Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 1 Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. City Manager David L. Hansen
Chief of Police James A. Cervera
Prepared by:
Support Division Manager C. Thomas Mitchell
Office of Planning & Analysis Planning & Analysis Coordinator Afton M. Oglesby
Project Staff Katherine L. Alderman Kelly E. Hungerford Jeremiah C. Ong
2 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report Table of Contents
Letter from the Chief 4
Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values 5
Organizational Chart 6-7
Personnel & Budget Information 8-9
Internal Awards 10
External Awards 11
Retirements, Promotions, & Degrees 12
City Map 13
Department Highlights 14-30
Reported Crimes 31-36
Arrests 37
National Crime Rate Comparison 38
Regional Crime Rate Comparison 39
Calls for Service 40-44
Traffic 45-49
A Year in Pictures 50
Special Thanks to....
City Photographer Craig McClure and all the other department members who supplied images for this report.
Police Payroll, Lieutenant J. L. Gandy, Emergency Communications & Citizen Services, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, the police departments of South Hampton Roads, and the FBI for providing data and/or support in the production of this report.
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 3 DEPARTMENT OF POLICE MUNICIPAL CENTER OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE BUILDING 11 (757) 385-4141 2509 PRINCESS ANNE ROAD FAX (757) 427-9163 VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23456-9064
Dear Mr. Hansen:
I am pleased to present you with the 2016 Annual Report. This report provides selected highlights of the many accomplishments, initiatives, and programs involving the dedicated men and women of the Virginia Beach Police Department. The report also includes a statistical review of reported crime, calls for service, traffic data, and crashes.
The Department achieved many accomplishments and initiated a number of special programs this past year. The Traffic Safety Unit was awarded the John T. Hanna Award for “Law Enforcement Initiatives.” The VBPD began to issue revive kits to officers becoming the first agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia to deploy the Naloxone antidote. Coffee with a Cop was started in 2016 to allow citizens to talk with officers in a relaxed environment.
In 2016, total Part I Crimes for Virginia Beach decreased by 1.1 percent, or 119 crimes. Violent crimes in Virginia Beach comprised only 7.0 percent of our total reported Part I Crimes and increased by 10.1 percent when compared to 2015. The Part I Crime rate for violent crimes is 1.6 per 1,000 residents. We also continue to maintain a crime clearance rate well above the national average for cities of similar size. Our continued low crime rate and above average clearance rate are the result of our exceptionally talented sworn and civilian members and the high level of involvement by members of our community.
I am honored to lead such a talented, diverse, and committed team of officers and civilians as we continually seek to fulfill our mission: providing a safe community and improving the quality of life of our citizens. As always, I appreciate your continued support and that of City Council.
Sincerely,
James A. Cervera Chief of Police
4 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values
Mission Statement The Virginia Beach Police Department is committed to providing a safe community and improving the quality of life for all people. We accomplish this by delivering quality police services and enforcing laws with equity and impartiality. In partnership with the community, we reduce crime through public awareness. In meeting this objective, we demand of ourselves the highest professional standards and dedication to our core values. Vision The Virginia Beach Police Department will be the premier law enforcement agency setting the standard for excellence. Committed to those we serve, we adapt to change, while focusing on value-based principles, lifelong learning, and professional growth. Core Values Professionalism…in our actions, conduct, and job performance. Constantly striving towards ever-rising standards.
Respect…for all citizens, each other, and for differing points of view, regardless of age, race, gender, appearance, individual beliefs, or lifestyles.
Integrity…truthful and honest, deserving of trust. Ethical. Being guided by the concept of fundamental fairness in everything we do. Doing what is right.
Dedication…to the organization, each other, our families, and the citizens we serve. Unquestionable work ethic.
Excellence…in everything we do. Seeking to improve and excel, always. PRIDE
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 5 Organizational Chart
Chief of Police James A. Cervera
Executive Aide Lieutenant
Public Affairs Office
Executive Assistant
Public Safety Attorney Associate City Attorney Operations Division Deputy Chief Anthony F. Zucaro, Jr. Volunteers Aide Sergeant Telephone Reporting Unit Police Chaplains Community Service
Police IPS Program Manager First Precinct Third Precinct Night CDO Night CDO Captain Theresa A. Orr Captain David G. Squires Captain John T. Orr Captain Reo B. Hatfield, III Captain Kenneth A. Miller
Second Precinct Special Operations Fourth Precinct Day CDO Captain Michael P. Ronan Captain Sean Adams Captain Tony T. Yarbrough Captain Benjamin D. Gonse
Animal Control Crime Prevention Lieutenant Sergeant
Animal Shelter Ready Response Manager Team Sergeant
Auxiliary Police 6 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report Organizational Chart
Support Division Manager Investigative Profesional Standards C. Thomas Mitchell Division Division Deputy Chief Deputy Chief William T. Dean, Jr. Patrick L. Gallagher
Financial Civilian
Payroll Civilian
Planning & Analysis Civilian Detective Bureau Special Investigations Professional Development Captain Laura L. Kaiser Captain Frank Genova, Jr. Captain Todd A. Jones
Support Division Auto Office of Pawn Intelligence Lieutenant Theft Unit Internal Affairs
Property and Crime Property Evidence Sergeant Interdiction Body Cameras Analysis Crime
NCIC/VCIN Sergeant Forensics HR/Police Services Robbery Narcotics HR Coordinator
Records Civilian Special Homicide Vice Victims
Domestic Violence PhotoSafe Warrants Mission Persons False Alarm Uniform and Supply Sergeant Economic Crime Crime Solvers
As of January 1, 2017
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 7 Pers onnel
Authorized Full-Time Positions Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Number of Number of Position Positions Position Positions Sworn Police: Non-Sworn Personnel: Chief 1 Accountant III 1 Deputy Chief 3 Account Clerk 6 Captain 11 Account Clerk Supervisor 1 Lieutenant 26 Administrative Assistant 12 Sergeant 93 Administrative Specialist I 1 Master Police Officer 397 Administrative Technician 6 Police Officer 287 Animal Caretaker 2 Subtotal 818 Automotive Service Aide 4 Animal Control: Clerk 11 Animal Shelter Care Manager 1 Executive Assistant II 1 Animal Shelter Operations Supervisor 2 Forensic Photo Lab Specialist 1 Animal Control Supervisor 2 Forensic Services Technicians/Specialist 15 Animal Control Officer 21 Forensic Specialist Supervisor 3 Animal Control Exhibits Technician 2 Forensic Unit Supervisor 1 Animal Control Veterinarian 1 Investigative Division Office Supervisor 1 Animal Caretaker 10 Office Assistant 12 Clerk 4 Planning & Analysis Coordinator 1 Administrative Assistant 1 Police Offense Technician 3 Subtotal 44 Public Safety Support Services Supervisor 1 Business Application Specialist II 1 Source: 16/17 Fiscal Year Budget. Police Training Assistant 1 Precinct Desk Officer 24 Public Safety Analyst 3 Public Safety Data Services Assistant 17 Storekeeper 4 Support Division Manager 1 Victim Witness Caseworker 1 Subtotal 135 Grand Total 997
Police Budget Comparison Department Fiscal Year 2016/2017 $98,800,096 5.2% Total City Budget: $1,914,914,786
City Budget Non-Police $1,816,114,690 94.8%
8 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report Pers onnel
Distribution of Sworn Personnel By Division
Other 6.0% Investigative Division 19.5% Operations Division 74.6%
Average Years of Police Service by Rank
Chief 39
Deputy Chief 32
Captain 29
Lieutenant 24
Sergeant 19
Master Police Officer 16
Police Officer 3
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0
Average Age by Rank
Chief 62 Deputy Chief 56 Captain 53 Lieutenant 49 Sergeant 45 Master Police Officer 44 Police Officer 30 All Sworn 40
0 10203040506070
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 9 I nternal Awards
Medal of Valor Life Saving Medal Officer R. K. Bryant, II Master Police Officer D. K. Austin Officer D. J. Evans Master Police Officer S. D. Bryant Officer G. S. Yorgen Master Police Officer A. J. Edwards Master Police Officer C. R. Jachimiak Master Police Officer W. A. Morrow Master Police Officer J. M. Steffens Officer M. E. Blumling Silver Cross Medal Officer J. E. Bott Officer M. R. Cade Sergeant J. K. Cole Officer M. Cuartas Officer C. C. Daniels Officer B. P. Hoke Officer M. W. Jensen Officer J. L. Jordan, III Officer B. W. Morgan Officer J. D. Morrow, Jr. edal of erit M M Officer E. W. Mabry Master Police Officer P. A. Davenport Officer J. W. Otranto Master Police Officer B. D. Decker Officer K. A. Pringle Master Police Officer D. R. Shoenbach Officer C. W. Serman Officer J. Abbattista, III Officer M. E. Shawkat Officer D. J. Evans Officer F. Silye, Jr. Officer B. M. Grimes Officer D. R. Hunter Special Commendation Officer B. J. Staie Master Police Officer B. T. Canning Forensic Specialist II K. J. Mileski Master Police Officer S. M. Curran
Life Saving Medal with Valor Civilian Employee of the Year Award
Master Police Officer J. J. Manning, III Precinct Desk Officer II Elaine Manzano Officer C. D. Curry Volunteer of the Year Officer E. W. Mabry Officer J. W. Otranto Juliana Pontone Officer J. M. Williams Department Awards to Citizens
Meritorious Public Service Unit Citation Wayne McCoy Marine Patrol Steve Prescott Master Police Officer S. P. Cope Mason Whitehurst Master Police Officer D. P. Fogarty, III Life Saving Award Master Police Officer W. J. Hannigan, Jr. 1st Precinct COP Squad Brad Jones Master Police Officer E. J. Kavanagh Gabrielle Karolenko Master Police Officer T. W. Lipsey, Jr. Victoria Karolenko Master Police Officer J. G. Makin Christian Torri Master Police Officer C. N. Szymanski Daniel Torri Master Police Officer P. C. Vaughan Special Commendation Officer J. M. Crawford Officer C. A. Gauthier Paul Patterson, Jr. 10 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report E xternal Awards
American Legion Post 113 Officer of the Year Master Police Officer P. C. Vaughan
Cape Henry Rotary Club Public Safety Employee of the Year Master Police Officer T. J. Schultz
John T. Hanna Award for “Law Enforcement Initiatives” Traffic Safety Unit
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 392 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Police Officer M. A. Weeks
Virginia Beach Rotary Club Volunteer of the year Wayne McCoy
Virginia Federation of Humane Societies Humanitarian Award Animal Control Officer II S. B. Irving 2016 Virginia Police Work Dog Association Iron Dog Competition
1st Place Men’s Open Division Master Police Officer J. S. Hewlett and K-9 Jager
2nd Place Men’s Open Division Master Police Officer J. L. Molinar and K-9 Ranger
4th Place Men’s Open Division Master Police Officer R. A. Bitner and K-9 Sam
1st Place Team Division Master Police Officer R. A. Bitner and K-9 Sam Master Police Officer J. S. Hewlett and K-9 Jager Master Police Officer J. L. Molinar and K-9 Ranger
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 11 R etirements, Promotions & Degrees
2016 Retirements Years of Years of Rank/Name Service Rank/Name Service Sergeant E. L. Beard 28 Master Police Officer A. B. Hilton 29 Sergeant H. J. Beasley 21 Master Police Officer L. N. Krieger 19 Sergeant J. R. Johnson 33 Master Police Officer D. W. Macarthur 13 Sergeant R. J. Mlinkcsek 27 Master Police Officer J. A. Monts 15 Sergeant M. R. Tiedemann 27 Master Police Officer C. S. Nicklin 12 Sergeant K. J. Wilburn 26 Master Police Officer D. M. O'Loughlin 15 Sergeant F. D. Wins 28 Master Police Officer W. C. Simms 28 Master Police Officer R. L. Bider 25 Administrative Technician L. L. Varela 4 Master Police Officer E. A. Carila 27 Animal Control Officer II D. W. Humphrey 31 Master Police Officer J. C. Cason Jr. 26 Animal Control Officer II M. E. Humphrey 29 Master Police Officer E. Chandler 26 Animal Caretaker M. A. Pierce 5 Master Police Officer T. M. Gandy 20 Forensic Specialist I M. R. Acosta 30 Master Police Officer C. S. Gottardi 14 Precinct Desk Officer II E. A. Rehpelz 30 Master Police Officer T. C. Hall 26 Public Safety Data Services Assistant I D. M. Ciolino 5
2016 Promotions Rank Name Rank Name Deputy Chief P. L. Gallagher Sergeant J. K. Cole Captain B. D. Gonse Sergeant W. E. Dean Captain R. B. Hatfield, III Sergeant C. D. D'Orio Captain K. A. Miller Sergeant M. W. Dougherty Lieutenant B. T. Calhoun Sergeant D. L. Dozier Lieutenant M. R. Clark Sergeant W. A. Frederick Lieutenant D. J. Fiore Sergeant J. J. Gordon Lieutenant D. C. Sorenson Sergeant A. E. Gregg Lieutenant S. E. Wichtendahl Sergeant B. R. Jackson Lieutenant W. C. Zelms Sergeant R. M. Jason Sergeant D. M. Adamek Administrative Assistant K. M. Baker-Jamison Sergeant D. E. Aubuchon Administrative Assistant J. P. Weger Sergeant K. A. Ball Administrative Technician D. R. Sergent Sergeant L. Cain, II Executive Assistant II M. Ferranti Sergeant R. T. Carrera, II Public Safety Data Services Assistant I I. A. Navedo
VBPD Employees Who Earned Degrees in 2016 Name Degree/Major Institution Lieutenant W. S. Humphrey M.S. Criminal Justice - Public Administration Specialization Liberty University Sergeant D. W. Rifflard B.S. Business Administration - International Business Management – East Asia Old Dominion University Master Police Officer E. O. Diaz B.A. Criminal Justice Saint Leo University Master Police Officer T. E. Ziaja B.A. Criminal Justice Saint Leo University Public Safety Analyst II K. L. Alderman M.S. Criminal Justice Administration - Digital Forensic Investigation Boston University
12 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report Pren ci ct Map
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 13 D irector’s Office
Director’s Office There has never been a time when the challenges to policing have been so diverse and in such a constant state of flux. The ever changing, testing times present the Virginia Beach Police Department with opportunities to envision and enact innovative ways to deter crime and come up with solutions through community policing. Instead of reacting and responding to crime after the fact, community policing promotes the proactive development of solutions to the underlying circumstances contributing to public safety problems by engaging and building better working relationships with the community. The Police Department continually reaches out to the community through efforts such as Coffee with a Cop events, the Lake Edward Trash Cleanup initiative and the Beep It to Keep It public awareness campaign. Our Department will continue to strive to work hand-in-hand with local citizens to form a more amicable and dynamic partnership with the community, in an effort to collaboratively create crime prevention tactics and problem-solving techniques that would lead to an engaged, safer, and more prosperous community.
