El Paso Police Department's 2019 Annual Report El Paso, Texas
2019 ANNUAL REPORT
EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2019
EL PASO, TEXAS
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
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Department Patches.................................................................................5 El Paso Police Department.....................................................................6 City of El Paso...............................................................................................7 Message from the Chief...........................................................................8 Executive & Command Staff.................................................................10 Organizational Structure.......................................................................12 2019 Statistics.............................................................................................13 Regional Map..............................................................................................14 Regional Commands................................................................................15 Internal Affairs............................................................................................21 Uniform Police Bureau I.........................................................................22 Investigations Bureau.............................................................................24 Uniform Police Bureau II.......................................................................29 Public Information Office.....................................................................34 Strategic Planning & Auxiliary Services Bureau.........................35 Administrative Services........................................................................38 Human Resources....................................................................................39 New Initiatives..........................................................................................40 El Paso Strong............................................................................................41 Support Cards...........................................................................................46 Above & Beyond the Call of Duty.....................................................48 No One Fights Alone!...............................................................................51 Community Events...................................................................................52 Police Week.................................................................................................56 Retirees..........................................................................................................59 K-9...................................................................................................................60 End of Watch..............................................................................................61 Ms. Bea Anguiano....................................................................................62 A Look Into the Future...........................................................................63
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
DEPARTMENT PATCHES
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EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT FOUNDED IN 1884
MISSION
It is the mission of the El Paso Police Department to provide services with integrity and dedication, to preserve life, to enforce the law, and to work in partnership with the community to enhance the quality of life in the City of El Paso.
Hispanic:
81.09% 15.09% 2.34% 0.35% 0.95% 0.17%
DEMOGRAPHICS BY GENDER
Black: White:
Pacific Islander: Alaska Native:
Other:
DEMOGRAPHICS BY ETHNICITY/RACE
Female: 14%
Male: 86%
TOTAL NUMBER OF SWORN PERSONNEL: 1,153
TOTAL NUMBER OF CIVILIAN PERSONNEL: 248
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
CITY OF EL PASO
FOUNDED IN 1680 • INCORPORATED 1873
MISSION
Deliver outstanding service to support a high quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Hispanic:
80.9% 13.2%
DEMOGRAPHICS BY GENDER
Black: White:
3.8% 0.5% 0.2% 1.4%
Pacific Islander: Alaska Native:
Other:
DEMOGRAPHICS BY ETHNICITY/RACE
Female: 51%
Male: 49%
COUNTY OF EL PASO
CITY OF EL PASO
POPULATION: 840,758 LAND SIZE: 1,015 SQ MI
POPULATION: 682,669
LAND SIZE: 255.24 SQ MI
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
Fellow members of the El Paso Police Department,
Our community relies on us. All members of this department should take pride in committing themselves to fulfilling their duties in both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. This year, we experienced tragedy in our community. El Paso will always remember the crisis, but we also recognize the tremendous, tireless response by the El Paso Police Department. Where justice is required, this department provides that protection and service in exemplary ways. I am proud of each of you, including civilians and officers of all ranks and assignments. Commitment to excellence and satisfaction in a job well done is fundamental to success. Despite the great impact that any crisis or incident may have on our community, those tragedies do not need to define us. Reflect on all the calls for service, tasks of day-to-day operations, events for fellowship and support, and the multitude of miscellaneous or indefinable aspects to our profession. This year has shown us the worst of humanity, and yet the best of this Department. Together we will grow and prosper in a brighter future.
Sincerely,
Chief of Police Gregory K. Allen
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
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EXECUTIVE STAFF CHIEF OF POLICE GREGO RY K. ALLEN
ASSISTANT CHIEF PATRICK MALONEY INVESTIGATIONS BUREAU
ASSISTANT CHIEF PETER PACILLAS UNIFORM POLICE SERVICES II
ASSISTANT CHIEF VICTOR ZARUR UNIFORM POLICE SERVICES I
ASSISTANT CHIEF ZINA SILVA
STRATEGIC PLANNING AND AUXILIARY SERVICES BUREAU
