DESOTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Executive Officer
Joseph W. Costa
Welcome to the DeSoto Police Department ’ s Annual Report for 2021! Thank you for tak- ing 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 activi- ties 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 En- forcement, Animal Control and the DeSoto Regional Jail. Just when we thought that COVID was somewhat behind us, it came roaring back to chal- lenge us again. With the emergence of Omicron, our communities took a step back and tried to handle this new strain of COVID. The year started off as if we were emerging from the grip of the pandemic. Then mid - year it took a downward spiral with Omicron creeping into our lives. In early November, the virus was slowing down and we decom- missioned the Parkland testing and vaccine site at Ellis Davis Sports Complex. Not long after, our officers were tasked with providing security, to the same site, now operating as a contract vendor due to a sharp rise in cases. We were right in the middle of it again. However, we made it through and by the end of the year, the pandemic was subsiding and the site slowed down, again! In 2021, our overall crime increased by more than 9%! There were a few bright spots. We are proud to report that over the last five years our crime is down by 29%. Last year, property crime was down by 32% and robberies decreased by over 27%. Our city is still much safer than it was in 2017. DeSoto, much like the rest of the Metroplex, saw a rise in assaults and domestic violence last year.
Unfortunately, in 2021, our city witnessed six homicides. The most ever recorded in DeSoto. Four of those homicides involved a firearm, with drugs, namely Marijuana, being tied into each. Our community also realized a rise in shots fired calls and gun violence. As a result, the City Manager, the Mayor and I worked together to address shootings and gun violence in our city. We partnered to develop initiatives to curb violence in DeSoto. On July 31, the Police Department Chaplain, Oscar Epps, D.A. Creuzot and the City of DeSoto hosted a gun “ buy back ” program. This event was a huge success as 284 weapons were voluntarily turned in to the P.D. in exchange for a 100 - dollar gift card for each. That ’ s 284 hand guns and rifles that were unwanted and are off the streets. Other pro- grams are planned for 2022. Stay Tuned!! The Citizen Police Advisory Committee and the Mental Health Unit, called the Care Team, that were developed and implemented in 2020 continue to grow and be very suc- cessful. Both programs provide much needed resources to our officers and the community we serve. National Night Out was a huge success as our citizens participated all through- out the city. It was refreshing to see our community out together having fun.Thank you to our citizens for partnering with us to maintain order and a safe city. Now, more than ever, I encourage each of you to take an interest in your Police Depart- ment. Attend the next Citizen Police Academy, come on out and ride - a - long with an of- ficer 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 offic- ers 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 2021!
Assistant Chief
Gary Perkins
A ssistant Chief Perkins is responsible for the daily oversight of the op- erations of the Police Department which includes the Patrol Division, Support Services Division, the DeSoto Regional Jail. The Police Depart- ment is authorized 81 Sworn Officers and 40 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. In 2021 we had an increase in calls for service and reports taken the DeSoto Police Department continued to serve the community and worked with our community partners, residents and businesses toward the goal of keeping the city safe as we continued to overcome the COVID - 19 pandemic impact.
The DeSoto Police Department is divided into different divisions - Administration, Patrol, Support Services and Jail, and some units are divided into sub - divisions by function.
ADMINISTRATION DIVISION
The Administration Division consists of the Chief of Police, 1 Assistant Chief of Police, 1 Sergeant in Professional Standards, 1 Training Cor- poral, 1 Reserve Officer, 2 Staff Assistants, 3 Records Clerks and 1 part - time Records Clerk.
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 pa- trol shift and each Patrol Lieutenant is assigned the individual responsibility for a sin- gle patrol district. The Lieutenants then utilize data to develop plans for proactive re- sponses. Those strategies play a significant role in reducing crime. In 2021 our Police Officers handled 70,998 calls for service.
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISON
The Support Services Division is commanded by a Captain, and the Division ’ s person- nel consists of 2 Lieutenants, 2 Sergeants, 6 Criminal Investigators, 1 Officer, 1 Civil- ian Investigator, 3 School Resource Officers, 1 Crime Victim ’ s Assistant, 1 Recruiting and Backgrounds, 2 Investigator part time Reserve Officers and 1 Staff Assistant. The Criminal Investigation Division works diligently to clear all major crimes. The Investigators use data and evidence in the identification and arrest of the criminals that committed crimes.