The Police Department’s Volunteer Program is one of the top five department programs in the City of Virginia Beach to be inducted into the “Million Dollar Club.” During fiscal year 2015/2016, the department’s Volunteer Program members delivered a 25.5% increase in contribution hours, completing 70,411 total hours which equates to $1,658,890 in cost savings by these community caretakers. City Manager, Mr. Dave Hansen, shared his appreciation for these efforts in a letter to Police Chief Cervera. On February 8, 2017, the Office of Volunteer Resources presented their annual report to Mayor Sessoms and the City Council highlighting these collective efforts.
In May of 2015, the Final Report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing was published. The task force was created to strengthen community policing and trust among law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. Since the final report was released, our department has refined and implemented many new initiatives and has continued to refine and grow the programs already in place. The department has created a report to highlight what the department Virginia Beach Police Department has done to response to the President’s Task Force. The in the 21st Century report is titled, “Virginia Beach Police Department in the A Response to the President’s Task Force Report 21st Century: A Response to the President’s Task Force Report.”
14 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report I pon the S tlight
Revive The VBPD became the first agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia to deploy the Naloxone antidote to counter the potentially deadly heroin overdoses. The VBPD has become a partner in the emergency medical deployment strategy in addressing an increase in heroin overdosing. Similar to the deployment of the AED (Automated External Defibrillators), police officers are often times the first on-scene to medical emergencies and are able to initiate life-saving efforts. In 2015, Virginia Beach reported 35 heroin overdose deaths. This represents a 257% increase compared to 2012 stats.
The VBPD strategy deployed 50 Revive kits with the Naloxone antidote throughout the four precincts with the intent to deploy an additional 350.
In 2016, VBPD officers have successfully deployed the Narcan antidote 40 times throughout the city. In many cases, this initiative has been responsible for saving many of these citizens who, had it not been for the Narcan, would have become a statistic that unfortunately is rising throughout our country.
LGBT Liaison
The Virginia Beach Police Department is pleased to announce that Sergeant Michele “Shelly” Meister will become the Department’s first liaison to the LGBT community. This liaison program is mirrored after a similar program that was introduced by the Norfolk Police Department in 2015. Sergeant Meister joined the Virginia Beach Police Department on August 1, 2002 and was promoted to the rank of sergeant on June 1, 2013.
The Department recognizes and values the importance of community outreach and the need to ensure that all of members of the community are treated with respect and dignity. This new position will provide opportunities for any person who feels the need to express their concerns or opinions regarding the manner in which the Virginia Beach Police Department pursues its mission to serve and protect. This liaison position will also serve as a resource for members of the LGBT community who are victims of violent crimes and crimes motivated by hate. Often times these crimes go unreported, resulting in a cycle of violence that sadly will continue unless effective intervention strategies can be brought to bear on the matter. This position has been unanimously approved and endorsed by Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission and Hampton Roads Pride.
A new email address has been established for citizens and members of the VBPD to use to communicate with Sergeant Meister. That email address is [email protected]
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 15 O perations Division Operations Division
Patrol The Chief has remarked on various occasions that the “average” patrol officer today is significantly better prepared and proactive than in previous generations. For a variety of reasons we do in fact expect more out of the “average” officer. They work across a broader variety of contexts serving inside schools, addressing the emergency needs of the mentally ill, supporting the vulnerable in crisis, and at times having to be prepared to meet the challenge of violent crime head on. In these difficult times, it has become necessary to live by the adage “working smarter not just harder” and 2016 has shown how the average officer has done just that.
In 2016, the “average” officer cleared 48% of his cases. This means that almost half of the time, the uniformed officer arriving at the call for service was able to resolve the matter through their own efforts and investigation. This represented a 5% increase over our efficiency in 2015. While we are enormously proud of our specialty units and professional investigators, we are just as proud of the skills and dedication we have seen in our generalists. Patrol Officers throughout 2016 shouldered a significant portion of the responsibilities for investigating crimes in their area and for following up on matters themselves saving only the most complex and complicated matters for the specialists.
In order to accomplish these good results, we needed to expand the skills and tools available to Patrol Officers. In the 1st Precinct, Patrol Officers authored 12 search warrants. Of those 12, three focused on the extraction of criminal evidence from electronic devices, one was for DNA and one was to search for heat signatures consistent with marijuana production. Our patrol officers are able and ready to respond to calls for service, bring a crisis to resolution, and to roll up their sleeves to conduct an investigation. Our officers are also diligent in looking for ways beyond the call for service to directly address the conditions that support ongoing crime and perpetuate the fear of crime. More than 200 times in 2016, Patrol Officers took it upon themselves to organize proactive patrols specifically addressing areas of persistent crime and fear. Officers engaged in canvassing, public education, environmental design, and a variety of other means to lower the motivation of offenders, improve a shared sense of guardianship, and to alter the vulnerabilities of victims. In addition to many arrests we are proud of, we are also able to point to streets and neighborhoods with less crime today for these efforts.
Finally, in 2016, we worked hard as a Division to find and support experimental methods to lower risk and cost. We found a small number of people who (for a variety of reasons) found themselves in need of emergency police services an unusually high number of times. In every case the service had been delivered well. Despite that we focused on finding ways to reduce the need before the next crisis. Through an effective partnership between Precinct’s, members of the Crisis Intervention Team, the Department of Human Services, EMS, the Commonwealth Attorney’s, the jail, and many others, we are measuring our success by reducing calls for service and risky encounters as much as we are holding ourselves accountable to excellence in each service delivery. We really are a business trying to reduce the need for our service.
16 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report O perations Division
Hurricane Matthew In October of 2016, Hurricane Matthew hit Virginia Beach with more rain than the city has seen since 1963. The city experienced back-to-back weather events that combined to create staggering rainfall amounts and serious flooding. Tropical Storm Julia passed through the city dropping over 15 inches of rain in 96 hours. Shortly after, Hurricane Matthew passed through when the city still had saturated soils, filled detention basins and elevated waterway levels from Julia. No one forecasted the amount of rain we would receive from Hurricane Matthew. The average amount of rainfall from the hurricane in under 24 hours correlated to about a 300-year event but the peak rain fall of 14.1 inches in 24 hours is nearly a 1,000 year event. Many neighborhoods in the city were severely flooded including Windsor Woods, Windsor Oaks and Princess Anne Plaza.
Since the Hurricane was not expected to hit the area there were many people surprised by the storm and the flooding. Captain Reo Hatfield described some of the work conducted by our officers during the storm:
“The calls for service came as hard and fast as the flooding during the evening and early morning hours. I witnessed officers putting their safety aside in order to respond to a citizens call for distress. I personally witnessed officers and firefighters routinely wading through waist deep water to rescue elderly citizens from their vehicles during the rising water. I witnessed one hero with his radio in one hand wading through chest deep water to get to a suicidal subject who was threatening family members with a sword. I heard officers walking several city blocks through flooded streets and yards when their cars were unable to take them further but they felt compelled to check on the welfare of a citizen whose home suffered damage from a falling tree. I heard officers hitching rides with citizens or fire trucks in order to get to locations that were unreachable otherwise. I witnessed employees not wanting to go home so that they could help. I witnessed employees unable to go home because their personal cars were stranded due to the flooding or they were unable to reach their home due to flooding. I heard officers leaving their families at home driving up to two hours trying to navigate the streets in order to respond to work in the morning. Lastly, after working well beyond your duty hours I witnessed officers walk miles’ home through waist deep water because despite our best efforts we could not get them any closer with city vehicles.”
After the storm passed the work continued. Officers were knocking on doors to check on the welfare of citizens, the police and fire recruits were assisting citizens with “muck and gut” (tearing down drywall/walls and removing the damage) and police employees were assisting at local recovery centers to help citizens obtain services including food and clothing.
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 17 O perations Division
Community Engagement In January, the Mayfair Apartment community woke up to the news that one of their neighbors had been killed. To address the community’s concerns, officers from the Fourth Precinct worked together to develop a plan to help identify and locate the responsible offender(s). Within hours of the incident, members of the Fourth Precinct started to develop a plan to engage the residents of this community.
Cooperating with the on-going investigative effort, precinct patrol officers knocked on apartment doors conducting a secondary neighborhood canvass. The intent of this effort was to help calm the community’s anxiety, reinforce the department’s community connection, and seek additional information for the criminal investigation.