ISAURA VALDEZ ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
CARLOS RAMIREZ HUMAN RESOURCES
LIEUTENANT JO HN H. LANAHAN III INTERNAL AFFAIRS
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
COMMAND STAFF
C O MMA N D E R PATRICK PELLETIER MAJOR CRIMES DIVISION
C O MMA N D E R HUMBERTO TALAMANTES ORGANIZED CRIME DIVISION
C O MMA N D E R ROBERTO RAMOS MISSION VALLEY
C O MMA N D E R THOMAS PENA C EN T R A L
C O MMA N D E R STEVEN LOPEZ WE S T S ID E
COMMANDER JULIA INCIRIAGA N O R T H EA S T
COMMANDER JUAN BRIONES PEBBLE HILLS
LIEUTENANT GABRIEL PERALTA PLANNING AND RESEARCH
LIEUTENANT RICARDO MEDINA AUXILIARY SERVICES
LIEUTENANT ROBERT PISARCIK CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM
LIEUTENANT KEN LAW SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP
LIEUTENANT JASON JOHNSON TRAINING ACADEMY
LIEUTENANT STEVEN SCHMIDT SPECIAL SERVICES DIVISION
LIEUTENANT JOSEPH GARCIA COMMUNICATIONS LIAISON
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EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • REGIONAL COMMANDS
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Chief of Police Gregory K. Allen
Internal Affairs Lt. Lanahan
Public Information Office
Strategic Planning & Auxiliary Services Bureau A/C Silva
Uniform Police Bureau I A/C Zarur
Uniform Police Bureau II A/C Pacillas
Investigations Bureau A/C Maloney
Human Resources C. Ramirez
Adminstrative Services I. Valdez
Pebbles Hills Command Cmdr. Briones Airport Police Operations
Northeast Command Cmdr. Inciriaga
Organized Crime Cmdr. Talamantes Auto Theft Task Force Fusion Center Gang Unit Narcotics Special Investigations Unit
Payroll Employee Relations Staffing
Planning & Research Lt. Peralta Risk Management
Budget & Finance C. Cisneros
Westside Command Cmdr. Lopez
Grants C. Cardoza
Communications Liaison Lt. Garcia
Backgrounds & Recruitment
Central Command Cmdr. Pena Metro
Mission Valley Command Cmdr. Ramos
Supply F. Gonzalez
Major Crimes Cmdr. Pelletier Criminalistics Crimes Against Persons Crimes Against Children
Auxiliary Services Lt. Medina Alarm Detail Awards Committee Court Liaison DART/Victim Services Evidence & Property Office Funeral Committee Honor Guard Municipal Court Pawn Shop Special Events/ Permits Transfer Office Volunteer Program
Special Services Division (SSD) Lt. Schmidt CVSA DWITF STI Vehicle for Hire BATP Safe Communities Program
Records V. Manson
Special Operations Group (SOG) Lt. Law Bomb Squad CMT
Financial Crimes Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit
Fleet Management D. Avila Municipal Vehicle Storage Facility
COMSAR Dignitary Protection K-9 SWAT Tactical Flight Officers
STEP Grants TxDOT Traffic Control
Motors Division Lt. Velasquez
Training Academy Lt. Johnson
Facility Maintenance H. Sommers
Crisis Intervention Team Lt. Pisarcik
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
2019 STATISTICS PART ONE CRIMES
CRIMINAL HOMICIDE: 0.3%
FORCIBLE RAPE: 2.6%
ROBBERY: 2.7%
ASSAULT: 13.5%
BURGLARY: 8.2%
LARCENY-THEFT: 66.1%
VEHICLE THEFT: 6.6%
TOTAL CRIMES: 13,147
PART ONE CRIMES CLEARANCE RATES
EPPD
NATIONAL
CRIMINAL HOMICIDE
FORCIBLE RAPE
ROBBERY
ASSAULT
BURGLARY
LARCENY- THEFT
VEHICLE THEFT
NUMBER OF ARRESTS
JAN.
FEB. MAR. APR. MAY
JUNE
JULY AUG. SEP.
OCT. NOV. DEC.
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EL PASO POLICE REGIONAL COMMANDS
EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • REGIONAL COMMANDS
N
ANTHONY, TX
VINTON, TX
NERCC
CASTNER RANGE
FORT BLISS, TX U . S . ARMY BASE
WSRCC
SANTA TERESA, NM
FORT BLISS
SUNLAND PARK, NM
CRCC
PHRCC
CIUDAD JUAREZ, CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO
CENTRAL REGIONAL COMMAND MISSION VALLEY
MVRCC
CRCC
HORIZON, TX
MVRCC
REGIONAL COMMAND NORTHEAST REGIONAL COMMAND PEBBLE HILLS REGIONAL COMMAND WESTSIDE REGIONAL COMMAND POLICE HEADQUARTERS
SOCORRO, TX
NERCC
CLINT, TX
PHRCC
SAN ELIZARIO, TX
WSRCC
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
WESTSIDE COMMAND
CALLS FOR SERVICE
INVESTIGATION & TACTICAL UNITS CASES ASSIGNED: 2,780
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL
DISPATCHED EVENTS: 29,822
OFFICER INITIATED: 23,865
CASES CLEARED: 1,184
SWORN: 115
CIVILIAN: 5
POPULATION: 131,499
LAND SIZE: 91.34 SQ MI
Marquise at Westside Natatorium
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EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • REGIONAL COMMANDS
CENTRAL COMMAND
CALLS FOR SERVICE
INVESTIGATION & TACTICAL UNITS CASES ASSIGNED: 3,590
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL
DISPATCHED EVENTS: 39,914
OFFICER INITIATED: 29,942
CASES CLEARED: 1,317
SWORN: 196
CIVILIAN: 21
POPULATION: 91,865
LAND SIZE: 17.15 SQ MI
Poppy Fields on Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail Chihuahuan Desert Exhibit at the El Paso Zoo
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
NORTHEAST COMMAND
CALLS FOR SERVICE
INVESTIGATION & TACTICAL UNITS CASES ASSIGNED: 3,686
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL
DISPATCHED EVENTS: 32,783
OFFICER INITIATED: 21,291
CASES CLEARED: 2,179
SWORN: 129
CIVILIAN: 4
POPULATION: 126,769
LAND SIZE: 63.6 SQ MI
Poppy Fields on Chihuahuan Desert Trail
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EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • REGIONAL COMMANDS
MISSION VALLEY COMMAND
CALLS FOR SERVICE
INVESTIGATION & TACTICAL UNITS CASES ASSIGNED: 2,175
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL
DISPATCHED EVENTS: 25,312
OFFICER INITIATED: 24,491
CASES CLEARED: 1,071
SWORN: 108
CIVILIAN: 6
POPULATION: 102,524 LAND SIZE: 29.73 SQ MI
Sun Pavilion at Blackie Chesher Park
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
PEBBLE HILLS COMMAND
CALLS FOR SERVICE
INVESTIGATION & TACTICAL UNITS CASES ASSIGNED: 9,491
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL
DISPATCHED EVENTS: 51,339
OFFICER INITIATED: 25,901
CASES CLEARED: 7,185
SWORN: 214
CIVILIAN: 8
POPULATION: 239,219 LAND SIZE: 54.57 SQ MI
Pasajeros at Bicentennial Council Transit Operations Center