DESOTO REGIONAL JAIL
The DeSoto Police Department operates a regional Municipal Jail holding facility that serves the cities of DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Glenn Heights and Duncanville as well as Duncanville ISD, Charlton Methodist Hospital and the University of North Texas - Dallas.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
The Code Enforcement Division is managed by a civilian manager, Charles Humph- rey, who also oversees the Animal Control function. The Code Enforcement Division, through its enforcement activities, strives to maintain and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens by holding everyone accountable to the City Ordinances. Their enforcement actions, not only keep the city clean, but they also enhance the safety and well - being of the city as well as help to reduce crime.
PARTNERSHIPS
The Department continued its partnerships with many different community groups such as the Homeowner ’ s Associations (HOA), the City ’ s Clergy members through DeSoto Police Clergy and Community (DPCC) and our Citizen Police Academy and its Alumni Association (CPAAA). These partnerships help address and meet any con- cerns of the community.
Patrol Services Division
Terry Baker, Captain
T he Patrol Services Division is the largest division of the DeSoto Police Depart- ment and is comprised of 44 uniformed, highly visible representatives of the depart- ment. The Patrol Services Division includes Patrol Officers, Traffic Officers, Re- serve Officers, Government Center Officer, and the assistance of the Drone Opera- tors. The purpose of the Patrol Services Division is to provide public safety services and proactive crime prevention techniques as well as respond to calls for service. In 2021, COVID 19 still had an impact on the Patrol Services Division recording 70,998 calls for service, an increase of 5,633 over 2020.
2020 — 2021
In 2021, Officers responded to numerous Driving While Intoxicat- ed calls in progress. Officers were able to safely apprehend and ar- rest 67 subjects in the commission of these crimes. These arrests were possible due to the Officer ’ s quick response to the location and their professional training. DeSoto Patrol Officers conducted 70,998 calls for service in 2021. That number includes Property Crimes, Traffic related calls, Self - Initiated calls, Crimes Against Persons and other.
PATROL DIVISION
Sgt. Justin Rivette
Cpl. Warren Summers
Cpl. Bryan Ziegler
Sgt. Robby Stevenson
Sgt. Andrew Wood
Cpl. Rickey Owens
Sgt. Brandon Pollard
Cpl. John Holder
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
Ryan Jesionek, Captain
The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is responsible for conducting complete and thorough investigations of criminal offenses, and for preparation and filing of criminal cases with the Dallas County District Attorney ’ s Office for prosecution. CID is commanded by Captain Ryan Jesionek and is supported by a Sr. Administrative As- sistant. CID includes one Lieutenant, one Sergeant, six full - time Detectives, and two part - time Detectives. One of the six Detectives is designated to investigate juvenile related crimes. A Civilian Investigator assigned to CID handles minor misdemeanor offenses, prepares and files arrest cases, and assists Detectives with the investigation and processing of crime scenes. Additionally, the CID Sergeant manages the DeSoto Police Department ’ s sex - offender registration program. Each Detective in CID is assigned to a specific area of law. Some Detectives are as- signed to crimes against persons (CAPERS) encompassing assaults, robberies, and sex - related offenses. Other Detectives are assigned to property crimes which include theft, forgery, and burglaries. Major crimes, such as homicides, are investigated by the entire division. Additionally, four specially trained patrol officers assist CID by investigating vehicle - related crimes, such as “ hit - and - run ” offenses.
In 2021 the Criminal Investigations Division investigated 1527 cases with a 43.6% clearance rate. The Division also prepared 301 arrest warrants for issuance, to include 180 felony arrest warrants. All of these statistics are improvements over calendar year 2020. DeSoto ’ s Criminal Investigations team works diligently through any challenge to bring DeSoto cases to prosecution before both the city ’ s Municipal Court and the criminal courts of Dallas County.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
LEAD Detective Det. Javier Acosta
Sgt. Joshua Parker
Det. Stephen Boor
Det. Richard Incremona
Det. Brittany Bruce
Det. Eric Montemayor
Det. Joe Watson
Det. Taylor Archibald
Det. Thomas Redding
Cozella Hill
Samuel Seay
Police Honor Guard
Chris Huerta, Lieutenant
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, Pallbearers, and Flag Fold). The DeSoto Police Department Honor Guard hosts an annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremo- ny 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 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (Old Guard). The Old Guard is responsible for conducting all funerals and memorial services at Arlington National Cemetery.
