DESOTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
2023 Annual Report
Chief Executive Officer
Joseph W. Costa
Welcome to the DeSoto Police Department ’ s Annual Report for 2023! 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. In 2023, our overall crime increased by 9%. However, there are some bright spots even with this increase. We are all very pleased that there were ZERO Homicides in DeSoto last year, as compared to four in 2022. Aggravated Assaults were down by 3.9% and Robberies decreased by 31.4%! We can be proud of the fact that over the last five years, violent crime has decreased by 5.5% and Family Violenceis down by 3.1%. Traffic safety in DeSoto is a high priority and in 2023 our patrol and traffic officers took a more aggressive approach to speeding and DWI. More citations were issued for traffic violations and eighty intoxicated drivers were taken into custody. Our budgeted officer positions increased by five bringing our total number of officer positions to eighty - eight. We increased the number of fixed speed radar signs and we will continue to install them throughout the city.
With the retirement of our civilian Jail Commander, Brett Evans, Lieutenant Len Chadwick was permanently assigned to lead and manage the day to day operation of the DeSoto Regional Jail. Servicing DeSoto and our regional partners, our jail processed over 4100 arrestees.
Long time Code Enforcement Manager, Charles Humphrey, retired in 2023 and Supervisor Tammy Washington was promoted to replace Humphrey. One full - time Code Enforcement Officer position was added and Animal Control became fully staffed in October.
Thank you to 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 an 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 Officers 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 efforts dealing with the challenges of 2023!
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 2023 brought a slight increase in overall crime in the City of DeSoto, but did include specific decreases in the number of homicides, robberies, and aggravated assaults as compared to 2022. The DeSoto Police Department is divided into different divisions to include 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 and 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. 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 2023 DeSoto Police Officers handled more than 115,000 calls for service, to include almost 70,000 self - initiated calls (like patrolling neighborhoods, businesses, or specific areas of concern).
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. New additions to the Department in 2023 include three civilian Community Service Officers, jointly managed by both the Patrol and Support Services Divisions. Their function is to enhance community/police relations and assist the Department with informational reporting and tasks not requiring sworn personnel. The program has been successful at bridging gaps in communication and has created a number of relationships already.
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 that is 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 Animal Control function in the City. 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 Support Services Division encompasses several smaller Departments such as the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), School Resource Officers (SRO), Crime Scene and Property, 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, one part - time Detective and one Civilian Investigator. Additionally, two specially trained Patrol Officers assist CID by investigating vehicle - related crimes, such as “ hit - and - run ” offenses.
CID Reserve Officers
Officer T. Jones
Officer C. Tyner
In addition to the Criminal Investigations Division, Reserve Officers T. Jones and C. Tyner assisted with Sex Offender Registration and transporting inmates to the Dallas County Jail from our facility. In 2023, Officer Jones and Officer Tyner registered 14 new Sex Offenders, completed 32 home and work compliance checks, and issued 11 warrants for arrest to those Sex Offenders who failed to comply and register annually. There were nine successful arrest s out of the 11 warrants issued in 2023. There were also 170 contacts made to update offender information, gather DNA samples, issue travel forms and conduct interviews. Officer Jones and Officer Tyner have been a great asset to the Criminal Investigations Division. Their work has been able to alleviate some of the duties assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division freeing up the Detectives to focus on other areas of concern. In addition to registering Sex Offenders, Officer Jones and Officer Tyner transported 944 inmates to Dallas County Jail from our facility in 2023.
Criminal Investigations Division
Lt. Penwarden
Sgt. Summers
Det. Acosta
Det. Archibald
Det. Incremona
Det. Bruce
Det. Cordova
Det. Montemayor
Det. Pitts
Det. Watson
E.McQueen
S. Seay
Detective Thomas Redding
End of Watch April 17, 2023
Patrol Services Division Gary Perkins, Captain
Patrol Division
The DeSoto Police Department Patrol Division, the largest division of the Police Department, functions under the command of Captain Gary Perkins. As the first responders in most cases, the Patrol Division responded to 118,069 calls for service in 2023. Officers took 5,730 Incident Reports.
