2024 Annual Report
Chief Executive Officer
Joseph W. Costa
Welcome to the DeSoto Police Department ’ s Annual Report for 2024! Thank you for taking an interest in
our department and for the support we receive from the community, the city administration and our
elected officials. We hope that you will enjoy this edition and become informed of some of the
highlights relative to the overall efforts and activities of the dedicated men and women that make up
the entire department. This includes all of our officers, employees and volunteers in Patrol, CID,
Administration, Code Enforcement, Animal Control and the DeSoto Regional Jail.
We are pleased to announce that we realized a decrease of 8.4% in overall crime in DeSoto in 2024.
Many categories were down last year as compared to 2023. Sex offenses and robberies decreased by
15% and 6%. Property crimes were 14% less than in 2023! Traffic safety in DeSoto is a high priority and
our patrol and traffic officers have taken a more aggressive approach to speeding and DWI.
I want to thank each of you, our citizens, for partnering with us to maintain order and keep our City safe.
Now, more than ever, I encourage each of you to take an interest in your Police Department. Attend the
next Citizen Police Academy, come on out and ride - a - long with a Police Officer, or Code Enforcement
Officer, for an hour or two, take a tour of YOUR Police Department building, attend a town hall meeting,
or become a volunteer. By all means, get involved and get to know the men and women of the
Department that serve you each and every day.
Thanks to all of our Officers, employees and volunteers that work together to make our Department
better and our City safe! Thanks to every one of them for their devoted and committed efforts dealing
with the challenges of 2024!
Assistant Chief
Ryan Jesionek
Assistant Chief Jesionek is responsible for the daily oversight of the operations of the Police Department, which includes the Patrol Division, Support Services Division, the DeSoto Regional Jail, and Code Enforcement/Animal Control. The Police Department is authorized 88 Sworn Officers and approximately 50 full and part - time civilian personnel providing Police Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week and serves an area of 21.6 square miles. The year 2024 brought an eight percent decrease in overall crime in the City of DeSoto, which included specific decreases in the number of burglaries, robberies, sexual assaults and motor vehicle thefts as compared to 2023. Last year also saw the DeSoto Police Department begin a push for improvement of its relations and levels of engagement with the community. While community engagement is always a concern of the Department, the PD wanted to increase its focus on this area and did so through a seven - point plan that includes specific goals such as increasing police visibility in and engagement with the community, improving relationships with apartment complex management and residents, and evaluating and adding to its current offering of community events. The DeSoto Police Department is divided into different divisions - Administration, Patrol, Support Services, Jail, and Code Enforcement/Animal Control, and some units are divided into sub - divisions by function.
ADMINISTRATION DIVISION
The Administration Division includes both the Chief of Police and the Assistant Chief of Police, and it houses the Department ’ s Professional Standards, Hiring & Backgrounds, Training, and Records personnel.
PATROL DIVISION
The Patrol Division is commanded by a Captain and is broken down into four 12 - hour patrol shifts. The Department ’ s Patrol Lieutenants each have command of a single Patrol Shift and each Patrol Lieutenant is assigned the individual responsibility for a single Patrol District. The Lieutenants then utilize data to develop plans for proactive responses. Those strategies play a significant role in reducing crime. In 2024 DeSoto Police Officers handled more than 118,000 calls for service, to include over 72,000 self - initiated calls (like patrolling neighborhoods, businesses, or specific areas of concern) and almost 14,000 traffic stops.
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISON
The Support Services Division is commanded by a Captain and consists of the Department ’ s Criminal Investigations Division (CID), School Resource Officers (SROs), Crisis Assessment Resource Engagement (CARE) Team personnel, as well as the Department ’ s Community Engagement/Crime Prevention Officers.
DESOTO REGIONAL JAIL
The DeSoto Police Department operates a regional municipal holding facility that serves the cities of DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Glenn Heights, Ovilla and Duncanville as well as Duncanville ISD, Charlton Methodist Hospital and the University of North Texas - Dallas. The Regional Jail serves a geographic area of approximately 112 square miles populated by nearly 200,000 residents and is one of the only regional municipal jail facilities in the Dallas - Ft. Worth metroplex.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Code Enforcement is supervised by a civilian manager who also oversees the city's Animal Control function. DeSoto ’ s Code Enforcement Team strives to maintain and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens by holding both residents and visitors accountable to DeSoto ’ s City Ordinances. Their enforcement actions not only keep the City clean and well - maintained, but they also enhance the safety and well - being of those who live in, work in, and visit DeSoto.