This is yet another example of the department’s community engagement effort to help balance the fear of crime with a direct service delivery with our customers. After tireless investigative efforts, the offender was identified and eventually located. This positive outcome was accomplished while taking proactive measures to bring a sense of community safety back to those who live, work or play in this area of the city. Coffee with a Cop On February 10th, the Police Department’s Second Precinct hosted the first “Coffee with a Cop” event at the Dunkin’ Donuts on Birdneck Road. The purpose of the event was to facilitate an opportunity for police personnel to engage with the community in an environment that is free from the stressors that are often attached with law enforcement encounters. Police Department personnel who participated were: Captain Sean Adams, Lieutenant Humphrey, Sergeant Wesseler, MPO Mantoni, MPO Ziaja, Officer Edwards, Officer Garvin, PPO Cordingley, and School Crossing Guards Wood and Kirby. The event was well attended with approximately 50 citizens throughout the community who stopped by to speak with the officers. The department has continued to invite citizens out to have “Coffee with a Cop” at different locations throughout the city. Clean Up On April 16, 2016, Probationary Police Officer Richard Smith organized a community event to clean up the trash and debris in the alleys of West Hastings Arch (Lake Edwards). The primary goal was to have officers join with residents in the neighborhood working to improve the quality of life of its residents. Officer Smith worked with Waste Management to have a trash truck present during the event. Several officers and about a half dozen residents took part in the effort. Roughly 65 bags of garbage were removed from the ground as well as other larger items that would not fit into a bag. Feedback from citizens thus far has indicated much appreciation for our officers’ efforts. Overall this community event was very successful and continues to be part of the VBPD’s efforts in Western Bayside to improve the quality of life for the residents of that area. 18 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report O perations Division
Stop the Violence
On January 23rd, Captains Kenneth Miller, Tony Yarbrough and Laura Kaiser, Lieutenant Rene Ball and Sergeant Clay Acosta attended the Stop the Violence breakfast where Ms. Christy Sims was the keynote speaker. Miss Sims is a 44-year-old mother of two, who in 2013 was assaulted by her boyfriend with industrial grade sulfuric acid. She was burned over 20% of her body and nearly died. She established the Christy Sims Foundation which advocates for the rights of domestic violence victims. VBPD leadership attended the seminar to lend support and carry her message to the entire department as it relates to the impact of domestic violence, the importance of advocating for victims’ rights, and the critical need for domestic violence prevention and enforcement. The VBPD was one of the first departments to develop a “stand alone” Domestic Violence Unit and a Domestic Violence Field Guide and work sheet to help patrol officers gather necessary evidence to support criminal charges against domestic abusers. The unit also has a civilian domestic violence advocate who is responsible for reaching out to victims for services. It is also worthy to note that the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office has also dedicated attorneys to aggressively prosecute every domestic violence charge within the city.
Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield 2016 On February 4th, VBPD officers assisted in the evacuation of a building during a simulated casualty on board Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Members of the Third and Fourth Precinct Community Policing Units, along with members of the Ready Response Team also participated in an Active Shooter exercise at the same building as part of Exercise Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield 2016. Members of the Virginia Beach Police Department SWAT team were on scene to assist both Navy personnel and police personnel work through the exercise. They also provided a safety briefing as well as guidance to all parties involved. Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield is an annual exercise designed to enhance the training and readiness of Navy security forces to respond to threats to installations and units. The Virginia Beach Police Department’s participation was to assist the Navy in meeting several pre-determined objectives during the exercise while testing the Virginia Beach Police Department’s response to an active shooter and integrating our personnel with the Navy’s for a joint exercise.
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 19 O perations Division
Ready Response Team In 2016, the Ready Response Team’s (RRT) efforts have made a tremendous impact on the quality of life for all citizens who reside, work, and visit the City of Virginia Beach. The team was recognized for their work on several occasions throughout 2016. The most notable accolades came as the result of multiple apprehensions of suspects responsible for armed robberies, car-jacking, and serial burglaries; direct outcomes of well-written and successfully executed planned patrols.
The Ready Response Team responded to an armed robbery at an AT&T store in the Second Precinct. A member of the team remained on scene with Robbery Detectives and FBI Agents, as investigators initiated a phone ping. The RRT Officer relayed the geographical information of the ping to RRT units, who located the suspect and his vehicle at a hotel on Lynnhaven Parkway. The suspect confessed and implied three additional suspects, which led to the recovery of property worth over $250,000, and over $24,000 in U.S. Currency.
Ready Response Team units responded to a barricaded subject call at the Oceanfront. The subject, armed with a handgun, held the firearm to a female’s head and threatened to shoot her before he entered his apartment. RRT Officers donned ballistic gear and immediately formed a R.A.T. team, taking a position within the apartment complex. RRT and K-9 units utilized the ballistic shield to approach the residence and attempted to establish contact with the man inside; to no avail. The team gained entry and took him into custody without incident upon finding him unconscious in his room.
Ready Response Team’s operation over the last year has generated investigative leads and developed probable cause, which led detectives to the identification and apprehension of suspects that may not have been identified without the information gathered by the team. The RRT strives to safeguard the citizens of Virginia Beach from serial offenders and takes PRIDE in delivering quality and effective police services
Crime Prevention in the Community
The Crime Prevention Unit had a very successful year in 2016. Its staff continued to promote a variety of outreach programs to citizens who live, work, and visit the City of Virginia Beach. The mission of this specialty unit is to enhance personal responsibility by offering educational services and providing safety awareness resources to the residents and visitors of Virginia Beach. The achievement of this goal is only possible through effective communication in partnerships with Neighborhood, Business, and Apartment Watch programs, the Citizens Advisory Committees (CAC), and the Religious Institutions Security Program. Crime Prevention officers have embraced and facilitated initiatives such as Nextdoor.com, See-Click-Fix, Crime Solvers, and Leads Online Report It, all of which empower our citizens and their communities.
Crime Prevention officers completed an evaluation of the City’s Neighborhood Watch program and the use of Nextdoor.com as a primary means for communication to our citizens. Nextdoor.com provides the unit with the ability to instantaneously reach over 60,000 residents with crime prevention and community awareness messages. This social media application is very popular, having nearly doubled its number of participants in 2016, and provides citizens with the ability to message the sender and enter into a dialog of communication with the police department to solve problems and address concerns.
Crime Prevention promoted a successful National Night Out program which involved 27 neighborhood communities; conducted 41 Active Threat Citizen Defense Workshops; completed 51 Operation Lookout Expanded home security visits to seniors; graduated two Citizen, two Senior Citizen, and one Youth Police Academies; and served 350 clients in the Project Lifesaver program.
20 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report O perations Division
Beep it to Keep it REMOVE BEFORE DRIVING REMOVE BEFORE DRIVING
In the first half of 2016, the Police Department saw a steep increase in thefts from parked cars of about 40%. In the vast majority of cases, the cars were unlocked and the thieves would target dozens of cars in a neighborhood before making their escape. With the cars unlocked, there were no alarms raised, no sounds of glass breaking, and very few leads to follow. The target of these thefts that was most concerning were firearms. In many cases, gun owners reported leaving their weapons in their unlocked vehicles, resulting in about 100 stolen weapons taken from cars in 2016.
While the Police were successful in apprehending various offenders and there was a significant investment of patrol resources and investigative time dedicated to the problem, the fact remained that the most powerful lever available to deter these crimes was citizens taking two simple steps: First, removing valuable property (especially firearms) from their cars, and second, locking their cars every time they parked.
The Police Department consulted with the Media and Communications Office to develop a public awareness campaign Help Stop A Thief For help or more information call to encourage citizens to take heed of the risks, and do what they 757-385-5000 or visit www.vbgov.com/police could to reduce the risk that they would be the next victim. The product of these conversations was the Beep It to Keep It (BITKI) campaign.
BITKI is simply a bright yellow hang tag car owners are encouraged to display hanging from the rearview mirror of their car once it is parked. In bold print anyone would be able to clearly see the message that the car owner has removed valuable property and locked the doors. While simple and straightforward, this campaign works in three distinct ways: Car owners that develop the habit and take the time to put the hang tag on their mirror are more likely to follow through with the protective habits of removing valuables and locking their doors; Thieves, through experience, learn that there is no point in even trying the door handle of a car with the hang tag displayed and they move on to more opportune targets; Neighborhoods reach a tipping point. When enough thieves find valuable property for easy pickings, they return again and again to the same areas. Conversely when enough cars are found locked, the whole neighborhood becomes unwelcoming to thieves and they look for better hunting grounds elsewhere. When neighbors engage in a public display of their protective behaviors (beeping their key fobs and posting the hang tag to signal they are protecting themselves), they effectively protect each other by achieving that tipping point of making the whole street or neighborhood unwelcoming to thieves. This is the real value behind BITKI.
Patrol Officers distribute BITKI hang tags at public meetings like the Citizens Advisory Committee and during canvasses they conduct in neighborhoods that have suffered recent thefts. In addition to canvassing for leads, the officers distribute the BITKI hang tags and speak about the merits of using them as a crime prevention tool. Because they are able to empower citizens with a functional tool to protect themselves, Officers are noting positive responses from neighbors they are speaking with and various neighborhoods are making the BITKI campaign “go viral” on their individual social media platforms.
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 21 O perations Division
Marine Patrol During 2016, the Marine Patrol had another busy recreational boating season, as the late spring, summer and early fall weather was moderate, allowing for recreational boaters to enjoy the 80 mile waterways within the Virginia Beach territorial waters. Marine Patrol officers once again supported the Annual Polar Plunge at 31st Street, as well as three days of skydivers landing on the beach between the 2nd Street Jetty and 4th Street beaches during the Annual Patriotic Festival. Three Marine Patrol officers attended the Coast Guard Search and Rescue Forum, held in Hampton, Virginia, and were recognized for their superior performance during the five days of drills and exercises. Two Marine Patrol officers were sent to Prince William County, VA, where they trained the Prince William County, VA Police Department Marine Patrol on the Virginia Beach Police, Marine Patrol Officers Course. The Marine Patrol officers, who also serve as the Police Dive Team, conducted countless hours of dive training, as two recently assigned officers were attempting to attain their Public Safety Diver certifications. In addition, four members of the team were working on their Dive Supervisor and Dive Master certifications. To close out the year, during the week before Christmas 2016, the Police Dive Team conducted numerous evidence recovery dives on three consecutive days, as they attempted to locate and recover evidence of a series of random shootings which resulted in two homicides and several serious injuries.
Bomb Squad The Virginia Beach Police Bomb Squad responded to 113 incidents and calls for service during the calendar year 2016. This is an over 100% increase from the 56 incidents of last year. Responses for 2016 encompassed a total of 578 man-hours. Incidents and calls for service included 54 planned responses and 59 unplanned responses. Hours spent in training (either instructing or attending) by members of the Bomb Squad totaled 1,138 hours.
Certified Hazardous Devices Technicians of the VBPD Bomb Squad participate in the Hampton Roads Regional Metropolitan Bomb Squad (HRRMBS) as a regional asset under an agreement with Norfolk FBI Office, Norfolk Police/Fire, Newport News Fire and the Virginia State Police Bomb Squads.
The VBPD Bomb Squad supports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) by providing operational support during Federal Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (ViPR) Operations which are conducted randomly throughout the year at various locations.