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT INTERNAL AFFAIRS • 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
INTERNAL AFFAIRS
The Internal Affairs Division (IAD) is a vital component to maintaining the community’s trust and provides accountability within the El Paso Police Department. The Internal Affairs Division has the responsibility of conducting independent administrative investigations regarding allegations of misconduct or critical incidents involving members of the El Paso Police Department to determine the truth, whatever it may be, and report the facts in an effort to uphold and maintain the integrity of the El Paso Police Department. Critical incidents include officer involved shootings, or any incident resulting in serious injury or death of a person, regardless of any allegations of misconduct. The duties of the Internal Affairs Division consist of interviewing involved citizens, witnesses, and involved officers to assure that the investigations are thorough and complete. All sworn members of the Internal Affairs Division are assigned to the Shooting Review Team, which respond to officer involved shootings to include accidental discharge of a firearm, and animal shootings. A thorough administrative investigation is conducted by the Shooting Review Team, independent of review by Crimes Against Persons, and the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers. The Internal Affairs Division assures due process is afforded to all officers of the El Paso Police Department in the discipline process. In cases where a preponderance of the evidence is present in an administrative investigation, the Internal Affairs Division will be responsible for administering discipline when appropriate.
COMPLAINTS/CASES: 455 TASER INCIDENTS: 975 CASES ASSIGNED TO IAD: 166 CASES INVOLVING USE OF FORCE ALLEGATIONS: 170 COMPLAINTS/CASES CLOSED: 150 USE OF FORCE INCIDENTS: 3,124
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EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • UNIFORM POLICE BUREAU I
SPECIAL SERVICES DIVISION
SPECIAL TRAFFIC INVESTIGATIONS (STI)
The STI section is an important function for the Department and for the citizens of El Paso. The STI section investigates all traffic-related deaths and conducts follow up investigations in hit-and- run cases. The STI unit will assist the Department and the City with traffic- related data for special research studies.
FATALITIES INVESTIGATED: 72 CASES CLEARED: 3,270 CASES ASSIGNED: (HIT-AND-RUN/DWI) 4,073 CALL OUTS: 91
DWI TASK FORCE (DWITF)
It is the mission of the El Paso Police Department’s DWI Task Force to locate those drivers on public roadways and highways that are operating vehicles intoxicated or impaired in an effort to keep the highways and roadways safe for all citizens to travel.
ARRESTS: 1,747 FELONY: 232 CITATIONS ISSUED: 4,307 MISDEMEANOR: 1,515
SAFE COMMUNITIES SECTION
The Safe Communities Section is a liaison between the Police Department and the community. Safe Communities conducts educational traffic safety presentations on a monthly basis with the goal of educating and keeping the El Paso community safe.
PRESENTATIONS: 167
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
MOTORS DIVISION
The Motors Division was created on July 31, 2019. Motor officers were decentralized from Headquarters Traffic and the five regional commands, and were then centralized at Police Headquarters for optimum efficiency. The 32 Motor units conduct a permanent Motor Surge Operation to contribute to the Department’s Traffic Safety Plan and Traffic Safety Collaboration. They are assigned to a different region in the city daily to enforce areas where they could be highly visible to motorists and pedestrians. The units convey a message that the officers are conducting high intensity zero-tolerance enforcement, in order to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities, and
to remove dangerous drivers from the streets. The areas of enforcement include high collision intersection locations, fatality locations, major thoroughfares, and major traffic hot spots requested by the regional commands. The division conducts traffic control and motor escorts for special events such as dignitary escorts, runs, races, marches, oversized vehicle escorts, and funeral detail honor escorts. Many of the Motors officers instruct traffic procedures at in- and pre-service training, participate in special United Traffic Enforcement operations with agencies such as the Texas Department of Public Safety, and conduct frequent community outreach presentations.
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EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • INVESTIGATIONS BUREAU
The Crimes Against Persons Unit is composed of 14 detectives, six officers, three sergeants, and one lieutenant. The Crimes Against Persons Unit investigates the following cases: Murder, Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Sexual Assault, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping, Robbery, Sexual Assault, Assault, Juvenile Kidnappings, all Missing Persons, all Death investigations, Injury to a Child where the child expires, and Cold Case Unit assignments. CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS MAJOR CRIMES DIVISION
CASES ASSIGNED: 1,312 CASES CLEARED: 970 CALL OUTS: 182 COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS: 11 SEX OFFENDERS REGISTRY CASES ASSIGNED: 17 CASES CLEARED: 17
CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN
The Crimes Against Children Unit is made up of 14 highly trained and dedicated detectives, two sergeants, and one lieutenant. The unit investigates the following child related cases: Sexual Assault, Aggravated Sexual
Assault, Injury to a Child, Indecency with a Child, Improper Photography, Voyeurism, Indecent Assault (juvenile cases), Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student, Sale/Distribution or Display of Harmful Material to a Minor, Sexual Performance by a Child, Criminal Solicitation of a Minor, Unlawful Restraint under 17, and Abandoning or Endangering a Child.