PARTNERSHIPS
The Department maintains partnerships with many different community groups, boards, and commissions such as Homeowner ’ s Associations (HOAs), the City ’ s clergy members through DeSoto Police Clergy and Community (DPCC), the Citizens Police Advisory Committee (CPAC), the Domestic Violence Advisory Commission (DVAC), and our Citizen Police Academy and its Alumni Association (CPAAA). These partnerships help keep the Department engaged with community members and informed of community concerns.
Support Services Division Terry Baker, Captain
The Support Services Division is commanded by Captain Terry Baker with the support of an Administrative Assistant, Erin McQueen. The Division encompasses several smaller departments such as the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), School Resource Officers (SRO), Crime Scene and Property Evidence, CARE Team, Community Service Officers (CSO), Crime Prevention, K9 and Task Force. The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is responsible for conducting complete and thorough investigations of criminal offenses, and the preparation and filing of criminal cases with the Dallas County District Attorney ’ s Office for prosecution. CID includes one Lieutenant, one Sergeant, seven full - time Detectives, a part - time Detective and a Civilian Investigator. Additionally, two specially trained Patrol Officers assist CID by investigating vehicle - related crimes, such as “ hit - and - run ” offenses.
In 2024, the Criminal Investigations Division investigated 1,859 cases with a 43% clearance rate. The Division also prepared 341 arrest warrants for issuance, to include 200 felony arrest warrants.
Criminal Investigations Division
Sgt. Summers
Cpl. Archibald
Det. Acosta
Lt. Penwarden
Det. Incremona Det. Montemayor
Det. Varela
Det. Cordova
Det. Watson
C. Frederick
Det. Pitts
E. McQueen
CID Reserve Officers
Officer T. Jones
Officer J. Watson
Officer C. Tyner
In addition to the Criminal Investigations Division, Reserve Officers T. Jones and C. Tyner assisted with Sex Offender Registration. In 2024, Officer Jones and Officer Tyner registered 16 new Sex Offenders, completed 21 home and work compliance checks, and issued 8 warrants for arrest to those Sex Offenders who failed to comply and register annually. There were 4 successful arrests out of the 8 warrants issued in 2024. There were also 177 contacts made to update offender information, gather DNA samples, issue travel forms and conduct interviews. In addition to registering and updating Sex Offenders information, Officer C. Tyner, with the help of Reserve Officer M. Pendley, transported 901 inmates to Dallas County Jail from our facility in 2024.
Records Division
Guillermina Jaimes, Supervisor
The DeSoto Records Division is responsible for maintaining all reports generated by the Police Department. The Records Division is staffed by Supervisor Guillermina Jaimes, three full time technicians Shara Colbert, Temishia Crockett, and Valerie Mandley and one part - time Technician. In September of 2021, our Department implemented the use of an Online Portal to accept Open Records requests which also allowed us the opportunity to implement an Online payment option as well. Toward the end of 2022, Records began a huge undertaking of converting all paper documents to an electronic copy to allow for more consistent record keeping and open up some needed space in the Department. In October of 2023, with the help of the City Manager ’ s Office, our Online Open Records portal received a much needed upgrade to JustFIOA. With the new system, we will be able to offer continued electronic release of documents and it will allow us to electronically release videos. Records staff answers all record requests from the public as well as other law enforcement agencies, Dallas County District Attorney, DeSoto City Court, Child Protective Service and Military. The staff also submits NCIC/TCIC validation reports and Uniform Crime Reports which detail the FBI crime statistics for DeSoto. The charts below show the comparisons over the past three years.
COMPARISON BY YEAR
2022
2023
2024
OPEN RECORDS REQUEST PUBLIC
3,493
3,377
2,395
NON - PUBLIC REQUEST
826
1,344
1,413
LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUND CHECKS
380
267
220
EXPUNCTION ORDER
132
60
FEES COLLECTED
$8,220.30
$10,892.32
$11,172.62
ARREST REPORT
1,048
1,379
1,431
ACCIDENT REPORT
489
476
518
Temishia Crockett
Shara Colbert
Valerie Mandley
Crime Scene & Property
The DeSoto Police Department ’ s Crime Scene and Property Division is maintained by Crime Scene and Evidence Technicians, Shayla Hamilton and Katelyn Capra. The Crime Scene & Property Division is responsible for the Intake, Processing, Retention and Disposition of all evidence seized by Officers in the performance of their duties. Responsibilities include taking photographs and physical measurements of crime scenes, identifying and collecting forensic evidence, and maintaining the proper chain of custody of that evidence. Monthly, quarterly and annual audits are conducted by Command Staff Officers to ensure adherence to state laws as well as accountability and proper documentation of all transactions in the handling of evidentiary materials.