22 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report O perations Division
19th Mounted Patrol Academy On April 29, 2016 the Virginia Beach Police Department graduated four officers from its 19th Mounted Patrol Academy. Congratulations MPO Michael Reichert, PO Erica Slye, MPO Aaron Dove and PO Rebekah Davis!
ron og I D On May 21, 2016, three VBPD canine teams travelled to the 4H Center at Smith Mountain Lake to compete in the Virginia Police Work Dog Association 16th Annual Iron Dog Competition hosted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. There were over 40 canine teams from all over the Commonwealth of Virginia participating in this event. The course pits teams against each other, testing their fitness, agility, marksmanship, and skill level in their trained discipline such as patrol, detection, or search and rescue. The course consists of a 2½ mile run that includes a dummy drag, simunition targets, obstacles for both the handler and canine to negotiate such as barricades, walls, water crossing, and a dog carry. It culminates with a successful completion of a task by the canine in its trained discipline; bite, narcotic or explosive detection, or a search and rescue recovery. The event is an opportunity for some good comradery, an assessment of your team’s ability in comparison to your peers, and of course, bragging rights as the Top Dog with the VPWDA organization through which most K9 teams in the state certify. All the teams did great and congratulations are in order for all of them! Bringing home the honors this year were Jimmy Hewlett/Jager 1st Place Men’s Open Division, Jeremy Molinar/Ranger 2nd Place Men’s Open Division, Rob Bitner/Sam 4th Place Men’s Open Division, and 1st Place Team Division for all three of them. Canine Ballistic Vests Thank you to Spike’s K9 Fund, the Police Foundation, and especially donors, all 16 Canine’s of Special Operations’ received ballistic vests in 2016. Spike’s K9 Fund is a 501c3 organization dedicated to providing equipment to improve the safety and performance of working canines and assist with medical expenses when a canine becomes sick or injured. Its long-term goal is to build and maintain a sanctuary where canines can live if they cannot return to work due to injury or behavioral changes.
Each vest was embroidered with the canine’s name, the donor’s name, and “K- 148”—in memory of fallen Norfolk Canine Krijger who died in the line of duty on January 11, 2016. Becky Campbell of the Police Department’s Support Division donated the full cost of a vest for canine “Hooch.” Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 23 O perations Division
Animal Control Statistics Total Animal Control Dispatched Calls 22,182 Stray Dogs Impounded 2,319 The Animal Control Enforcement Team investigated an illegal Stray Cats Impounded 445 hog farm operation that involved numerous agencies such as Dogs Turned In By Owner 516 the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Virginia Cats Turned In By Owner 291 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Animals Returned To Owner 1,977 Beach Sheriff’s office and the Virginia Beach Fire Department. Animals Adopted 2,200 As a result of the investigation, 120 hogs needed to be relocated Animals Transferred To VBSPCA 238 from one location that was found to be inadequate to a more Animals Transferred To Rescues 258 suitable location. This turned out to be Dogs and Cats Euthanized 1,534 a very large scale operation that involved Animal Bite Reports 1,430 Animal Cruelty Investigations 242 numerous personnel and volunteers Cruelty Complaints 697 throughout the city. Both the Bomb squad and the SWAT team participated to assist with building structures to contain the hogs and move them. The owner of the hogs was charged with eight counts of animal cruelty, two counts of inadequate care of an agricultural animal and one count of improper disposal of a dead animal.
Animal Control Officer S. B. Irving received the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies Humanitarian Award in April of 2016 for her demonstration of overall excellence in the performance of her job, and made a significant positive impact on the image of the animal control profession.
The unit issued 1,224 summonses and 37 charges for animal cruelty. In one instance on January 1, 2016, a suspect shot a stray dog in front yard after returning into his home twice, no other persons were outside with the dog. On his third trip outside, he brought his gun with him and shot the dog multiple times. The ER vet stated the wounds were consistent with the dog moving away from the person, not towards the person discharging the weapon. The dog was euthanized due to the severity of its injuries and the suspect charged with Animal Cruelty.
Homecoming On the late afternoon of August 23, 2016, a citizen (Mary) was meeting her friend, Ashdon, at Mary’s semi-truck on Harpers Road. Ashdon brought their cat Mordecai to greet Mary as she was returning from an extended trip. As Ashdon approached the truck, Mordecai became anxious and jumped from Ashdon’s arms over the fence into Oceana Naval Base property, disappearing into the brush. Unfortunately, due to a variety of circumstances they were unable to retrieve the cat and he disappeared.
On November 28, 2016 a citizen brought a cat into the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center to surrender as she was not able to have a cat in her apartment. The clerk (Terry) recognized the cat as Mordecai who months earlier had wandered off. The citizen who brought the cat in was worried that the cat would not find a new home. When she learned the owners were coming to get the cat she wanted to stay and witness the reunion. There was not a dry eye in the house, including the volunteers and staff involved, as Terry stated, “This was the best Christmas present ever!” 24 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report I nvestigative Division
Warrant and Fugitive Unit The Warrant and Fugitive Unit consists of seven permanent Detectives, three temporarily assigned Detectives (on a six month rotation) and one Sergeant. Their primary responsibility is to track, locate and apprehend individuals with Virginia Beach arrest warrants. These warrants range from misdemeanors to violent felony warrants such as murder, rape and robbery. They routinely assist other local, state and federal agencies in the locating and apprehension of wanted individuals for those agencies. They conduct in-depth investigations, surveillance and various other advanced locating techniques to track and apprehend these individuals.
Between January 1, 2016 & December 31, 2016, members of the unit arrested 906 suspects for a wide variety of crimes. They safely served 1,964 warrants, of which 1,429 were felony charges. Out of these 906 arrests, 227 were considered violent offenders; which means they were wanted for violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, abduction and a variety of sex crimes. In addition, they also drove over 25,000 miles transporting 143 citizens in mental health crisis which resulted in 207 overtime hours for these transports alone.
Members of the unit were awarded a City of Virginia Beach Class Act award in May 2016 for one of the most productive months in years. In one month they arrested or located 22 violent offenders; served 137 warrants of which 111 were felonies and transported 16 out of area mental committals as far as Staunton VA. Members were also awarded the Excellence Award from the Detective Bureau for their outstanding work done during the 4th quarter of 2016.
In December 2016, the 3rd annual “Jingle Jingle Warrant Round-Up” was launched by the VBPD Warrant and Fugitive Unit in collaboration with the Warrant Fugitive Units from Norfolk, Chesapeake and Portsmouth Police Departments. This three-day operation targeted the apprehension of suspects and fugitives wanted for approximately 500 outstanding charges within Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Approximately 600 attempts were made by 18 different arrest teams. At the conclusion, 133 individuals were arrested for more than 200 separate warrants. Multiple violent offenders were arrested on charges including Rape, Indecent Liberties, and Armed Robbery. A total of three handguns were recovered along with 28 grams of crack cocaine and a quantity of heroin. Members of the VBPD SWAT and COP Units were also included in this successful operation. Heroin Enforcement The Virginia Beach Police Departments Special Investigations has seen a significant increase in heroin related overdoses and deaths during 2016. To combat this epidemic, an entire narcotics squad has concentrated their enforcement efforts on leading the investigative response. They have been directed to respond to every heroin overdose or death (248 heroin overdoses – 50 deaths in 2016 to date) and to exhaust any and all investigative leads. This vigorous enforcement action is aimed to disrupt the market for heroin by dismantling or disrupting drug trafficking and or money laundering organizations. The focus was on heroin sources, suppliers and those responsible for facilitating any heroin related overdose death. During 2016 Special Investigations has confiscated 1339.68 grams of heroin and arrested 75 individuals for the distribution of heroin and 65 individuals for possession. Investigators were tasked with developing prosecutable cases for the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office against those that directly contributed to any heroin overdose or death. In analyzing the response to the heroin overdose problem it became apparent that it lacked an element that effectively addresses the underlying problems associated with heroin addiction. To that end, the assistance of subject matter experts from the Department of Human Services was sought in developing an appropriate community outreach effort. With our input, they have developed an informational brochure that provides the reader with beneficial information on resources and assistance that is available to help treat and end opioid addiction. This brochure will be made available to overdose victims and their families by our department members upon response to an overdose call. Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 25 I nvestigative Division
Lethality Assessment Protocol The Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP) is a risk assessment tool developed to provide police with a simple and consistent method to measure the level of danger victims of domestic violence (DV) are in given their current situation. The tool consists of a standard set of questions (lethality screen) that are asked of the victim in a specific order; the responses that the victim provides help indicate the level of danger. When victims screen in at a “high danger” level, the officer contacts the partnering victim advocacy agency (Samaritan House) by contacting a 24-hour domestic violence hotline to speak directly with a counselor. The purpose of the phone call is to conduct immediate safety planning and attempt to have the victim enter services more quickly. Since 2006, Virginia Beach has experienced 26 DV-related homicides. Research indicates that victims who are immediately connected with services are at a reduced risk of DV- related homicide, serious assault and repeat victimization. Among DV-related homicide, only 4% had ever accessed DV services [2011. Lethality Assessment. Lethality Assessment Program for First Responders. Curriculum for Service Providers. MNADV].
The Virginia Attorney General’s Office presented a “Train the Trainer” class in October 2016 to officers and partnering victim advocates. All precinct officers received muster training in LAP in November and have received additional online training through PowerDMS. The VBPD has partnered with Samaritan House and the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney to enhance services to victims of DV, reduce victimization, and thereby providing for a safer community. Statistical information will be provided to the Attorney General’s Office for analysis. Maryland, considered the leader in the use of this protocol showed a 34% drop in DV- related homicides between 2007 and 2012. The LAP was launched by the VBPD at the beginning of 2017. Expected benefits include the following: Reduced DV-related homicides; Fewer serious injuries associated with DV; Reduced repeat calls-for-service to the same residence for DV; Increased victim safety by providing better and timelier service; Increase of police support felt by victims in crisis; and Identification and accountability of serial batterers. Property Crimes Detectives In 2016, the Virginia Beach Police Department Property Crimes Unit investigated a total of 4,138 cases. An example of one such investigation, Property Crime Unit detectives worked a lead they developed through the collaborative efforts of uniform patrol officers and were able to identify an individual suspected of committing multiple thefts throughout the First Precinct area. Detectives executed a search warrant on the residence of this individual and located numerous stolen items to include cameras, phones, knives and other electronic devices. They developed a lead on an accomplice and identified that individual. A second search warrant was obtained and executed which led to the discovery of additional stolen property. Detectives worked tirelessly to locate the owners and return the property to owners throughout the entire city. The lead detective was eventually able to successfully close more than 67 cases.
In another case, detectives worked with patrol officers to identify an individual suspected of stealing construction materials from various locations. Detectives coordinated surveillance and were able to catch the suspect moving stolen property back to his residence. A search warrant was obtained and executed which resulted in the recovery of more than $50,000 worth of stolen materials. Detectives worked to locate owners and return the stolen property, in some instances, even uprooted stolen landscaping. Thirteen cases were closed as a result of this successful investigation.
26 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report I nvestigative Division
Forensics Crime Scene Total The Forensic Services Unit’s (FSU) mission is Assignments FSU/CSO 3,349 to serve the victims of crime by objectively Fingerprints Recovered at Scene 48% investigating crimes through forensic science Other Evidence Recovered at Scence 52% and technology. FSU is staffed by two dozen Cases Responded to Less Than 1 hour 93% civilian personnel dedicated to specific Serial Number Restoration Cases 15 disciplines of forensic science; ranging from various aspects of crime scene investigation Latent Fingerprints Total and latent fingerprint examination to civil Cases w/Identified Latents 289 identification services. Civil Identification Total In 2016, FSU fulfilled our mission through Civil/Criminal Processes FSU 10,753 continued investigative support, the Civil/Criminal Processes Jail 11,992 application of newly-acquired training, and Civil/Criminal Processes 2nd Precinct 206 enhancements to current equipment. The latent fingerprint section continued their Digital Imaging Total implementation of a double verification Photo Requests 976 procedure to ensure that latent fingerprint Video Analyst Cases 109 comparisons and identifications were Cell Phone/Mobile Device Case 78 conducted accurately and efficiently. The crime scene section hosted an Advanced Shooting Reconstruction training course which attracted attendees from local, as well as national law enforcement and forensic agencies. The crime scene section also acquired upgrades to the current FARO™ 3-D laser scanner which allows for the simultaneous capturing of photographs while recording accurate measurements of the crime scene. The upgrades include an interface between software of the FARO™ scanner and the Unit’s sketching software to produce highly accurate 2D diagrams of the crime scene, and an application that records bullet trajectory information for demonstrative purposes. A member of the Unit also attended an ATF-sponsored training on the topic of Serial Number Restoration to potentially recover an item’s uniquely identifying information which has been obliterated. The Unit continues to improve upon their Forensic Case Management software designed to provide detectives with forensic information as an investigation unfolds.