PATROL DIVISION
The Patrol Division is commanded by a Captain and is broken down into four 12 - hour patrol shifts. Each patrol shift is commanded by a Patrol Lieutenant. The four Patrol Lieutenants are each 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 crimes.
Division Responsibilities
The Patrol Division operates 24/7, 365 days per year. The Division has many responsibilities which include enforcement of all Federal, Sate, Traffic, and Municipal Ordinances. Patrol Police Officers respond to requests for service from citizens such as checking out suspicious activity or responding when life, health, or property is threatened.
Citizens Interaction
Patrol is the most visible part of the Police Department and has the most contact with the citizens. They encounter citizens on calls for service, taking reports and during traffic stops.
PATROL DIVISION
Sgt. Andrew Wood
Cpl. Brandon Quick
Lt. Justin Rivette
Lieutenant Rivette commands the “ Alpha Shift ” day patrol with two first line Supervisors
Lt. Chris Huerta
Cpl. John Holder
Sgt. Robby Stevenson
Lieutenant Huerta commands the “ Bravo Shift ” day patrol with two first line Supervisors
Cpl. Jeremy Kirchner
Lt. Grady Kirkland
Sgt. Ricky Owens
Lieutenant Kirkland commands the “ Charlie Shift ” night patrol with two first line Supervisors
Cpl. Roderick Wooten
Lt. Larry Walker
Sgt. Joshua Parker
Lieutenant Walker commands the “ Delta Shift ” night patrol with two first line Supervisors
Community Programs
Officer Jessica Ryan has been with the Department since 2015. Officer 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 Citizens annual health and safety symposium. The program serves over 200 attendees and consists of free health screenings, and up - to date crime prevention information. The Super Heroes and Badges program was created in June 2017. Officers wear superhero costumes, while displaying their DeSoto PD badge. They have attended multiple school and 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, utilizing the buddy system when walking to school and drug awareness. Through this program the Officers are able to reassure them the Police are here to help them.
A special thank you to Officer Jessica Ryan a.k.a. “ Wonder Woman ” for the time and effort she has put 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 a crime watch group in their neighborhood. She completed all three training courses mandated by the State of Texas 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 Childsafe program in partnership with the National African American Gun Association (NAAGA) 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 Gun Range Training. In December 2023, 13 students graduated the 50th Citizens Police Academy.
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 fund - raising for items not covered in the budget, but are still considered Departmental needs. Members assist at the front desk in the Police Department, go on ride - a - longs, provide support for Police Department and City sponsored events and assist people in their community DCPAAA operates under the umbrella of the DeSoto Police Department. Graduates of the Citizens Police Academy
Crime Scene and Property
The DeSoto Police Department Crime Scene and Property Division is maintained by Crime Scene and Evidence Technicians, Shayla Hamilton and Katelyn Capra. The Crime Scene and Property Division is responsible for the Intake, Processing, Retention and Disposition of all evidence seized by the DeSoto Police Department. Responsibilities include taking photographs and physical measurements of crime scenes, identifying and collecting forensic evidence, and maintain in g 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
October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023, the Crime Scene and Property Division received over 4,833 pieces of evidence, while processing over 2,535 items for return and disposal. By the end of the year 13,943 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)
In 2023, the DeSoto Police Department hired three civilians to fill the new position of Community Service Officer (CSO). This new position has proven itself to be a valuable asset to our Department. CSO R. Martin and CSO T. Crockett are tasked with taking reports that are not in progress calls helping to alleviate the call load sworn Police Officers have so they can focus on priority calls. Together, both CSO R. Martin and CSO T. Crockett have taken 476 reports ranging from Motor Vehicle Thefts to Fraud.