Tech K. Capra
Tech S. Hamilton
In 2024, the Crime Scene & Property Division received over 2,796 pieces of evidence, while processing over 1,664 items for return and disposal. By the end of the year 16,397 items were retained. Additionally, over 1,500 items per year are delivered by the Division to applicable Crime Labs, outside law enforcement agencies. A full detailed Chain of Custody Record is maintained for all property and evidence that is processed .
Community Service Officers (CSO)
CSO S. Giles
CSO T. Crockett
CSO R. Martin
CSO Nikki Giles has been assigned as the Department ’ s Community Liaison. She is responsible for building a positive relationship with the community through interactions and attending annual community HOA meetings, where she presents crime stats, school events, city functions and more. In 2024, she attended over 12 community HOA meetings along with various other City and community gatherings.
CSO R. Martin and CSO T. Crockett are tasked with taking reports that are not in - progress calls, helping alleviate the call load the sworn Police Officers have, therefore, freeing up Patrol Officer in order for them to focus on priority calls. Together, both CSO R. Martin and CSO T. Crockett have taken 303 reports ranging from Motor Vehicle Thefts to Fraud.
Canine Unit
Officer Gwiazdor
Officer Robertson
In 2024 the newly reformed DeSoto Police Canine Unit celebrated its second complete year of service. The Unit can perform various tasks such as area searches, tracking, building searches, evidence searches, and SWAT operations . In 2024, Gwiazdor and Officer Robertson completed 420.5 hours of training, 1,981 calls for service, 66 canine deployments, made 40 arrests, and completed 43 offense reports. As a result of those 66 deployments, the Canine Unit made 33 seizures, and located 7 people while never using force (Canine Bite). Statistically, Thursdays and Fridays are the Unit's most active days, and canine deployment stayed relatively steady throughout the entire year.
Patrol Division Grady Kirkland, Captain
The Patrol Division is the largest component of the DeSoto Police Department, operating around the clock with a team of 49 uniformed police Officers, including six currently undergoing training at the Police Academy. This Division comprises various roles, including Patrol Officers, Special Response Team Officers, Traffic Officers, Drone Operators, and a Canine Officer. Patrol Officers serve as the most visible representatives of the Police Department and are typically the first point of contact for citizens seeking assistance. The primary mission of the DeSoto Patrol Division is to safeguard the community, enforce laws, and respond effectively to service calls. By maintaining a visible presence, Patrol Officers deter crime while collaborating with the community to address concerns and foster positive relationships. Each officer is committed to making informed decisions, being highly visible in the community, and applying the law in a fair and reasonable manner. In 2024, DeSoto Officers responded to a wide range of service calls, creating opportunities to prevent crime and disorder, identify criminal activity, apprehend violent offenders, and enhance crime prevention through visibility. Throughout the year, the Patrol Division operated with a staff shortage yet maintained a positive outlook while fulfilling their responsibilities. The anticipated addition of the six Officers from the academy will further strengthen the Patrol Division's capability to ensure public safety for our citizens. “ It is said that we often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. In the spirit of gratitude, I want to express my appreciation for the Patrol Division officers for your unwavering service to the City of DeSoto and the Department. Your hard work and commitment will sometimes go unnoticed by your peers and the public, but will always be appreciated by someone, somewhere. ” - Capt. Kirkland
P ATROL S UPERVISORS
ALPHA SHIFT
Larry Walker, Lieutenant
Andrew Wood, Sergeant
Alberto Michaelson, Corporal
BRAVO SHIFT
Chris Huerta, Lieutenant
Rickey Owens, Sergeant
Jeremy Kirchner, Corporal
CHARLIE SHIFT
Justin Rivette, Lieutenant
John Holder, Sergeant
Patrick Krekel, Corporal
DELTA SHIFT
Robby Stevenson, Lieutenant
Joshua Parker, Sergeant
Rederick Wooten, Corporal
W ARREN S UMMERS , S ERGEANT
G RADY K IRKLAND , C APTAIN
The DeSoto Police Field Training Program is structured with an Administrator, two Coordinators, four Field Training Supervisors, and ten Field Training Officers. This rigorous eighteen - week training course is designed for new Officers who have completed the Police Academy, covering various aspects of law enforcement application, Department Standard Operating Procedures, and Administrative Directives. The training program begins with four weeks of classroom instruction, followed by fourteen weeks of on - the - job street training. Throughout this fourteen - week training cycle, recruits are guided by at least three different Field Training Officers during each of the three phases. Upon successful completion of the eighteen weeks, new Officers enter a final two - week "Evaluation Phase," where they operate independently as Patrol Officers under the supervision of a Field Training Evaluator. Officers who successfully pass the Evaluation Phase will be formally assigned to a Patrol Shift. In 2024, nine recruits participated in the program, with eight successfully completing the entire training process .