The Unit as a whole began their pursuit of ISO 17020 Accreditation to an international standard as it applies to forensic science units within police agencies. The venture entails the creation and updating of guiding documents to ensure that a standardized practice of forensic science is being met. It is expected that the FSU’s guiding documents will be completed early within the 2017 calendar year, and an accreditation assessment will promptly follow.
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 27 Pr ofessional Standards Division
Internal Affairs The Office of Internal Affairs (IA) is supervised and Administrative Investigations Totals managed by Lieutenant Andrew Spiess and the unit Citizen Complaint 64 is responsible for conducting and/or coordinating Internal Investigation 89 investigations of police employee misconduct. The unit has Inquiries 39 five first line supervisors (Sergeants) who are responsible Handled as Information Cases 202 for the investigative functions. Internal Affairs personnel Firearm Discharges 0 interact with citizens in person, via the phone or internet and document every complaint, to include complaints made anonymously. Internal Affairs has a collaborative Citizen & Internal Allegations by Totals relationship with the city’s Human Resources Division, Finding Risk Management, City Attorney’s Office, City Auditor’s Sustained 97 Office and other departments to ensure that the Virginia Not Sustained 36 Beach Police Department (VBPD) is in full compliance with Exonerated 40 all city, state and federal mandates/regulations. In 2016, Unfounded 28 IA facilitated 192 investigations (Citizen Complaints, Internal Investigations and Inquiries) which resulted in 223 Active Cases 22 allegations of misconduct. Ninety Seven allegations were Total Allegations 223 sustained. A sustained finding is determined when there is sufficient evidence to prove the accused employee violated a department rule, order or city policy. Ninety percent of the sustained allegations resulted from internally generated investigations. Internal Affairs reviewed 1,012 individual Use of Force (UOF) reports in 2016 generated from a total of 64,905 enforcement actions against citizens. Out of all of these encounters which may have resulted in a use of force incident, only .02% of citizens in 2016 reported being injured. Only 0.003% reported an injury that required out- patient medical care. Internal Affairs is additionally tasked with responding to all requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act, Subpoena Duces Tecums, and court orders; in 2016, IA responded to 3,753 requests (this is an increase of 52% from the previous year).
Office of Accreditation The Virginia Beach Police Department holds national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies or CALEA. In 2012 and again in 2015, the department received from CALEA, the achievement of Gold Standard with Excellence. This is the highest rating a department can receive. The next assessment of the department by CALEA will be in the spring of 2018. By adhering to the standards set in place by CALEA, citizens and visitors alike receive the very best police services possible. On a regular basis the Office of Accreditation inspects each command within the department and ensures that they are adhering to polices and procedures. The office also conducts reviews of department policies to ensure they are allowing the department to serve the community in the best possible manner. This past year, in an effort to be more transparent, the Office of Accreditation helped to place department policies and field guides online. Visitors to the webpage can review these documents and gain an insight into how the department functions day to day. Additionally, visitors can click on an email link and ask a question about a policy.
28 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report Pr ofessional Standards Division
Professional Development &
T raining The Professional Development and Training Unit (PD&T) supports employees through the expertise and dedication of our academy and in-service staff members. Our Training Director is Lieutenant Brent Burnette, who along with Sergeants David Hilton, Nick Brewer, Michele Wyatt, and Bryan Marshall delivered classroom, practical and scenario-based evolutions to our senior officers and recruit academy participants. Sergeant Will Gervin supervises our recruiting and selection staff and is responsible for enlisting and evaluating qualified applicants to consider for future employment. Virginia Beach is one of only 19 Department of Criminal Justice Certified Independent Law Enforcement Academies. PD&T is responsible for every facet of training from “recruited through retired” for the 817 sworn members of the Police Department. PD&T graduated Academy class #60 in January 2016 where 27 new officers completed their training. Class #61 graduated 20 new officers in June 2016. Staff members were challenged to hire one of the largest academies in the history of our department. We were able to identify and hire 59 recruits for the September 2016 academy.
Professional Development and Training encompasses two work sites in Virginia Beach and one in Moyock, NC. The Law Enforcement Training Academy is a converted elementary school in Virginia Beach where most of the recruiting and selection process occurs. Our Creeds facility is a 271-acre former air strip that affords us the opportunity to conduct driving and scenario-based training. We continue to conduct all live-fire training at a state-of-the-art firearms facility located in Moyock, NC. Professional Development and Training is staffed with 26 sworn officers and 13 civilian staff members. They provide the many hours of training necessary to keep VBPD officers proficient to accomplish their tasks. The VBPD often trains with city, state and federal agencies to promote regionalism and cooperation amongst first responders. The VBPD recognizes the importance of the training elements mentioned in the 21st Century Policing Report. Our agency excels at offering the specific training mentioned in this report. These include: Crisis Intervention Training, Fair and Impartial Policing, cultural diversity and awareness, Narcan deployment, executive staff training, scenario-based evolutions, de-escalation techniques and policing in a democratic society.
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 29 Spo up rt Division
Support Division
Tom Mitchell serves as Support Division Manager. Mr. Mitchell oversees records management, budget and purchasing coordination, property and evidence management, supply, payroll, planning and analysis, and coordination of the false alarm reduction and PhotoSafe programs. The Support Division consists of several units providing administrative and support services to other Virginia Beach Police Department operations, City of Virginia Beach agencies, and to the public.
Members of Planning and Analysis, led by Coordinator Afton Oglesby, continued to prepare for the replacement of the current automated police records management system and computer aided dispatching system, as well as implementation of mobile field reporting and electronic ticketing estimated to become operational beginning in late 2017.
A new career track was approved and implemented for those staff members in the Records Unit whose functions involve entering information into VCIN/NCIC and our local records management system. A new “level two” and a future “level three” provide additional compensation for those who meet set standards for those levels. An additional VCIN compliance officer position was created to handle the increased workload associated with data validations and provide another career development position within the Records Unit.
The Supply Unit was moved from a building outside of Police Headquarters to available space in the basement of Headquarters created when a substantial amount of property was moved from the basement to a new long-term property and evidence storage facility on Leroy Road. This allows officers to take care of many needs while at Headquarters. The vacated building was turned over to the City for other needs.
Lt. Bob Christman continued to coordinate the department’s efforts on various security camera projects including the Oceanfront Camera Project, replacement and expansion of security camera systems in police facilities, and Police Department access to various Virginia Beach Public Schools security camera and building security systems during critical incidents.
Two significant audits were conducted on Support Division functions in 2016, both of which were very successful. The Virginia State Police audited the department’s VCIN/NCIC records and procedures while
Camera Operators The department hired seven part-time camera operators to monitor the 31 oceanfront cameras. In January, camera room operator Steve Fesko was monitoring the cameras when he located/recognized one of the Second Precinct’s Top 10 Wanted Persons. Steve identified the individual from a printout hanging above the monitors and directed responding officers to the suspect’s location. Officers arrested the individual for an outstanding warrant and charged him with alcohol related offenses. Due to Steve’s keen eye and dedication to assisting our officers, a Top 10 Wanted Person is off the streets. As more cameras are added throughout the ocean front and city, camera operators like Steve will continue to be a force multiplier for the department.
30 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report Ro ep rted Crimes
Virginia Beach Police Department Part I Crimes by Patrol Zone
Fort Story 2016
Little Creek Amphibious Base 220 331 330
329 Third 221 4 320 326 327 223 328 Second 226 321 325 323 222 227 322 224 324 225 423 129 427 127 228 420 NAS Oceana Camp Pendleton 422 426 126 428 Dam Neck Fourth 425 128 123 421 424 124
125
122
121 First
120 Part I Crimes Density
33 - 123 124 - 231 232 - 340 341 - 504 505 - 822
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 31 Ro ep rted Crimes
Reported Part I Crimes 2015 - 2016
2015 2016 % Change HOMICIDE Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter 19 22 15.8% Total Criminal Homicides 19 22 15.8% RAPE Rape 144 163 13.2% Attempts to Commit Rape 3 4 33.3% Total Rapes 147 167 13.6% ROBBERY Firearm 140 133 -5.0% Knife or Cutting Instrument 15 15 0.0% Other Dangerous Weapon 27 30 11.1% Strong Arm (Hand, Fists, etc.) 87 86 -1.1% Total Robberies 269 264 -1.9% AGGRAVATED ASSAULT Firearm 67 59 -11.9% Knife or Cutting Instrument 44 43 -2.3% Other Dangerous Weapon 75 49 -34.7% Aggravated (Hands, Fists, etc.) 50 135 170.0% Total Aggravated Assaults 236 286 21.2% BURGLARY Residential 793 664 -16.3% Non-Residential 133 163 22.6% Total Burglaries 926 827 -10.7% LARCENY Pocket Picking 22 21 -4.5% Purse Snatching 12 20 66.7% Shoplifting 1,918 1,670 -12.9% From Autos/Parts & Accessories 3,314 3,532 6.6% From Buildings 1,253 1,046 -16.5% From Coin-Operated Machines 5 6 20.0% All Others 2,076 2,185 5.3% Total Larcenies 8,600 8,480 -1.4% MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT Autos 180 241 33.9% Trucks and Buses 34 36 5.9% Other Vehicles 188 180 -4.3% Total Motor Vehicle Thefts 402 457 13.7% ARSON* 93 70 Total Arsons 93 70 -24.7%
GRAND TOTALS 10,692 10,573 -1.1% *Arson Cases are handled by the Virginia Beach Fire Department. Source: Virginia Beach Uniform Crime Report.
32 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report Ro ep rted Crimes
2016 Part I Crimes Clearance Rates # of # of Cases Percent *Nationwide Offenses Cleared Cleared Clearance Rate HOMICIDE Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter 22 18 81.8% Total Criminal Homicides 22 18 81.8% 57.0% RAPE Rape 163 166 101.8% Attempted Rape 4 4 100.0% Total Rapes 167 170 101.8% 38.5% ROBBERY Firearm 133 83 62.4% Knife or Cutting Instrument 15 12 80.0% Other Dangerous Weapon 30 19 63.3% Strong Arm (Hands, Fists, etc.) 86 42 48.8% Total Robberies 264 156 59.1% 26.3% AGGRAVATED ASSAULT Firearm 59 31 52.5% Knife or Cutting Instrument 43 37 86.0% Other Dangerous Weapon 49 40 81.6% Aggravated (Hands, Fists, etc.) 135 115 85.2% Total Aggravated Assaults 286 223 78.0% 47.5% TOTAL VIOLENT CRIMES 739 567 76.7% 39.6% BURGLARY Forcible Entry 268 63 23.5% Unlawful Entry 513 105 20.5% Attempted Forcible Entry 46 9 19.6% Total Burglaries 827 177 21.4% 9.7% Total Larcenies-Thefts (except motor vehicles) 8,480 1,983 23.4% 16.2% MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT Autos 241 52 21.6% Trucks and Buses 36 11 30.6% Other Vehicles 180 30 16.7% Total Vehicle Thefts 457 93 20.4% 8.8% Total Arsons** 70 11 15.7% 15.4% TOTAL PROPERTY CRIMES 9,834 2,264 23.0% 14.1%
TOTAL CRIMES 10,573 2,831 26.8% *Nationwide Clearance Rates are based upon cities with population 250,000 and over for 2015. **Arson cases are handled by the Virginia Beach Fire Department. Sources: Virginia Beach Uniform Crime Report; Crime in the United States, 2015.