Desoto Police Department Honor Guard 2021
Lt. Chris Huerta Lt. Melissa Franks Sgt. David Williams Sgt. Robby Stevenson Sgt. Andrew Wood Cpl. Rickey Owens
Jermaine Brumfield Scot Knight Eric Montemayor Krista Cordova Roderick Tasby Rederick Wooten James Davidson
Courie Bryant Patrick Krekel Luis Morales
Southern Regional Response Group - SRRG Heath Penwarden, Lieutenant
TEAM BACKGROUND
CORE VALUES
Uncompromising Model of Tactical Excellence
•
Discipline
2021 yielded new challenges while still dealing with the national COVID pandemic. While most of the country was shutting down due to the COVID pandemic, the SRRG team was open and busy. We added the City of Waxahachie to our list of agen- cies and we had to deal with several types of po- tential riot situations in several cites. Since this team started 13 years ago we have grown to support the following cities: DeSoto, Lancaster, Midlothian, Glenn Heights, Cedar Hill, Red Oak, Seagoville, Ovilla, Highland Park,
•
Accountability
•
Competence
•
Leadership
•
Perseverance
•
Teamwork
•
Commitment
•
Integrity
Hutchins and Waxahachie. Regionalizing the SWAT team has lead to a better tactical capacity within the DFW region. We are now able to pull from the most capable officers in 11 cities to form a robust SWAT team that is truly capable of managing multiple types of events including: Hostage rescue, High Risk Warrants, Barricaded Person ’ s and even Riot Situations.
TEAM STRUCTURE
At the conclusion of 2021, SRRG had an operating strength of 35 personnel. This includes Command, Operators and Negotiators. The SRRG organization is lead by a board that consists Chief ’ s of the participating agencies. The team Commander is Lt Heath Penwarden of DeSoto. Mike Lewis of Waxahachie is the Assistant Command- er. Sgt. Justin Rivette is the Team Leader for Special Response Team (SRT), who has 2 Assistant Team Leaders, 22 Operators and 3 Medics. The Crisis Negotiation Team is lead by Team Leader, Lt. Melissa Franks, from DeSoto and she has 4 Negotiators.
2049 is the badge number of Lancaster Police Officer and original SRRG member Craig Shaw. While on duty in Lancaster, Craig was responding to a shooting at an apartment complex where a man had just been murdered. Craig was killed trying to stop the suspect and he paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting the citizens of Lancaster on June 20, 2010. Craig was 37 years old, married, and the father of two. - The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as lion.
SRRG-SRT 2021 Annual Report
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Every year SRRG - SRT participates in sever- al community events. 2021 was difficult due to the pandemic; however, the team was still able to present at Citizen Police Academy in Midlothian, National Night Out, and a Career day at an elementary school.
Servo Vita
AREA OF OPERATION
SRRG - SRT continues to move forward to provide critical SWAT services to multiple cities within the Dallas and Ellis County area. SRRG - SRT is now responsible for 11 cities with a total population of approximately 266,434.
TRAINING
SRRG - SRT trains approximately 20 hours a month. During monthly train- ing, the team conducted training in close quarter battle (CQB), firearms, shield positions, vehicle/bus CQB, Gas/ Less Lethal, Negotiations, Energetic entry, and physical fitness. SRT was able to utilize buildings for training from several communities that support SRRG - SRT. The team relies on com- munity support in order to be prepared for critical incidents.
OPERATIONS
In 2021 SRRG - SRT responded to 13 critical incidents within the SRRG jurisdictions, down from 24 the previous year. In 2021, we conducted 8 Search/Arrest Warrants, 3 barricaded person incidents and 2 special as- signments.
Last 5 years
TTPOA Training Conference for 2021 was held in Dallas TX. The Conference affords this team the opportunity to train with world class instructors at a fraction of the cost. Courses that operators attended were; ballistic shield, advanced firearms, vehicle extractions, red dot handgun, and dignitary protec- tion. Two Team members are currently enrolled in the NTOA Command College courses. 2021 Texas Tactical Peace Officer Conference/NTOA Conference
Team Commander Lt. Heath Penwarden, DeSoto PD hpenwarden@desototexas.gov Cell: 972 - 922 - 1195
Lancaster Police Department
SRT Founding Member
End of Watch - June 20, 2010
- The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as lion. Proverbs 28:1
Terry Baker - Captain
Grady Kirkland - Lieutenant
Warren Summers - Corporal
DeSoto, Texas
The DeSoto Police Field Training Program consists of an Administrator, two Coordinators, four Field Training Supervisors, and four Field Training Officers. The Training Program is a strenuous eighteen week training course in which new officers, who’ve 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 fourteen weeks of street training. During the fourteen week training cycle the recruits will be trained by a different Field Training Officer 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 four weeks of remedial training is available for officers who fail to perform adequately during any portion of their training. In 2021, nine recruits participated in the program with seven (7) successfully completing the entire process.