REVIEWED CRIMINAL CASES: 1,134 CASES ASSIGNED TO DETECTIVES: 904 CASES EXCEPTIONALLY CLEARED: 76 CASES CLEARED BY ARREST: 58 CASES PRESENTED NON-ARREST: 74
CASES UNFOUNDED: 192 CALL OUTS: 79 SEARCH WARRANTS ISSUED: 3 PHYSICAL ARRESTS: 58 CPS CASES REVIEWED: 5,340
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
CRIMINALISTICS
Criminalistics is that profession and scientific discipline directed to the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence by application of the natural sciences to law-science matters. Criminalistics is composed of the Crime Scene Unit, the Latent Unit, and the Photo Lab. CRIME SCENES PROCESSED: 2,460 CRIMINAL PACKAGES PROCESSED: 42,494 LATENT FINGERPRINTS SUBMITTED: 15,375 LATENT FINGERPRINTS IDENTIFIED: 1,894
MAJOR CALL OUTS: 36 CASES-LATENT EVIDENCE SUBMITTED: 1,760 LATENT FINGERPRINTS COMPARED: 4,370 SUBMITTED TO A.F.I.S.: 4,238
FINANCIAL CRIMES UNIT The Financial Crimes Unit is composed of the White Collar Crimes, Identity Theft, Internet Crimes Against Persons, Special Victims, Fugitives, Cyber Lab, and the Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit. Members of the unit are also part of several task forces to include the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, and U.S. Secret Service Task Force.
FINANCIAL CRIMES CASES ASSIGNED: 675 CASES CLEARED: 738 CALL OUTS: 29
ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATIONS UNIT
CASES ASSIGNED: 196 CASES CLEARED: 262 CALL OUTS: 30 JUVENILE ARRESTS: 1
ACIU TIP LINE CALLS: 715 WARRANTS EXECUTED: 66 WARRANTS OUTSTANDING: 23
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EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • INVESTIGATIONS BUREAU
ORGANIZED CRIME DIVISION
AUTO THEFT TASK FORCE (ATTF)
CASES ASSIGNED: 1,527 CALL OUTS: 29 CASES CLEARED: 1,017 VEHICLES RECOVERED: 760 ADULT ARRESTS: 230 VALUE OF RECOVERED VEHICLES:
$9,663,056
JUVENILE DETENTIONS: 9
The El Paso Police Department's Auto Theft Task Force specializes in investigating motor vehicle crimes throughout the City and County of El Paso, Texas. The task force receives grant funding from the Motor Vehicle
Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) and is the only Auto Theft Task Force for the far western part of the State of Texas. The task force investigates theft of motor vehicles, thefts of auto parts, forgery of motor vehicle titles, vehicle insurance fraud, and recovery of stolen vehicles. The task force serves as a liaison with Mexican authorities and assists with the repatriation of recovered U.S. stolen vehicles back into the U.S. from Mexico. The task force has a Crime Awareness Section that is responsible for providing education and public awareness at events to the public (i.e. schools, colleges, civic organizations, citizen police academies, and other law enforcement agencies). The task force also conducts salvage yard inspections, southbound border checks at the U.S. Ports of Entry for stolen vehicles, 68-A inspections of salvage vehicles, assists with vehicle arson investigations, and provides department training on auto theft investigations.
GANG UNIT
CASES ASSIGNED: 840 CASES CLEARED: 710
CALL OUTS: 33
ADULT ARRESTS: 806
The El Paso Police Department's Gang Unit currently is made up of 15 suppression officers and two sergeants. There are 16 investigators and one sergeant with two investigators assigned to the Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Plan (SHOCAP). The Gang Unit is housed at the Texas Anti-Gang Center. The Gang Unit works closely with the FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission,
Homeland Security Intelligence, and the District Attorney’s Office. The Gang Unit is responsible for investigating serious offenses to include Aggravated Assaults, Aggravated Assaults with Deadly Weapons, Discharge of a Firearm, Deadly Conduct, and Murder. In 2019, the Gang Unit had a total of 806 arrests, conducted over 3,000 traffic stops, executed 33 search warrants, and recovered 44 weapons. The Gang Unit responded to 33 call outs throughout the year and assisted Crimes Against Persons with several high profile murders. The unit also works closely with the El Paso Police Department’s Narcotics Unit to identify specific gang members and utilizes confidential informants to assist with taking down targets.
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT (SIU)
CASES ASSIGNED: 81 CASES CLEARED: 15 CALL OUTS: 58
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) consists of one sergeant, six detectives, and three officers. SIU duties include management of the Department’s access control, State Homeland grants, and investigation of bomb threats, hate crimes, terrorist activity, subversive and anti-government groups and individuals. SIU also
investigates allegations of criminal conduct by public officials, public safety employees, City employees, and City employees acting under the scope of their authority, and criminal allegations involving Department employees. SIU monitors the criminal activity of subversive, anti-government criminal groups and individuals, evaluates operational security measures for the Department, and conducts threat and risk assessments for the City of El Paso’s Office of Emergency Management. In 2019, SIU provided over 30 Active Shooter/Attacker presentations to over 1,000 citizens, private sector partners and the City of El Paso Department of Public Health. SIU also conducted over 20 site threat assessments exposing potential vulnerabilities during soft target events. SIU actively participated in monitoring multiple highly publicized demonstrations ensuring the safety of the participants and the general public. This year, SIU was able to secure grant funding in the amount of $389,744 used to equip the Department’s special teams of SWAT, CMT, COMSAR, Bomb Squad, and K-9 with the necessary equipment to prevent, respond, and mitigate terrorist events.