CSO T. Crockett
CSO R. Martin
CSO S. “ Nikki ” Giles has been tasked with being the Departments ’ Community Liaison assisting with building productive relationships with the community through positive interactions. She attends annual community HOA meetings where she presents crime stats, school events, City events and more. In 2023, she attended over 25 community HOA meetings along with various other City and community gatherings.
CSO S. Giles
Records Division
Tiffanie Clark, Supervisor
The DeSoto Records Division is responsible for maintaining all reports generated by the Police Department. The Records Division is staffed by Supervisor Tiffanie Clark, three full time technicians, Vanessa Arellano, Guillermina Jaimes, and Shara Colbert and one Part - Time Technician. In September of 2021, our Department implemented the use of an online portal to accept open records request which also allow 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 Managers 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 details the FBI crime statistics for DeSoto. The charts below show the comparisons over the past three years.
Shara Colbert
Vanessa Arellano
Guillermina Jaimes
K9 Unit
Officer Robertson
Officer Gwiazdor
In 2023 the newly reformed DeSoto Police Canine Unit celebrated its first complete year of service and renewed its NNDDA and DLE certification. The unit can perform various tasks such as area searches, tracking, building searches, evidence searches, and SWAT operations “ The National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA) is a professional, nonprofit organization dedicated to the utilization and proficiency of police service, utility, or scent detection dogs for the benefit of Law Enforcement. ” (https://nndda.org/). In 2023, Gwiazdor and Officer Robertson completed 306 hours of training, 1829 calls for service, 185 canine deployments, made 83 arrests, and completed 39 offense reports. As a result of those 185 deployments, the canine unit made 36 seizures, located 16 people and only used force (Canine Bite) once. Statistically, Thursdays are the Unit's most active days, and canine deployment stayed relatively steady throughout the entire year, only seeing a slight decline during the summer months.
Internal Affairs
Brian Ziegler, Sergeant
The purpose of the Internal Affairs Division is to ensure the integrity of the Police Department and its Officers. Complaints are investigated objectively and fairly while preserving the rights of all involved. Internal Affair ’ s objectives include protection of the public, protection of the Department, protection of the employee, removal of unfit personnel, and correction of procedural problems.
Out of the sustained/not within policy actions, Officers received the following:
Time off without pay (suspension)
•
Written reprimand
•
Documented oral counseling
•
In 2017, the DeSoto Police Department instituted a new Internal Affairs program to help process these comprehensive reviews in a more timely and organized manner. To date, this program has been used to track areas of needed training and increased accountability within the Department.
Review Type
Quantity
10
Fleet Accidents
16
Administrative Reviews
14
Citizen Complaints
16
Injuries - On duty
17
Property Damage
21
Pursuits
15
Use of Force
Lt. Melissa Franks
Sheila Johnson Admin Assistant
Dr. Raven Thousand, Ed.D., M.A., LPC Program Manager
Since its inception in October 2020 the Regional C risis A ssessment R esource E ngagement (CARE) Team has worked to decriminalize behavioral health needs like mental illness, substance use, and homelessness by offering an alternative to traditional police - centered mental health response. The team includes regional social service provision, victim assistance coordination (DeSoto only), care coordination through the local mental health authority and law enforcement officers from each of the participating cities - DeSoto, Cedar Hill, and Duncanville. This multidisciplinary team is overseen by a law enforcement coordinator and a clinical manager. Together, this team initiates gently persistent engagement efforts for hard - to - reach individuals, follow - up on recent crisis incidents, and crisis prevention activities such as education, systems navigation, criminal diversion opportunities, and walking alongside individuals until they are successfully connected to the most appropriate community referral sources.
Contacts are individualized engagement attempts, assessments, encounters and follow - ups over the past year.