Field Training Supervisors
Cpl. Summers
Cpl. Owens
Corporal Summers
Corporal Owens
Cpl. Holder
Cpl. Wooten
Field Training Officers
K. Harlem
T. Sherman
R. Money
J. Davidson
Police Reserve Officers
Mikel Edwards, Sergeant
The Reserve Officer Program is supervised by Sergeant Mikel Edwards a 14 year veteran of the Police Department and a prior reserve officer. The DeSoto Police Reserve Program is a unit of dedicated men and wom- en 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 Of- ficers 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 220 years of law enforcement experience combined. The program currently consists of 11 Reserve Officers serving in such ca- pacities as Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Jail and Transports, assisting in hiring and backgrounds, as well as 1 on the Regional Negotiations Team and a Drone pilot. The Reserve Officers worked several special events during the year to include Homecoming Parade, Juneteenth, Craw- fish Festival, Football Games and the Annual Christmas Parade. Reserve Officers were utilized several times this past year to assist Patrol due to major incidents and weather - related events. The DeSoto Reserve Officer Program is one of the very few that actually pays the Officers an hourly wage.
Reserve Police Officers
PETER SCHULTE
DR. JEFFREY SEIF
COURIE BRYANT
LUPE VALDEZ
TANYA VANWINKLE
SCOT KNIGHT
JOE WATSON
AUBREY KIRK
MARK HOWARD
BRETT EVANS
THOMAS REDDING
Grady Kirkland - Lieutenant
Chris Huerta - Lieutenant
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. The three Public Information Officers for the department are Lt. Grady Kirkland, Lt. Chris Huerta and Officer Luis Morales. PIOs are also responsible for managing the Police Department ’ s social media outlets which include Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The department has over 10k followers on Facebook and have a goal to increase our social media involvement in an effort to keep citizens well informed.
Luis Morales
Internal Affairs
David Williams, Sergeant
The purpose of the Internal Affairs Division is to ensure the integrity of the Police De- partment and its Officers. Complaints are investigated objectively and fairly while pre- serving 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 per- sonnel, and correction of procedural problems. In 2021, the Division investigated four (4) Internal Affairs reviews and 164 Administrative reviews.
Out of the sustained/not within policy actions, Officers received the following:
• Indefinite suspension (resulted in resignation)
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 ac- countability within the department.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”
Dr. Martin Luther King
Within Policy
Not Sustained
Unfounded
Not Within Policy
Sustained
Exonerated
Accidental
Info./Training/Award
Withdrawn
Review Type
Quantity
Disposition
6
15
Accidents
7
2
43
2
17
2
1
Administrative Reviews
2
1
9
18
Citizen Complaints
2
3
5
13
12
Injuries - On Duty
2
24
Property Damage
20
11
2
22
Pursuits - Fleet
44
3
29
Use of Force
2 1
Review Type
Quantity
Disposition
4
I.A. Complaints
4
0
Training Division
David Williams, Sergeant
Bryan Ziegler, Corporal
The purpose of the Training Coordinator is to maintain responsibility for conducting and coordinating department training, including scheduling and documenting the on- going training of personnel. The Coordinator acts as a liaison between the department and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), the state licensing agency responsible for law enforcement training standards. Training conducted at the department is utilized not only by DeSoto Officers, but is frequently attended by members of other police departments. The department instructs Officers in a wide range of subjects to include defensive tactics, firearms proficiency, Basic SWAT, De - escalation and Intermediate level core courses. In 2021, The DeSoto Police Department held 58 in - person training courses and con- tracted with six (6) agencies to provide training to their Officers. This is up from 39 in - person courses held in 2020 due to COVID restrictions. The number of contracted agencies remains the same due to the contracts being extended because of COVID restrictions which limited training in 2020. The DeSoto Police Department began a new training relationship with DeSoto ISD who has been gracious in allowing us to use East Junior High as a training site. The Training Division was able to bring in and provide several outside training entities solely because of this partnership with DISD. Attendance of these courses contributes to Officers meeting the state mandated 40 hours of training bi - annually. The courses held, include but are not necessarily limited to, the following:
Field Sobriety Test- ing
ALERRT Level 1
Basic SWAT
NICB Auto Theft
Canine Encounters
Advanced Search Warrant
Crisis Intervention
DRONE Operator
De-Escalation
Defensive Tactics
Ethics
Firearms Instructor
Firearms
Patrol Rifle
Human Trafficking
Self-Aid Buddy-Aid (SABA)
Less Lethal Applica- tions
Legislative Update
FEMA ONLINE
OC Spray
Mission Statement
“To seize opportunities to engage with individuals and families experiencing behavioral health needs by providing prevention and follow-up support, education, self-advocacy, diversion opportunities, and warm hand-offs to appropriate community referral partners.”