NARCOTICS UNIT
ARRESTS
FELONY: 391
MARIJUANA SEIZED: 3,347.40 LBS
MISDEMEANOR: 124 TOTAL ARRESTS: 515
COCAINE SEIZED: 348 LBS HEROIN SEIZED: 82 LBS
CURRENCY SEIZED:
METHAMPHETAMINE SEIZED:
$1,185,957.20
252 LBS
The Narcotics Unit is an essential and important part of the Department. The specialized unit disrupts drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) by targeting the shipment, storage, repackaging, preparation, and distribution of narcotics. The Narcotics Unit works closely with the Fusion Center, Investigative Support Center, and the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC).
NARCOTICS K-9
MARIJUANA SEIZED: 2,798.94 LBS COCAINE SEIZED: 196.46 LBS
THC SEIZED: 46.43 LBS
CURRENCY SEIZED: $1,613,203
METHAMPHETAMINE SEIZED:
278.78 LBS
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EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • INVESTIGATIONS BUREAU
ORGANIZED CRIME DIVISION
MATRIX FUSION CENTER The MATRIX Fusion Center is an all-crimes/all-hazards tactical information and intelligence hub for the El Paso Police Department and the surrounding region. The Fusion Center is one of 80 fusion centers across the country and one of only eight in Texas. The center is operated on a 24/7 basis to quickly respond to any intelligence related requests from over 40 of our local, state, federal, and tribal partners. The Fusion Center concept was designed to facilitate the sharing of intelligence information among all of our partner agencies. The Fusion Center provided critical, real-time intelligence and analysis during the tragic shooting in El Paso on August 3, 2019. This information was shared not only with our local partners but across the county for situational awareness purposes. The Fusion Center was recognized by the Under Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for their efforts during and after the events of August 3. The Fusion Center is currently in the process of expanding the City Watch camera program to allow the center real-time access to business and residential security camera systems throughout the city. This program supplements the private business/citizen registration system and will increase the ability to provide instant intelligence as events are occurring.
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT UNIFORM POLICE BUREAU II • 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
The El Paso Police Department's Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) was formed in October 2018. In February 2019, Emergence Health Network (EHN) deployed their specialists to ride in the patrol cars with CIT officers to collaboratively and effectively meet the needs of persons with mental illnesses in the El Paso community. In 2019, the 14 CIT officers and their EHN partners have responded to over 6,000 calls for service, including dispatched calls and requests from patrol on the scene of a mental health related call. During 2019, the Crisis Intervention Team made contact with over 1,200 persons who were in a mental health crisis. Most persons in crisis were provided mental health services after placing them under an Emergency Detention Order. CIT has also had contact with over 195 people who were transported to an appropriate mental health facility CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM
and were not placed under an emergency detention. The El Paso Police Department's Crisis Intervention Team continues to strive to provide professional and excellent service to the population they serve through continuing education and community involvement, which is the cornerstone of success.
EMERGENCY DETENTION ORDERS PROCESSED: 1,321 MENTAL HEALTH REPORTS COMPLETED: 666
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EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • UNIFORM POLICE BUREAU II
SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP
SWAT
High Risk Warrants Served: 17 Barricaded Incidents: 10 SWAT Unit Activations: 66 Training Hours Completed: 73,662
HAZARDOUS DEVICES TECHNICIANS
Call Outs: 71 Types of Call Outs: • Military Ordinance • Suspicious Packages
• Post-Blast Investigations • SWAT High Risk Warrants • SWAT Barricaded Subjects • Assist with Federal Search Warrants Items Defused or Retrieved:
• IEDs rendered safe • Military ordinance • Commercial explosives, commercial fireworks Training Hours Completed: 7,594
COMBINED SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM
Call Outs: 26 Rescues: 11 Types of Call Outs: • 5 Lost Parties
• 5 Injured Parties • 1 Suicidal Subject • 1 Body Recovery • 14 Area Searches for Body Recovery Training Hours Completed: 2,696
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
DIGNITARY PROTECTION
Operations: 32 Training Hours Completed: 2,280
K-9
Patrol Calls: 2,576 Observed Calls: 570 Vehicles Checked: 627 Narcotics Searches: 408 Building Searches: 85 Area Searches: 22 Training Hours Completed: 5,680
CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM
Deployments: 41 CMT works with SWAT on: • Suicide • Sniper
• Barricaded Subjects • Hostage Situations • High Risk Warrants Training Hours Completed: 4,712
TACTICAL FLIGHT OFFICERS
Joint Effort with Texas Department of Public Safety Aviation Flights Flown: 508 Hours Flown: 1,048
Number of Events: 742 Suspects Located: 712 Criminal Arrests: 306 Number of Calls: 508 Training Hours Completed: 224
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EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • UNIFORM POLICE BUREAU II
TRAINING ACADEMY
The Training Academy is at the forefront of law enforcement training. In 2019, the El Paso Police Training Academy trained 23,786 personnel, delivered 413 separate department courses, and completed 91,984 hours of training. The El Paso Police Department also sponsors the telecommunicators for the City of El Paso and provided training to 320, delivered 25 department courses, and completed 4,381 training hours. This feat was reached through the perseverance and goal-oriented Academy staff that is made up of both sworn and civilian personnel.