Serving residents of DeSoto, Cedar Hill, and Duncanville from a central location at: 525 Ray Ave. DeSoto, TX 75115
School Resource Officers
Sgt. B. Pollard
T. Washington T. Hopkins
J. Brumfield
R. Tasby
The School Resource Officer Unit (SRO) is supervised by Sergeant Brandon Pollard who has been employed with the Department for 12 years. The SRO Unit consists of four sworn Police Officers who provide security, guidance, and mentorship to students and staff on a daily basis. The officers assigned to the SRO Unit are 17 year veteran Tanisha Washington, 20 year veteran Torrance Hopkins, 20 year veteran Jermaine Brumfield, 17 year veteran Roderick Tasby, and Officer Angela Davis of Glenn Heights Police Department. The DeSoto Police Department values its partnership with the DeSoto Independent School District and works to provide a safe environment for students so that they are able to focus on academics, social responsibility and positive problem solving.
Police Reserve Officers
Brandon Pollard, Sergeant
In 2023 the Reserve Officer Program was supervised by Sergeant Brandon Pollard, an 1 2 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 Annual Christmas Parade. 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
THOMAS REDDING
MARK HOWARD
BRETT EVANS
DPCC Liason
Sgt. B. Pollard
A coalition formed between the DeSoto Police, concerned citizens and the ministers who live in DeSoto or serve citizens in our community. DeSoto Police Clergy and 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 s and assist s 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 Programs. 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 Lay 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. The DPCC Program will mark its 14th full year of operation in April 2024.
Citizen Police Advisory Committee
The City of DeSoto City Council approved and appointed the Citizen Police Advisory Committee (CPAC) in 2020. The committee is made up of citizens appointed by the City Council, DPCC, and DISD. The purpose of CPAC is to be a bridge between the Police Department and the community. The way this is achieved is by transparency from the Police Department and dissemination of information by the committee members to the general public. The committee meets monthly and reviews current and proposed policies in which they make recommendations to the police department. The committee also reviews specific incidents which present themselves during the year. The committee members can be seen at numerous City sanctioned events throughout the year where they speak regarding the work they are doing for the community and the Police Department. The committee members hold their positions for two year terms after appointment and may serve up to three terms. The current members are listed below.
Place 1 appointee -
Tiffini Martin
Place 2 appointee -
Michael Delany
Place 3 appointee -
Entaune Tyson (Chair)
Place 4 appointee -
Joe DeCorte
Place 5 appointee -
Tongee Flemming (Vice Chair)
Place 6 appointee—
Hope Stevens (Secretary)
Place 7 appointee -
Omer Arfeen Siddiqui
DPCC appointee -
John Davis
DPCC appointee -
Myra Rand
Student Representative -
Vacant
Student Representative -
Vacant
Police Department Liaison - Sgt. B. Ziegler
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 and Duncanville Police Departments as a full partnership. Each City pays 25% of the operational cost. The facility is also a contract facility for Glenn Heights and 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 2022 the participating agencies combined for a total of 4,627 arrests and in 2023 the jail housed 4,812 arrestees which is an increase of 185, or 4% from the previous year.
The DeSoto Jail has its own in - house inmate transport team which transports four times weekly. This e nsures 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. De S oto Jail transported 1,543 inmates to Dallas County Jail. This past year Dallas County also picked up 860 for a total of 2,403 - Up by 218 from last year.
CODE ENFORCEMENT 2023
T he mission of the Code Enforcement Division is to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment throughout the City. With a team concept, we are dedicated to effectively enforcing State laws and Local Ordinances, and strive to educate our citizens to obtain voluntary compliance. We aim to enhance the quality of life in our community, as we accomplish responsible property maintenance together. Code Enforcement helps to maintain and enhance property values by addressing nuisance and property standard violations to ensure a safe and healthy environment, and is vital in the continued development of our City. There are currently seven (7) full - time Code Enforcement Officers. There is one part - time Code Enforcement Officer and one part - time Administrative Assistant position currently vacant. There is one full - time Administrative Assistant III position. The hours of service provided to DeSoto residents are Monday through Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. In the Fiscal Year 2022/2023, Code Enforcement completed 8,886 code cases along with 1,664 illegal signs, which totaled 10550 cases. Those case types include, but are not limited to, high grass and weeds, brush, oversize vehicles, junk vehicles, overgrown trees, fencing, parking violations, trash, junk and debris, no house numbers, illegal business, illegal signage, unsecured structures, sub - standard structures, and stagnant swimming pools. The compliance rate for code violations was 98%. In November of 2023, Charles Humphrey retired as the Manager of Code Enforcement and Animal Control after 33 years of service. Tammy Washington was named Interim Manager.