2024
F IELD T RAINING
S UPERVISORS
Cpl. Kirchner
Sgt. Holder
Cpl. Quick
Cpl. Wooten
F IELD T RAINING O FFICERS
V. Gonzalez
L. Morales
D. Grubbs
K. Ratliff
F IELD T RAINING
O FFICERS
C. Nolen
V. Grubb
J. Jackson
E. Gonzalez
A. Michaelson
P. Varela
Public Information Unit
Chris Huerta
Luis Morales
Brittney Green
Lieutenant
The 2024 Public Information Unit consists of four Public Information Officers (PIOs) who are authorized by the Chief of Police to disseminate information about the Department to both the media and the general public. Captain Grady Kirkland oversees the PIOs, while Lieutenant Chris Huerta serves as the primary contact for news media inquiries. Officer Luis Morales holds the role of the Department's primary Social Media Officer and is responsible for managing all Police social media platforms. Committed to enhancing communication and transparency with the community, the unit has recently expanded to include a fourth member, Officer Brittney Green, whose expertise and insight as a Social Media Officer will be invaluable to the team.
Capt. G. Kirkland
Citizens on Patrol
Director :
COP Coordinator:
Lieutenant Chris Huerta
Myra Rand
Citizens on Patrol Program Overview Introduction: The Citizens on Patrol (COP) program is an essential initiative created to encourage active participation between community members and the Police Department in maintaining safety and security. It fosters a spirit of collaboration, where trained citizens support law enforcement by patrolling designated areas, acting as extra "eyes and ears" to identify and report suspicious activities, while ensuring that neighborhoods remain safe for all residents. Purpose: The purpose of the Citizens on Patrol program is to assist law enforcement agencies in deterring crime and increasing community awareness. The program helps build a stronger, safer community through enhanced communication and cooperation between the Police Department and local residents. Volunteers are trained to be an additional set of eyes, identifying potential risks, preventing crimes, and providing a visible, non - confrontational presence in the community. Role of Citizens: Citizens who volunteer for this program play a crucial role in maintaining the well - being of their neighborhoods. Some of their key responsibilities include:
1. Patrolling Designated Areas: Volunteers patrol neighborhoods, parks, schools, and commercial areas during scheduled times. They look out for unusual or suspicious activity. 2. Reporting Suspicious Behavior: Observations of suspicious activities, abandoned vehicles, vandalism, or other crimes are reported immediately to the police. Citizens are trained to take detailed notes without engaging directly with suspects. 3. Promoting Community Safety: Volunteers provide a visible presence in neighborhoods, helping deter criminal behavior and encouraging community members to stay vigilant. 4. Acting as Liaisons: Citizens on Patrol may also assist with community outreach efforts, such as neighborhood meetings, safety workshops, or school programs, helping to bridge the gap between law enforcement and local residents. 5 . Assisting with Events and Patrols: Volunteers may be called upon to assist with special events or public gatherings to ensure safety protocols are in place and provide additional eyes on the ground. 6 . Training and Requirements: All participants in the Citizens on Patrol program must undergo a comprehensive training program to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute effectively. This training includes: • Personal Safety: How to remain safe while on patrol, avoid dangerous situations, and handle potentially volatile situations. • Reporting Procedures: How to accurately report suspicious activities, vehicles, and other relevant observations to law enforcement. • Understanding Legal Boundaries: Ensuring that volunteers understand their role does not involve taking enforcement action, but instead focusing on observing and reporting. Communication Skills: Training in clear and concise communication when interacting with both law enforcement and community members. Strengthening Community Bonds: Volunteers build relationships with law enforcement and other residents, creating a sense of unity in the community. Positive Impact on Crime Prevention: The program provides a direct way for citizens to reduce crime in their neighborhoods. Increased Awareness and Education: Citizens learn about safety measures, local crime trends, and how they can protect themselves and others. Recognition: Dedicated volunteers may receive recognition from the Police Department, such as certificates or awards for their service and commitment. How to Join: Interested individuals can apply through the local Police Department ’ s community outreach or volunteer program office. Applicants are typically required to submit an application, undergo a background check, and attend an orientation session to become certified as a COP volunteer .