In March, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) conducted a Credentialing Audit on the El Paso Police
Department. This state audit was facilitated by the Training Division at the Academy, and resulted in a 100% compliance audit rating. The Training Division also received accolades from the TCOLE auditor and recognition for their success during the 2019 TCOLE Conference held in Corpus Christi, Texas. During the year, the El Paso Police Training Academy, not only ensured the Department’s sworn personnel maintained State compliance with the CITP course, but also provided this course to the Commission for Texas Peace Officers from other agencies, such as the El Paso, Canutillo, and Socorro Independent School District Police Departments, Texas Department of Public Safety, and other surrounding local law enforcement agencies. By fostering this type of cooperative training relationship with our surrounding law enforcement agencies, the Training Academy has continued to create an environment where law enforcement officers from outside our agency frequently seek admission into our department courses to further their policing and investigative skills. In September, the Training Academy held a Detective Course, which was attended by more than 70 investigators and consisted of our department personnel, surrounding local law enforcement agencies, the Fire Marshal’s Office and also included out of state agencies, like Doña Ana Sheriff’s Office and Las Cruces Police Department.
The El Paso Police Training Academy strives to deliver current, scholarly, and skill-enhancing training to the great men and women who serve the City of El Paso.
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
GRADUATING CLASSES OF 2019
124 TH ACADEMY CLASS
“DEDICATION TO OUR LAST”
START DATE: 6/25/2018
APPLIED: 1,581
STARTED THE ACADEMY: 63
GRADUATION: 1/22/2019
PASSED WRITTEN EXAM: 488
GRADUATED: 51
PASSED PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST: 341
125 TH ACADEMY CLASS
“STRENGTH AND HONOR”
START DATE: 1/28/2019
APPLIED: 2,716
STARTED THE ACADEMY: 72
GRADUATION: 9/09/2019
PASSED WRITTEN EXAM: 791
GRADUATED: 62
PASSED PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST: 529
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EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
Throughout 2019, Public Information Officers interacted daily with members of the media and the community to provide timely and reliable important information. Over 220 press releases were posted on the Department’s web page from which the media obtained information for news stories. Additionally, dozens of individual on-camera interviews were given to the local media for enterprise stories related to police matters or for more in-depth coverage on posted press releases. Frequent requests from local,
regional outlets, and national media for data on crime statics and police topics are handled or referred to open records if more extensive research is required. Every day, assorted calls and emails involving questions, concerns, complaints, compliments, and crime tips, are fielded and either resolved by the Public Information Officers or forwarded to the appropriate unit supervisors. Public Information Officers respond to murder scenes, SWAT call outs, officer involved shootings, and other assorted high profile cases of public interest in order to provide news media information through on camera interviews. In 2019, Instagram was added to our platforms of social media. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram were used to further relay information such as public service announcements, community events, critical information, or the sharing of important information from other entities.
PRESS RELEASES: 364
NEWS CONFERENCES: 5
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@ElPasoPolice
@El Paso Police Department
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@el_paso_police_department
CRIME STOPPERS
Since 1978, Crime Stoppers of El Paso has carried out a community offensive against crime by motivating the public to report information about any criminal activity through their anonymous crime reporting platforms. Tips provided by the public have led to 4,450 arrests, 5,707 cleared cases, four million dollars in property recovered, and one million dollars in rewards have been issued.
SUBJECTS ARRESTED: 72 CASES CLEARED: 144
NARCOTICS RECOVERED: $9,060 PROPERTY RECOVERED: $25,540 REWARDS ISSUED: $28,350
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT STRATEGIC PLANNING & AUXILIARY SERVICES BUREAU • 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
The Planning and Research/Risk Management Division is responsible for research and preparation of complex and in-depth reports, audits, and projects involving department statistical information, policy, and procedures. The division is held to high standards to produce quality data, information, and resources for decision makers in order to improve the function of the organization. Planning and Research is in charge of producing reports requested by the city council, city managers, and other citywide and out-of-town entities. Planning and Research is also responsible for tracking the performance of the Department as to how it meets or exceeds the goals set out by the Chief of Police and the City Manager's Office. This year, Planning and Research merged with Risk Management to maximize efficiency within the Department. Risk Management focuses on compliance, audits, inspections, and risk assessment. The division is also in charge of the Watchguard system that manages all body worn camera files and dashcam footage for the Department. Among the innumerous tasks delegated to Planning and Research, another duty handled is the staffing management for both the civilians and uniformed officers. During 2019, the division has transferred, retired, promoted, and welcomed 495 uniformed positions and 121 civilian positions with staffing movements, to include the 124th and 125th Academy classes. Promotions fall under the division as well, and the year saw the promotions of three lieutenants, six sergeants, and eight detectives. The division is essential for providing accurate and updated research and policy for the Department in their efforts to provide professional and services to the community of El Paso. PLANNING AND RESEARCH/ RISK MANAGEMENT
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AUXILIARY SERVICES EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • STRATEGIC PLANNING & AUXILIARY SERVICES BUREAU UNIT OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT
During the year of 2019, Auxiliary Services was restructured. Auxiliary has seen it’s responsibility grow exponentially with the recent additions of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), Funeral Committee/Warrant Officer, Honor Guard and Bagpipes, Awards Committee, Sports Committee, and Seizure Officer.