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 33 Ro ep rted Crimes
Part I Crimes Summary In 2016, the Part I Crime rate for Virginia Beach was 23.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime accounted for 7.0 percent of total crime increasing by 10.0 percent between 2015 and 2016. The violent crime rate in 2016 was 1.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. Property crime accounted for 93.0 percent of all crime and decreased by 1.9 percent between 2015 and 2016. The property crime rate in 2016 was 21.6 crimes per 1,000 residents.
The Virginia Beach Police Department consistently has a clearance rate above the national average. In 2016, the VBPD cleared 76.7 percent of violent crime cases and 23.0 percent of property crime cases. According to the FBI’s 2015 Crime in the United States, cities with a population of 250,000 or more had a violent crime clearance rate of 39.6 percent and a property crime clearance rate of 14.1 percent. 10-Year Comparison of Reported Part I Crimes 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Criminal Homicide 16 15 18 14 15 21 17 18 19 22 Rape* 195 137 154 105 139 156 161 166 147 167 Robbery 555 538 442 424 412 320 306 256 269 264 Aggravated Assault 430 424 371 326 292 349 266 278 236 286 Subtotal Violent Crimes 1,196 1,114 985 869 858 846 750 718 671 739 Burglary 2,036 1,910 1,986 2,068 2,001 1,538 1,388 1,023 926 827 Larceny 10,102 10,042 10,669 10,462 9,614 9,681 9,326 8,368 8,600 8,480 Motor Vehicle Theft 563 612 564 613 463 461 428 345 402 457 Arson 164 130 109 132 133 119 103 62 93 70 Subtotal Property Crimes 12,865 12,694 13,328 13,275 12,211 11,799 11,245 9,798 10,021 9,834 Total 14,061 13,808 14,313 14,144 13,069 12,645 11,995 10,516 10,692 10,573 Annual % Change -1.8% 3.7% -1.2% -7.6% -3.2% -5.1% -12.3% 1.7% -1.1% Crime Rate per 1,000 Population 32.4 31.6 32.7 32.3 29.6 28.3 26.7 23.3 23.6 23.3 Population 434,058 436,944 437,275 437,994 441,246 447,489 449,628 451,672 453,500 453,628
Crime Rate per 1,000 Population - 1960 to 2016 70.0 60.0 50.0 40.0 30.0 20.0 10.0 0.0 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016
*In 2013 the FBI expanded the definition of rape to include 11A, 11B, and 11C. 2004-2013 rape calculations use the new methodology. Source: 1960-1980 Virginia Beach Police Department historic UCR reports. 1981-1999 Virginia State Police UCR reports. 2000-2016 Virginia Beach Uniform Crime Reports. 2005-2016 (excluding census years) population figures provided by Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia. 2010 populations reported by the Census Bureau. Population figures are compared10-Year to Weldon Cooper Comparison annually and updated as needed. of Part I Crime Clearance Rates 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Homicide 100.0% 93.3% 88.9% 128.6% 100.0% 95.2% 82.3% 83.3% 142.1% 81.8% Rape 75.0% 95.0% 77.8% 107.6% 89.9% 71.8% 76.4% 66.9% 72.1% 101.8% Robbery 38.9% 40.7% 49.5% 39.6% 41.7% 51.3% 62.1% 52.3% 49.1% 59.1% Aggravated Assault 78.1% 75.7% 71.2% 78.2% 80.1% 75.4% 88.0% 88.5% 85.6% 78.0% Subtotal Violent 59.7% 63.1% 63.0% 63.8% 63.6% 66.1% 74.8% 73.9% 69.6% 76.7% Burglary 30.4% 30.0% 25.5% 25.3% 24.5% 33.0% 27.4% 25.3% 28.9% 21.4% Larceny 25.5% 25.7% 22.9% 25.2% 28.7% 29.6% 28.4% 29.8% 28.0% 23.4% Motor Vehicle Theft 22.2% 26.1% 22.7% 24.3% 29.4% 17.6% 18.7% 22.0% 27.9% 20.4% Arson 9.1% 21.5% 25.7% 26.5% 42.9% 33.6% 34.0% 33.9% 21.5% 15.7% Subtotal Property 25.9% 26.3% 23.3% 25.2% 28.2% 29.6% 28.0% 29.1% 28.0% 23.0% Total 28.8% 29.3% 26.1% 27.6% 30.5% 32.1% 30.9% 32.2% 30.6% 26.8%
*In 2013 the FBI expanded the definition of rape to include 11A, 11B, and 11C. 2007-2016 rape calculations use the new methodology. **Rape totals and clearances from 2010 to 2015 may not match previously released numbers due to an additional data review conducted in 2016. ***Homicide clerances from 2012 to 2016 may not match previiously released numbers duet an additional data review conducted in 2017. Source: 1960-1980 Virginia Beach Police Department historic UCR reports. 1981-1999 Virginia State Police UCR reports. 2000-2016 Virginia Beach Uniform Crime Reports. 2007-2016 (excluding census years) population figures provided by Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia. 2010 populations reported by the Census Bureau. Population figures are compared to Weldon Cooper annually and updated as needed. 34 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report Ro ep rted Crimes
2016 Summary of Other Reported Offenses Actual Cleared Percent Classification of Reports Offenses Cases Cleared Accidental Death 45 41 91.1% Annoying Phone Calls 272 116 42.6% Arson and Attempts 81 20 24.7% Bombings 0 0 100.0% Bomb Threats 22 6 27.3% Death Investigation 449 396 88.2% Destroy Property, City 160 18 11.3% Destroy Property, Private 2,552 518 20.3% Discharge Firearm in Dwelling 39 22 56.4% Drowning 4 4 100.0% Forgery 367 90 24.5% Fraud 1,119 397 35.5% Fugitive (Out of State) 54 54 100.0% Gambling 0 0 100.0% Liquor Violations 2 2 100.0% Missing Persons 270 223 82.6% Drug Laws 2,156 1,823 84.6% Obscene/Threatening Phone Calls 41 19 46.3% Offenses Against Family/Child 101 56 55.4% Overdose 299 295 98.7% Runaways 807 628 77.8% Sex Offenses 285 185 64.9% Simple Assaults 3,785 2,996 79.2% Stalking 54 33 61.1% Suicide and Attempts 276 267 96.7% Tampering With Auto 94 13 13.8% Threatening Bodily Harm 507 299 59.0% Throwing Object at Moving Vehicle 15 7 46.7% Trespassing 262 168 64.1% Unauthorized Use of Vehicle 169 138 81.7% Weapons Violations, excluding Bombings & Discharge Weapon in Dwelling 399 238 59.6% All Other Reportable Offenses 3,248 801 24.7% Totals 17,934 9,873 55.1% Note: Includes attempts and excludes unfounded and non-reportable offenses. Source: Pistol.
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 35 Ro ep rted Crimes
10-Year Comparison of Law Enforcement Officers Killed or Assaulted
Law Enforcement Officers Killed or Assaulted 10-Year Comparison
Type of Activity 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total % of Total Disturbance Calls 25 14 13 13 13 18 24 25 16 26 187 16.7% Burglaries in Progress 0321023323191.7% Robberies in Progress 0000110100 3 0.3% Attempting Other Arrests 30 35 26 21 34 29 31 39 33 52 330 29.4% Civil Disorder 1200042020111.0% Handling Prisoners 22 33 24 21 20 41 19 30 17 23 250 22.3% Investigating Suspicious Circumstances/Persons 842558511111605.3% Ambush-No Warning 0001102400 8 0.7% Mentally Deranged 6442232363353.1% Traffic Pursuits/Stops 7 15 8 4 3 0 2 14 5 6 64 5.7% Unknown 0100000000 1 0.1% All Other 13 29 13 24 8 11 15 12 17 12 154 13.7% Total Assaults 112 140 92 92 87 117 105 142 109 126 1,122 100.0%
# of Officers Killed: by Felonious Act 0100000000 1 by Accident or 0000000000 0 Negligent Act
Authorized Officers 817 816 816 806 806 806 806 806 806 818 # of Assaults Per 100 14 17 11 11 11 15 13 18 14 15 Officers Source: Pistol.
Law Enforcement Officers Killed or Assaulted 10-Year Comparison
160 141 142 140 126 112 117 120 105 109 100 92 92 87 80 60 40 20 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
36 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report A rrests
2016 Total Arrests for Adults and Juveniles 2016 Totals of Adults and Juveniles Arrested
Adults % Of Juveniles % Of Classification Arrested Total Arrested Total Total Criminal Homicide: Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter 20 87.0% 3 13.0% 23 Manslaughter by Negligence 1 100.0% 0 0.0% 1 Forcible Rape 37 66.1% 19 33.9% 56 Robbery 102 65.8% 53 34.2% 155 Aggravated Assault 171 96.1% 7 3.9% 178 Burglary 99 79.2% 26 20.8% 125 Larceny-Theft 1,097 78.1% 308 21.9% 1,405 Auto Theft 35 81.4% 8 18.6% 43 Simple Assault 2,237 90.1% 245 9.9% 2,482 Arson 8 100.0% 0 0.0% 8 Forgery and Counterfeiting 67 95.7% 3 4.3% 70 Fraud 137 97.2% 4 2.8% 141 Embezzlement 53 98.1% 1 1.9% 54 Stolen Property: Buying, Receiving, & Possessing 22 71.0% 9 29.0% 31 Vandalism 198 82.8% 41 17.2% 239 Weapons-Carry, Possess 242 90.0% 27 10.0% 269 Prostitution and Commercial Vice 36 97.3% 1 2.7% 37 Sex Offenses 59 84.3% 11 15.7% 70 Drug Abuse Violations: Sale/Manufacture 273 97.5% 7 2.5% 280 Possession 1,402 91.5% 130 8.5% 1,532 Gambling 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 Offenses Against the Family and Children 60 98.4% 1 1.6% 61 Driving Under the Influence 1,948 99.5% 9 0.5% 1,957 Liquor Laws 962 95.6% 44 4.4% 1,006 Public Drunkenness 1,607 99.6% 6 0.4% 1,613 Disorderly Conduct 490 87.7% 69 12.3% 559 All Other Offenses (except traffic) 6,570 98.2% 121 1.8% 6,691 Curfew/Loitering 211 100.0% 211 Total 17,933 92.9% 1,364 7.1% 19,297 Source: Pistol Uniform Crime Report Arrest Reports. DUI arrests do not match DUI totals on page 46 due to differences in calculations.