The City of DeSoto and the DeSoto Police Department proudly introduce the DeSoto Crisis Assessment Resource Engagement Team (CARE Team), a community - based behavioral health support team. The DeSoto CARE Team is an interdisciplinary team comprised of a mental health police officer, social worker, clinician, medical support person, and victims ’ assistance. The team ’ s focus is on providing support and referral to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use/abuse challenges. DeSoto CARE Team members do not respond to 9 - 1 - 1 calls, but are instead devoted to intervening before and after a crisis in order to lessen the need for emergency police response, unnecessary hospitalizations and the criminalization of those with behavioral health needs. Lieutenant Melissa Franks is the founder and Unit Coordinator of the DeSoto CARE Team. In late 2020 she applied for the New Directions Grant from Dallas County to help support this team and a regional expansion. In spring of 2021, Dallas County awarded $1.8 million dollars to realize the expansion of this team to include the cities of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Lancaster, and Glenn Heights, beginning in May 2022. This regional task force will provide staffing, equipment, and mental health & de - escalation police training for the Regional CARE Team. The team will office in a central location, allowing for maximum team synergy and professional creativity to engage individuals in need and their families/support systems. In 2021, Lt. Melissa Franks was honored to be the recipient of the “ Charley H. Shannon Advocate for Justice Award ” from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Texas. The award, given for “ visionary leadership in improving legislation, laws, and conditions of the mental health arena, ” recognized the work of Lt. Franks and the progressive efforts of the DeSoto CARE Team.
During the first two quarters of this grant period, the DeSoto CARE Team engaged 126 unique individuals through the use of 541 personalized services. These services consist of attempts to engage hard - to - reach persons and/or their immediate support systems, assessments for psychosocial needs, warm hand - offs to community referrals, and criminal diversion opportunities. Additionally, the DeSoto CARE Team provided behavioral health support to residents of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Lancaster, and Glenn Heights, as resources were available.
The DeSoto CARE Team was featured in both The Dallas Morning News and Focus Daily News
CALEA Accreditation Manager Mikel Edwards, Sergeant
The DeSoto Police Department is Nationally Accredited through CALEA, The Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation. The department has been continuously accredited since 1993 and is one of the longest accredit- ed agencies in the State of Texas. The entire department has placed much effort in maintaining their accredited status for the 396 National Standards. The CALEA Program has improved the delivery of public safety services to the City of DeSoto by maintaining a body of standards, devel- oped through best practices by public safety practitioners, covering a wide range of up - to - date public safety initiatives, recognizing professional ex- cellence, establishing and administering an accreditation process ’ strength- ening crime prevention and control capabilities, formalizing essential man- agement procedures, establishing fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices, improving service delivery, solidifying interagency cooperation and coordination, and increasing community and staff confidence in the department. The department received its 9th CALEA Accreditation award in 2020 under the new four - year annual assessment program. The new assess- ment program requires the department to undergo an electronic assessment each year on its award anniversary covering 25% of the non - critical stand- ards and 100% of the critical standards. On the fourth year the department will receive an on - site visit completing the four - year assessment. In 2020 the agency approved an Accreditation Assistant and hired Sharon Poldrack who had recently retired from DeSoto as the Police De- partment ’ s Records Supervisor. Sharon ’ s years of experience in records made for an easy transition and she was able to quickly dive into her new role as the CALEA Accreditation Assistant.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems “ Drone Program ” Mikel Edwards, Sergeant
In 2018 the department started the UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) program and purchased the City ’ s first ever UAS (Drone) to use for first responder and citizen safety. The program was established by Sgt. Mikel Edwards who was the first UAS certified pilot for the City of DeSoto and is the current Program Coordinator. The program began with just one small aircraft and has since evolved to five aircraft to include two DJI Mavic Mini ’ s, DJI Mavic Pro and DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise. 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 6 certified pilots who work together to assist Police and Fire on var- ious calls that include in - progress calls (pursuits, foot chases, robberies and burglaries, active shooter, perimeter establishment, aerial search); traffic accidents, investigations and assess- ments; storm damage assessment; fires (structure, wildland, terrain); hazmat incidents; search and rescue and search warrants. The UAS can also be used for low light support - the M210 and the Mavic 2 have an attached high - powered spotlight and thermal imagery. Additionally, the M210 has a versatile payload that can carry and drop rescue equipment to drowning or stranded victims. It can also assist the Special Response Team (SRT) on their missions in criti- cal situations. The UAS is more versatile than a manned aircraft and can get into tight spots low to the ground, and much, much more!! On the non - emergency side, our pilots are certified FAA Part 107 pilots, thus allowing the following uses for the UAS: Economic Development (Current images of land to be used for planning and zoning and City Council); Parks & 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). DeSoto has also joined with PSURT (Public Safety Unmanned Response Team) to provide a regional response to incidents. Each pilot has been tested and approved through PSURT to op- erate on various platforms and on various missions. The DeSoto Police Department is commit- ted to operating our UAS ’ s within the law and we do not allow our operators to violate the con- stitutional rights of our citizens.