Animal Control 2023
T he mission of the Animal Control Division is to protect the safety of the public and balance the welfare of the animal population. We strive to educate our citizens and promote responsible animal ownership through compassionate care, and effective enforcement of City Ordinance and State Law. The Animal Control Staff includes two (2) full - time Officers and one (1) part - time Officer. They are compassionate and dedicated employees concerned with containment of diseases and the professional enforcement of state and local laws. In the Fiscal Year 2022/2023, Animal Control responded to over 2,646 calls, consisting of abandoned/neglected animals, animal bites, animal nuisances, barking/noise, deceased animals, injured animals, loose/stray animals, rabies vaccinations, snake sightings, too many animals trap services, and vicious animals. Animal Control Staff also assists in public awareness and education programs that include information on the types of vaccination requirements, neglected and abused animals, education on unsanitary conditions, stray and/or abandoned animals, ownership limitation requirements and wildlife and livestock issues. The Animal Control Officers also investigate animal bites, and have various certifications such as Bite Stick and Chemical Capture, Euthanasia and Advanced Animal Control.
Public Information Officers
Chris Huerta
Chris Huerta
Grady Kirkland
Officer
Lieutenant
Lieutenant
Morales
Huerta
Kirkland
The Public Information Unit is comprised of three Public Information Officers (PIOs) who are authorized by the Chief of Police to distribute information about the Department to the media and the general public. Officer Luis Morales serves as the primary social media PIO for the Department and manages all police social media platforms. Lt. Chris Huerta and Lt. Grady Kirkland both act as supervisors for the social media outlets and primary news media contact personnel. Thanks to Officer Morales ’ expertise, the Department ’ s social media output has improved which fosters better communication with the citizens we interact with on a daily basis.
2023 PROMOTIONS
Lt. J. Rivette
Sgt. R. Owens
Sgt. W. Summers
Warren Summers SUPERVISOR
OF THE YEAR
2023
Brandon Quick OFFICER
OF THE YEAR
2023
B. Kindred-Woods ROOKIE
OF THE YEAR
2023
Sean Sims LIFE SAVING
BAR AWARD
2023
The Life Saving Bar is awarded to an officer for recognition of saving a human life.
Brandon Quick LIFE SAVING
BAR AWARD
2023
The Life Saving Bar is awarded to an officer for recognition of saving a human life.
Nikki Giles CIVILIAN
OF THE YEAR
2023
Det. Joe Watson RESERVE
OF THE YEAR
2023
Chastie McCoo JAILER
OF THE YEAR
2023
Myra Rand VOLUNTEER
OF THE YEAR
2023
HONOR GUARD The DeSoto Police Department Honor Guard is an all - volunteer unit consisting of DeSoto officers who are dedicated to honoring the memory and serving the families of fallen Law Enforcement Officers. The Honor Guard has a reputation regionally and is regularly called upon to perform various ceremonial functions at funerals and civic events across North Central Texas. Honor Guard duties include: Color Guard, Flag Team, Firing Party and Casket Detail (Guard, Pall - Bearers, and Flag Fold). The DeSoto Police Department Honor Guard hosts an annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony in front of the DeSoto Police Department during National Police Memorial Week each May. The Team also travels to Austin each May that the Texas Legislature is in session and participates in the Texas Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony held on the steps of our State Capitol. Members of the Honor Guard also attend the National Peace Officer Memorial in Washington D.C. during Police Week. The DeSoto Police Honor Guard also sends members to train with the Army ’ s 3 rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (Old Guard). The Old Guard is responsible for conducting all funerals and memorial services at Arlington National Cemetery. Honor Guard Commander Lieutenant Chris Huerta
Citizens on Patrol
Director :
COP Coordinator:
Lieutenant Chris Huerta
Myra Rand
The Citizens On Patrol (COP) program is a group of active residents who have chosen to make a difference in their community through volunteering at the Police Department. The group has seventeen members and is growing. These citizens come from all walks of life and after attending a training regime, begin patrolling the City's neighborhoods as an extension of the Department. The COP ’ s work as extra eyes and ears for the Officers on the street and are active in assisting Code Enforcement in identifying issues in the City that need attention such as high weeds, illegally parked vehicles, and fence repair issues. The COP ’ s assist in high visibility patrols, football games and events, house checks, directed patrols, and traffic management. They run the Graffiti Abatement program and work toward making the City of DeSoto a clean community. The COP ’ s also assist with critical missing persons searches.