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 37 V irginia Beach vs. Other U.S. Cities
Comparison of Crimes in U.S. Cities Virginia Beach vs. Other Cities with Populations of 350,000 to 900,000 Offenses Known to Police in 2015 Ranked by Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents, Lowest to Highest
Modified Violent Property Crimes Crimes Crimes Modified Total per 1,000 per 1,000 per 1,000 Violent Property Crimes Rank City State Population Residents Residents Residents Crimes Crimes Reported 1 El Paso TX 686,077 22.8 3.7 19.1 2,515 13,133 15,648 2 Virginia Beach VA 453,500 23.4 1.4 22.0 626 9,987 10,613 3 Tampa FL 364,383 29.3 6.3 23.0 2,298 8,366 10,664 4 Mesa AZ 471,034 29.5 4.2 25.3 1,972 11,905 13,877 5 Aurora CO 360,237 34.0 4.6 29.4 1,660 10,579 12,239 6 Long Beach CA 476,318 35.9 5.8 30.1 2,766 14,337 17,103 7 Arlington TX 387,565 39.5 5.0 34.4 1,946 13,346 15,292 8 Colorado Springs CO 452,410 40.9 4.4 36.5 1,983 16,504 18,487 9 Sacramento CA 489,717 41.1 7.4 33.7 3,611 16,501 20,112 10 Omaha NE 452,252 41.1 5.1 36.0 2,329 16,261 18,590 11 Fort Worth TX 829,731 41.1 5.3 35.9 4,359 29,752 34,111 12 Denver CO 682,418 42.0 6.7 35.3 4,599 24,089 28,688 13 Jacksonville FL 867,258 43.2 6.5 36.7 5,622 31,854 37,476 14 Charlotte-Mecklenburg NC 877,817 44.5 6.8 37.7 5,948 33,075 39,023 15 Columbus OH 847,745 44.8 5.5 39.3 4,631 33,353 37,984 16 Bakersfield CA 373,887 46.5 4.8 41.6 1,810 15,559 17,369 17 Fresno CA 520,837 47.0 5.5 41.5 2,871 21,606 24,477 18 Oklahoma City OK 630,621 47.2 7.7 39.6 4,828 24,948 29,776 19 New Orleans LA 393,447 48.2 9.5 38.7 3,736 15,243 18,979 20 Nashville Metropolitan TN 658,029 49.1 11.0 38.1 7,245 25,043 32,288 21 Minneapolis MN 413,479 52.6 10.6 41.9 4,395 17,341 21,736 22 Miami FL 437,969 53.9 10.2 43.7 4,473 19,128 23,601 23 Detroit MI 673,225 58.5 17.6 40.9 11,846 27,559 39,405 24 Kansas City MO 473,373 58.6 14.2 44.4 6,709 21,024 27,733 25 Milwaukee WI 600,400 58.6 16.0 42.6 9,583 25,602 35,185 26 Wichita KS 389,824 60.3 9.8 50.4 3,839 19,652 23,491 27 Tulsa OK 401,520 61.1 9.0 52.0 3,628 20,892 24,520 28 Seattle WA 683,700 61.2 6.0 55.2 4,093 37,754 41,847 29 Baltimore MD 621,252 65.2 15.4 49.8 9,542 30,941 40,483 30 Atlanta GA 464,710 66.2 11.2 55.0 5,203 25,556 30,759 31 San Francisco CA 863,782 69.1 7.8 61.4 6,710 53,019 59,729 32 Albuquerque NM 559,721 70.4 9.7 60.7 5,406 33,993 39,399 33 Tucson AZ 529,675 73.0 6.6 66.4 3,472 35,185 38,657 34 Oakland CA 419,481 73.0 14.4 58.6 6,051 24,568 30,619 35 Memphis TN 657,936 73.7 17.4 56.3 11,449 37,047 48,496
Source: FBI Crime in the United States, 2015 . The FBI's Crime in the United States, 2015 is the source for all population figures and all reported crime contained in the report, with the exception of Virginia Beach. Population figures for Virginia Beach were adjusted to match Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia. Virginia Beach crime figures differ somewhat from official figures released by the Virginia Beach Police Department. The above chart provides a quick comparison of cities with similar populations only. The FBI cautions against ranking cities dues to the unique attributes that may impact crime in any specific city. Refer to: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/ucr-statistics-their-proper-use
38 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report V irginia Beach vs. Hampton Roads
2016 Part I Crime Rate Per 1,000 Residents South Hampton Roads vs. Virginia Beach
South Hampton Crime Type Roads Virginia Beach % Difference Violent Crimes 4.6 1.6 -64.8% Property Crimes 34.4 21.5 -37.3% Total Crimes 39.0 23.2 -40.6%
2016 Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents 5-Year Trend for Total Crime Rate per South Hampton Roads vs. Virginia Beach 1,000 Residents 45.0 40.0 50.0 35.0 45.0 30.0 25.0 40.0 20.0 35.0 15.0 30.0 10.0 5.0 25.0 0.0 20.0 Violent Crimes Property Crimes Total Crimes 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 South Hampton Roads Virginia Beach Virginia Beach South Hampton Roads National
5-Year Trend for Violent Crime Rate per 5-Year Trend for Property Crime Rate per 1,000 1,000 Residents Residents
9.0 40.0 8.0 7.0 35.0 6.0 5.0 30.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 25.0 1.0 0.0 20.0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Virginia Beach South Hampton Roads National Virginia Beach South Hampton Roads National
Source: National data from Offense Data Table 16 in FBI Crime in the United States for 2012 to 2015. Includes only cities with populations over 250,000. National crime rates for 2016 are not yet available. South Hampton Roads’ rates represent average crime rate per 1,000 residents for Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. All crime rates exclude arson.
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 39 Calls for Service
Calls for Service Summary In 2016, VBPD Uniform Patrol answered 178,929 calls for service. Total calls increased by 3.2 percent (or 5,478 calls) when compared to 2015. All precincts and Special Operations experienced an increase in total call volume between 2015 and 2016. All four precincts shared a generally equitable distribution of the Calls for Service in 2016, with the largest percentage (25.5 percent) of total Calls for Service occuring in the Second Precinct, and the Fourth Precinct having the highest percentage of time allocated to Calls for Service (38.8 percent – compared to an average of 29.5 percent for all four precincts) There was also a 4.6 percent (or 3,342 traffic stops) decrease in total traffic stops for 2016 compared to 2015.
Calls by Day of Week
30,000 29,000 28,000 27,000 26,000 25,000 24,000 23,000 22,000 21,000 20,000 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Calls by Time of Day
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Source: CADSCurr.
40 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report Calls for Service
10-Year Comparison of Calls for Service Activity Activity Summary 2007 to 2016
Total # # Of Police # Of # Of Crimes # Of # Of Officers Of Calls Calls For Part I per 1,000 Police per 1,000 Year Population Dispatched Service Crimes Residents Officers Population 2007 434,058 374,881 323,161 14,061 32.4 817 1.9 2008 436,944 433,485 335,765 13,808 32.2 816 1.9 2009 437,275 367,375 318,482 14,313 31.4 816 1.9 2010 437,994 361,934 313,107 14,144 32.6 806 1.8 2011 441,246 354,385 302,102 13,069 32.2 806 1.8 2012 447,489 347,478 294,831 12,645 29.4 806 1.8 2013 449,628 342,307 289,260 11,995 26.7 806 1.8 2014 451,672 329,601 275,739 10,516 23.3 806 1.8 2015 453,500 326,400 268,489 10,695 23.6 806 1.8 2016 453,628 331,377 270,093 10,573 23.3 818 1.8
Source: Total # of Calls Dispatched include Fire and Rescue dispatches from Emergency Communications. Police calls for service from CADSData.dbo.CADSHist. Total Police calls for service include only Uniform Patrol calls (including traffic stops) and Animal Control calls. Number of crimes per 1,000 residents include UCR Part I Crimes only. 2007-2009, 2011-2016 population figures provided by the Weldon Cooper Center at University of Virginia. 2010 population reported by the Census Bureau. 10-Year Comparison of Dispatched Calls for Service
500,000 450,000 400,000 350,000 Fire 300,000 Rescue 250,000 Police 200,000 Total 150,000 100,000 50,000 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 41 Calls for Service
2016 Uniform Patrol Calls for Service by Precinct by Frequency First Second Third Fourth Call Description Precinct Precinct Precinct Precinct Other Total Burglar Alarm 3,900 2,683 3,911 4,416 0 14,910 Assist Citizen 2,779 3,710 3,474 3,454 1 13,418 Cellular 911 Hang-Up Call 3,385 3,100 3,112 3,355 0 12,952 Suspicious Person Or Auto 2,679 3,056 3,301 3,444 0 12,480 Accident Property Damage 2,303 1,931 2,345 3,011 0 9,590 Dispute - Boyfriend/Girl Friend 1,572 2,877 2,455 2,048 1 8,953 Domestic - Neighbor Or Family Related 1,878 1,630 2,206 2,498 0 8,212 Warrant Transfer 5,814 832 620 659 1 7,926 Traffic/Parking Problem 1,508 1,712 1,855 1,532 3 6,610 Larceny 1,421 1,638 1,805 1,724 0 6,588 Disabled Vehicle, Wrecker Required 1,595 976 1,147 1,772 0 5,490 Public Nuisance/Loud Party 882 1,128 1,112 1,322 2 4,446 Assist Rescue 756 1,395 1,129 1,000 0 4,280 Accident Hit And Run 737 737 792 891 0 3,157 Intoxicated Subject 367 1,743 546 392 0 3,048 Pick Up Prisoner 1,756 381 322 312 0 2,771 Narcotics 519 822 677 733 0 2,751 Lost/Found Property 369 1,163 513 521 0 2,566 Destruction Of Private Property 532 617 675 728 0 2,552 Assist Officer 612 613 614 712 0 2,551 Trespassing 438 829 621 554 0 2,442 Abandoned Vehicle 605 347 533 908 0 2,393 Assault 517 691 543 541 0 2,292 Firearm Violation 469 436 594 656 1 2,156 911 Hang Up Call 593 408 557 487 0 2,045 Juvenile Problem 413 497 516 588 0 2,014 Accident With Personal Injury 439 366 422 616 0 1,843 Driving Under Influence 259 886 332 349 0 1,826 Missing Person/Runaway 392 372 421 454 0 1,639 Burglary-Residence 355 350 443 490 0 1,638 Stolen/Unauthorized Use Of Vehicle 294 328 393 357 0 1,372 Mental 268 338 312 327 0 1,245 Residential Parking Problem 0 1,186 0 0 0 1,186 Suicide Attempt 270 286 308 289 0 1,153 Traffic Light Malfunction 227 174 336 334 1 1,072 Fight/Riot In Progress 173 366 205 201 0 945 Temporary Detention Order 111 682 31 68 0 892 Disorderly Subject(S) 95 374 212 148 0 829 Medical Alarm, Assist Rescue 142 166 260 245 0 813 Shoplifting 263 102 311 126 0 802 Fraud 129 211 239 211 0 790 Firework 248 164 171 194 0 777 Assist Fire Department 180 197 197 170 0 744 All Points Bulletin 219 201 133 173 0 726 Battery Change 104 31 213 239 0 587 Task Force Inspection 174 161 122 111 0 568 Report All Intoxicated Driver 130 166 93 179 0 568 Code Red 130 116 148 148 0 542 Source: CADSData.dbo.CADSCurr. Precinct based on geographic location.
