90% of respondents rated officer performance positively 85% rated officer competency positively 82% said officers showed concern for needs 79% had direct police contact 79% are unconcerned about being a victim of crime
WPD goals for 2021 • •
Exceed 80% of respondents who have had direct police contact Increase Neighborhood Watch resident participation by 20%
2020 ANNUAL REPORT 23
WILLIAMSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT 425 Armistead Ave. Williamsburg, VA 23185 police@williamsburgva.gov 757-220-2331 williamsburgva.gov/police