Police Reserve Officers
Brandon Pollard, Sergeant
In 2024 the Reserve Officer Program was supervised by Sergeant Brandon Pollard, a 13 year veteran of the Police Department. The DeSoto Police Reserve Program is a unit of dedicated men and women committed to making DeSoto a better place to live, visit, and work while some are continuing their full - time careers. These Reserve Officers go through a full Police Academy and become fully certified Peace Officers before applying to the program. The Police Reserves endure the same hiring processes and training standards as our full - time Officers. Most of the Reserve Officers provide a vast amount of law enforcement experience to the agency. The personal rewards are well worth the effort and commitment made by these volunteers to the Reserve Program. The current Reserve Officers have more than 200 years of law enforcement experience combined. The program consisted of eight Reserve Officers serving in such capacities as Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Jail and Transports, assisting in hiring and backgrounds, as well as one on the Regional Negotiations Team and a Drone pilot. The Reserve Officers worked several special events during the year including the Homecoming Parade, Juneteenth, Crawfish Festival, Football Games and the Reserve Officers were utilized several times this past year to assist Patrol due to major incidents. The DeSoto Reserve Officer Program is one of the very few that actually pays the Officers an hourly wage.
Reserve Police Officers
LUPE VALDEZ
TANYA VANWINKLE
JOE WATSON
TEDDY JONES
CHARLIE TYNER
MARK HOWARD
MARLENA PENDLEY
BRETT EVANS
DPCC Liason
Sgt. B. Pollard
The DeSoto Police Clergy and Community (D.P.C.C) is a coalition formed between the DeSoto Police, concerned citizens and the ministers who live in DeSoto or serve citizens in our community. DPCC , was formed to help our community address the root causes of violence in the community.
MISSION .
DPCC partner with the Police Department as a resource for the community. DPCC provides tools to help area youth achieve great things, and strengthen and assist families in preventing negative outcomes that can hinder their well - being.
DESCRIPTION
In 2010, we began discussions to address the growing violence among youth in the community; and thus, DeSoto Police Clergy and Community (DPCC) was officially formed. Monthly meetings are held to strategize on how to address important topics that affect our community. This collaboration of numerous churches and the Police Department led to the implementation of several important programs, including Ministers on Call Now, Lay Person On Call, Gang Prevention and Behavioral Management Ministry Programs, Tutorial Programs, Counseling, Mentoring and Parenting. DPCC is a volunteer based organization and continues to grow. It reflects a community working together to solve issues of concern. The ministers attend formal training similar to the curriculum for the Citizen Police Academy. The training sessions ensure that the participants understand the policies and procedures of the Police Department. The members also share information about the ministries available through their own churches. Some have programs in place to provide counseling for family violence, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, and support groups for Child Sexual Abuse, etc. They also have special outreach ministries for our youth. The sessions are an opportunity to exchange information and forge a solid working relationship. Through this coalition with the Police Department, ministers from various faith groups volunteer to be “ on call ” when a family member, victim or perpetrator requests counseling. DeSoto Police Clergy and Community (DPCC) can be called on to provide counseling for family violence situations, car accidents, or disruptive behavior among our adolescents. You will also see them at athletic events and other public gatherings. .