42 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report Calls for Service
2016 Uniform Patrol Calls for Service by Precinct by Frequency
First Second Third Fourth Call Description Precinct Precinct Precinct Precinct Other Total Crisis Intervention Event 112 213 79 98 0 502 Telephone Calls 132 82 127 151 0 492 Assist Animal Control 130 106 108 108 8 460 Information 86 97 75 146 0 404 Emergency Custody Order 79 119 76 50 0 324 Child Abuse/Neglect 88 62 80 91 0 321 Death Investigation/Code Grey 41 56 71 87 0 255 Inspection Mc 66 57 84 45 0 252 Exposure 41 122 47 33 0 243 Overdose, Priority 1 56 71 51 62 0 240 Sex Offense 52 52 67 59 0 230 Suicide Attempt, Priority 2 51 51 58 65 0 225 Burglary-Business 46 60 57 62 0 225 Robbery 23 48 70 81 0 222 Suicide Attempt, Priority 1 65 37 45 62 0 209 Towing Dispute 18 120 34 19 0 191 Accident Involving Motorcycle 55 40 49 44 0 188 Child Found 32 66 31 50 0 179 Lost/Found Child 27 67 29 36 0 159 Overdose, Priority 2 38 36 38 35 0 147 Accident Pedestrian With Injury 27 51 29 34 0 141 Escort Motor Carrier Load 62 25 31 11 0 129 Navigational Hazard 2 90 32 0 1 125 Accident Victim Pinned 37 27 27 29 0 120 Accident Involving Bicycle 27 40 27 25 0 119 Stalking 31 30 25 16 0 102 Throwing Objects At Vehicle 23 26 22 21 0 92 Boat In Distress 16 52 21 3 0 92 Funeral Escort 10 21 26 33 0 90 Deliver Message 18 15 17 35 0 85 Rape 15 26 24 20 0 85 Gunshot Wound 23 19 24 13 0 79 Accident Minor Injury 19 7 22 20 0 68 Boating Violation 1 49 15 1 0 66 Arson 18 13 10 22 0 63 Assault On Officer 9 26 10 13 0 58 Contributing To Delinquincy 10 26 12 9 0 57 Drowning Report 6 41 6 0 0 53 Accident Water 19 9 3 20 0 51 Lost Person 0 50 0 0 0 50 Insecure Building 13 11 8 17 0 49 Text No Response 10 12 15 11 0 48 Assist Rescue-Stabbing 8 8 15 15 0 46 Disabled Vehicle On 264 3 12 9 17 0 41 Game Warden Advance Case 1 25 1 0 0 27 Surfing Violation 0 27 0 0 0 27 Personal Emergency Alarm 5 8 7 6 0 26 Bomb Threat/Bomb Explosion 8936026 Accident,On Interstate 1 6 14 5 0 26 Child Molestation/Enticement 7 3 6 9 0 25 Less Than 25 Calls 67 55 38 44 41 245 TOTALS 44,735 45,556 43,052 45,526 60 178,929 Source: CADSData.dbo.CADSCurr. Precinct based on geographic location.
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 43 Calls for Service
Virginia Beach Police Department Calls for Service by Patrol Zone
Fort Story 2016
Little Creek Amphibious Base 220 331 330
329 Third 221 4 320 326 327 223 328 Second 226 321 325 323 222 227 322 224 324 225 423 129 427 127 228 420 NAS Oceana Camp Pendleton 422 426 126 428 Dam Neck Fourth 425 128 123 421 424 124
125
122
121 First
120 Calls for Service Density
0 - 2734 2735 - 3942 3943 - 5193 5194 - 6416 6417 - 14169
44 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report T raffic
2016 Crash Data General There were 8,813 reported crashes in Virginia Beach in 2016, which was a 5.3 percent increase from 2015. There were 2,721 reported Hit and Run crashes in Virginia Beach in 2016, which accounted for 30.8 percent of the total crashes reported. In 2016, approximately 5.6 percent of crashes were alcohol and/or drug related. 98 pedestrians were hit by motor vehicles in Virginia Beach in 2016, resulting in 3 fatalities. Pedestrians/motor vehicle crashes were down by 6.7 percent between 2015 and 2016. There were 74 bicycle/motor vehicle crashes in Virginia Beach in 2016, which is a 17.8 percent decrease from 2015.
Fatal Crashes There were 14 fatal crashes in 2016 in Virginia Beach, which resulted in 14 fatalities. 3 of the 14 victims were pedestrians. 1 of the 14 victims was riding a motorcycle, moped, or ATV. Seatbelts were not used in 4 (44.4 percent) of the 9 fatalities where seatbelts were available (not included are any fatalities involving motorcycles, pedestrians, ATV’s, or bicycles). 4 (28.6 percent) of the 14 fatal crashes were alcohol/drug related. 4 of the 14 fatal crashes occurred between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (28.6%). 6 of the 14 victims were 50 years of age or older (42.9%). 2 of the 14 crashes (14.3 percent) were speed related.
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 45 T raffic
2016 Traffic Summonses and DUI Arrests
First Second Third Fourth Special Description Precinct Precinct Precinct Precinct Operations Other Totals All Other Moving Violations 441 599 478 551 365 17 2,451 Disregard Police Siren/Sign 8845 11238 Disregard Stop Sign 265 317 228 260 45 3 1,118 Disregarding Traffic Signal 205 479 559 418 245 5 1,911 Driving Under Influence 206 703 279 319 572 7 2,086 Failure To Keep Right 68 91 204 85 62 2 512 Failure To Yield 181 287 216 315 48 1 1,048 Following Too Close 470 346 571 819 70 6 2,282 Hit And Run/Leave Scene Of Accident 34 35 37 30 22 2 160 Improper Turning 6 18 13 48 4 0 89 Reckless Driving 209 282 312 243 417 15 1,478 Revoked Operator License 465 784 851 603 368 31 3,102 Speeding 1,706 1,320 2,246 822 4,469 331 10,894 Totals 4,264 5,269 5,998 4,518 6,698 422 27,169 Source: Pistol Arstats. Note: Includes summonses issued to both adults and juveniles for moving violations only. The numbers reflect the assignment of the officer at the time the summons was written. DUI arrests do not match UCR arrest totals on page 37 due to differences in calculations.
First Precinct 4,264
Second Precinct 5,269
Third Precinct 5,998
Fourth Precinct 4,518
Special Operations 6,698
Other 422
0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000
46 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report T raffic
10-Year Crash Comparison by Category 2007 to 2016
Crashes Percent of Percent of Number of Percent per 1,000 Personal Alcohol/Drug Year Crashes Change Population Residents Injury Crashes Related Crashes 2007 9,365 434,058 21.6 10.8% 7.3% 2008 9,021 -3.7% 436,944 20.6 10.6% 7.1% 2009 8,759 -2.9% 437,275 20.0 10.6% 6.4% 2010 8,391 -4.2% 437,994 19.2 11.4% 6.6% 2011 8,102 -3.4% 441,246 18.4 9.8% 6.2% 2012 8,169 0.8% 447,489 18.3 21.0% 6.3% 2013 8,138 -0.4% 449,628 18.1 22.5% 6.0% 2014 7,913 -2.8% 451,672 17.5 22.1% 6.2% 2015 8,368 5.8% 453,500 18.5 20.9% 5.8% 2016 8,813 5.3% 453,628 19.4 20.7% 5.6%
Source: Foxpro Crash Databases/Pistol. In 2007, changes in procedures resulted in hit and run crashes without injury to no longer require a crash report. In 2009, changes in Virginia State Code increased the total property damage amount requirement from $1,000 to $1,500. As a result, crashes with property damage less than $1,500 no longer required a crash report. 2007-2009 and 2011-2016 population figures provided by the Weldon Cooper Center. 2010 population reported by the Census Bureau.
Crashes per 1,000 Residents
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 47 T raffic
10-Year Crash Comparison by Category 2007 to 2016 Hit & Run Crashes Bicycle/Motor Vehicle Crashes
Total Percent Of Percent Total Bicycle/Motor Vehicle Percent Of Percent Year Crashes Hit & Run Total Change Year Crashes Crashes Total Change 2007 9,365 2,623 28.0% 2007 9,365 143 1.5% 2008 9,021 2,502 27.7% -4.6% 2008 9,021 132 1.5% -7.7% 2009 8,759 2,525 28.8% 0.9% 2009 8,759 93 1.1% -29.5% 2010 8,391 2,419 28.8% -4.2% 2010 8,391 106 1.3% 14.0% 2011 8,102 2,423 29.9% 0.2% 2011 8,102 116 1.4% 9.4% 2012 8,169 2,460 30.1% 1.5% 2012 8,169 113 1.4% -2.6% 2013 8,138 2,554 31.4% 3.8% 2013 8,138 110 1.4% -2.7% 2014 7,913 2,362 29.8% -7.5% 2014 7,913 109 1.4% -0.9% 2015 8,368 2,559 30.6% 8.3% 2015 8,368 90 1.1% -17.4% 2016 8,813 2,721 30.9% 6.3% 2016 8,813 74 0.8% -17.8%
Pedestrians Killed Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Crashes
Total Percent Total Pedestrian/Motor Percent Of Percent Year Pedestrians Killed Fatalities Pedestrians Year Crashes Vehicle Crashes Total Change 2007 6 24 25.0% 2007 9,365 118 1.3% 2008 4 30 13.3% 2008 9,021 111 1.2% -5.9% 2009 6 23 26.1% 2009 8,759 110 1.3% -0.9% 2010 4 18 22.2% 2010 8,391 91 1.1% -17.3% 2011 4 26 15.4% 2011 8,102 84 1.0% -7.7% 2012 4 15 26.7% 2012 8,169 113 1.4% 34.5% 2013 1 23 4.3% 2013 8,138 119 1.5% 5.3% 2014 8 27 29.6% 2014 7,913 82 1.0% -31.1% 2015 3 16 18.8% 2015 8,368 105 1.3% 28.0% 2016 3 14 21.4% 2016 8,813 98 1.1% -6.7%
Source: Pistol.
48 Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report T raffic
20162016 High High Crash Crash LocationsLocations Number of Crashes Pedestrian Intersection Within 150ft Personal Injury Involved Fatalities Holland Rd/Rosemont Rd 52 16 0 0 Independence Bl/Virginia Beach Bl 43 10 0 0 Lynnhaven Pw/North Mall Dr & Avenger 42 0 0 0 Lynnhaven Pw/Princess Anne Rd 36 11 1 0 Indian River Rd/ Kempsville Rd 33 8 0 0 First Colonial Rd/ Laskin Rd 33 8 0 0 First Colonial Rd/Virginia Beach Bl 32 7 0 0 Dam Neck Rd/General Booth Bl 32 6 1 0 Holland Rd/Lynnhaven Pw 32 12 1 0 Dam Neck Rd/Princess Anne Rd 28 2 0 0 Great Neck Rd/Old Great Neck Rd 28 9 1 0
Source: PISTOL. Note: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the data. Data includes crashes occurring within 150 feet of the intersection. Due to spelling variations in the address, the number of crashes for the above intersections may be higher. Reports without cross streets have been excluded. *Location includes Hit and Run Incidents at Lynnhaven Mall
Fatal Crash Locations Fatal Crash Locations
Alcohol/ Date Drug Related Location Fault Victim Victim Position 01/23/16 No Shore Dr/700 Block Yes Driver 03/01/16 No Lynnhaven Pw/600 Block No Passenger 05/16/16 No Northampton Bl/Pleasure House Rd No Driver 06/27/16 No Shore Dr/2500 Block No Passenger 07/05/16 Yes Independence Bl/500 Block Yes Driver 07/09/16 Yes Shore Dr/4800 Block Yes Pedestrian 08/13/16 Yes Hospital Rd/1000 Block Yes Driver 08/18/16 Yes Wolfsnare Rd/1800 Block No Moped Driver 09/17/16 No Lynnhaven Pw/1400 Block Yes Bicyclist 10/11/16 PEN Ferrell Pw/5000 Block Yes Pedestrian 11/11/16 No Virginia Beach Bl/4100 Block Yes Pedestrian 11/12/16 PEN Ferrell Pw/4900 Block Yes Bicyclist 12/01/16 No Livingston Oak Dr/2000 Block Yes Driver 12/30/16 No Princess Anne Rd/ 2800 Block No Passenger Summary 14 fatal crashes resulting in 14 fatalities Seat belts were not used in 4 (44.4%) of the 9 fatalities where seatbelts were available. (Fatalities involving motorcycles, pedestrians, ATV's, or bicycles were not included in seat belt figures) Source: Pistol/traffic.mdb fatal16.
Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 49 A Year in Pictures
2016
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Virginia Beach Police Department 2016 Annual Report 51 Your City. Your Future. BE VBPD
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