BALLISTICS INTELLIGENCE UNIT
The El Paso Police Department’s Ballistics Intelligence Unit (B.I.U.) has been months in the making and it’s nearing its final phase of development. B.I.U. will focus on using NIBIN and E-Trace for the timely collection, management, and analysis of crime gun evidence (i.e., expended cartridge cases and firearms) to identify shooters, disrupt criminal activity, and prevent future violence. The El Paso Police Department's Ballistics Intelligence Unit will consist of two officers supervised by a sergeant and lieutenant. They will be an on-call unit available to respond to citywide incidents. Personnel have received training from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
HONOR GUARD, BAGPIPES, AND PERCUSSION SECTION
Auxiliary Services acquired the responsibilities of Honor Guard and Bagpipes Section. In addition, Auxiliary recently began forming the EPPD Percussion section detail. Over the past year, Honor Guard has been tasked to respond and assist in 33 various events, be it City-sponsored or for officer funerals. The Honor Guard, Bagpipes, and Percussion sections have seen a growth in members to a total of 41. The Honor Guard is broken
down to three platoons: Red, White, & Blue. Bagpipes and Percussion are a stand alone platoon. Each team is rotated per event in order to attempt to alleviate the burden on patrol functions. The team has been outfitted with new uniforms, shotguns, and drums.
The primary function of the El Paso Police Department’s Communications Division is maintaining radio communications capability. The division maintains the radios for police officers and their police vehicles. The division also works to link with other law enforcement agencies to strengthen communication in the City of El Paso. The division assists with open records requests related to communications as well. COMMUNICATIONS
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EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIVISION
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
RECORDS The skilled civilians, officers, and supervisors of the Records Division collect, process, maintain, and distribute police reports and crime records, as well as provide other timely and accurate information services to the Department and external customers. Additionally, the division trains and assists sworn officers in operating and updating the Records Management System. Records utilizes a modern generation of automated systems for managing documents and data. In 2019, these systems allowed members of the public to file 4,635 non-emergency reports through the internet online portal. Many of those reports received follow-up investigation. The GovQA software for the streamlined receiving and tracking of requests for information on the internet was added in December 2019. During the last year, the division issued more than 4,432 responses to Public Information Act requests, 327 court subpoenas, and over 8,722 information request responses to law enforcement and other government agencies. Our external customers received over 34,000 copies of incident, accident, and other reports from five public records service counters throughout the city at EPPD Regional Command Centers. The Archive Team created electronic image files by scanning 164,844 pages of paper supplemental case documents. Records Specialists completed background checks, issued criminal history letters, and conducted security and access screening for more than 7,000 individual people. The division maintained the accuracy and integrity of police reporting and crime recordkeeping by completing 262 court ordered expunctions and 663 criminal record sealings. Records Specialists compile and submit the FBI's State Uniform Crime Report (UCR) to the State each month. In September, the division also transitioned the UCR program in EPPD to the new National Incident-Based Reporting System (known as NIBRS), in advance of the FBI's national final target date of January 2021. The Telephone Reporting Unit provides an alternative method for community members to report non-emergency incidents and minor accidents, eliminating the need for dispatching police officers to make those reports. In 2019, Telephone Report Takers answered more than 21,000 calls, and created 12,678 police reports. GRANTS The Grants Division provides sound financial management to promote efficient and effective use of PD grant funds. During fiscal year 2019, the El Paso Police Department received 8.4 million dollars in grants which helped support a wide range of law enforcement activities. This division is made up of two accountants, a project accountant, a senior accountant, a senior planner, a HIDTA administrator, and a grant project manager. The division is responsible for seeking grant funding, preparing grant applications, monitoring programs to ensure grant compliance, accounting for expenditures, and preparing reimbursement requests.
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION • 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
HUMAN RESOURCES The El Paso Police Department’s Human Resources Section consists of an Employee Relations and Staffing Unit, a Payroll Unit, and a Backgrounds and Recruiting Unit. The Employee Relations and Staffing Unit assists supervisors and employees with workplace concerns and conducts civilian and uniformed employee recruitments in order to fill vacancies through new hires and employee promotions. The Payroll Unit assists all department employees in various aspects of their payroll to ensure accurate and timely paychecks while adhering to collectively bargained provisions and city policies and procedures. The Backgrounds and Recruiting Unit is responsible for the recruitment and background research of police officer applicants to fill police academies as well as the background research of all city employees, vendors, and contractors in positions that require Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) access. The officer on staff with the Abandoned Auto Unit is responsible for conducting 68-A VIN inspections for the Police Department and the El Paso public to establish the vehicle’s true identity. The officer clears vehicles of any contraband ensuring the safety of the staff and public, in addition, prepares paperwork for asset forfeiture vehicles, and assists when a police presence is needed. The Abandoned Auto Unit and MVSF are overseen by the Abandoned Auto Unit Supervisor who is responsible for the staff and oversees the day-to-day operations to ensure the facility runs smoothly. The Abandoned Auto Unit Supervisor acts as a liaison between the El Paso Police Department, the City of El Paso, and URT. United Road Towing (URT) is an entity contracted by the City of El Paso to oversee the operation and management of the El Paso Police Department's MVSF. The MVSF operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. URT stores all the vehicles impounded by the El Paso Police Department and conducts auctions on a monthly basis. ABANDONED AUTO UNIT The El Paso Police Department's Abandoned Auto Unit is much more than tagging and impounding abandoned vehicles throughout the city of El Paso. This unit is comprised of three tow truck operators, two property and evidence specialists, and one law enforcement officer, who are vital to the oversight of the Municipal Vehicle Storage Facility (MVSF) and to the enforcement of various city ordinances. Due to the ever growing population of El Paso, the Abandoned Auto Unit is vital in keeping the streets of El Paso clean and free from vehicles that should otherwise not be congesting the streets and in violation of city ordinances. On a daily basis, the unit’s tow truck operators go out into the public notifying and impounding vehicles while assisting the El Paso Police Department. Last year the tow truck operators impounded 232 vehicles off the El Paso city streets and transferred 394 vehicles for the El Paso Police Department.