2024 PROMOTIONS
Lieutenant
Robby Stevenson
Sergeant
John Holder
Corporal
Taylor Archibald
2024 PROMOTIONS
Corporal
Eric Montemayor
Corporal
Brandon Quick
Corporal
Alberto Michaelson
Cpl. T. Archibald SUPERVISOR
OF THE YEAR
2024
Joshua Busch OFFICER
OF THE YEAR
2024
Jose Sanchez Jr. ROOKIE
OF THE YEAR
2024
LIFE SAVING
BAR AWARD
2024
I. Anaya
S. Rodriguez
J. Hightower
DeSoto Regional Jail
Jail Mission Statement: It is our mission as the DeSoto Regional Jail to maintain care, custody and control of inmates that are confined in our jail in a constitutional manner. We maintain a safe jail environment that is in compliance with State and Local laws. Our Jailers promote a safe environment that is consistent with human dignity and that is free from personal prejudice and discrimination .
Lieutenant Len Chadwick
The DeSoto Jail is a contract facility and works in full partnership with the cities of DeSoto, Lancaster, Cedar Hill, Glenn Heights and Duncanville Police Departments as a full partnership. Each City contributes to the operational cost. The facility is also a contract facility for Charlton Methodist Hospital. Other Agencies that use our facility include Cedar Valley College Police, Lancaster ISD Police, Duncanville ISD and University of North Texas Police Departments. The DeSoto Jail can currently hold 55 inmates at a time. In 2023 the participating agencies combined for a total of 4,812 arrests and in 2024 the jail housed 5,074 arrestees which is an increase of 262 from the previous year.
The DeSoto Jail has its own in - house inmate transport team which transports four times weekly. This insures inmates with a charge higher than a Class - C Misdemeanor offense are arraigned by a Dallas County Magistrate in a timely manner for bond purposes. DeSoto Jail transported 1,480 inmates to Dallas County Jail. This past year Dallas County also picked up 899 for a total of 2,379.
Cpl. Montemayor
Lt. Penwarden
In 2024, the DeSoto Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program continued to expand its capabilities, most notably with the successful acquisition and implementation of the Drones as First Responder (DFR) program. This initiative enhances public safety by enabling drones to be the first units on scene, providing real - time aerial intelligence to first responders before Officers or Firefighters arrive. Currently led by Program Coordinator Lt. H. Penwarden , the UAS program has grown from a single small aircraft to a robust fleet of eight advanced drones , including two Brinc Lemur 2s and several other mission - specific platforms. The City holds an FAA - approved Certificate of Authority , allowing operations within DeSoto ’ s territorial boundaries under FAA regulations. Expanded Capabilities With the addition of DFR, our 10 certified FAA pilots now play an even more critical role in supporting Police and Fire operations. These enhanced capabilities include:
Ofc. Hightower
Ofc. Anguiano
Ofc. Grubb
Ofc. Hopkins
• Drones as First Responder (DFR): Immediate deployment to emergency calls, providing live - streamed aerial intelligence to dispatchers and responders.
• Law Enforcement Support: Pursuits, robberies, burglaries, active shooter situations, perimeter establishment, and aerial search.
• Emergency & Disaster Response: Traffic accidents, storm damage assessments, hazmat incidents, search and rescue, and fire operations. Community & City Operations Beyond emergency response, the UAS program continues to support various City departments, including:
Cpl. Krekel
Ofc. Mobley
Economic Development: Aerial imaging for Planning, Zoning, and City Council.
GARY PERKINS
JON BATTLE
MELISSA FRANKS
1983 - 2024
1994 - 2024
2005 - 2025
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS TRAINING COORDINATOR Officer K. Harlem
The purpose of the Training Coordinator is to conduct and coordinate Department training, including scheduling and documenting ongoing training of personnel. The Coordinator acts as a liaison between the Department and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. (TCOLE). The DeSoto Police Department Training Division also provides and reports training for 5 other local law enforcement agencies. Our agency is responsible for providing training to approximately 250 sworn Officers. In 2024 we provided over 10,000 hours of training and had aver 600 Officers attend various courses that we hosted. The DeSoto Police Department instructs Officers in a wide range of subjects to include:
Defensive Tactics
Firearms Proficiency (basic and advanced)
Basic SWAT School & Hostage Negotiations
Crisis Intervention Training (mental health crisis)
De - escalation Tactics
Taser Certifications
Rapid Deployment & Ballistic Shield Operations
Use of force and Arrest, Search & Seizure
Advanced Law Enforcement Active Response (ALERRT/Active shooter) courses– Solo Officer Response to Active Threats, Level 1 Active Shooter, Low Light tactics & First Responder Medical. DeSoto Police Department continues to partner with the DeSoto ISD which allows us to use DeSoto East Middle School to conduct many of our training courses. This has allowed us to host outside entities in addition to our courses and has given us the opportunity to provide valuable training to hundreds of sworn Officers in the region.