Captain Gary Perkins
Lieutenant Grady Kirkland
Sergeant Warren Summers
In 2023 the DeSoto Police Field Training Program consisted of an Administrator, two Coordinators, four Field Training Supervisors, and ten Field Training Officers. The Training Program is a strenuous eighteen week training course in which new Officers, who have completed the Police Academy, are instructed in various areas of law enforcement field application, Department Standard Operating Procedures, and Department Administrative Directives. The first four weeks of training are classroom based learning environments, followed by 14 weeks of street training. During the 14 week training cycle the recruits will be trained by at least three different Field Training Officers during each of the three phases. After successful completion of 18 weeks of training, new Officers will enter a final two week “ Evaluation Phase ” in which they will operate independently as Patrol Officers under the watchful eye of a Field Training Evaluator. Officers who pass the Evaluation Phase will be formally assigned to a Patrol Shift. A maximum of six weeks of remedial training is available for Officers who fail to perform adequately during any portion of their training. In 2023, 13 began the program. Six recruits completed the program and were assigned permanent positions within the Police Department. Seven new recruits are still actively engaged in the program. In 2023 the Field training Program also implemented a modified Field Training Program to train newly hired civilian personnel known as Community Service Officers.
Corporal Wooten Delta Supervisor
Sergeant Owens Alpha Supervisor
Corporal Kirchner Charlie Supervisor
Corporal Holder Bravo Supervisor
Ofc. V. Gonzalez
Ofc. E. Gonzalez
Ofc. Grubb
Ofc. Davidson Transferred
Ofc. Johnson Transferred
Cpl. Krekel Promoted
Ofc. Michaelson
Ofc. Grubbs
Ofc. Nolen
Ofc. Morales
Ofc. Pitts Transferred
Ofc. Quick
Ofc. Varela
Lt. Penwarden
Ofc. Montemayor
Ofc. Grubb
In 2023, the DeSoto Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program acquired state of the art platforms, and expanded greatly. The program is currently r u n by the Program Coordinator, Lt. H. Penwarden. The program began with just one small aircraft and has since evolved to eight aircraft to include two Brinc Lemur 2’ s, and several other task specific drones. The City has an approved Certificate of Authority with the FAA to operate within the territorial boundaries of DeSoto under FAA rules. The program currently has six certified pilots who work together to assist Police and Fire on various calls that include: pursuits, robberies, burglaries, active shooter, perimeter establishment, aerial search; traffic accidents, investigations and assessments; storm damage assessment; fires, hazmat incidents; search and rescue; and assist regional SWAT operations. The UAS can also be used for low light support with attached thermal imagery. Our pilots are certified FAA pilots, thus allowing them to assist in the following: Economic Development (Current images of land to be used for Planning and Zoning and City Council); Parks and Recreation (Inspection of fields, turf, structures, etc.); City buildings (roof and tower inspections; City code inspections, aerial inspections of ongoing construction within the City; Public events (aerial video/photos of City hosted parades and other similar events).
Cpl. Krekel
Ofc. Morales
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