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EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • NEW INITIATIVES
NEW INITIATIVES
FARO 3D SCENE DIAGRAMMING SCANNER
The El Paso Police Department has come a long way with new modern technology. When it comes to documenting crime scenes, the department recently used confiscated funds to purchase a 3D diagramming scanner known as a Faro Focus “S” series Laser Scanner. Unlike other measuring devices, such as the total stations that diagrams scenes by shooting hundreds of data points, the Faro Laser Scanner has the capability of shooting almost one million data points (called 3D point clouds) per second. Upon completion of diagramming scenes with the Faro Laser Scanner, it documents the scene with over a trillion points of data and information. A scene drawing or diagram is composed of millions of points that compose a 3D rendering of the scene with an accuracy error of plus or minus one millimeter. The 3D point clouds then can then be used to produce lifelike 3D realistic diagrams and animations to document the scenes. These can later be delivered as visually compelling testimony to use in court. Digital walk-through animations through the point
OLD SCANNER
FARO FOCUS
clouds can be used to see just how the scene looked when it was scanned. The Faro Scanner ultimately is used to capture, analyze and deliver the data of the scene that can later aid to prove or disprove a crime. The El Paso Police Department now also has two Crime Scene Officers who are certified Faro instructors and are one of the only two certified instructors within a 300 mile radius.
NARCOTIC DUCTLESS FUME HOODS
The El Paso Police Department ensured their officers are well protected against exposure to narcotics by installing new Narcotic Ductless Fume Hoods. The fume hoods were placed at each of the five regional commands and also at the Gang Center. One of the main reasons the Narcotic Fume Hoods were installed is the drug Fentanyl, which is “50 to 100 times more powerful than Morphine” according to the Center for Disease Control. Drugs as strong as Fentanyl can be absorbed though the skin or inhaled accidentally if handled and/or tested in an uncontrolled environment, such as a traffic stop. By transporting the possible narcotic to a Narcotics Ductless Fume Hood location, the officer can safely and effectively test the narcotic without the risk of possible exposure. The Narcotics Ductless Fume Hood is just another solution to keeping officers
safe and ensuring they go home to their families at the end of their shift.
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
GRAND CANDELA - DEDICATED IN HONOR OF THE VICTIMS OF AUGUST 3RD
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August 3, 2019, a day that will be cemented in El Paso’s and the United States’ history. A day when tragedy struck and claimed the lives of 23 innocent people who were just going about their day. This day began just like any other, the sun was shining and everyone was living their lives as usual. At the Walmart located at 7101 Gateway West, thousands of customers gathered to take advantage of the back to school deals. The peace was broken at 10:39 a.m. when the first distress call to 911 was received advising of an active shooter in progress. As a result, 23 people lost their lives and 24 more were badly injured. Although the victims lost their lives that day, their memory will live on forever in the hearts of their families and every person that this incident has affected. The intent from this incident was clear: one hate-filled person from outside our loving community tried to intimidate and break as many lives as he could. But he did the opposite. The person failed to realize just how strong and supportive the residents of El Paso are. El Paso and its fellow Americans displayed a toughness and resilience as we had never seen before. The tragedy prompted acts of kindness and support from the entire country. The whole nation came together and through their kindness were able to collect over six million dollars for the victims and their families. Locally, hundreds lined up at the blood donation centers across El Paso to donate blood for the victims. Endless supplies were collected to aid the victims and first responders. This day will forever remain in our minds and hearts, but it will not break us. We are, have been, and always will be EL PASO STRONG EL PASO STRONG • 2019 ANNUAL REPORT EL PASO STRONG
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2019 ANNUAL REPORT
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ANDRE ANCHONDO
JORDAN ANCHONDO
ARTURO BENAVIDES
DAVID ALVAH JOHNSON
LEONARDO CAMPOS, JR.
MARIBEL LOYA
JUAN DE DIOS VELÁZQUEZ CHAIREZ ZQUEZ CHAIREZ
JORGE CALVILLO GARCÍA
JAVIER AMIR RODRIGUEZ
ADOLFO CERROS HERNÁNDEZ
44 SARA ESTHER REGALADO
MARGIE RECKARD
2019 ANNUAL REPORT
LUIS ALFONSO JUAREZ
RAUL ESTRADA FLORES
MARIA MUNOZ FLORES
ANGELINA ENGLISBEE
MARÍA EUGENIA A EUGENIA LEGARRETA ROTHE
TERESA GUERRA SANCHEZ
ELSA MENDOZA MÁRQUEZ
GLORIA IRMA MÁRQUEZ
IVAN FILIBERTO MANZANO
Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day... No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there.
ALEXANDER GERHARD HOFFMAN
45 GUILLERMO GARCIA
- Unknown Author
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