Community Liasion Officer Ryan has been with the Department since 2015. Officer Jessica Ryan ’ s duties include serving as the Community Liaison Officer, Crime Prevention Officer, Recruiter, Off Duty Coordinator and Narcotics Trainer for the DeSoto Police Department. In addition to this, each spring Officer Ryan oversees the City of DeSoto ’ s Senior Symposium where elder Citizens are treated to an annual information and awareness event. The program serves over 200 attendees and consists of free health screening, and up - to date crime prevention information. The Super Heroes & Badges program was created in June 2017. Officers wearing superhero costumes, while displaying their DeSoto PD badge have attended multiple school/city events since its implementation. This draws the children ’ s attention by allowing them to meet their, “ heroes ” while allowing the Officers the opportunity to educate them on Stranger Danger, bullying, not to touch guns, utilizing the buddy system when walking to school and drug/alcohol awareness. Through this program the Officers are able to reassure the children the Police are here to help them, not hurt them.
A special thank you to Officer Jessica Ryan a.k.a. “ Wonder Woman ” for her time and effort into this program.
Crime Prevention As the Crime Prevention Officer, Officer Ryan ’ s duties include educating the public on lessening their chances of being victimized by assisting them in establishing Crime Watch groups in their neighborhood. She completed all three training courses mandated by the state to be a certified Crime Prevention Officer. She has implemented the free Home/Business Security program for any home and/or business owner in DeSoto. She will inspect the perimeter along with several safety issues inside of the home/ business, and provide feedback which will assist the individual/business in being more proactive against burglary and theft. She oversees the Project Child Safe Program in partnership with NAAGA (National African American Gun Association) which provides free gunlocks to anyone who owns a firearm. She also attends regular Home Owners Association meetings to deliver and discuss crime statistics and “ target hardening ” techniques for the citizens.
Citizen Police Academy (CPA) The Citizen Police Academy is a 12 - week interactive class which meets on Tuesday nights for 3 hours. It is designed for those who live or work in DeSoto. In the Academy the students participate in training on Narcotics, Patrol, DWI education, Crime Scene, Dispatch, Drones and even Gun Range training. In December 2024, DeSoto CPA class #51 graduated 13 students.
The DeSoto Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association The DeSoto Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (DCPAAA) was formed to promote communication and create partnerships between the DeSoto Police Department and citizens within the community. Alumni members help with special events, education and fundraising for items not covered in the budget, but are still considered departmental needs. Members also assist with front desk coverage at the Police Station to provide support for the Department. Over the years the organization has continued to prove they are a very important resource for the Police Department and the City of DeSoto.
In 2024 the DCPAAA and Citizens on Patrol members provided 1,091 volunteer hours, assisting the Department at a value of $71,384 to the citizens of DeSoto.
Recruitment Officer Ryan visited with 4 Police Academy classes, participated in 1 job fair and conducted approximately 250 recruitment calls in an attempt to boost attendance at the Civil Service exams. She also contacted military job placement coordinators to send email blasts regarding the upcoming exams to soldiers exiting the military. Officer Luis Morales and Officer Brittney Green have been appointed as Social Media Coordinators to keep the Department ’ s social media updated. They assisted by posting the Department ’ s upcoming exam information on all social media platforms, and corresponding with the recruiters.
Two Civil Service exams were held in 2024 (June and November):
The June test had approximately 25 applicants pass both the written exam and physical agility test. Nine were hired with three already being TCOLE certified Police Officers, and have passed Field Training. They have all been assigned to patrol. Six Police Officer cadets were hired, and graduated from the Police academy. Each of them have already passed Field Training, and have been assigned to patrol. The November test had approximately 34 applicants pass both the written exam and physical agility test. Out of those 27, 3 were hired, one was already a TCOLE certified Police Officer. www.ncpc.org
From all of us here at YOUR DeSoto Police Department, we thank each and everyone of you for your support, and continued support. We wish you a great and prosperous 2025! If we can be of assistance, please don ’ t hesitate to call on us.
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