Sgt. Edwards
T. Hopkins
J. Brumfield
R. Tasby
The School Resource Officer Unit (SRO) is supervised by Sergeant Mike Edwards who has been employed with the department for 14 years. The SRO Unit consists of four sworn police officers who provide security, guidance, and mentorship to students & staff on a daily basis . The officers assigned to the SRO Unit are 19 year veteran Tor- rance Hopkins, 19 year veteran Jermaine Brumfield, 16 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.
Community Programs / Recruiting & Backgrounds Jessica Ryan, Officer
Officer Jessica Ryan ’ s duties include serving as the Community Liaison Officer for the DeSoto Police Department under the supervision of Sgt. Mike Edwards. Officer Ryan has been with the DeSoto Police Department since 2015. Her duties include educating the public on lessening their chances of being victimized by assisting them in estab- lishing Crime Watch groups in their neighborhood. She attends regular Home Owners Association meetings to deliver and discuss crime statistics and “ target hardening ” techniques for the citizens. Each spring the City of DeSoto ’ s Senior Citizens are treat- ed to an annual health and safety symposium. The program serves over 200 attendees and consists of free health screening and up - to date crime prevention information. Due to the COVID - 19 Pandemic of 2020/2021, the symposium was modified to a Senior - Drive Thru event where they could still receive a free meal and lots of beneficial in- formation along with some goodies without getting out of their vehicle.
The Super Heroes & Badges program was cre- ated 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 “ Superheroes ” while allowing the Officers the opportunity to educate them on “ Stranger Danger, ” bullying, utilizing the “ buddy system ” when walking to school, gun safety and drug awareness. The children also asked questions about recent Officer related shootings. Officers were able to reassure them the Police are here to help them, not hurt them. A special thank you to Corporal Joshua Parker a.k.a. “ Spider Man ”, and Officer Jessica Ryan a.k.a. “ Wonder Woman ” for their time and ef- fort into this program.
Community Programs Continued...
Citizen Police Academy (CPA)
The Citizen Police Academy managed by Sgt. Mike Edwards and Off. Jessica Ryan is a 12 week interactive class designed for those who live or work in DeSoto. In the academy, the students participate in training on topics that include Narcotics, Patrol, DWI Education, Crime Scene, Dispatch and even Gun Range Training. The class is held once per year in the fall for 15 students and is completely free.
The DeSoto Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (DCPAAA)
The DeSoto Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (DCPAAA) managed by Sgt. Mike Edwards and Off. Jessica Ryan 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. Mem- bers assist at the front desk in the Police Department, go on ride - a - longs, provide sup- port for Police Department and City - sponsored events and assist people in their com- munity. DCPAAA operates under the umbrella of the DeSoto Police Department. Graduates of the Citizen Police Academy formed the association to provide support for the DeSoto Police Department. Over the years the organization has continued to prove that they are a very important resource for the Police Department and the City of DeSoto.
For the fiscal year of 2021, DCPAAA/Citizen on patrol members provided more than 1400 volunteer hours, assisting the Police Department at a value of more than $31,481 to the citizens of DeSoto.
DPCC LIAISON SGT MIKEL EDWARDS
ABOUT
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 Communi- ty, 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. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVISORY COMMISSION: One member of DPCC serves on this commission, which provides advice and recommendations to the City Council and DeSoto Police Department on how to improve the city ’ s response to vio- lence against victims, and institute other programs, with the goal of eliminating domestic violence in totality in the city.
DESCRIPTION
In 2010, we began discussions to address the growing violence among youth in the com- munity; 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 & Behavioral Management Ministry Pro- grams, ” Tutorial Programs, Counseling, Mentoring & Parenting Programs. DPCC is a volunteer based organization and continues to grow. It reflects a community working to- gether to solve issues of concern. The ministers attend formal training similar to the cur- riculum for the Citizen Police Academy. The training sessions ensure that the Lay partici- pants understand the policies and procedures of the Police Department. The members al- so share information about the ministries available through their own churches. Some have programs in place to provide counseling for family violence, alcohol and drug reha- bilitation and support groups for Child Sexual Abuse, etc. They also have special out- reach ministries for our youth. The sessions are an opportunity to exchange information and forge a solid working relationship. Through this coalition with the Police Depart- ment, ministers from various faith groups volunteer to be “ on call ” when a family mem- ber, victim or perpetrator requests counseling. DeSoto Police Clergy and Community (DPCC) can be called on to provide counseling for family violence situations, car acci- dents, or disruptive behavior among our adolescents. You will also see them at athletic events and other public gatherings. The DPCC Program has marked its 12th full year of operation in April 2021.
Charities Officer Ryan developed a DeSoto Police Department “ Breast Cancer Awareness Patch ”. It is the Depart- ment ’ s existing patch, but outlined in pink. Each patch will be sold for $10 each. 80% of the proceeds will be donated to the Celebrating Life Foundation, and 20% will go towards the DeSoto PD Cares Fund. The Department conducted a toy drive with Cedar Hill PD which allowed us to provide multiple low - income families with toys for Christmas. The drive also allowed Officers to stock their squads with toys to be able to give to children while out on patrol.
Recruitment Due to the on - going COVID - 19 Pandemic in 2021 we only participated in one in per- son recruiting event. However, Officer Ryan spent countless hours recruiting over the phone and through email. DeSoto Police held two Police Civil Service Exams in 2021. The exams were held in March and November. The March exam had approximately 43 applicants pass both the written and physical agility test. The department was able to hire 8 officers after completing background investigations for all 43 applicants. The November exam had 10 applicants pass both the written exam and physical agility test. The department was able to hire 3 officers after completing background investi- gations for all 10 applicants.
DeSoto Regional Jail Brett Evans, Commander
Jail Mission: Statement:
It is our mission as DeSoto Regional Jail to maintain care, custody and control of inmates that are confined in our jail as safely as possible and 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. The DeSoto Regional Jail is a contract facility and works in full partnership with the cities of DeSoto, Lancaster, Cedar Hill and Duncanville Police Departments. Each city pays 1/4th of the operational cost. The jail 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 Police and University of North Texas Police Department's. The DeSoto Jail can currently hold 55 inmates at a time. In 2020 we had a combined total of 3,138 arrest ’ s for all Cities. In 2021 4,051 up 913 from the previous year.
The DeSoto Regional Jail has its own in - house transport team, and transports four times weekly. This insures inmates with a charge higher then a class C offense are arraigned by a Dallas County Magistrate in a timely manner for bond purposes. Desoto Jail transported 1,536 inmates to the Dallas County Jail this past year. Dallas County also picked up 422 for a total of 1,978 —Up by 377 from last year.
Video Arraignment
The DeSoto Municipal Judge conducts arraignment court three times a day. This gives individuals an opportunity to bond out of jail or receive a payment plan.
Code Enforcement
Charles Humphrey, Supervisor
T he mission of the Code Services Division is to enforce the codes of the city in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community; and, where violations occur, to work with our citizens to achieve compli- ance through an efficient and fair process. There are currently six (6) full - time and one part - time Code Officers. The hours of service provided to the residents are Monday - Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Code En- forcement is also available on Saturdays and Sundays. The importance of Code Services is to protect our citizens by creating a safe and clean city. Because of Code Enforcement, the City of DeSoto is able to maintain and increase property values which are incremental in the continued positive development of our city. In Fiscal Year 2020/2021, Code Services handled 9,000 cases ranging from high weeds and grass, brush, oversized vehicles, junk vehicles, overgrown trees, broken and unsafe fences, parking on unimproved surfaces, trash in yards, house numbers, illegal business, illegal signs, public right of way, substandard structures, unsecured structures and stagnate, dense water in swimming pools. The compliance rate for Code Violations was 99%. Code Enforcement has hired two new Code Enforcement Officers. Monique Collins who is currently in training and Tina Salmeron who works part - time – Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Code Enforce- ment has also employed a new Administrative Assistant, Cheryl Washing- ton, to provide clerical support to our Rental Registration Program.
https://z2.franklinlegal.net/franklin/Z2Browser2.html?showset=desotoset
Animal
Control
The mission of the Animal Control Division is to deliver effective, courteous, and re- sponsive animal care and control services to the residents of DeSoto. Animal Control accomplishes the goals of protecting public safety and ensuring animal welfare through compassionate, responsive, professional enforcement of the laws and public policy. The staff of Animal Control includes two (2) full - time Officers and one (1) part - time Officer who are compassionate employees. These Officers are also concerned with the contain- ment of diseases including Rabies and many other Zoonotic diseases that contribute to or violate City, State and Federal Laws. Animal Control Staff also assist 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. In Fiscal Year 2020/2021, Animal Control responded to over four thousand calls con- sisting of abandoned/neglected animals, animal bites, animal nuisances, barking/noise, deceased animals, injured animals, loose/stray animals, rabies vaccinations, snake sight- ings, too many animals, trap services, and vicious animals. The Animal Control Officers took part in various training classes pertaining to Animal Control to include Euthanasia Training, Situation Awareness, Bite Stick Training and Urban Wildlife Training, to name a few.
Property & Evidence
Carl Edmison, Manager
The DeSoto Police Department Property and Evidence (P&E) Division is maintained by Property and Evidence Technician, Carl Edmison. The Property and Evidence Division is responsible for the Intake, Processing, Retention and Disposition of all evidence seized by officers in the perfor- mance of their duties. 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.
In 2021 the P&E Division received over 2,201 ad- ditional items, while processing over 5,567 items for return and disposal. By the end of the year 21,247 items were retained. Additionally, over 681 items per year are delivered by the property custodian to applicable Crime Labs, Outside Law
Enforcement agencies, and disposal entities. A full detailed Chain of Cus- tody Record is maintained for all property and evidence that is processed. As State and Federal Laws are updated and mandated, dynamic changes and challenges must be met with improvements to the manner in which the P&E Division must retain and store evidentiary materials in order to maintain the integrity of those items that may be called into question for trial proceedings.
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 Coordinator Tiffanie Clark, two full - time Technicians, Vanessa Arellano and Guillermina Jaimes and one part - time Clerk, Natalie Perkins. The 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
2019
2020
2021
OPEN RECORDS REQUEST PUBLIC
4284
4927
5709
NON PUBLIC REQUEST
2400
1953
1518
LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUND CHECKS
1505
827
904
EXPUNCTION ORDERS
192
215
110
FEES COLLECTED
$6297.30
$7018.70
$11,400.44
OFFENSE REPORTS
6805
5168
5032
ARREST REPORTS
1806
1064
971
ACCIDENT REPORTS
528
443
518
Vanessa Arellano
Guillermina Jaimes
Natalie Perkins
Citizens On Patrol (COP)
The Citizens On Patrol (COP) program is a group of active residents that have chosen to make a difference in their community through volunteering at the Police Depart- ment. The group has seventeen members and growing. These citizens come from all walks of life and after attending a training regime, begin patrolling the neighborhoods of the city 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 identify- ing 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.
COP Director
COP Coordinator
Lt. Chris Huerta
Frank Leach
Joshua Parker SUPERVISOR
OF THE YEAR
2021
Javier Acosta OFFICER
OF THE YEAR
2021
Sean Sims ROOKIE
OF THE YEAR
2021
Kaci Harlem FIELD TRAINER
OF THE YEAR
2021
Scot Knight RESERVE
OF THE YEAR
2021
Nohemi Arias JAILER
OF THE YEAR
2021
Sheila Johnson CIVILIAN
OF THE YEAR
2021
Frank Leach VOLUNTEER
OF THE YEAR
2021
Tyler Sherman LIFE SAVING
BAR AWARD
2021
The Life Saving Bar is awarded to an officer for recognition of saving a human life.
Warren Summers LIFE SAVING
BAR AWARD
2021
Jeremy Kirchner LIFE SAVING
BAR AWARD
2021
The Life Saving Bar is awarded to an officer for recognition of saving a human life.
Salena Ramirez LIFE SAVING
BAR AWARD
2021
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker