David James Comprehensive Media Search Results November 2017

Social Media and Business Resource Findings:

Government Resource https://www.governmentresource.com/david_james_bio Ethics in Policing http://www.ethicsinpolicing.com/editorsJames.asp Scribd http://bit.ly/2ztOAOr Manta https://www.manta.com/c/mbs7bhh/carrollton-police-department Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVPUmmN5-X4 Kenny Marchant http://bit.ly/2m2INdq Systems Thinker http://bit.ly/2zFvu8Q TX Police Chiefs http://www.texaspolicechiefs.org/past-presidents?page=7 Positive Leo Blog http://bit.ly/2hgbKgQ The Firing Line https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141469 Fort Worth Business http://bit.ly/2hYgvwy USACops https://www.usacops.com/tx/p76034/index.html?fullweb=1

Facebook Mention https://www.facebook.com/HaydenForMayor/posts/858655544264290

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

March 27, 2015 Friday 1 EDITION MCKINNEY BRIEFS

SECTION: FRISCO; Pg. F05

LENGTH: 311 words

Former Garland assistant chief named police chief Greg Conley, a longtime assistant chief in Garland, has been tapped to lead the McKinney Police Depart- ment. Conley will oversee more than 200 staff members in the growing suburb of 155,000 people. McKinney officials announced the new hire March 17. "Chief Conley has the integrity, strength of character and wealth of experience we were looking for," interim city manager Tom Muehlenbeck said in a statement. "He is a proven consensus builder." Conley replaces Joe Williams, who retired in July after nearly two years in the post. The city launched an investigation into the former chief last year after a former officer complained that Williams forced him to re- sign. McKinney has withheld some of the conclusions from that inquiry, citing a pending criminal investigation. David James, formerly of the Carrollton Police Department, was interim chief in McKinney. Julieta Chiquillo Woman gets over 30 years for producing child porn A McKinney woman was sentenced March 18 to nearly 34 years in federal prison for child pornography violations, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Judith Williams, 31, pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to produce child pornography and production of child pornography. She was sentenced in federal court in Plano. According to prosecutors, Williams was baby-sitting an 8-month-old girl in December 2012 when she vide- otaped herself performing a sex act on the girl and then emailed the video to her boyfriend. The boyfriend, Charles Smolens, gave Williams a thumb drive that had hundreds of images of child pornography, prosecutors say. Smolens had produced some of the images, according to the court. Smolens was convicted of conspiracy to produce child pornography and distribution of child pornography. He was sentenced last month to more than 30 years in federal prison. Valerie Wigglesworth 3

LOAD-DATE: March 27, 2015

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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McKinney Courier-Gazette (Texas)

March 6, 2015 Friday

McKinney nears police chief selection

BYLINE: Chris Beattie

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 666 words

DATELINE: Plano, TX

This time around, the city plans to choose its police chief the measured, informed way many residents expect. Based on this week 's reception with four finalists for the position, its approach seems on track. After a nationwide search with The Mercer Group, a recruiting firm, the city last month selected five finalists, all but one currently with DFW-area law enforcement agencies. One candidate, Stephen Mylett, former police chief for Southlake PD, has taken the same position with Bellevue PD. That leaves John Ray, Mark McCrory, Greg Conley - each with at least 25 years in law enforcement - and McKinney PD Assistant Chief Randy Roland. On Wednesday, the four mingled with residents, city officials, City Council candidates and fellow first responders. Each was complimentary of the city and its offerings. They spoke of their qualifications and eagerness to take on the task of keeping safe one of the state's fastest-growing cities. McCrory, the only candidate from outside Texas - he's deputy chief of police for Tulsa PD in Oklahoma - has 33 years of experience, the most in the group. He's been with Tulsa PD his whole career. As deputy chief, he supervises three patrol divisions and one support division. Rising through the ranks has versed him in every facet of a police department, he said, yet his philosophy is "pretty simple." "The community has a right to how it will remain safe," McCrory told guests. "Organizational and professional integrity I don't think should ever be compromised." Just words, yes, but in contrast to the public's perception of former police Chief Joe Williams, who retired in July after a controversial tenure. Upon firing former Chief Doug Kowalski - now Prosper police chief - then-City Manager Jason Gray named Williams chief without conducting a search. The move caught city officials and residents off guard. Some City Council members publicly expressed dis- dain with the sudden switch, and residents called for Gray's resignation. They even cried cronyism: Williams had worked with Gray in Celina and Frisco before coming to McKinney. The city hired interim police Chief David James, former Carrollton chief, to lead MPD until a permanent replacement is selected. James will stay on as an adviser for 30 days after the coming selection. He said MPD most needs a "good, strong administrator" who knows the business side of running the department. Much of that, he said, entails working together. "It's about being a team player with other departments," he said. "It takes a team to run a city like this." 5

So far, it's taken a team to find the next police chief. Community members provided feedback online and at a series of public meetings in the fall. Each finalist will have gone before several panels: area police chiefs, department heads, community members, the city manager's office and MPD. Roland, formerly with Dallas PD, started in McKinney as a civilian manager in 2000. The department has grown from 67 to 188 officers during his tenure. Promoted to assistant chief in 2010, Roland said he sees the top spot as "a challenge" but that he "just wants to continue to be a part" of serving McKinney residents. "I know its makeup, its strengths and its weaknesses to improve upon," Roland said. "There's not going to be a learning curve." Roland cited "hiring the right people" as a high priority for MPD, and ensuring all employees are visible and service-oriented. The two other finalists, Ray and Conley, talked of McKinney's enticing reputation and opportunity. Ray, executive chief deputy with the Tarrant County Sheriff's office, spent time with Jacksonville, Texas and Longview PDs. Conley, assistant chief for Garland PD, was with Mesquite PD for four years before starting in Garland in 1992. Finalists also took tours of the city and public safety building. Interim City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck said the city could name the new chief in a little over a week. What's the key quality for MPD's next leader? "Chemistry," Muehlenbeck said.

LOAD-DATE: March 7, 2015

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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McKinney Courier-Gazette (Texas)

February 25, 2015 Wednesday

McKinney names five finalists for police chief

BYLINE: Staff report

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 617 words

DATELINE: Plano, TX

McKinney residents are invited to meet the five finalists for the police chief position at a public reception from 7 to 9 p.m. March 4 at the recently opened Sheraton McKinney hotel, 1900 Gateway Blvd. During the reception, finalists will introduce themselves and address the attendees. Following the introduc- tions, finalists will be stationed around the room to mingle and answer questions. Comment cards will be available for residents to provide feedback. The public reception is part of a three-day agenda for the finalists in McKinney. On Wednesday, they will tour the Public Safety Building with interim Police Chief David James. Thursday will be filled with a series of panel interviews, and finalists will receive a tour of the city on Friday. City officials selected the five finalists after a nationwide search conducted with The Mercer Group, Inc., an independent external executive recruiting firm. Resident feedback was also used in the search following a series of public input meetings held in October. The five finalists: Greg Conley · Current position: assistant chief of police for the Garland Police Department · Education: master's degree in criminal justice from the University of Texas at Arlington; bachelor's degree in theology from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo. · Experience: He began his career in law enforcement in 1988 with the Mesquite Police Department. In 1992, he was hired by the Garland Police Department where he has risen through the ranks to the assistant chief position in 2000. Mark McCrory · Current position: Deputy chief of police for the Tulsa Police Department · Education: Bachelor's degree in administration of justice from Shippensburg State College in Shippens- burg, Pennsylvania · Experience: He began his career in law enforcement in 1982 with the Tulsa Police Department. He has risen through the ranks to deputy chief, a role he's served since 2005 Stephen Mylett · Current position: Chief of police for the Southlake Police Department 7

· Education: Master's degree in criminal justice leadership and management from Sam Houston State Uni- versity in Huntsville; Bachelor's degree in applied arts and sciences from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls · Experience: He began his career in law enforcement with the Corpus Christi Police Department in 1989. He rose through the ranks to the position of assistant chief of police. In 2011, he was hired as the police chief for the city of Southlake, where he continues to serve. John Ray · Current Position: Executive chief deputy, Tarrant County Sheriff's Office · Education: Doctor of Philosophy degree in public affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas; master's degree in political science from the University of Texas at Tyler; bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Texas at Tyler · Experience: He began his career in law enforcement in 1986 for the Jacksonville, Texas Police Depart- ment. In 1989, he was hired by the Longview Police Department and rose through the ranks to the position of assistant chief. In 2009, he was hired by the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office as its executive chief deputy, a role he continues to serve. Randy Roland · Current Position: Assistant chief for the McKinney Police Department · Education: Bachelor's degree in emergency administration and disaster planning, with a minor in criminal justice from the University of North Texas · Experience: He began his career in law enforcement in 1989 with the Dallas Police Department. He was promoted to sergeant in 1997. In 2000, he was hired by the McKinney Police Department as a civilian manager and was promoted to captain in 2001, then to assistant chief of police in 2010.

LOAD-DATE: February 26, 2015

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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McKinney Courier-Gazette (Texas)

November 2, 2014 Sunday

McKinney develops profile for new police chief

BYLINE: Chris Beattie

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 670 words

The city will soon conduct a national search for a new police chief that will likely last into next year. City officials are working with The Mercer Group, an executive recruiting firm, to develop a profile for the position to publicly advertise. The city is looking to find a permanent replacement for former Police Chief Joe Williams, who resigned from the position July 1. Williams had replaced former Chief Doug Kowalski in October 2012 amid pushback from residents and city officials. Jason Gray, former city manager who resigned in February, named Williams - whom he'd worked with in Frisco and Celina - as Kowalski's replacement. David James, former Carrollton police chief, has served as McKinney's interim police chief since May. James has exhibited the leadership and vision the McKinney Police Department hopes to have in its new chief, according to Jose Quiles, president of the McKinney Police Association. "We're looking for somebody with some experience - a tenured individual able to lead this department at its size now and in the future," said Quiles, a McKinney police officer for 18 years. Referencing the city's projected growth from more than 140,000 to about 300,000 people, Quiles said the next chief must "clearly identify the mission of the department so it can strive towards that mission." The Mercer Group listened to the department's expectations during a feedback session, much like it and city officials have with the rest of the community. In recent weeks, they talked with homeowners associations, boards and commissions, the present mayor and City Council, past councils, the McKinney Chamber of Commerce and others. "We tried our very best to extend it to a lot of different groups and organizations," said Tom Muehlenbeck, interim city manager. "We've cast a very wide net." Officials conducted 30-minute interviews with Mayor Brian Loughmiller and each City Council member to gauge what they deem important in a police chief. Loughmiller said a prospective candidate should have a background and understanding of administration over a department and budget, be visible at community events, and should be comfortable interacting with residents. He told city officials the police chief "will need to be able to convey and build a sense of trust with the uniformed officers and civilian personnel." The latest input came from residents during last week's two public input meetings, during which officials heard "quite a few duplications," according to Muehlenbeck. Others could email their comments directly to the consultant this week. Muehlenbeck said they would use "as many [comments] as we possibly can" for the profile. 9

The city will review the consultant's profile, and any tweaks will be made before they make it public to potential candidates - a process that could take up to two weeks, Muehlenbeck said. "The chief of police is one of the positions in a community that's seen by a lot of people...runs a large department and has to be very in tune with the community," he said, explaining the public meetings. "And this is one methodology in beginning the process." Once it has a profile, the consultant will present two timelines to the city, an aggressive one and one stretched out longer to "recognize the holidays and to have the lion's share of it done after the beginning of the year," Muehlenbeck said. The city will have a better idea of when it could hire the new chief once officials select one of the timelines in coming weeks. Muehlenbeck said The Mercer Group will be "actively recruiting" candidates in and out of the state. Loughmiller said "citizens of McKinney must have trust in the process that the search firm is taking to get to a list of finalists in order for the ultimate selection to be successful." The police association hopes to have an opportunity to question candidates before the city hires one, Quiles said, but city management will make the final decision. "We're confident the executive firm will do its job," he said. "We have high expectations."

LOAD-DATE: November 4, 2014

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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The Dallas Morning News: Blogs

August 5, 2014 Tuesday

McKinney hires former Carrollton leader as interim police chief

BYLINE: Julieta Chiquillo

SECTION: THE SCOOP

LENGTH: 269 words

Members of the McKinney City Council on Monday tapped former Carrollton Chief David James to lead McKinney police in the interim. Joe Williams, whose controversial tenure as McKinney police chief began in 2012, retired July 1 without explanation. James' first day in McKinney is today. He has 37 years of experience in law enforcement, including 21 years as a captain in the Dallas Police Department. He served Carrollton for 15 years and retired in 2010. "As a well-known leader in law enforcement, particularly in the DFW area, we are confident our police department will thrive under David James' leadership as we conduct a national search for a Police Chief," said interim City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck in a press release. It's been a difficult year for McKinney, which has seen the departures of its city manager, police chief and several other high-level officials in recent months. The City Council selected Muehlenbeck, a longtime city manager in Plano, to bring some stability to McKinney. James' resume includes stints as president of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and chairman of TPCA's Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices Recognition Committee. He leads a law enforcement consulting firm and has served as interim police chief in many cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In a letter of agreement, McKinney told James that it anticipates he will serve as interim police chief for at least six months. James will be paid $75 an hour. Williams' hourly rate was $78. The agreement also notes that James will receive monthly allowances of $400 and $100 for car and cell phone expenses, respectively.

LOAD-DATE: August 6, 2014

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Web Blog

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McKinney Courier-Gazette (Texas)

August 5, 2014 Tuesday

McKinney hires retired Carrollton chief to serve as interim police chief

BYLINE: Chris Beattie

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 433 words

McKinney has hired former Carrollton Police Chief David James as its interim police chief. The City Council approved an agreement to appoint James on Monday. He began duties today. "As a well-known leader in law enforcement, particularly in the DFW area, we are confident our police department will thrive under David James' leadership as we conduct a national search for a Police Chief," said Tom Muehlenbeck, interim city manager, in a city release. "The MPD is full of dedicated, hard-working individuals who are committed to providing for the safety of our citizens." James' appointment comes about a month after former McKinney Police Chief Joe Williams' seemingly sudden retirement last month. Williams, whose highly questioned tenure began in 2012, was hired by former City Manager Jason Gray with whom he worked in Frisco and Celina. Per the city's agreement, James will get paid $75 per hour and work 40-hour weeks, though he is expected to work extra time when duty demands it. He will get a $400 monthly car allowance and $100 monthly cell phone allowance. James has more than 37 years in law enforcement service, management, supervision and training experience, according to city officials. He most recently served 15 years as Carrollton's police chief, until retiring in 2010, and before that served 21 years as a captain with the Dallas Police Department. James was president of the North Texas Police Chiefs Association and the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA). From 2004 to 2008, he served as the first chairman of the TPCA's Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices Recognition Committee, according to the release. Since his retirement in 2010, James has served as interim police chief in various cities around DFW. As director of Law Enforcement Leadership & Management Consulting, LLC, James worked with municipal governments across Texas and with institutes providing continuing education for law enforcement. James will be interim police chief while McKinney officials conduct a nationwide search for a permanent chief and will act as a consultant for one month after one is hired. The city expects he will serve as interim chief for at least six months; if a permanent chief hasn't been hired by that time, James will remain interim chief on a month-to-month basis, according to the agreement. With city manager consent, James may accept another job that does not interfere with his duties as interim police chief - outside work must be only on his time off. He will be paid for holidays during his tenure but will not receive any city employee benefits, the agreement states.

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LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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Flower Mound Leader (Texas)

July 2, 2013

Mayor's Message

BYLINE: Mayor Tom Hayden, GUEST COLUMNIST

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 1266 words

Summer is in full swing and many of us are enjoying some much-deserved vacation time with our families and we hope you plan to attend Flower Mound's many Fourth of July activities. Continuing the tradition, the day will kick off with the Children's Parade at 10 a.m. along Timber Creek Road and culminate with the fire- works finale at 9:45 p.m. at Bakersfield Park, 1201 Duncan Lane. While at Independence Fest, be sure to catch the performance by multi-platinum artist Rick Springfield. The Town has been preparing for months to ensure this is the best Independence Fest yet and best of all, everything is free. So come out and enjoy the live music, vintage car show, kids' activities, business showcase, and much more. For more information, please visit www.flower-mound.com/festival. As you are planning your summer activities, please be sure to add 'A Community Conversation: Drugs' to your calendar on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 8: 45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church, 6101 Morriss Road. As you may know, teen drug abuse has weighed heavily on my mind for some time and this will be an amazing opportunity for area residents, especially parents, to empower themselves with information from the experts. Numerous law enforcement representatives; school officials; civic leaders from Flower Mound, Lewisville, and Highland Village; and community resource organizations will participate in panel discussions, informative presentations about emerging drug trends, and question and answer ses- sions. For more information about A Community Conversation: Drugs, please call the town secretary's Office at 972-874-6070. Our police department remains an invaluable tool in the fight against drugs in the community. Recently, our longtime Chief of Police Kenneth Brooker announced his retirement after serving more than 40 years in law enforcement, 30 of which were spent with Flower Mound. Under his leadership, our Police Department has received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Advanced Law Enforcement Accredita- tion from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Although his replacement will have large shoes to fill, the town started working with Strategic Government Resources to find the next chief of police for our community. The search is expected to last approximately three months and we have selected David James to serve as interim chief until a finalist has been identified. Chief James has served in law enforcement for more than 36 years, including 15 years as the Chief of Police for the city of Carrollton and an extensive career with the Dallas Police Department. We are thankful to have him during this time of transition to make it as seamless as possible. Last month, I was disappointed to see time run out on a key piece of legislation that would have created a Municipal Management District for the 158-acre River Walk at Central Park development. It was passed by the State House of Representatives, however the legislative session ended before it could be voted on by the State Senate. Now, the council will explore new ways to help the River Walk development reach its potential and become the signature project it is intended to be for our community. One day, I hope to see The 14

River Walk at Central Park drawing people from around the area to shop, eat, and play in Flower Mound, and I am committed to making that happen. In August, Centurion American will begin work on the signature feature of the project, the river walk amenity. This will require an investment of $8 million, a significant commitment to the project and to the residents of Flower Mound. Construction on the River Walk amenity will take six to nine month to complete, and will provide drainage as other parts of the development are built. Work is underway on several new restaurants around town. Construction crews are building the new Rais- ing Cane's on FM 407, just east of the FM 2499 intersection. There will also be a Firehouse Subs opening in the Highland Ranch development on FM 2499, next to Chipotle. Coming this fall, Flower Mound resident and renowned chef, David Burdick, will open Twelve Stones restaurant. Based on a new concept, Twelve Stones will feature a rotating "chalkboard" menu based on what is in season, locally sourced, and what inspires Chef Burdick. Twelve Stones will be located in The Pines of Flower Mound development, at the southwest corner of Gerault Road and FM 3040. As you may have noticed, crews are also hard at work on other developments in Flower Mound. It seems like more progress is being made each time I drive by our new Market Street, the anchor of the River Walk Market project at the northeast corner of FM 1171 and FM 2499. Market Street is still on schedule for a No- vember opening date, just in time for Thanksgiving. The second portion of the project is also being con- structed and will include restaurant and retail space. Renovations to the Kroger, located at the southwest corner of the same intersection, are also coming along and are expected to be completed by early fall. The renovations include 20,000-square feet of extra shopping space, 80 additional jobs, and a facelift to the outside of the store. On schedule for an October grand opening, construction is moving quickly on the new Academy Sports and Outdoors store at the southeast corner of Chinn Chapel Road and FM 407, which is part of the Highland Plaza development. This will be perfect timing for many residents who enjoy camping in the fall. I know with school being out for the summer and increased traffic around town, running into road construction is frustrating. Several Flower Mound roads are being improved for better traffic flow and we appreciate your patience. Crews are hard at work on Wichita Trail, particularly between the Wisdom Creek and Cherry Sage intersection, where the road is completely closed while a drainage structure is being installed. Although inconvenient, this closure will reduce the project length by 60 days and the roadway is scheduled to be open to two-way traffic on Aug. 19. After opening to traffic, there will be periodic lane closures until the project is complete in late September. Work is also underway on Chinn Chapel, where the roadway is being widened. Crews are currently working on the northbound lanes near the Waketon intersection and are moving north. This project is scheduled to be complete in March 2014. The end is much sooner for the Flower Mound portion of the FM 407 project. By the end of this month, crews will finish the job, completing the work on the me- dians and landscaping. I have some exciting news for our boating enthusiasts. During the June 17 meeting, the Council voted to officially receive a Boating Access Grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for approximately $360,000 to enhance Twin Coves Park. Located on the shores of Grapevine Lake, the grant will fund a new concrete boat ramp, expanded parking for trucks/boat trailers, a fish cleaning station, a courtesy boat dock, signage, landscaping, and new concrete walkways that tie in the surrounding trails. Although a date for construction to begin has not been determined at this time, Parks and Recreation staff anticipate closing the boat ramp area around the end of November and will re-open it near the end of April, depending upon the progress of the project. Please continue to check our website for more good news at www.flower-mound.com. For a complete list of ways to access the latest Flower Mound news and information, please visit www.flower-mound.com/stayconnected.

LOAD-DATE: July 3, 2013

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

June 16, 2013 Sunday 1 EDITION

Denton County

SECTION: METRO; Pg. B03

LENGTH: 715 words

AREA DAR chapter announces Good Citizen Awards The Benjamin Lyon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution announced the recipients of the DAR Good Citizen Award. Ten area schools were asked to select outstanding young people who demonstrate the qualities of good citizenship, including dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. Students were invited to participate in an optional scholarship contest, and the winner of the local contest was Caren Stuebe from Northwest High School in Justin. Her winning entry will now be entered in the state contest. Local award winners are Randi Martin, Argyle High School; Mahaley Millican, Aubrey High School; Katelin Pegg, Denton High School; Dionne Agawu, Guyer High School; Ashley Rennspies, Krum High School; De- clan Johnson, Lake Dallas High School; Emily Edwards, Liberty Christian High School; Stuebe, of Northwest High; Hannah MacElroy, Pilot Point High School; and Caitlyn Vaughn, Ryan High School. Benjamin Lyon members who presented the awards were Donna Cunningham, Amanda Cowan, Diana White, Lou Hayden, Pam Fant, Fran Hutcherson, Veneta Lewis, Ann Redfearn and Linda Scott. Denton Record-Chronicle DENTON Lecture set on railroad's role in North Texas growth Michael Sturdy presents "Thundering Prosperity: The Role of the Railroad in North Texas Growth" at noon Thursday. Sturdy will present a brief history of the railroad in North Texas, from early attempts at creating a railway system in the Republic of Texas to the advent of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad to the introduction of the Santa Fe Railway. 17

Sturdy is the director of education at the Museum of the American Railroad in Frisco. The program is part of the Denton County Office of History and Culture lecture series at the Courthouse on the Square, 110 W. Hickory St. Denton Record-Chronicle FLOWER MOUND Police chief to step down; hiring search is underway Police Chief Kenneth Brooker recently announced he will step down June 30. "I have truly enjoyed the past 30 years associating and working with members of the Police Department, the town and this wonderful community," Brooker said in a prepared statement. Brooker was hired as a Flower Mound police officer in 1983. He became chief in 1999. Town officials quickly began searching for a new chief. Earlier this month, Town Manager Jimmy Stathatos selected David James, who was Carrollton's police chief for 15 years, to serve as interim police chief effective July 1. James has more than 36 years in law enforcement, including 21 years in the Dallas Police Department. Molly Fox, the town's communications director, said officials will be working with Strategic Government Re- sources to find a permanent chief. The search is expected to take about three months, she said. Denton Record-Chronicle North Central college to offer 8-week courses North Central Texas College's Flower Mound campus will offer eight-week courses for students starting this fall. The pilot program, with classes in traditional subjects, will cut in half the traditional 16-week class period but increase class time to 6 hours a week. The first session of the shortened classes runs Aug. 26-Oct. 18; the second runs Oct. 21-Dec. 13. Students can still take traditional-length classes at the same time. Online registration opened Saturday for the fall semester and will open in-person Monday. The admissions office is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the summer. To learn more, go to nctc.edu. Andrew Scoggin LEWISVILLE RECAP: Petition drive begins for liquor vote On the heels of a successful alcohol initiative in Plano, a petition drive is beginning this week in Lewisville for a November local option election to legalize packaged liquor sales. "We are going to go out and collect signatures and let the voters decide," said Tim Reeves, vice president of the Eppstein Group, a political consulting and polling firm organizing the Lewisville effort. The initiative is being underwritten by Total Wine & More, a Maryland-based retailer with more than 90 stores in 15 states. The company recently opened stores in Dallas and Fort Worth. Petition backers need to gather 4,422 signatures by July 19 to get the issue on the November ballot, said Lewisville City Secretary Julie Heinze. She received the petition application Friday. 18

Wendy Hundley

LOAD-DATE: June 16, 2013

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: PHOTO(S): (1. Al Key/Denton Record-Chronicle) Honoring Stars and Stripes: Members of the Denton Elks Lodge and VFW Post 2205 raised the flag during a ceremony at the Elks Lodge in Denton on Friday. 2. KENNETH BROOKER

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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Denton Record-Chronicle (Texas)

June 16, 2013 Sunday 1 Edition

Flower Mound police chief announces his retirement

BYLINE: MEGAN GRAY [email protected]; STAFF WRITER

SECTION: NEWS; Pg. NEWS_A04

LENGTH: 313 words

Flower Mound Police Chief Kenneth Brooker is stepping down after serving more than 40 years in law enforcement. Brooker, who recently announced his retirement, will hang up his holster on June 30. "I have truly enjoyed the past 30 years associating and working with members of the police department, the town and this wonderful community," he said in a prepared statement. Town officials said his career with Flower Mound started in January 1983 when he was hired as a police officer. Shortly after, in October, he was promoted to sergeant. Brooker quickly climbed the ranks, and in 1985, he was made a lieutenant, where he stayed for 13 years before moving to captain in 1998. He became chief in 1999. "The department has grown immensely during this time," his statement read. Brooker said Flower Mound's police department is one of the most admired and envied in Texas; that is a reflection on the hard work of current and previous employees throughout his administration. "I am thankful for the opportunity given to me to serve this great community and proud to have played a role in the development of this organization," he said. With his announcement, the town quickly began searching for the next chief of police, officials said. Earlier this month, Town Manager Jimmy Stathatos selected David James, who served as the chief of police in Carrollton for 15 years, to serve as interim police chief. James, who will begin July 1, has held a career in law enforcement for more than 36 years - 21 of those with the Dallas Police Department. Molly Fox, the town's communications director, said during James' tenure in Flower Mound, the town will be working closely with Strategic Government Resources to recruit a permanent police chief. The search is expected to take approximately three months, she said. MEGAN GRAY can be reached at 940-566-6885 and via Twitter at @MGrayNews.

LOAD-DATE: June 16, 2013

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

June 14, 2013 Friday 1 EDITION

BRIEFS

SECTION: LEWISVILLE; Pg. L03

LENGTH: 657 words

FLOWER MOUND Interim police chief to serve during search for replacement Former Carrollton police chief David James will serve as interim police chief while the town searches for a replacement for retiring chief Kenneth Brooker. James will assume the position July 1, according to a press release issued Monday. James worked for Dallas Police Department for more than 20 years and was Carrollton's chief for 15 years. He has started a consulting firm that provides leadership training for police departments. Flower Mound has hired a search firm to find a replacement for Brooker, who has been police chief for 14 years and will retire June 30. The search is expected to take three months. Wendy Hundley HIGHLAND VILLAGE School traffic calls for construction on Briarhill Boulevard Construction began Monday on Briarhill Boulevard in Highland Village as the city seeks to alleviate school-related traffic. The city expects the project to last as long as two months, according to city spokeswoman Laurie Mullens. It'll result in various lane closures, with the southbound lane currently closed, and delays on Briarhill from Highland Shores Boulevard to the railroad crossing. McAuliffe Elementary School and DKH Academy, a private preschool, sit on this portion of Briarhill. The construction will add a center-turn lane near McAuliffe and a right-turn lane at the preschool, modifying existing shoulders to handle traffic. "If you weren't picking up or dropping off your kids at school, you'd be stuck in traffic," Mullens said. The city council approved $476,109 in funding for the project at its April 24 meeting. Andrew Scoggin LEWISVILLE HD video on the way for city council meetings 22

The city council will soon move into the 21st century with the installation of high-definition cameras in its chambers. The council, on a 4-0 vote, approved a bid June 3 from Dallas-based Bock Technologies. The new chamber cameras replace those that date to at least 1989, said city manager Claude King. The added equipment also includes a new editor and mixer, as well as a digital audio and video system in the council conference room for agenda workshops. "We're buying a fairly sophisticated system and state-of-the-art, hopefully," King said. "It'll certainly be a vast improvement over what's been there before." A.S. 17-year-old drowns at lake party A student from Carollton's Newman Smith High School drowned early Saturday near a dock at the Pier 121 entertainment venue on Lewisville Lake. Jaquis Jones, 17, was pronounced dead at 2:21 a.m. at Medical Center of Lewisville. Texas Parks and Wild- life game warden Daron Blackerby said Jones swam too far from the dock. People at the party jumped in to help him and called 911 after he couldn't be found. Within about 30 minutes, divers from the Lewisville Fire Department pulled Jones from the water and began performing CPR, but couldn't resuscitate him. Jones played football at Newman Smith and had already received scholarship offers from New Mexico State University and the University of Nevada. Matthew Watkins THE COLONY Council OKs interchange, court security upgrades The Colony City Council approved a nearly $20 million contract June 4 to build an interchange on Sam Ray- burn Tollway at South Colony Boulevard. Irving-based Austin Bridge & Road won the contract with the lowest of four bids. Construction of the first phase should begin in July and finish in October 2014. Completion of the entire project is expected by the end of 2014, according to Brant Shallenburger, government relations director with the city. The project calls for South Colony Boulevard to pass over the tollway similar to Galatyn Parkway at Central Expressway in Richardson. Council members approved the contract 6-0 vote. The council also passed a measure to consolidate security at The Colony Municipal Court. Employees would use one keycard for that building and City Hall. The upgrade will cost about $40,000 from the court security fund. A.S.

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Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Texas)

June 14, 2011 Tuesday

Colleyville names interim police chief

LENGTH: 116 words

COLLEYVILLE _ Former Carrollton Police Chief David N. James will become Colleyville's interim police chief. He will replace current Chief Steve Dye who is taking the chief's post in Grand Prairie. James' first day will be June 21 and will serve while the city searches for a permanent chief. "David James brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Colleyville and our police department. Most importantly, he brings a philosophy of progressive, proactive management to our public safety efforts. His leadership will afford us the opportunity to continue to grow and enhance our public safety programs even while we search for a permanent chief," City Manager Jennifer Fadden said in a statement.

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Carrollton Leader (Texas)

December 30, 2010

The top 10 stories of 2010 in Carrollton

BYLINE: James Roth, [email protected]

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 5411 words

The follow stories were selected as the top 10 stories in Carrollton over the past year. Stories have been ed- ited for space. 1) Carrollton to receive first hotel, bans K2 In September the city council made several big decisions At the top of the list was the city council banning K2 and Salvia from being sold and used within city limits. The ban was unanimously approved by the city council. "There wasn't much to talk about when banning that in our city," Mayor Ron Branson said. "We don't need anything like that in our city. Once we became aware of it in Carrollton, it did not take long for us to get this to council and ban it in our city limits." K2 is typically sold in head shops and is sold as incense, but said to mimic the effects of marijuana when smoked. Neighboring cities such as Allen, Plano and Frisco have also banned K2 in their city limits. The city is also now in position to bring in its first hotel. Branson has wanted to bring a first class hotel to Carrollton for some time and now the time has come. "Over and over again we have heard our citizens say they want a hotel in our city," Branson said. "We are tired of seeing people who want to come to Carrollton have to stay in Lewisville because we do not have any hotels." The city reached an agreement with Lowen Holdings to develop a hotel and convention center. The location of the hotel will be on Raiford Road directly behind the Wal-Mart and Lowe's that is located just off of Trinity Mills Road and the George Bush Turnpike. The proposal is set to build three hotels with the first hotel holding 135-160 rooms and approximately 15,000 square feet for convention space. Construction on the second hotel would commence after the first hotel has achieved 65 percent occupancy on trailing 12 months. The second hotel would hold 110-120 rooms. Finally the third hotel would be built after the second hotel achieved 65 percent occupancy on trailing 12 months, and would hold 90-110 rooms. The estimated total development cost will be between $45-50 million and the hotels will provide employment for 90-135 people. "It almost takes your breath away," Branson said. "With the DART station coming in and a hotel, Carrollton really has a lot of great things going on right now." 25

The first hotel and convention center is estimated to be completed in 2012-2013. For the full story click here: http://www.scntx.com/articles/2010/09/15/carrollton_leader/news/37.txt 2) DART rail to begin running Dec. 6 The city of Carrollton waited almost 20 years to bring a DART rail to the city. On Dec. 6 it became a reality. Three new rail stations opened Dec. 6 to paying customers. The locations of the stations are in Old Down- town Carrollton, Trinity Mills and North Carrollton/Frankford. "I think we are all extremely happy and we have been for waiting for a long time for this to happen," said Peter Braster, transit-oriented development manager for Carrollton. Braster said this is just the first phase of the rail in Carrollton. In the near future the rail looks to expand to more areas across the Metroplex. "Next year the rail will continue to run north towards Denton. Once that is complete you can ride the DART rail to almost anywhere in Dallas," Braster said. For the full story click here: http://www.scntx.com/articles/2010/12/30/carrollton_leader/news/171.txt 3) Carrollton celebrates first ever Festival at the Switchyard On Oct. 22 and 23 6,000 people showed up to the festival that was held at the square in Old Downtown Carrollton. The entire square was sectioned off and featured vendors selling food, arts and crafts, games for kids and a stage that hosted an array of music acts over the two day event. "I think the festival was great, everything went really well," Mayor Ron Branson said. "My grandchildren loved the music that was played, and I think people really enjoyed themselves." The festival honored the role that the railroad played in the city's history. The railroad tracks, located just north of the square, helped put Carrollton and the Peters Colony settlement on the map more than a century ago. A big factor in bringing the festival to life was city councilmember Matthew Marchant, who said that he would always go the Carrollton Country Fair growing up and he wanted to build on that tradition. "I think the festival is a great way to jump start a new big event at the Carrollton square," Marchant said. "All of the things we have going on from the kid games to the bands have been focused to attract all ages. We want this to become a yearly event that people look forward to coming to." The festival brought out some big name bands, all of them having a connection to the Dallas area. The headliners for the event were The Polyphonic Spree, The Old 97s and Robert Earl Keen. "It was a collaborative effort to bring these different bands in," city councilmember Terry Simons said. "We wanted bands that are still making new music, had some Dallas roots and would appeal to a variety of people. I personally wanted Robert Earl Keen to come play, and I am glad he is here." In addition to the main acts, the city had a variety of musical acts throughout both days including a Battle of the Bands competition. The winning band, Ben Higginbotham, walked away with a $1,000 and an automatic spot at next year's festival. On Oct. 23, festival goers did have to deal with rain throughout the day, and the city had to move the musical acts into the theater until the weather cleared up. "We had a lot of people that stayed while it was raining and had a great time," said Sheri Chadwick, Car- rollton marketing director. "After 5 p.m., we brought the acts back outside and everything stayed on schedule. It was a minor issue, but everyone still enjoyed themselves." Every city councilmember considered the festival a success and hope that residents enjoyed themselves. 26

"We want to build tradition here in Carrollton," Marchant said. "Hopefully, this festival will be a big part of that." For the full story click here: http://www.scntx.com/articles/2010/10/27/carrollton_leader/news/13.txt 4) Mayor O'Hare gives reason for wanting FB ISD Farmers Branch Mayor Tim O'Hare made headlines in December over wanting to break away from Carroll- ton Farmers Branch ISD and Dallas ISD and form the city's own school district. Controversy ensued, with many people dissagreeing. Still, the Mayor is optimistic looking toward the future. O'Hare said has many reasons for wanting to form FB ISD, and his reasons are not what many believe them to be. Discussion about forming FB ISD began to gain speed after a C-FB ISD school board meeting earlier this month where the discussion centered around whether it was a good idea to have members of the League of United Latin American Citizens mentor students. The following Tuesday, the city of Farmers Branch called an executive session to discuss the possiblity of forming its own district. While many felt this was a reaction to LULAC in C-FB ISD schools, the mayor said it was not a response. "I think that is ridiculious. I would never say lets do this as a knee jerk to that," O'Hare said. "I brought it up to start a dialogue, but I thought this would be a long range process that would take a couple of years. I did not expect for Farmers Branch to have a district by next week." One of the reasons O'Hare wishes to form FB ISD is that he feels a one school district will unite the community and bring more invovlment to the school and students. "Our kids are spread out over multiple schools. There is no community involvement for a high school in Farmers Branch," O'Hare said. "I don't think many people would argue against this, one high school towns create more spirit, bring communities together and more volunteers in those set ups." Currently, 75 percent of students who live in Farmers Branch go to C-FB ISD schools, while the other 25 percent go to DISD schools. O'Hare said he has looked at statistics and he cannot find another city the size of Farmers Branch, around 31,300 people, that does not have a high school within its city limits. In addition, he said property values of homes would increase if the city had its own district. "We are a severe afterthought to DISD. With C-FB ISD, they have to deal with residents and leaders in multiple cities. There are competing interests and they are not always one and the same. DISD doesn't care about property values in Farmers Branch, but the way the system is set up they don't have to," O'Hare said. "Real estate agents say the perception of Farmers Branch is a great community, but the school systems that the kids feed into are questionable. Is that based on fact? Who knows, but that is the perception and perception is everything." Another issue the mayor has with C-FB ISD is the new grading system the district is looking to implement. The system will put more weight on summative grades, test, projects and essays, rather than formative grades, daily work and homework. "The new proposed grading changes are ridiculous and mind boggling," O'Hare said. "I have spoken to almost 200 people and cannot find one who is supporting this. This is another example of extreme liberalism run amuck in our public school system." The odds are stacked against Farmers Branch to form its own district under state law. Both C-FB ISD and DISD have said they do not support FB ISD. In order to form its own district, Farmers Branch would have to have 10 percent of registered voters sign a petition to force an election without the approval of either school board. From there, 25 percent of registered voters from both districts would have to be in favor of allowing de- tachment. O'Hare feels that if an election takes place it would pass with ease. "I think we could get enough signatures for a petition on a Saturday," O'Hare said. "I would love that to be on ballot in November 2012 and I think it would pass with flying colors." 27

O'Hare said he is trying to do what is best for the city and residents. "At the end of the day, it is my responsibility as mayor is to make sure Farmers Branch the best it can be," O'Hare said. "After years of research and talking to parents, teachers and others, everyone said your city will be better if it has its own school district. They are difficulties getting there, but they can be overcome to make Famers Branch a better city." For the full story click here: http://www.scntx.com/articles/2010/12/30/carrollton_leader/news/160.txt 5) Local boy is 'The Last Airbender' Noah Ringer was a shy boy who began taking taekwondo classes in Carrollton. Three years later he is the star of M. Night Shyamalan's latest film "The Last Airbender." "The Last Airbender" has grossed more than $318 million worldwide since its release on July 2. The story focuses on a young boy named Aang who can control the four main elements of life: fire, water, air and earth. It is up to Aang to defeat the evil Fire Lord, Ozai, and restore peace to the world. However, this story begins long before the opening movie titles. This story focuses on Ringer and his jour- ney to stardom. Growing up in Farmers Branch, Ringer was homeschooled but his mother wanted to get him involved in activities outside the home. She enrolled Ringer at the ATA Martial Arts in Carrollton. "Noah came in when he was 10 years old," said Eric Pechacek, master candidate taekwondo instructor, owner of the ATA Martial Arts in Carrollton and Ringer's teacher. "He was very hesitant at first, and as I began to teach him I found out that he had a lot of natural talent." As time went on, Pechacek began to see more promise in Ringer's skills and abilities. Pechacek believed Ringer would do well in tournaments and wanted him to begin competing. "His first tournament was the world championships, a big tournament in Arkansas," Pechacek said. "He competed in multiple categories and took home first place in all of them." During that same tournament, Pechacek said Ringer took notice of the "extreme competition," a part of the tournament where competitors create their own routine and style that can include flips and weapons. "Over a two-year period, he received 100 medals at the 25 tournaments he went to. Eighty of those medals were first place, but the best part was he never let any of the success go to his head." Then one day, Pechacek's friend encouraged him to watch a cartoon, "Avatar: The Last Airbender," a Jap- anese anime cartoon that is shown on Nickelodeon. "When he first told me about the show I had no interest at all," Pechacek said. "I rented a video, and I actually liked it. The main character in the show looked just like Noah. I showed it to Noah and he fell in love with it as well." Pechacek said every time a new episode would come out it would be a race between him and Noah to buy it and watch it. On one of the DVD's bonus features was an interview with director M. Night Shyamalan talking about the motion picture adaptation. Pechacek said he and Ringer would joke about Ringer becoming The Last Airbender, but never actually believing it could become a reality. Later that year in July 2008, Pechacek received an e-mail from Para- mount pictures having an open casting call looking for the lead character of "Aang." "The e-mail asked for him to send a video with the person reading a few lines and then showing off some of your moves," Pechacek said. "As soon as I received the e-mail I told the Ringers that Noah needs to try for this. There is a 99 percent chance that nothing will happen but we should give it a shot." Pechacek said Ringer performed a routine that he used during his "extreme competitions," and sent the tape off not thinking much would come of it. 28

In November 2008, Ringer received a call back from a casting director wanting him to come in for an interview. According to Pechacek, of the 2,000 applicants only 16 were called in for interviews. Ringer and his family flew to Philadelphia for the interview. According to Pechacek, Ringer went into a closed session while his parents waited outside. He came out and sat back down, and noticed that half of the call backs left. Ringer was called back in once again, and everyone left except for Ringer and one other boy. Pechacek said that Ringer was told to assume that he did not get the role and continue on with your everyday life. In December 2008, the Ringers asked if Pechacek and his wife would like to have dinner together. Pechacek said he knew something was going on when the Ringer's invited them over. "Noah asked me if he could talk to me, he said he had something to tell me," Pechacek said. "I was thinking he was going to leave the school, I assumed the worst. Instead, Noah looked at me and said 'I am The Last Airbender,'" said Pechacek. According to Pechacek, when Ringer has time, he is a regular 13-year-old boy. However, his performance has caught the eye of Iron Man director Jon Favreau. Ringer was offered another role and is currently in New Mexico shooting the movie "Cowboys and Aliens" which co-stars Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde and Sam Rockwell. Once the shooting of "Cowboys and Aliens" concludes in September, the master hopes his student will once again return to class. "Our entire school is so proud of him. I am so proud of him," Pechacek said. "I have had the joy of getting to hang out with him and know him. I wish him and his family nothing but the best." For the full story click here: http://www.scntx.com/articles/2010/07/14/carrollton_leader/news/80.txt 6) McKinney's assistant police chief hired as Carrollton's police chief One of McKinney's highest-ranking law enforcement officers was hired by the city of Carrollton as its new police chief in April. Rex Redden replaced by Police Chief David James, who retired on Jan. 15. "I am very excited and honored and very humbled for this opportunity; every young police officer dreams they can be a police chief," said Redden. "It doesn't always work out for everyone, but things fell in place for me; this is the pinnacle of my career." It has been a long road for Redden to get to where he is today. He has had multiple jobs throughout many police departments in the state. According to Redden, each stop has prepared him to become chief in Car- rollton. "I started my career in Dallas in 1989, working nights mostly. I also helped out on a violent-crime task force, and I would move around to high-crime areas," said the new chief. "In 1993, I worked for the Collin County Sheriff's Office; I got on the narcotics unit and was involved with SWAT and tactical squads. It was a big change, but it gave me a lot of opportunities and expanded my horizons." In early 2000, Redden felt it was time for another change. At that time, the city of McKinney was beginning to rapidly expand. Redden and a few of his fellow officers decided to go work for the McKinney Police De- partment - a decision that Redden says was the best move of his career. "I became an administrative sergeant for two or three years. I got the experience to develop my administrative skills and found out I had a knack for it," said Redden. "Then in 2004, I was promoted to assistant chief. Being assistant chief for six years has really broadened my skills and helped me to become a good chief. I hope to bring the experience and lessons I have learned to Carrollton." Redden said he was chosen out of a pool of 47 applicants that city officials whittled down to five; officials chose him for the position out of those remaining applicants during an "assessment" period. 29

"His personality, his approach to managing a police department, was something that we were looking for," said Leonard Martin, Carrollton city manager. "He is known in the business as a 'cop's cop.'" Other police chiefs and officers from across the nation applied for the chief position. According to Martin, there were applicants who applied from California and Florida; however, Martin knew that Redden would be the right man to take the police department to the next level. "He gets the opportunity to come into an outstanding department," said Martin. "He has great people in the department already, and I think once he gets a grasp on the structure and understands the people we already have in the department, he will be able to do some great things for us." Redden's first day as chief will be April 19. "I will tell the people the same thing I told city council. They have my pledge; I will continue to work hard to make Carrollton a safe place for residents and visitors," said Redden. "This police department is already very professional, and I want to be able to come in and make the Carrollton Police Department one of the top agencies in the country. When other police departments think of great departments, I want Carrollton to come to mind." For the full story click here: http://www.scntx.com/articles/2010/04/14/carrollton_leader/news/46.txt 7) Three school board seats were up for election in May This year Places 5, 6 and 7 were up for re-election. After the votes were counted, all three incumbents re- tained their seats on the school board. Lynn Chaffin collected 57.31 percent of the vote to beat out Susie Perez and Bob Mora for Place 5 on the board. Chaffin has been on the board for the past 12 years and says she is happy that she has been re-elected for another term. "I was pleased, of course," said Chaffin. "I was also relieved that I did not have to face anyone in a runoff." According to Chaffin, she plans to keep her focus on the main goal: student achievement. "The most critical person to a student is the teacher," said Chaffin. "I want to make sure that the district has the best possible teachers and that we provide them with the support they need." Place 6 on the school board will once again be held by Frank Shor, who collected 50.57 percent of the vote. When asked about how he felt when he won the election, Shor had a straight-to-the-point answer. "I felt good," he said. Shor said he will continue to look for ways to improve the district and will try to implement a few ideas that he feels can benefit students. "I will try to get a foreign language other than Spanish in the elementary schools, grades kindergarten through second," said Shor. "We are on an annual budget so we might not be able to afford that, but I would like to try." Finally, Nancy Watten beat out Mike Sheaffer for Place 7 on the board. Watten won with 68.8 percent of the vote. "I was very pleased to know that I won. I still have many areas that I still want to continue working on in the district," said Watten. "I am also very excited that Lynn and Frank both won as well. I am glad voters had confidence in us." Watten has been involved with multiple programs within the district. According to Watten, she hopes to continue those programs to help further improve the district. "I will continue to work on the community technology programs we have going on and also helping with teen pregnancies in our school," Watten said. "Also, I want to help look into children with diabetes and obesity. I want to figure out ways to lower those numbers." 30

In recent months, the school board has faced criticism by many members within the district. However, all three election winners felt that even though the faces have not changed on the school board, things will begin to turn around and flow better than they have in the past. "I believe that all board members have the best interest of the district at heart, so I believe that relationships improve," said Chaffin. "There is always a period of adjustment when new members come on the board, but this board is past that now. I am confident that our board members will work for the good of the district." Shor and Watten both agreed. "I hope what will occur is that everybody on the board will continue to strive to make the district the best it can be," said Shor. "We have had over a year of transition, new faces with new roles. I am optimistic that the board will continue in a positive direction." "This was a message from the community that they approve of what we are doing," said Watten. "We need to keep constant focus on the development of our kids." For the story click here: http://www.scntx.com/articles/2010/05/12/carrollton_leader/news/29.txt 8) Reconnecting can lead to connection in case A 1988 missing persons' case involving two popular Carrollton girls is drawing new attention because of modern technology. On March 19, 1988, Stacie Madison and Susan Smalley were two normal girls who attended Newman Smith High School just months away from graduation. However, after that night, the city of Carrollton was changed forever. That evening, Madison and Smalley traveled to many locations across the Metroplex. According to police, the girls went to the mall, then to a friends party in Arlington and then to a Steak and Ale restaurant in Addi- son where Smalley worked. "It is hard to know exactly every spot they stopped at that night. If this were to happen today we would have been able to pin locations using cells phones and other technology," said Sgt. Joel Payne, lead detective on the case. "We talked to people at the party that took place in Arlington and found nothing there." Payne said that once the girls left the restaurant their whereabouts and location are unknown. He said the next day phone calls were made by both Madison and Smalley's parents but the police were not notified. "This was Carrollton in 1988, bad things did not happen in this city," Payne said. "Both girls were very responsible, so the red flags of something horribly wrong did not go off in either household." Madison's car, a 1967 Ford Mustang, was found in the parking lot of the El Fenix restaurant at the intersection of Webb Chapel and Forrest Lane. According to Payne, in 1988 Forrest Lane was a very popular place for people to drive around and hang out. He said once people became aware of the situation, leads began to come in from everywhere. That summer, an ex-boyfriend of one of the girls admitted to his new girlfriend that he was involved in the disappearance of the girls. According to Payne, that lead was looked into but nothing conclusive was found. As time went on, the months and years passed and the case became cold. Payne said while leads are con- tinually worked, there is not enough evidence to figure out what actually took place. Interest in the case was renewed when Carrollton resident Shawn Sutherland wrote the book "This Night Wounds Time: The Mysterious Disappearance of Stacie Madison and Susan Smalley," telling the girls story. Payne said that the book did not provide any new evidence on that night, but it did make him think different- ly about how the night progressed. "In talking to the author and looking back over everything I began to make different connections that were not there before," Payne said. "I began to start the whole investigation from scratch. I pulled in some of the original witnesses and began to verify things." 31

According to Payne, he was amazed at the memory that many people still had of that night. "The disappearance of these girls is a benchmark for an entire generation of Carrollton residents," Payne said. "People know where they were and what they were doing. They are connected to that moment in time." Payne said because so many people from Carrollton are connected to that moment in time, the conversation about the girls disappearance has never gone away. He said new forms of communication such as social networking has helped police bring in new witnesses to gather information about the girls. "Facebook groups are huge," Payne said. "There is a Facebook group about these girls and people post information about them all the time. We are able to contact them and make connections." Payne said that individuals who were friends with Madison and Smalley are now adults with children who are 17 or 18 years old, and they do not want another incident like this to occur. "People are coming forward now and talking more openly about details that night," Payne said. "Back in 1988, someone we questioned might not have said something because they did not want there friend to get in trouble with their parents, or get themselves in trouble." Payne said the culmination of technology and friends of Madison and Smalley now having children of their own are sparking interest in this case once again. For the full story click here: http://carrolltonleader.com/articles/2010/12/30/carrollton_leader/news/183.txt 9) Students get blindsided by Hollywood R.L. Turner High School had a couple of visitors come to speak to students in October. However, these were not your everyday speakers, these were Hollywood actors. Students gathered in the auditorium to welcome actors Eric Martinez and Quinton Aaron to the stage. Mar- tinez plays the role of "Falani" on the ABC television show "Scoundrels." He has also been featured in the movie "Gamer" that co-stars Gerard Butler. Aaron is known for his role as "Michael Oher" in the hit movie "The Blind Side" that co-stars actress Sandra Bullock. "It was a great honor to have Quinton and Eric come to our school and speak to our kids," said Georgeanne Warnock, principal at R.L. Turner. "They are really able to influence the kids and inspire them." Aaron and Martinez were at the school on behalf of the Confidence Music Group, a tutoring and mentoring program that helps students excel in music and academics. "This is a great school, and being given the opportunity to come and speak to these kids is always a great experience," Martinez said. "As an entertainer it is our responsibility to help kids, because we have a voice to spread positivity." Martinez took the stage first to speak to students. He spoke about his life growing up in a single-parent home and the difficulties that came with trying to break into the entertainment industry. Martinez made a point to make sure students knew the importance of education and going to college, while also never giving up on your dreams. "I knew I always wanted to be an entertainer," he said to the crowd. "I did not go to college at first, but I did go back and get a degree in marketing. I know that my dream can be over tomorrow, but I always want to be prepared and have something to fall back on." Martinez spoke for a few minutes before opening the floor up for students to ask questions. Some asked what is next for him in his acting career, while others asked him for advice on how to overcome adversity. After answering a few questions Martinez welcomed Aaron to the stage. The actor was welcomed with a huge ovation from the crowd as they chanted "Big Mike," the character he portrayed in "The Blind Side." The 6-foot-8-inch Aaron spoke to the crowd about his childhood. His mother was an author and was the one who got him involved in singing and acting. A few years ago, Aaron's mother passed away. He then had to 32

provide for his little brother and was close to being homeless prior to receiving a call that would change his life. "I was at the NBC studios where they shoot the show '30 Rock.' I was looking down the hallway at Tina Fey when my phone rang," Aaron said. "I picked it up and they told me that I got the role for 'The Blind Side.'" Aaron also opened the floor for questions. When one student raised his hand to ask a question the crowd erupted. Turner student Stephen "Tank" Atkinson, who is also big in stature, had a question for Aaron. The actor invited the student on stage where they compared hand and height size. Aaron had found out prior to coming on stage that Atkinson could sing, and the two sang for the audience. After the show, both Martinez and Aaron signed autographs and took pictures with students. "I love coming to schools and talking to the kids. I can still remember what it was like to be in high school so to be able to talk to them is great," Aaron said. "If I can tell kids my story and they can relate to what I went through, then maybe I can get them through a tough time in their life. That is what it is all about." For the full story click here: http://www.scntx.com/articles/2010/11/04/carrollton_leader/news/184.txt 10) Local Resident turns 100 The average life expectancy in America today is 78 years. For someone to live to 100 is rare; to spend all that time in one place is even rarer. Walter Berndt turned 100 this year. If that is not impressive enough, Berndt has spent his entire life living in Carrollton. "I was born on March 4, 1910. When I first came here there was nothing but dirt roads all over Carrollton," said Berndt, sitting in his recliner slowly rocking back and forth. "It was nothing but dirt roads from here all the way to Dallas." Berndt lives on Polser Road just off Standridge Road. His house is located next to those in the Castle Hills neighborhood. However, to get to Berndt's house you must travel down a gravel road to a house Berndt has spent many years in. Berndt was a farmer; he owned close to 100 acres of land. In 1986, he sold some of the land which has now become the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene and Polser Elementary School. "My wife was mad because they didn't name the school Berndt Elementary, since it was my land before," Berndt said with a chuckle. When Berndt was younger he farmed his land and the land of others. He grew wheat and other items, but Berndt's biggest earning crop was eggs. On Saturdays he would take his eggs down to the farmers market in Dallas and sell those eggs and use the earnings to buy other crops to grow. Berndt had his egg route for more than 50 years. Berndt's family has grown through the years. He has had three children, two girls and a boy with his wife Annie Lou, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. One of Berndt's grandchildren, Michael Averett, knows how fortunate he is to still have his grandfather in his life. "I think it is wonderful; you don't realize how fortunate you really are," said Averett. "There are so many people you meet who never even got to know their grandparents." In addition, Berndt's great grandchild and Averett's son, Chad, knows he is extremely fortunate to have a great-grandfather "All of my friends don't even know their grandparents, and I get the privilege to know my great-grandfather," said the great-grandchild, looking at his Pa-Pa. "It adds another level to it, the stories you get to hear and the things you learn are great." For the full story click here: http://www.scntx.com/articles/2010/03/10/carrollton_leader/news/65.txt

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McKinney Courier-Gazette (Texas)

April 10, 2010 Saturday

McKinney's assistant police chief hired as Carrollton's police chief

BYLINE: Danny Gallagher

SECTION: COPS

LENGTH: 472 words

One of the McKinney's highest-ranking law enforcement officers has been hired by the city of Carrollton as their new police chief. McKinney Assistant Police Chief Rex Redden submitted his resignation effective on Friday, April 16th after accepting the offer from the city of Carrollton to fill the seat vacated by Police Chief David James who retired on Jan. 15. Redden said he was chosen out of a pool of 47 applicants that city officials whittled down to five. City officials chose him for the position out of those remaining applicants during an "assessment" period. Redden said he wasn't looking to leave McKinney. He was just waiting for the right agency to come along. "I haven't really applied at any other place," Redden said. "I was just waiting for a good agency, and not that I was in the market or looking around, but I saw that and thought Carrollton was a really good agency, so I put in an application for it, especially since I'm following Chief James, who was president of the Texas Police Chiefs Association. I knew his agency was really squared away." Carrollton offers many similar challenges as police chief, compared to McKinney, Redden said. "It's in similar size to McKinney's agency," Redden said. "The city is also similar in size and population. I did some research on their crime rate and everything about the city has a lot of similarities to McKinney. They also have a good reputation as a progressive agency, much like McKinney." Redden said the knowledge and experience he obtained from McKinney will be put to good use in Carroll- ton. "The experiences I've had in McKinney, especially related to the growth and challenges in meeting service demands has given me a wealth of knowledge, I guess you could say," Redden said. "One semi-positive aspect about Carrollton is they are very stable (in terms of population). They have almost grown out, so it's not going to be growing a whole lot bigger. Of course, it's a new city with new challenges and new opportunities there." Redden started his police career with the Dallas PD in 1989, then moved to the Collin County Sheriff's Of- fice in 1993. He joined the McKinney PD in 2000 as a police officer before moving up the ranks all the way to assistant police chief in 2004. "I've enjoyed my tenure here and the men and women of McKinney and the McKinney PD," Redden said. "I've respected everyone there. They are hard working professionals and I hope that I am leaving the department in much better shape than when I got there." 35

McKinney police Lt. Scott Brewer said McKinney Police Chief Doug Kowalski will handle the search for Redden's replacement. "He hasn't many any announcement at this point in time as to his (Kowalski's) initiatives," Brewer said. "We will miss Chief Redden. We wish him the very best of luck with his career at the Carrollton PD."

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

April 8, 2010 Thursday EDITION1

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

SECTION: CENTRAL METRO; Pg. B02

LENGTH: 749 words

CARROLLTON City hires McKinney official as police chief Rex Redden, the 43-yearold assistant police chief in McKinney, will take over the top post in the Carrollton Police Department on April 19. He will replace David James, who retired in January. Redden takes over a department that has received increased scrutiny because of what detained residents call excessive force. In February, the city was sued by a black auto dealer over allegations of federal civil rights violations. Carrollton, which is slightly larger than McKinney in population, has a 240-person police force and its own jail. Redden held the No. 2 post in McKinney for six years. He started his career in the Dallas Police Depart- ment. Dianne Solís DALLAS One trustee candidate left for voter forum A League of Women Voters forum planned for tonight will feature only one of two candidates running for the Dallas public schools District 7 seat. Candidate Louis Trujillo, a tax accountant, said he won't attend because he has to work. The event has changed to a question-and-answer session with the other candidate, Eric Cowan, who will field questions from the audience. The event will be at Rosemont Elementary School's Chris Semos Campus, 1919 Stevens Forest Drive. Roy Appleton DENTON Bus service sets passenger record March was a record-setting month for the Denton County Transportation Authority's Connect service, which provides bus service to Denton and Lewisville. 37

Records show that DCTA Connect in Denton provided 24,289 rides for passengers in March, 346 more than the previous record set in September. DCTA Connect in Lewisville provided 5,483 rides in March, 141 more than the previous record set in October. BJ Lewis, Denton Record-Chronicle GRAND PRAIRIE 3 men hurt in crash of stolen car face charges Three Grand Prairie men were hospitalized after crashing a stolen vehicle early Wednesday during a chase with police. The driver, 21-year-old Anthony Poole, and passengers Douglas Pinson, 23, and Jesse Diggs, 20, will face charges of burglary of a motor vehicle upon their release, Grand Prairie police said. About 3:15 a.m., police tried to stop a silver Mercedes-Benz sedan that matched the description of a stolen vehicle and was driving with its lights off, police Sgt. Eric Hansen said. When the car didn't pull over, a short chase ensued on Mayfield Road. The driver lost control near Robinson Road while traveling at nearly 90 mph, and the car flipped, ejecting Poole and trapping the two other men inside, police said. The three men were taken to Methodist Dallas Medical Center. None of their injuries appeared to be life-threatening. Colin Hogan OAK CLIFF Dad of slaying suspect arrested after son flees A man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of helping his son flee to Mexico to avoid being arrested on a murder charge, the Dallas County district attorney's office said. The son, German Alonzo Garcia, 19, is accused in the March 13 fatal shooting of Maricela Alvarez. Two other men believed to be involved in the shooting are in custody. Arturo Paz, 18, accused of being the getaway driver, and Mauro Rojas-Robledo, 20, who authorities say also was in the car, face murder charges. The father, Jose Garcia, was arrested at his south Oak Cliff home and is charged with hindering apprehen- sion or prosecution after allegedly driving his son to the border two days after the slaying. Authorities are still searching for German Garcia. Jennifer Emily RED BIRD Drivers sought in theft of $3,100 in gasoline Dallas police are investigating how thieves stole thousands of dollars in fuel from a gas station near Duncan- ville this week. Workers at My-T-Quick Food Store on Gannon Lane told police that they watched several drivers pull up to the pumps and top off their tanks without paying late Monday and early Tuesday. The thieves got away with more than $3,100 in gasoline and diesel fuel and caused $1,000 in damage to the pumps, police said. 38

Police are working with the gas station to try and find the thieves, said Senior Cpl. Kevin Janse, a Dallas police spokesman. Anyone with information can call Dallas police at 214-670-8333. Steven R. Thompson UNIVERSITY PARK Kirk to be speaker at SMU graduation Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, President Barack Obama's trade ambassador, will give the commencement speech at Southern Methodist University on May 15. Kirk's ties to SMU include serving on the advisory board of the Hart Global Leaders Forum since its inception in 1997 and being named an honorary alumnus of the Dedman School of Law in 2001. Lori Stahl

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Carrollton Leader (Texas)

January 28, 2010

Rep. Marchant recognizes retiring police chiefs

BYLINE: From Staff Reports

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 266 words

Retiring police chief David James of Carrollton was recognized by U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant (TX-24) at the Josey Ranch Senior Center in Carrollton on Jan. 14. James has contributed more than 36 years of service as a public safety officer. He spent 21 years with the Dallas Police Department and the past 15 years serving as police chief of Carrollton. During his tenure with Carrollton, James implemented a servant-leadership philosophy which allows all Carrollton police officers more responsibility in suggesting solutions for specific criminal activity. As a result of servant-leadership, crimes have dramatically decreased. Retired chief Tommy Ingram of Colleyville was also recognized at the Colleyville Community Center on Jan. 13. Ingram has contributed more than 35 years of service as a public safety officer. He spent 29 years with the Arlington Police Department and the past five years serving as police chief of Colleyville. During his tenure with Colleyville, the crime rate decreased, new safety programs were introduced and police technology was updated. In recognition for their service, Ingram was awarded a congressional recognition and James was presented an American Flag flown over the capital. "Tommy Ingram and David James's tireless service and commitment to their communities is greatly appreciated. They were not only leaders of their police departments, but were also leaders of their communities," Marchant said. Marchant often recognizes his district's heroes, such as police officers, firefighters and paramedics, for their dedication and service to the community.

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States News Service

January 25, 2010 Monday

MARCHANT RECOGNIZES RETIRING POLICE CHIEFS FROM HIS DIS- TRICT

BYLINE: States News Service

LENGTH: 302 words

DATELINE: IRVING, Texas

The following information was released by the office of Texas Rep. Kenny Marchant: Two retired Police Chiefs were honored by U.S. Congressman Kenny Marhcant (TX-24). Retired Chief Tommy Ingram of Colleyville was recognized at the Colleyville Community Center on January 13, and Chief David James of Carrollton was recognized at the Josey Ranch Senior Center in Carrollton on January 14. Chief Ingram has contributed more than thirty-five years of service as a public safety officer. He spent twen- ty-nine years with the Arlington Police Department and the past five years serving as Police Chief of Colley- ville. During his tenure with Colleyville, the crime rate decreased, new safety programs were introduced and police technology was updated. Chief James has contributed more than thirty-six years of service as a public safety officer. He spent twen- ty-one years with the Dallas Police Department and the past 15 years serving as Police Chief of Carrollton. During his tenure with Carrollton, Chief James implemented a servant-leadership philosophy which allows all Carrollton police officers more responsibility in suggesting solutions for specific criminal activity. As a result of servant-leadership, crimes have dramatically decreased. In recognition for their service, Chief Ingram was awarded a congressional recognition and Chief James was presented an American Flag flown over the capital. Congressman Marchant commented on their retirement, Tommy Ingram and David Jamess tireless service and commitment to their communities is greatly appreciated. They were not only leaders of their police departments, but were also leaders of their communities. Congressman Marchant often recognizes his districts heroes, such as police officers, firefighters and paramedics, for their dedication and service to the community.

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Carrollton Leader (Texas)

January 5, 2010

Top 10 - 6. Police chief announces retirement

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 205 words

Compiled by Senitra Horbrook Editor's note: Over the past two weeks the Carrollton Leader has revisited the top-10 news stories that happened in Carrollton in 2009. Carrollton Police Chief David James announced his retirement in November, effective Jan. 15, 2010. James has been Carrollton's chief of police for more than 15 years. During his tenure the police department adopted an operational philosophy, community resolution-oriented policing implemented through self-directed work teams, and servant-leadership. James has more than 36 years experience in municipal law enforcement service, executive management experience with other municipal services and working with city management. Prior to his appointment in Carrollton, James retired from the Dallas Police Department after 21 years of service. "The city of Carrollton is served by a respected and competent police department," James said. "It is my hope that the agency will continue to mature and build upon its philosophy of genuine customer service and resolution building to address the challenges of an inner ring urban environment. The future should reveal a vibrant, adaptable and professional business model that will continue to serve the citizens of Carrollton."

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Carrollton Leader (Texas)

November 10, 2009

Police chief announces retirement

BYLINE: Senitra Horbrook, [email protected]

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 387 words

Carrollton Police Chief David James announced his retirement last week, effective Jan. 15, 2010. James has been Carrollton's chief of police for more than 15 years. During his tenure the police department adopted an operational philosophy, community resolution-oriented policing, implemented through self-directed work teams and servant-leadership. James has more than 36 years experience in municipal law enforcement service, executive management experience with other municipal services and working with city management. Prior to his appointment in Carrollton, James retired from the Dallas Police Department after 21 years of service. "The city of Carrollton is served by a respected and competent police department," James said. "It is my hope that the agency will continue to mature and build upon its philosophy of genuine customer service and resolution building to address the challenges of an inner ring urban environment. The future should reveal a vibrant, adaptable and professional business model that will continue to serve the citizens of Carrollton." Since 1977, James has been actively involved in law enforcement training, particularly leadership and management issues. He is an advisory board vice-chair for the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration where he has served as an adjunct faculty member for 23 years. In 2001, Gov. Rick Perry appointed him as a commissioner for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education. James is a past president of the North Texas Police Chiefs Association and is immediate past president of the Texas Police Chiefs Association. From 2004 to 2008 he chaired a committee for the TPCA to establish a statewide accreditation/recognition program for all municipal police agencies. "I have worked directly with several police chiefs during my career and many others indirectly. David James is by far the best police chief I have had the pleasure of working with or knowing," said Leonard Martin, city manager. "His no-nonsense approach to leading a department, strong emphasis on professionalism and discipline, and futuristic vision of what law enforcement can, should and will become is invaluable. I know that his peers hold him in the very highest regard and look to him for leadership. I congratulate David on a stellar career in law enforcement."

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Carrollton Leader (Texas)

September 1, 2009

Police officer, three dispatchers fired after egg-throwing incident

BYLINE: Senitra Horbrook, [email protected]

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 323 words

One Carrollton police officer and three telecommunications dispatchers were fired after allegations of off-duty misconduct surfaced, the department announced Thursday. The misconduct stemmed from a May 9 incident when officers were dispatched to investigate a reported criminal mischief. The initial investigation by patrol officers revealed that eggs had been thrown at a resident's house causing a substantial inconvenience to the resident. This offense is a Class C Offense under the Texas Penal Code and the level of this offense is equivalent to a traffic violation. After several weeks, investigators developed information that five suspects were involved in this incident. Three of the suspects were city of Carrollton Police Department civilian employees, one suspect was a Car- rollton police officer, and one suspect was a resident of the city but not employed by the city. Investigators determined that enough evidence existed to file charges against three police department employees and one city resident for a Class C Criminal Mischief Offense. In addition to the criminal case, a separate internal affairs investigation was completed by the police department. "When made aware that our employees were involved in criminal conduct the police department immediately initiated an internal affairs investigation, and as was appropriate notified criminal investigators as to the fact that suspects in the criminal mischief were employees," said David James, chief of police. The internal affairs investigation sustained that four employees were involved in this incident, all were for- mally disciplined and those individuals are no longer employed by the city of Carrollton. Those individuals are Laura Anderson, who had been a dispatcher for one year and nine months, Ashley Cackler, a dispatcher for four months, Laken Schifelbein, a dispatcher for four months, and Jennifer Cackler, a police officer for two years and three months.

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The Houston Chronicle

August 29, 2009 Saturday 3 STAR R.O. EDITION

AROUND THE AREA AROUND THE STATE

BYLINE: FROM STAFF REPORTS, FROM WIRE REPORTS

SECTION: B; Pg. 2

LENGTH: 366 words

AROUND THE AREA Man fatally shoots wife, self A southwest Houston man apparently shot his wife to death before turning the gun on himself inside their home, police said. The man's father discovered the bodies about 9:15 p.m. Thursday at the home in the 11400 block of New- brook at Leawood. Their 2-year-old daughter was later found unharmed in a back bedroom. Police said the woman had been shot several times in the head. The man had one gunshot wound in his head. Their identities have not been made public. Man arrested in sexual assault A man charged last year with sexual assault is in custody after an east Houston woman told authorities she suspected that he also sexually assaulted her two young daughters, officials said. David Abraham Rodriguez, 33, had been on the run since he was accused of sexually assaulting a 5-year-old child in 2007, Harris County Precinct 6 deputy constables said. Earlier this week, the woman told Precinct 6 constables that she believed Rodriguez had recently attacked her daughters, both under 13. Deputy constables took Rodriguez into custody late Thursday. On Friday, Rodriguez was still at the Harris County Jail with bail set at $30,000. - FROM STAFF REPORTS AROUND THE STATE Lightning strikes pregnant woman Lightning struck a pregnant woman in the North Texas city of Bedford, officials said. The 19-year-old woman, who had to be revived with CPR, was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dal- las, Bedford Fire Chief Jame Tindell told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Her condition was unavailable at the hospital. 45

Lightning struck her about 7:30 p.m. Thursday as she was getting out of a vehicle, Tindell said. 4 officials fired after egging home CARROLLTON - A Dallas-area police officer and three dispatchers have been fired over the egging of the house of a resident known to file complaints. Carrollton Police Chief David James said the May 9 egging led to the firing of Officer Jennifer Cackler, plus dispatchers Laura Anderson, Ashley Cackler and Laken Schifelbein. James said the terminations happened following an internal investigation of the off-duty incident. No charges were immediately filed in the misdemeanor criminal mischief investigation. - FROM WIRE REPORTS

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

March 25, 2009 Wednesday FIRST EDITION

Adjoining police departments plan to share more resources

BYLINE: STEPHANIE SANDOVAL, Staff Writer [email protected]

SECTION: METRO; Pg. 1B

LENGTH: 557 words

Three suburban police departments are finding new ways to lean on each other to save money and combat crime regionally. Addison, Carrollton and Farmers Branch are creating the Tri Cities Police Consortium, formalizing a relationship that will let them use each other's equipment, training and staff. "Criminals don't recognize city-limit signs, and we all have limited budgets," Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller said. "This gives us an opportunity to share expensive equipment instead of each city buying high-dollar equipment." Police departments typically have agreements to help one another during crises. But the consortium will allow for more cooperation on day-to-day police work such as computer crimes, crime-scene searches, traffic investigations, narcotics, vice, burglaries and crime analysis. Fire departments have long relied on each other's specialty areas to avoid duplication of costs. But this kind of cooperation in equipment and staffing among police departments is uncommon, said James McLaughlin Jr., general counsel and executive director of the Texas Police Chiefs Association. "Law enforcement has not done that so well. It certainly has gotten better at it - shared tactical teams, canine units," he said. "But for an ongoing sharing of resources, this is fairly unique." Police officers from one city won't be patrolling the streets of another. And the three cities are not merging into one big police department. They will retain their autonomy, Carrollton Police Chief David James said. But the formal agreement will give officers the authority to make arrests in the other cities. And it will protect their ability to qualify for worker's compensation or death benefits when working on a task force in another city, for example, James said. The Addison and Carrollton city councils were expected to approve resolutions Tuesday night allowing the city managers to enter into agreements to form the consortium. Farmers Branch is to consider it next Tues- day. "What we're doing is letting our people work together productively to solve problems in our communities," James said. For example, Addison has more experience in computer crimes and the technology to investigate them. Of- ficers there can bring that knowledge and capability to the other two cities. 47

Carrollton does far more fatality-accident investigations than Addison, which has no major freeways to patrol. But Addison works accidents occasionally, so officers there can maintain their skills by assisting Carrollton. And Farmers Branch has infrared cameras that allow officers to search for suspects in attics and other dark places. The three agencies already are exploring how officers could more easily communicate with each other's dispatchers and how they might share crime-analysis capabilities and training. Among other equipment they may share: Addison has two Segway personal-mobility vehicles and a six-station indoor firearms range. Carrollton has a mobile command unit, a light armored car and a portable observation tower. And Farmers Branch has a special-operations vehicle, portable generators and a me- chanical sniffer for detecting weapons of mass destruction. "It's one of those things that the longer we get into it, the more it's going to help all [the] cities," Addison Po- lice Chief Ron Davis said. "This sort of leverages what each agency has."

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Carrollton Leader (Texas)

March 18, 2009

Police department recognizes outstanding workers

BYLINE: Senitra Horbrook, STAFF WRITER

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 813 words

Officer Otis Kue has been named the Carrollton Police Department's 2008 Officer of the Year. Kue has been with the department for four years and is a patrol officer. "To be in this department ... and to be recognized as doing a good job is the best thing that's happened to me so far," Kue said. "This is the best award I've gotten." Kue had key involvement in the recently closed homicide case of University of North Texas student Melanie Goodwin. He volunteered for the Robbery Resolution Team in early 2008, has been a team leader on his shift, has been involved with the city's gang unit and apprehended two armed robbery suspects after a six-hour crime spree. "Officer Kue leads by example and is frequently sought out for advice and can be counted on for help by officers," said Police Chief David James. In the Melanie Goodwin case, Kue's routine police work in investigating a suspicious vehicle led him directly to the eventual identification of the victim and the recovery of valuable evidence. "He was aware enough to see something out of the norm in his beat," said Officer Dustin Bartram, police spokesman. "He took the time to get out and look into something that didn't seem right." Kue's close attention to detail created a break in the case, which Kue downplayed when asked about it. "I'm just glad I was there to do it," he said. "It was just about being there at the right place at the right time." Kue grew up in the Fort Worth area and decided to become a police officer after serving in the Army for five years. "Prior to being a police officer, I was in the military and one of the downsides was moving," he said. He attended a job fair in Fort Hood and was won over by a recruiter from Carrollton. "The recruiter was very open and friendly," Kue said. Kue said the best part of his job is meeting different people, even though sometimes it's under unfortunate circumstances. The most difficult part of his job is being away from his wife. Kue said he would eventually like to work in criminal investigations, but for now he enjoys working the night shift as a patrol officer. "I like working nights," he said. "It is tougher, but definitely a sacrifice worth making." 49

Two others were also recognized by the police department. Brenda Rodriguez was selected as 2008 Civil- ian of the Year and Officer Shannon Hartzell was named Service Club Officer of the Year. Rodriguez is a dispatcher who has been with the department for 18 years. Rodriguez's experience allowed her to handle a call she received Dec. 10, 2007. It was a fairly routine evening on the late night shift when she answered a call from a female desperately reaching out for help. The caller said she wanted to talk to someone because she intended to kill herself. The distraught caller had a well thought out plan and was adamant that no one respond to her house, saying she only wanted to talk. She told Rodriguez that if anyone came to her door, she would kill herself and it would be Rodriguez's fault. Rodriguez maintained her demeanor and quickly gathered information for responding officers, being sure to advise them of the caller's state of mind, her plans, and safety information regarding the numerous guns the caller had access to in the home. In talking to the caller, Rodriguez quickly found a common ground on which she could use to relate with the caller. Rodriguez remained on the line with the caller for nearly two hours, establishing an open dialogue that at times distracted the caller from her original intentions, while officers stood by on scene and awaiting a Tacti- cal Team response. Finally, she was able to gain the caller's agreement to meet with an officer. Through Ro- driguez's direction, officers on the scene were able to safely make contact with the female and assist her in getting some medical evaluation and assistance. Officer Shannon Hartzell is assigned as the school resource officer for DeWitt Perry Middle School, Good Elementary, Mary Grimes, Country Place Elementary and Bea Salazar-Alternative Education Program (AEP). Since her assignment as the School Resource Officer (SRO) for AEP, she has developed an effective communication style with juveniles and become an expert on troubled kids, who they associate with and the types of crimes they commit. Hartzell often assisted on patrol calls that involved students, and on multiple occasions during the school year and summer school, her supervisor, Sgt. Joel Payne, observed her take arrest paperwork, print and complete casework for patrol officers who brought in runaways or other juvenile arrests from the street, even though the kids were not from her assigned school or from her assigned cases. Hartzell has also worked in gang and graffiti investigations. She has received 66 commendations and awards in her career, including Service Club Officer of the Year in 1998 and Officer of the Year in 2003.

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

June 21, 2008 Saturday EAST EDITION

CARROLLTON Expansion of tow policy to be weighed Uninsured rule could be applied to stops

BYLINE: STEPHANIE SANDOVAL, Staff Writer [email protected]

SECTION: METRO; Pg. 9B

LENGTH: 618 words

Carrollton City Council member Matthew Marchant wants all Dallas-area cities to send a message that driving without insurance won't be tolerated. In his own city, which lets officers impound uninsured vehicles involved in accidents, Mr. Marchant has proposed extending the towing policy to vehicles that officers stop for traffic violations. "Dallas has chosen to move forward with it," he said, referring to a vote last month by the Dallas council. "I'd like to see other cities move forward with it so that on Jan. 1, 2009, it becomes very clear in the Dallas area that you can't drive without insurance." Carrollton police expect to spend two months reviewing the effectiveness of the existing policy and studying how the change might affect officers and their time. "Right now, we're looking into it," Police Chief David James said. "We're doing the research, the background, the staff work." Like Dallas, the cities of Arlington, Irving and Plano allow towing of uninsured vehicles after some traffic stops. Other area cities allow such towing after accidents. DeSoto, Haltom City and Mesquite are among cities with some policy on towing uninsured vehicles. Officers generally have discretion as to whether to tow. For example, they might not have a vehicle towed if doing so would leave a mother and her toddlers stranded at night. Chief James said statistics weren't available on how many uninsured vehicles Carrollton officers have had towed after accidents. But police reported before adoption of the current policy that about 17 percent of vehicles involved in accidents in the city in 2005 were uninsured. In Farmers Branch, which allows towing of uninsured vehicles after accidents, police reported this week that they had done so 10 times since Jan. 1. Police Chief Sid Fuller said his department had also issued 1,476 no-insurance citations this year and arrested 127 people who had no insurance. Police seldom make arrests for lack of insurance but will if the driver also has no driver's license or other identification, Chief Fuller said. 51

Arlington police towed 1,597 vehicles between Jan. 1 and April 30 for no insurance and issued 6,554 citations for the same offense. And Mesquite police have towed 581 vehicles and issued 2,727 citations for no proof of liability insurance since Jan. 1. State officials estimate that about 20 percent of the nearly 4 million Texas vehicles - close to 800,000 - are uninsured. Mr. Marchant said he had wanted to include traffic stops in Carrollton's policy two years ago, but some council members thought towing after accidents was the right first step. Council member Tim Hayden said that when the current policy was adopted, he was afraid expanding it to traffic stops might create a problem for some insured drivers. "There are times I don't have the correct card in my glove box," he said. But a new statewide database of insured motorists could ease that concern. "It gives you more confidence the person does or does not have insurance," Mr. Hayden said. Mr. Marchant thinks it's time to expand the towing policy to traffic stops. "I just heard from too many constituents that have been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver," he said. Carrollton resident Steve Cadigan is one of those. He said uninsured motorists totaled his car in the early 1990s and his sister's a few years later. "They basically ran after the car crash and totaled her car out and sent her to the hospital with pretty deep bruises all over," Mr. Cadigan said. "If you don't have insurance, then something needs to be done other than a slap on the wrist or writing a ticket that potentially never gets paid." The Carrollton City Council is expected to discuss the proposal further in August.

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Carrollton Leader (Texas)

January 9, 2008

Federal funds keep police up to speed

BYLINE: SARAH BLASKOVICH, COMMUNITY EDITOR

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 555 words

Carrollton police were given more eyes for watching crime when Rep. Kenny Marchant, R-Texas, secured a $350,000 grant for his hometown. The money will allow Carrollton to purchase mobile license plate readers for squad cars and portable digital cameras to mount in areas of high crime, said Police Chief David James. He said it's the largest grant he's seen in his 13 years at the police department. The two high-tech devices may thwart future crimes and could have been instrumental in past crime cases, police said. The string of robberies and murder that occurred in Carrollton and Dallas in mid-December could have been investigated with the use of a license plate scanner. The device stores the geographical location, time and date of vehicles scanned by police. The database will then be useful if police are trying to determine if a suspect has entered Carrollton recently, James said. The result could be widespread, he said. "These tools will help us detect and be aware of those people if they're moving across our city. We may find someone who's wanted out of Dallas, or another part of the state," he said. "(We) will be able to use them regionally." About 63 to 65 percent of offenses in Carrollton are committed by non-Carrollton residents, a "pretty typical" occurrence in the suburbs, James said. The men suspected of robbing two apartment residences in Carrollton in mid-December, for instance, are Dallas residents. Police believe the suspects in question then went to Dallas and came back to Carrollton. The new technology pushed through by Marchant may help police identify criminals upon their return to the city. The portable digital cameras will also help police watch areas such as apartment complexes that cannot be patrolled all the time. Both James and Mayor Becky Miller cited the positive use of surveillance cameras in identifying Ernesto Reyes, who is suspected of killing a 19-year-old college student and leaving her body on a Carrollton property. Reyes is believed to be caught on the tape from a nearby office building, as well as on cameras in at least two gas stations in Carrollton. "It was lucky," Miller said. "You never know where people are going to go. (This equipment) will just help keep our city safer." James said police will mount the cameras in areas that have experienced frequent property crimes. Miller hopes the devices will help alleviate vandalism. 53

Miller and city council members visit representatives and senators in Washington, D.C., once a year to petition for money and initiatives for Carrollton. The city requested new technology for the police force in Febru- ary 2007, and the money was officially awarded Monday. The grant, totaling $325,500, stemmed from a law enforcement assistance program from the Department of Justice. They money came out of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The money has not been received by the city yet, and James estimated that it will take six months to one year to get the programs in place and to purchase the equipment. Carrollton will be one of the few cities in the area with the license plate scanners and portable cameras, Miller said. "It could really put us out there," she said. "We're not really a suburb anymore, we're more urban. This will really put us ahead." Contact Community Editor at 972-628-4074 or [email protected]

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Lewisville Leader (Texas)

January 2, 2008

Top 10: No. 3 - McFadden gets big send-off at retirement

BYLINE: DAN EAKIN, STAFF WRITER

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 786 words

It was at least one of the biggest retirement receptions in the history of Lewisville. A huge crowd, including many in police and firefighter uniforms, filled the community room at the Municipal Center Annex on the last Friday in February, with many more standing in the hallway, to say goodbye to longtime Lewisville Police Chief Steve McFadden Jr. The hour-and-a-half ceremony was laden with plaques, presents and praises for the McFadden, who retired after serving as Lewisville's police chief for more than 29 years. The highest honor of the evening came at the end of the ceremony, with the unveiling of an architectural drawing of a new jail to be built later this year. The wording on the front of the jail reads, "Steven H. McFad- den Jr. Law Enforcement Center." The city council had voted last month, in the chief's absence, to name the new center after him. Ron Neiman, city attorney, told McFadden, "I just realized, you were here for 29 years, and you were never promoted. You were just like Tom Landry. You are in the same group." McFadden had "coached" the Lewisville Police Department from the time it had about 30 officers and other staff members in 1977 until the department grew to more than 130 employees in 2007. Carrollton Police Chief David James, a longtime friend of McFadden, said the honoree was considered to be an "elder statesman" of the North Texas Police Chiefs Association. "Your presence has always been one that is stabilizing," he told McFadden. "When you speak, we listen. We look up to you." The crowd laughed when James added, "I literally look up to you." McFadden was the tallest person in the room. The program began with the Lewisville Police Honor Guard posting the colors. Assistant Police Chief Jerry Galler introduced guests, including members of McFadden's family, at the reception. This list also included several police chiefs from North Texas as well as city officials both from Lew- isville and elsewhere. Russ Kerbow, who will serve as interim police chief until a permanent one is named, read a brief biography of McFadden. "Over the years, he has served on more boards than anybody could possibly think of," he said. 55

He also read a resolution from State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, resolving that the state senate commend McFadden on his retirement. Flags flown over the Texas and United States capitols were in recognition of the chief's retirement. Kerbow presented McFadden with a "retired chief's badge" and several gifts. Lewisville City Council Member Dean Ueckert said, "Lewisville has a reputation of having one of the best police departments in the country. I believe that trickles down from the top." Lewisville Mayor Gene Carey also praised McFadden, calling him "one of the finest men I have ever met. He did his job with grace and dignity. He is the kind of person who only comes along once in a lifetime. He will always be chief to me." Breihan Bridgewater of the Lewisville Citizens Police Academy Alumni presented McFadden with a plaque noting him as "Police Chief Emeritus." He said he looked up the word "emeritus," and "It means forever." The plaque had a 1977 silver dollar and a 2007 silver dollar on it. Bridgewater also gave McFadden two National Geographics, one from 1977 and one from 2007. Lewisville Fire Chief Richard Lasky gave McFadden a certificate naming him Honorary Fire Chief and a plaque with an actual fire helmet protruding from it. Ken Wells, pastor of Northview Baptist Church, worked with McFadden in establishing the police and fire chaplains program 26 years ago. He called McFadden "a man of high integrity" and told him, "Your Christian values permeate this department." Other Lewisville chaplains were also on hand to honor the retiring chief. Johnny Buelen of VFW Post 9108 gave McFadden a certificate of appreciation for his support of the VFW. Lewisville City Manager Claude King presented a certificate of appreciation to McFadden for his leadership in growing the police department to what it is today. McFadden himself spoke briefly toward the end of the ceremony. He praised city managers and other city officials he had worked with in the past in Lewisville. He attributed his long stay in Lewisville to the fact that, "This city takes care of its employees and makes people want to stay." The Lewisville Fire Department's Pipes and Drums played "Shenandoah," "America, the Beautiful" and the Marine hymn. Then after a moment of silence, the voice of Stan Steadman, communications supervisor for the LPD, was heard giving a message over the police radio for all officers on patrol and others to hear: "Thanks, chief, for 29 years. Lewisville Police Department at 16:11. All units now resume normal traffic."

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Carrollton Leader (Texas)

June 20, 2007

Red light cameras still a go, council says

BYLINE: Katy Moore, STAFF WRITER

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 580 words

Carrollton city officials on Tuesday opted to keep plugging forward with plans to install red light cameras in the city, despite passage of a recent state Senate bill that adds numerous stipulations to the process. Senate Bill 1119, which Gov. Rick Perry signed into law Friday, earmarks half of all net revenues collected by municipalities from the red light violation fines must now be sent to the state rather than remaining in the cities where they were collected. Carrollton, which earlier this year opted to begin using the red light cameras, got into the project behind several other areas cities including Frisco, Plano and Garland. Other area cities with red light cameras already in place will face difficulties revising their project structure, since the Senate bill put restrictions on the ways revenue must be used. Carrollton police chief David James told the council that the Senate went into session intending to pass legislation outlawing the red light cameras, so the fact that a bill passed allowing them is good news for cities. "The intent of this law is to make it a highly complex process," James said. James stressed that Carrollton's intention with the project has always been to reduce the number of accidents in the city. Collisions, such as T-bones, at intersections tend to be more severe accidents with an increased likelihood of fatalities and injuries, he said. "We're depending on this project to simply pay for itself and that's it," he said. Mayor Becky Miller said that other area cities are at a disadvantage with the passage of the legislation since revenue from red light cameras likely was already built into yearly budgets. Other cities will see a cut in the amount of money they can take in while Carrollton hasn't had a chance to see that revenue stream begin and then be cut. "The legislature wants to make sure that we are not doing this more money-making purposes," she said. "That has never been our intention, and the money was never in our budget as it was in other cities." Four intersection have been selected for the red light cameras, and the city already selected a vendor. The new legislation fresh from the state Senate requires some modifications to the city's current ordinance, but city officials anticipate having an ordinance for approval ready in early July. The stipulations of the Senate bill limit the fines cities can take in from red light violations caught on camera to $75. Carrollton had previously established a graduated fee schedule in which repeat violators would have to pay higher fees. Under the new requirements from the state, any cameras installed after Sept. 1 would 57

require that a report on the previous 18 months of traffic incidents at those intersections be reported to the state. James said Carrollton already had much of the research in place to comply with state regulations. City engineering director Cesar Molina, who with James is working on the language of the pending city ordinance, said Carrollton has no reason not to proceed with installing the cameras, though some area entities have voiced their complaints about the legislation. "We don't have the money today, and the city would take administrative costs out before sending half the revenue to the state," he said. "As long as it makes enough to cover the program costs, that's OK. If it re- duces accidents and this kind of behavior, that's what we're really after." Contact staff writer at [email protected] or at 972-628-4087.

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Carrollton Leader (Texas)

June 12, 2007

Retired officer remembered for professionalism, integrity

BYLINE: Katy Moore, STAFF WRITER

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 690 words

It may have been fate that brought Sgt. David Sponhour to the Carrollton Police Department some 26 years ago. As he began his career as a police officer in Inkster, Mich., in 1973, Sponhour didn't expect to be making his way to Texas in less than 10 years. After six years in Inkster, Sponhour took a job with the Wayne County Sheriff's Department in Detroit. About two years later, he found himself without a job when the sheriff's department experienced cutbacks and he was laid off. But on Friday, Sponhour ended his 26-year tenure with the Carrollton Police Department amid his friends and peers who have become like family. Asked how he ended up in Carrollton, Sponhour will say a thing or two about fate. After being laid off from the sheriff's department so many years ago, Sponhour said he began looking into other major metropolitan areas around the country that were looking for police officers. When he heard that there might be a job for him in the Dallas area, specifically in Carrollton, he applied. He came to the Metroplex to take a written test. Once he was past that and an oral interview, he found himself packing up his belongings, buying a car in Detroit and making his way to Texas. The rest, as they say, is history. Upon his retirement Friday, Sponhour had worked in just about every division of the police department. However, he may be most remembered for two things: creating a sex offender program and working with the media after a student held hostage a pregnant teacher and her class of students in November 2000. Sponhour received commendations from several media outlets after he worked with reporters to communicate what happened in that incident. Police Chief David James said Sponhour was recognized for being "always cooperative" and "a class act" for his willingness to work with reporters that day. James said Sponhour is the only public information officer who has received media commendations. Sponhour also was commended for his work with the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD after the incident. Cindy Randle, a public information officer for the district, said Sponhour worked well with the district, ena- bling information to be communicated efficiently after the Newman Smith incident. "We had never had anything like that happen before, and working for him was just a really great team effort," Randle said. "People were very complementary of how the police spokesman and the school district worked together. The media was very complementary, because they had never seen two government entities work so well together." 59

James said Sponhour will be remembered for treating sex offenders with courtesy and dignity, despite their offenses. James recalled entering Sponhour's office several years ago and running into an acquaintance who was registering as a sex offender. Surprised to see someone he knew in the sex offender office, James said the man commented on Sponhour's professionalism. "He said, 'This guy you got that does this, he's really nice to me. I've done a lot of bad things in my life, but he doesn't treat me badly because of that,'" James recalled. Sponhour told a group of friends, family and peers he was honored and surprised by the outpouring of support shown him at a reception in his honor Friday. "I told my honored guests to bring a camera because the next time I'm honored like this, I won't even know about it," he joked with the crowd. "I'll be in heaven, so I wanted something recorded that said I was a half- way decent guy." Among his honors, Sponhour received some 56 commendations during his tenure with the police department. He was the Rotary Club Officer of the Year in 1985. He also received the Lifesaving Award in 1995 for saving a female inmate who tried to hang herself while in police custody. James touted these and other accolades as evidence that Sponhour personified "the Carrollton way." "It's really the people that make the difference," James said. "We emphasize servant leadership a lot here...It's real easy in our job to become cynical, but I'm not sure Dave has ever been affected by that." Contact staff writer at [email protected] or at 972-628-4087.

LOAD-DATE: December 7, 2013

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: Matt Nachtrieb/Staff Photo (Left) Robbie Robertson congratulates Dave Sponhour during his retirement party from Carrollton police department where he worked for 26 years. This photo and others are available at www.carrolltonleader.com. production/carrollton/datedfodler/06-13/front

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Allen American (Texas)

March 13, 2007

Farmers Branch and Carrollton: A tale of two cities in contrast

BYLINE: Jimmy Godwin, CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

SECTION: OPINION

LENGTH: 823 words

Last week in the Carrollton Leader, in my opinion, staff writer Katy Moore did an excellent job of providing a brief overview of the federal government's 287(g) local immigration enforcement program and how some in Farmers Branch and Carrollton view their specific city's participation, or lack thereof, in the program. In Moore's article, Farmers Branch assistant city manager Greg Vick spoke about their willingness to participate in the program and the city's approved plan to hire and train one jailer to implement the process. In addition, Farmers Branch's Police Chief Sid Fuller said he views 287(g) as just another way for police departments to curb violent crime and looks at it as another tool to help his police department do their job. On the other hand, even before the Carrollton City Council took up the Tuesday's debate on the 287(g) program, Mayor Becky Miller and Carrollton's Police Chief David James began posturing themselves politically in opposition of the program. This of course is nothing new for both. Mayor Miller's position on illegal immigration all along apparently has been to align herself with those who oppose the enforcement of the current immigration laws. And, she along with various other local municipal mayors, created and promoted the "write a letter to Santa Bush" campaign for the purpose of informing the President of the current illegal alien problem in north Texas: as if he didn't already know about the problem. Police Chief James has too been reluctant to support participation in the 287(g) program. Locally his lack of support has provided the mayor and her supporters' political cover on the issue. After all, he essentially is the head law enforcement officer within the city. Therefore, if he does not support it then why should some of the local politicians? In reviewing James' comments in Moore's article, it appears he has come to the conclusion that 287(g) would do very little to address the illegal alien problem. Therefore, he apparently doesn't think 287(g) can help his department fight crime within the community and he doesn't feel there is enough data from partici- pating law enforcement agencies for him to make a recommendation to participate in the program. So who is right? Well here's the bottom line. Obviously each city's position is based on a political agenda that can be achieved by legally choosing to participate in 287(g) or not to. Therefore, who is right is more of a matter of who is telling you the full story. Then you can make up your own mind. And here's the full story. According to the Department of Homeland Security, generally, whenever a 287(g) program trained officer encounters an immigration violator, the officer may question and detain the individual for potential removal from the United States. Particularly in cases where the individual is deemed to be a flight risk, a repeat immigration offender, or a particular threat to local or national security. 61

Furthermore, 287(g) will provide resources and legal latitude to pursue immigration related investigations associated with violent crime, human smuggling, gang and organized crime activity, sex-related offenses, narcotics smuggling and money laundering. In order for local law enforcement to participate in these specific types of immigration operations, investigations and receive these resources, the city must be a 287(g) member. Currently, numerous law enforcement agencies across the nation already participate. And the number is growing! These agencies include state and local law enforcement officers with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Alabama Department of Public Safety, and various agencies in Arizona, North Carolina and California. This does not include the local municipalities like Farmers Branch and the State of Missouri, among others, who are now seeking participation in the program. This sounds like a lot more than what Chief James alluded to in his comments and more like the great tool Chief Fuller proclaimed! If every law enforcement agency in the country followed Chief James' "someone else must go first to provide me data" decision-making process, even though it would appear in this case other law enforcement agencies have already done so, law enforcement within this country would have never grew beyond riding a horse and carrying a Colt revolver. The police would not have radios, cell phones, GPS, computers, non-lethal weapons, interception cameras, and access to TLETS (Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunica- tions System) and NCIC (the FBI's National Crime Information Center) data bases. Nor would there be crime labs, DNA forensic science, and reciprocity and cooperation between different agencies. So watch out Carrollton, there's a lot of old Texas style horse droppings being shoveled around your city and it may very well be some city officials doing the shoveling! Contact contributing columnist Jimmy Godwin at [email protected]

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Carrollton Leader (Texas)

March 6, 2007

Council considering stronger immigration enforcement

BYLINE: Katy Moore, STAFF WRITER

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 814 words

City officials in Carrollton are considering implementing a program that would give police officers a more active role on ridding the city of crimes committed by illegal aliens. Section 287 G of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows government entities and municipalities to request approval from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to step up enforcement on immigra- tions violations of criminals, especially those who have been arrested for violent crimes. The program allows local and state law enforcement agencies to identify, process and detain immigration offenders they encounter during their regular, daily law-enforcement activity. City officials say the program allows the federal government to delegate responsibilities to local and state entities that want to participate. Mayor Becky Miller said she thinks immigration is a federal issue but that feedback from Carrollton citizens has indicated that residents want action taken on the local level. For now, the city is only talking about the possibility and examining what would be required for Carrollton to participate. If approved, hiring and training of additional enforcement officers would be built into the 2007-2008 city budget. "I don't know how the council will lean," Miller said. "The chief will do some information sharing (at Tues- day's meeting). If we do this program, I think it gives more of the tools to find out more in depth background (on arrestees)." That's the pro of 287 G, Miller said. The con is that the city has to take on more responsibility for enforcement, provide funds for training and then process offenders locally. Carrollton's next door neighbor, the city of Farmers Branch, already has taken steps to participate, based on comments from residents who want something done locally on the immigration front. Greg Vick, assistant city manager for Farmers Branch, said the city plans to train only one jailer to do the work. The hiring and training of that person already has been approved by city officials, and the city currently is working to hire for that position. "Depending on how quick the person gets trained, we could have them in place before the 2007-2008 budget is approved," Vick said. Training would take about five weeks, Vick said, once the new staff member is hired. The Farmers Branch council in November voted trained a police officer to coordinate with federal officials on the enforcement of immigration law, as well as preventing illegal aliens from renting apartments and declar- ing English the city's official language. 63

Carrollton officials aren't saying they'll go to such lengths on the immigration issue, but they are cautiously approaching the idea of allocating city funds for training Carrollton officers to handle more aspects of immigration enforcement. City officials believe Carrollton's participation would be a local reaction to a national problem, Miller said. Carrollton police chief David James said one of the drawbacks to participation in 287 G is that there aren't any case studies at the city level and that no funding is available for cities who want to participate. "Even though there was a federal law passed for funding on this, it was $5 million for 287 G, but ICE is getting most of that," James said. "I am unaware of any entity (other than ICE) that is getting funding for this." Carrollton will have to hire additional detention officers who would then be trained by ICE. The four-week training program would teach those officers how to interview arrestees and research an ICE database that would be available to help determine the status of criminals arrested for crimes above a class B misdemean- or. Detention officers could then issue summons to appear at immigration hearings conducted by ICE. James said under the department's current system, officers ask arrestees for their country of birth. If someone is born in another country, the department screens the person to find out if ICE has issued a detainer. Arrestees with detainers who are brought in for a class B misdemeanor or above are transferred to the county jail where ICE takes over. "The only thing that will change if we go to 287 G is that we can go further and see if people are being truthful with us and we can issue this summons to appear," James said. "The problem is that no one is doing this at the local level, so there's no one to tell us about it." We are a temporary holding facility, and we can't afford to hold them. (287 G) won't do anything other than identify these people. Sid Fuller, Farmers Branch chief of police, said 287 G is just another way for police departments to curb violent crime in their cities. "I just look at it as another tool to help us do our job," he said. "People who are here committing other crimes, even property crimes, if I have a burglary or things like that that we can remove, it's always a good thing to have."

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

February 1, 2007 Thursday CENTRAL EDITION

Carrollton sees drop in crime 8.6-percent decrease credited to policing program, more officers

BYLINE: STEPHANIE SANDOVAL, Staff Writer [email protected]

SECTION: METRO; Pg. 15B

LENGTH: 422 words

Major crimes were at a five-year low in Carrollton in 2006, and the number of crimes per 1,000 residents was the lowest this decade. City officials say having more officers on the streets and focusing on specific types of crimes through their Community Problem Oriented Policing was responsible for an 8.6 percent drop in 2006 over 2005. Carrollton police "have worked real hard with empowering officers to form teams to attack crime problems," City Manager Leonard Martin said. "The Police Department is using various different techniques that I think do give officers more leverage out on the streets." The total number of murders, rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, thefts and motor vehicle thefts was the lowest since 2001. And the numbers were down in each of the seven categories, with violent crimes down 23.9 percent, and nonviolent crimes down 7.5 percent. The crime rate was 33.8 incidents for every 1,000 residents in 2006, down from 37.3 in 2005 and the lowest since at least 2000. The statistics mark a significant turnaround from 2005, when crime in the city shot up 8.5 percent from 2004. "Yeah, we've done pretty good," Police Chief David James said. Crime fell in most of the area's major cities in 2006. In Dallas, overall crime was down 2.7 percent from 2005. In Fort Worth, it was down 2.2 percent, and Denton had almost 17 percent fewer crimes reported in 2006 than in 2005. Texas statewide crime totals for 2006 are not available, but the first six months compared to the same period of 2005 showed a decrease of almost 2 percent. In Carrollton, Chief James said having more officers available has helped. For several years, finding qualified applicants for job openings was a challenge. At any given time in recent years, the department was understaffed by as many as 15 or 16 officers, with other officers in training or otherwise off the streets. "Then in 2005, we started getting more applicants, and started getting better applicants," Chief James said. "We've all been able to staff up. We were all suffering from shortages and now we are staffing better ... which means we have more flexibility than we've had." 65

The department has also become more data driven, he said, meaning officers are using their statistics to look for trends and problem areas. But the chief noted that some of the decrease may be merely a matter of circumstance. "It's one of those things where you don't want to take too much credit for it, because then you're going to take the blame when things go back up," Chief James said.

LOAD-DATE: February 1, 2007

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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Carrollton Leader (Texas)

January 23, 2007

Opinion: Local councils sometimes break Federal law by ignoring illegal immigration related criminal activity

BYLINE: Jimmy Godwin

SECTION: NEWS

LENGTH: 730 words

Today, with the exception of Farmers Branch, it would appear many elected officials believe doing nothing makes their communities safer than doing something when it comes to protecting their residents from illegal alien related criminal activity. What's even more disturbing is that some cities' elected officials have even gone as far as making it illegal to even assist the federal government with the enforcement of the current immigration laws. In essence, in these cities fighting crime has become a crime itself! Cities like Houston and Austin are "sanctuary" cities. Generally according to existing federal law, the city councils in these cities have illegally enacted ordinances that prohibit law enforcement personnel from as- certaining an alien's residency status, arresting them if they are deemed to be illegal and then bar them from turning the criminal over to federal immigration authorities. This is true even when the local police know these individuals were previously arrested and deported for committing criminal offenses in the very cities they have illegally returned to. Los Angeles has even gone as far as to restrict law enforcement personnel there from assisting the federal immigration authorities in almost every way imaginable. The criminal illegal aliens love these cities and they're locally elected politicians. Other cities and their elected officials are more subtle in demonstrating their lack of will when it comes to effectively addressing illegal alien criminally related activity. These officials have adopted the "do nothing" approach. Frequently these officials cite public safety as a campaign issue but once elected they rarely do anything. They seldom change policy or incorporate new procedures, they refrain from sharing resources with the federal immigration authorities and they rarely take advantage of various assistance programs offered by other government entities. Last month for example, the Carrollton City Council was briefed by Carrollton Police Chief David James on the changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act. The change allows for the establishment of a shared resource cooperative agreement between ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and local and state entities. The program is a joint cooperative effort intended to more effectively address illegal immigration related criminal activity. However, those who frequently listen to the statements made by the "politically correct" on this issue, were not surprised when Carrollton's Mayor Miller and several other council members decided not to pursue a cooperative immigration agreement. Without a doubt, their decision demonstrates the current politically correct "do nothing" approach towards illegal immigration and related criminal activity many local, state and federal politicians currently share. Essentially, the briefing provided the council with a forum to show their concern but the presentation produced the normal "do nothing" politically correct result. 67

But why should we care? After all, according to many politically correct politicians, illegal immigration is a federal problem. Right! Well here's the bottom line. Those who feel that immigration law enforcement is exclusively a federal issue are partially right with a whole lot of "where the rubber meets the road" wrong mixed in! Illegal immigration and related criminal activity is a federal law development issue. However, the enforcement of these laws depends heavily on a local cooperative enforcement effort that has its teeth sunk deep within many local communities' backside. And the backside is where you and I reside and our local law enforcement patrol: the feds don't patrol our streets, our local police do. Albert Einstein once defined insanity as 'doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results.' It may appear many local, state and federal politicians subscribe to this philosophy: they continue to do nothing while hoping for a different outcome. But do they really? Who do you think Albert would say is insane, according to his defined standard, when analyzing the illegal alien issue? The city councils in this country who illegally make enforcing federal law illegal, or the voters who continue to elect council members who would even consider doing so in the first place. I think I know whom Albert would pick. And it's not the politicians!

LOAD-DATE: December 7, 2013

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

July 1, 2006 Saturday CENTRAL EDITION

Promises to watch over the premises When residents leave town, houses safer in officers' sights

BYLINE: STEPHANIE SANDOVAL, Staff Writer

SECTION: METRO; Pg. 1B

LENGTH: 775 words

When Angie Mayo goes out of town, she carries not only her luggage, but also peace of mind knowing that the Farmers Branch Police Department is checking to make sure her house is secure. Every day, an officer stops by and walks around the outside of the house, making sure no one has broken in or vandalized it. "When you're out of town, you want to be having fun and not be worried about your stuff at home," she said. And that's security she says she just can't get from asking a friend to check on things. "We always leave a key with a friend," she said. "I really trust my friend. ... But a lot of times, people get busy and may intend to go by and don't." For more than 20 years, she's used the department's house watch program. And she knows that an auxiliary officer has checked her house at least once a day, because when she returns home, she gets a card notat- ing the dates and times he stopped by. She's also seen officers walking around her neighbors' homes while they're away. And to date, neither she nor her neighbors have had a break-in while out of town. All over North Texas, as residents vacation during the summer and holidays, police are checking their doors and windows, making sure nothing is amiss. Officers say it's no guarantee that there won't be a break-in or vandalism. But they say that seeing officers walking around the property may be a deterrent to criminals. And if there is a problem, police can call the owner's emergency contact, who can help secure the property by getting broken locks or windows fixed. In Richardson, trained volunteers in marked police cars and uniforms perform the house checks. At the least, getting a homeowner's emergency contact to get a broken lock fixed on a door can prevent someone else from walking in and taking things. Or it can prevent something like having the air conditioner running all day because a door or window was left open, said Richardson police Sgt. Kevin Perlich. Or, the volunteers may find that someone has vandalized the house and left the water running. 69

"We've been doing house watches for a long time," Sgt. Perlich said. "It used to be something the officers would do as time permitted. As with everything else, they had more and more put on them and less and less time to do it. We didn't want to discontinue that. It sort of gives a small-town-type feel to a big city, and the residents appreciate that." Having an emergency name and number is important not only in case of a break-in, said Randy Millican, Highland Park detective and police spokesman. The contact may need to be called if there's been a power outage, a tree has blown down on the property or there's a water leak, or even to pick up packages on the porch. "We'll also move newspapers to try to keep it from looking like no one is there," Detective Millican said. Many of the agencies that offer the program have forms that residents can fill out and submit online asking to be added to the house watch list. Others ask residents to call the department, or fax or turn in a form in person. Most agencies ask for the address; date when the residents will be leaving; when they'll be returning; name and phone number of an emergency contact; whether there is a burglar alarm and the name of the alarm company; what vehicles will be parked outside the property and where; and other questions that will tip them off if something is wrong when they check the property. "It asks when you're going to be gone, what lights will be on, if anyone will be checking the house or mowing a lawn in case a police officer goes by and catches them there," Rowlett police Lt.. Marvin Gibbs said. How often police will check a property varies by agency. Some do it at least once daily, others a couple of times while the owner is away. But not all agencies offer the service, including the Dallas Police Department. Carrollton Police Chief David James said the department discontinued its vacation check program more than a decade ago because of manpower constraints. "It's a nice customer service, but we don't really think it was making a significant impact," Chief James said. "It's simply a matter of volume and what you have to pay attention to." He said the department offers tips on protecting homes while residents are away. But the best way to protect your property is to get to know neighbors and have them check it while you're gone, he said. "That's the way to build community. You don't ask the government to do everything, to build community for you," Chief James said. "People need to get to know one another. ... What's making a significant impact is neighbors watching out for one another." E-mail [email protected]

LOAD-DATE: July 1, 2006

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: PHOTO(S): 1. - 2. (Photos by BRAD LOPER/Staff Photographer) 1. John Glenn, a public service officer in Farmers Branch, peers through the back door of a home to make sure all is well while the owners are away. Police say criminals will think twice if they've seen officers inspecting a property. 2. Mr. Glenn and colleagues give residents a card showing the dates and times they've come by to check a house. CHART(S): 1. HOME SECURITY TIPS 2. THEY'LL CHECK IN WHEN YOU HEAD OUT

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

June 8, 2006 Thursday WEST EDITION

Carrollton toughens false-alarm ordinance Businesses, residents will face escalating fines after third instance

BYLINE: STEPHANIE SANDOVAL, Staff Writer

SECTION: METRO; Pg. 1B

LENGTH: 476 words

False alarms are going to start costing Carrollton residents and business owners more. The City Council on Tuesday revised the alarm ordinance to allow police to charge for each false alarm after the third in a year, rather than after the fifth. And a new tiered fine system means that the more false alarms a resident or business owner piles up, the higher the fine will be. More than one-fifth of calls Carrollton police respond to are for burglar, panic and other alarms, police spokesman Patrick Murphy said. Of those, more than 99 percent are false. From January through April, only 30 of 3,029 alarm calls were valid, he said. "It's very time-consuming," he said. The revised ordinance is based on changes in state law that took effect in September, Police Chief David James said. The new rule assesses a $50 fine for the fourth and fifth false alarms in a year, and the sixth and seventh will cost $75 each. After that, each false alarm will cost $100. Also under the revised ordinance, when a burglar alarm goes off, the alarm company must try two times to reach someone at the location before police are called. The new ordinance allows police to revoke a permit if eight or more false alarms are reported at a location within 12 months. However, Chief James said he doesn't plan to enforce that part of the ordinance for now. Chief James said he hopes that the new fines system, along with cooperation from the alarm industry in ed- ucating alarm system users, will reduce false alarms. Carrollton's new policy isn't as strict as one that took effect this year in Dallas. Largely because of the city's 97 percent false alarm rate, the Dallas City Council instituted a "verified response" policy under which police respond only to alarm panic buttons and calls in which someone has confirmed that an alarm points to a suspected break-in. The council determined that police resources are better used not responding to unveri- fied alarms. Carrollton police worked with the North Texas Alarm Association to write the new ordinance. A Carrollton police officer appears in a new video that the association produced. Many alarm companies are distributing 71

the video to new customers, and Carrollton police plan to distribute the video when they respond to false alarms. "We've always had a contentious relationship with the alarm industry because of false alarms," Chief James said. "But I think they're making some strides to do the right thing." Chris Russell, president of the North Texas Alarm Association, said the industry wants to work with police. "One of our primary objectives is to raise the level of awareness to the problem of false alarms so that users of alarm systems realize those mistakes place a burden on the Police Department ... and create a problem for our customers, our clients" in the fines they must pay, he said. E-mail [email protected].

LOAD-DATE: June 9, 2006

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: CHART(S): CARROLLTON FALSE ALARM FEES

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

July 8, 2005 Friday FIRST EDITION

Learning from world's police Farmers Branch: Don't let chief's weakness for Disney fool you

BYLINE: STEPHANIE SANDOVAL, Staff Writer

SECTION: METRO; Pg. 3B

LENGTH: 732 words

DATELINE: FARMERS BRANCH

FARMERS BRANCH - A passion for Mickey Mouse and all things Disney isn't what people might expect from a tough guy whose background includes four years in the military and nearly three decades of law enforcement. But Farmers Branch Police Chief Jimmy Fawcett is an unabashed fan. His office shelves and walls are filled with Disney memorabilia, mostly of Mickey Mouse and the dwarf Grumpy, his two favorite characters. This from a former Navy intelligence officer and a police officer? "I was a Walt Disney/Mickey Mouse fan before I was any of those," Chief Fawcett said. "... There's a little kid in all of us trying to get out." The 55-year-old's habit of donning a Mickey Mouse watch has even prompted colleagues to call him by the famous cartoon character's name. But the moniker belies the chief's more serious side, not only as the head of a police force in a town with a daytime population of more than three times the number of people who actually live there, but also as a figure in international law enforcement. In November, with the backing of the Texas Police Chiefs Association, Chief Fawcett was elected the sixth vice president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He will work his way up over the next few years to become president of the organization in 2010. "We think he's a good influence to have there," said Carrollton Police Chief David James, secretary of the Texas Police Chiefs Association. "We think we'll have a voice on national issues we think are not only good for the region, but Texas and the nation." He said Chief Fawcett could deal with anything from homeland security to daily police work, from enforcement questions to labor issues. The association aims to improve police departments and to foster cooperation among agencies. 73

In his role in the IACP, Chief Fawcett has met with college officers who are grappling with the misconception that they aren't real police officers. He's met with American Indian reservation officers who are concerned about authority over visitors. Most recently, he represented the IACP at the Istanbul Conference on Democracy and Global Security, hosted by the Turkish National Police. It included ministries of the interior, national police chiefs and police chiefs from 92 countries. As part of that, he met with the head of Turkey's police force to talk about Turkey's role in the international organization and how the IACP could help Turkish police become a more modern and more widely accepted law enforcement agency. He said the Turkish police force is known as "backward people who aren't concerned about human rights." "What I found when I got there was just the opposite." Turkish police aren't much different from their counterparts elsewhere, he said, despite being a national police force. "It's interesting to hear the things we're worried about, they're worrying about, and how they're going to take care of it," Chief Fawcett said. Balancing his responsibilities to the city of Farmers Branch with his increasing duties with the international organization as he works his way toward the president's seat over the coming years may be a challenge. But the city supports his endeavors, Mayor Bob Phelps said. "We encourage everyone to be their best," he said. "It can't do anything but help." Though Farmers Branch is a small town compared to other Dallas-area cities, its location makes policing a challenge. About 27,000 residents call the city home. About 80,000 more work in the city. And another quarter of a million people come through it every day on several highways. "I don't take myself very seriously. But I take this job seriously," Chief Fawcett said. "It's a huge responsibility. I've got so many customers I need to be constantly trying to take care of." But, he said, he owes it to himself and the department to spend time outside the city. "It's real easy to get locked into local issues," Chief Fawcett said. Professional organizations help him combat that. Otherwise, Chief Fawcett said, "you don't progress as an organization, because you don't have the information you need to take your organization to a higher level." It's good for the region, too, Carrollton's Chief James said. The IACP "is helping show the rest of the world what we do. ... He can bring ideas and influences back, too," he said. "He'll bring a national profile to this region as he becomes president." E-mail [email protected]

LOAD-DATE: July 8, 2005

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

NOTES: Shorter version in 2nd ed. P. 3B

GRAPHIC: PHOTO(S): (MICHAEL AINSWORTH/Staff Photographer) Farmers Branch Police Chief Jimmy Fawcett will become president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 2010. His office is a shrine to Grumpy and Mickey.

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper 74

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

June 11, 2005 Saturday WEST EDITION

Bottom-up policing starts to get results Carrollton: Police say street officers' strategies reduce crime

BYLINE: STEPHANIE SANDOVAL, Staff Writer

SECTION: METRO; Pg. 1B

LENGTH: 1004 words

When Carrollton police commanders told patrol officers last spring that officers were going to be able to determine the issues they wanted to tackle and how they would go about it, some veterans scoffed. That's not how it traditionally works in a police department, where lower-ranking officers follow directives passed down from the top brass, said 13-year veteran Christopher Rosipal. But even the most cynical veteran officers are buying into Carrollton's Community Problem Oriented Policing program, he said, after seeing how commanders have stepped aside to let officers deal in their own ways with such issues as car burglaries and auto thefts. One of the program's successes led to a 7.8 percent reduction in auto burglaries in the last 12 months. "You've got these grizzled old veterans who said: 'This is another fad. I don't know if this is going to work,'" Officer Rosipal said. "There was a slow buy-in. Now, they bring things to the committee as well. "After all these years, it excites me. It did start off as just another committee when this whole empowerment came about. We tested it, and we've never looked back." The program is a simple concept. All officers are invited to attend regular team meetings at which they discuss problems and possible solutions. A consensus is required to launch an effort. Everything is officer-driven, with administrators attending only in a support role. But it wasn't an easy concept to get officers to endorse, said Police Chief David James, who initiated the program in 1996. "We've been trying to get our officers to understand we empower them to make some of the more critical decisions on deployment, problem-solving and solution-building at their level," Chief James said. "It's taken time for this to actually come into its own." It was only after an infusion of younger, less-experienced officers who were willing to embrace new concepts that the Community Problem Oriented Policing program took off last spring, Officer Robert Hay said. One of the biggest crime problems officers agreed on was car burglaries, which had been rising 14 percent to 20 percent a year since 2000. 76

Using computer modeling and crime statistics, they determined the most concentrated area for vehicle break-ins was a 2-square-mile residential area northeast of Frankford Road and Josey Lane. From January to June 2004, there were 35 auto burglaries in that area. They launched an effort in July to educate residents on making their vehicles less-appealing targets. In the 11 months since, there have been seven car break-ins in that neighborhood. Officers walked the community, talking with residents and distributing tips on how to keep vehicles and belongings safe. They passed out lists of items thieves go for that should be kept out of view. Officers then went back to the neighborhood, checked car doors and windows and peered inside to see whether there was anything in view that might tempt burglars. Each vehicle got a "report card" marking it as an easy target or a harder target. They also worked with the city environmental services department and property owners to cut tree branches that were obscuring residential lights and streetlights, eliminating dark areas. "It's really an intervention technique we tried, and officers came up with it," Chief James said. "I doubt seriously we would have done it if I had come up with it, because they wouldn't have wanted to try." Officers have since targeted a neighborhood bounded by Frankford Road on the north, Old Denton Road on the east, the Bush Turnpike on the south, and Dickerson Parkway on the west. They also targeted a third area of apartments bounded roughly by Keller Springs Road on the north, Midway Road on the east, Marsh Lane on the west, and the city limits on the south. By the end of 2004, auto burglaries had dropped 12.4 percent throughout the city. Assistant Chief Mac Tristan said the officers' work is largely responsible for the drop. "The majority of that reduction occurred because of our efforts from July through December," he said. While the auto burglary reduction effort continues, the community policing team has turned its attention to motor vehicle theft. The effort includes changes to reporting procedures for more consistency, better statistics on what vehicles are stolen most often, and processing all recovered stolen vehicles for evidence. And when trends occur in a particular area of town or with a particular type of vehicle, officers alert residents. "If we make a traffic stop and they are driving a high-theft vehicle, we may give the driver that information," Officer Rosipal said. Statistics are not yet available on the impact of the new effort. But one of the side benefits of the auto-burglary and theft efforts is that officers have had more contact with residents before crimes occur, some said. From that, the community policing program team decided to have an officer adopt every homeowners' group, neighborhood association and crime-watch team in the city. Those officers regularly share crime statistics from that area and other information about what's going on in the city with those groups. That effort is putting a name and face with the Police Department for many residents, said Laurel Purdue, president of the Parkside Estates homeowners association. "Having our own officer brings us that much closer," she said. "You always have people that have had bad experiences with the police, tickets and that type of thing. When you have a situation where you have one particular officer, it makes these people more comfortable with the Police Department as a whole." Now the department hopes to expand the outreach to apartment complexes. Officers say the the community policing program makes them more effective. 77

"Breaking down the barriers of traditional law enforcement has really helped us do our job better," Officer Hay said. "The secret is, we're doing something instead of sitting back taking reports, and every once in a while hoping to catch a criminal in the act." E-mail [email protected]

LOAD-DATE: June 11, 2005

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: CHART(S): COMMUNITY PROBLEM ORIENTED POLICING

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

August 20, 2004 Friday SECOND EDITION

Officers prowling around Instead of taking things, they're leaving reminders to lock up

BYLINE: SCOTT STAFFORD, Northwest Dallas Bureau

SECTION: DENTON COUNTY; Pg. 1Q

LENGTH: 553 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

Some Carrollton residents are getting in their cars in the morning to find a stranger had been there and left them a message. If they are lucky, it is a message from a Carrollton police officer, asking them to lock their cars and remove their belongings before heading in for the night. If they are not so lucky, it's a message from a burglar reminding them of the same thing, only now their stuff is missing and their windows may be broken. "We're living in an area where people have two-car garages, but their driveway is packed with cars," said Sgt. David Sponhour, Carrollton Police Department spokesman. "These crooks will just go up and down the alleyways and break into these cars." He noted that once a criminal is inside the car, he has a way to get into the house - a garage door opener inside the car. "This is a problem," he said. "These people leave stuff in their cars, and your car is like a fish bowl - all the crook needs to do is look inside and see what looks good," Sgt. Sponhour said. Although the rate of reported car burglaries is down from last year, police say there is still a problem and have targeted neighborhoods that consistently share the highest rates of car burglaries. During any given week, the Police Department is concentrating patrols in cruisers and on bicycles in the streets and alleys of specific neighborhoods. They are looking for burglars and easy targets. "We come up to a car like a burglar would, see if there is anything interesting in there that we'd want to steal," said Officer Anthony Taylor. When an officer sees a car left open or locked but with valuables in plain sight, the officer will leave a "vehicle burglary report card," notifying the owner that they could have been a victim of an expensive crime. Also on the card is a phone number to call with questions. 79

"It's an educational crime prevention tool," said Carrollton Chief David James. "The goal is to reduce burglary of motor vehicles. The two crimes that cause the most quality-of-life issues are burglary of motor vehicles and criminal mischief, and many of those are burglary of motor vehicles where they didn't get anything. These are the most aggravating." He said night patrols have left cards in cars where they were able to see valuable items, such as laptops, watches, purses, golf clubs, wallets, cellphones, keys, CD players and even cash. They also noticed plenty of cars with unlocked doors and open windows. "We've had an enormous amount of laptops stolen, people just leave them sitting in their cars and burglars know to look for things like that," Officer Taylor said. The report cards have brought some interesting reactions from residents, most positive, many surprised. "We've had a lot of really good comments, they felt good to know that we were out there," Officer Taylor said. "I've talked to dozens of people, and they've been very pleased that we're making the extra effort to try and protect them." After a few months, the police hope to see a reduction in car burglaries in the neighborhoods and fewer easy targets for criminals. "We're trying to get people to become harder targets - set their property up so a burglar isn't even going to be interested in the vehicle, they're just going to pass it by," Officer Taylor said. E-mail [email protected] or call 972-418-9999, ext. 2004.

LOAD-DATE: August 20, 2004

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

May 11, 2004 Tuesday SECOND EDITION

Dallas finds chief close to home Ex-Arlington official Kunkle may put more police on the streets

BYLINE: STEVE McGONIGLE and TANYA EISERER, Staff WritersStaff Writers

SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 1A

LENGTH: 1136 words

Sometimes you find what you're looking for in your own back yard. After conducting a nationwide search for a new police chief, Dallas City Manager Ted Benavides said Mon- day that he had chosen David Kunkle, a former Dallas police commander who has been both the top cop and a top city administrator in Arlington. Mr. Benavides, who has described his decision as one of the most important of his career, told a room filled with police officers and city officials that he picked Mr. Kunkle from a group of six finalists because of his proven leadership. "I was looking for the best leader, and Mr. Kunkle is that," Mr. Benavides said. "He's inclusive, sensitive, and he can be tough. He had everything going his way." Mr. Kunkle, 53, said that despite leaving 22 years ago to be police chief in Grand Prairie and then Arlington, the Dallas Police Department stayed close to his heart. He watched the successes and failures of the department over the last several years, and he knew this was the right opportunity for him to tackle the job, he said. "The Dallas Police Department helped define who I am, and I've always been very proud of that," said Mr. Kunkle, who plans to begin work in late June. Mr. Benavides extended the offer Saturday. After reviewing the qualifications of the other finalists, he said, he kept returning to Mr. Kunkle, the last person whose home city he had visited in recent weeks. The other finalists were Bernard Melekian, the chief in Pasadena, Calif.; Louis Cobarruviaz, former chief in San Jose, Calif.; Norman Williams, chief in Wichita, Kan.; Kevin Robinson, deputy chief in Phoenix; and Lou Caudell, another Dallas police veteran who was a former chief in Little Rock, Ark. $138,623 a year Mr. Kunkle will be paid $138,623 per year - about the same as the chief he is replacing, Terrell Bolton. Mr. Kunkle will be taking a pay cut of several thousand dollars, although he didn't say exactly how much. City officials said they are considering other benefits, possibly including extra vacation time, to make up the difference. 81

The salary is well below what chiefs in other large cities make. Houston, for example, pays its chief $170,000 a year. San Diego pays $162,000. "I didn't put myself in a strong negotiating position [for my salary]. I said if this job was offered to me, I'd take it," Mr. Kunkle said. He returns to the department at a time when it faces a host of challenges ranging from racial division to mi- cromanagement and second-guessing from city leaders. He said that before making any wholesale changes in the department, he wants to assess it "from top to bottom," noting, "I think I'm a quick study." He said he believes that an independent analysis of department efficiency now under way will help him determine what changes need to be made and whether to beef up staffing. "The first challenge is to make sure you are effectively using the force you have," he said, adding that one of his priorities would be getting as many officers on patrol as possible. Mr. Kunkle, who has a record of improving diversity in police ranks, said he remains committed to diversity and diversifying the command staff in Dallas. "I have a very talented pool of people to draw from to promote into the command rank," he said. He plans to examine the department's policy of regularly allowing use of the lateral vascular neck restraint, which recently contributed to the death of a Dallas man restrained by police. In Arlington, he made it a measure of last resort after the city dealt with similar problems. Complaints about Mr. Kunkle, considered a can-do manager, are few among those who know him or have worked with him. If there's a drawback to his calm, reserved demeanor, it's that people sometimes view it as aloofness or even disapproval. "Some folks have heard that he's a tough person to talk to ... he can seem a little remote," said Tarrant County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Mike Sheehan, former longtime head of the Arlington Police Association. "But once you get to know him, he's not like that at all." Sgt. Sheehan, who remains the longest-tenured president of Arlington's police union, said Mr. Kunkle com- manded respect on both sides of the bargaining table. Mr. Kunkle has always been one of the smartest guys, if not the smartest, in the room. People who know him say he most likely has a photographic memory because he can remember people's names after having met them once. "He would know you by first name," said Lauretta Hill, president of the African American Peace Officers As- sociation in Arlington. "That just makes him more personable." First in academy class He rose quickly through the ranks in Dallas, graduating first in his academy class of 32 when he joined the department in 1972. He was the department's youngest captain at age 29 but left in 1982, going on to an impressive career as police chief in Grand Prairie and Arlington and later as a deputy city manager in Arling- ton. During his 14-year watch in Arlington, he spearheaded the department's transformation into a highly regarded, nationally known, progressive organization. He instituted a four-year degree requirement for police recruits, though the conventional wisdom was that increasing education requirements could impede diversity goals. "He showed it can be done," Officer Hill said. "We're a living example. We have a very diverse police department." While Mr. Kunkle did not say that he would institute a four-year requirement in Dallas, he said he was committed to hiring officers with a high level of judgment skills, intelligence and character. Lisa Womack, police chief in Sugar Land, Texas, and a former deputy chief in Arlington, also credited her former boss with making the concept of community policing a reality. 82

"I think under Chief Kunkle's leadership that professional policing in Arlington was greatly enhanced," she said. Carrollton Police Chief David James, who met Mr. Kunkle when both worked in the Northwest Division of the Dallas Police Department, said Dallas had made a solid pick. "I think he brings several things to Dallas, one of which is an insight into the history of the organization, and more importantly the history of the city, its governance, politics and the community," Chief James said. "He's not starting from scratch. "He is the quiet CEO type, the very quiet and competent CEO type." Nor does Mr. Kunkle have the drawback of being part of the troubled tenure of the fired Chief Bolton. "An insider would be identified with the current system. He's not identified with that," said Gary Sykes, director of the Plano-based Institute for Law Enforcement Administration. "He's a very solid choice, and you might even say a safe choice." Staff writers Michael Grabell, Mark Wrolstad and Emily Ramshaw contributed to this report. E-mail [email protected] and [email protected].

LOAD-DATE: May 12, 2004

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: PHOTO(S): 1. (BARBARA DAVIDSON/Staff Photographer) "The Dallas Police Department helped define who I am," David Kunkle said Monday. He begins his new job in late June. 2. (FILE 1998/Arlington Morning News) David Kunkle (left), then Arlington's police chief, called in a driver's license number while on patrol with Sgt Jaime Ayala after making a traffic stop. CHART(S): 1. THE MONEY GAME. 2. DAVID KUNKLE.

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

February 20, 2004 Friday SECOND EDITION

Profiling statistics disputed Police chiefs say blacks, Hispanics not targeted; coalition defends report

BYLINE: SCOTT STAFFORD, Staff Writer

SECTION: NORTHWEST; Pg. 1O

LENGTH: 963 words

Local police officials are questioning the Texas Criminal Justice Reform Coalition's report on racial profiling, which shows that, compared with Anglo drivers, black motorists are more likely to be stopped or searched. At the same time, police officials say they are examining their procedures and methods for the prevention of racial profiling. A spokesman for the coalition defended the report's findings and methodology. "I have problems when they point a finger at the Addison Police Department and say that we racially profile, because we don't," said Addison Police Chief Don Franklin. "We police ourselves well enough to know that we are not going to tolerate racial profiling of any kind." He added that the report is important because it "puts racial profiling in the spotlight, and I think it probably needs to be. I don't have any objections to that." Released earlier this month, the report was compiled by the Steward Research Group for the Texas Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, the ACLU of Texas, NAACP of Texas and Texas LULAC. The report contends that in Addison, black drivers are 1.5 times more likely to be stopped, and 1.6 times more likely to be searched, than Anglo drivers. Hispanics driving in Addison, according to the report, are 0.9 times as likely to be searched than Anglo drivers. The report shows that data was not available to show the likelihood of a Hispanic driver being stopped by police in Addison. In Coppell, the statistics showed that African-Americans were more than three times as likely to be stopped as Anglos, and 1.9 times as likely to be searched. Hispanics driving in Coppell, are 2.6 times more likely to be pulled over, and 1.1 times as likely to be searched, the report said. The report provided no figures on Carrollton or Farmers Branch. Questions around state Police officials around the state have questioned the report's accuracy, while others questioned the methodology used in deriving the figures. 84

A spokesman for the coalition, Carlos Villarreal, said that a formula incorporating the latest census figures, Texas driver's license data and highway survey results was used to come up with a snapshot of the racial makeup of drivers on the road in a specific town at any given time. From that, police department figures on traffic stops and searches were used to calculate the likelihood of a black, Hispanic or Anglo driver being pulled over. "Dr. Steward's group checked [department figures] against those three standards and gave the departments the benefit of the doubt and used the one that showed the least disparity for each department," Mr. Villarreal said. "What the state requires is pretty clear, but how you present it is not," said Coppell Police Capt. Wade Goolsby. "The real challenge is not in the collection of the data - that's easy. It's what are you going to com- pare it to? That's where it becomes challenging." "There is not a good base of comparison," agreed Carrollton Police Chief David James. "You're trying to simplify data collection on a very complex situation that involves a multiplicity of observations. It's a big job." Awareness is key But, he added, just the fact that police are gathering these figures and examining their records is a positive result. "The important thing is that we have to remain conscious of the fact that things happen," Chief James said. "It can easily occur if people aren't paying attention, and this keeps us paying attention." Local police officials noted that training for officers includes material on the prevention of racial profiling. "We have to commit ourselves to not allow these things to happen, because if we continue with that type of behavior, even the perception of that behavior, we continue to fail to establish the trust that we need from the populations that we serve," said Chief James. "And if gathering this data helps us to focus on that, well that's a good thing." Beyond that, Capt. Goolsby said, it is usually impractical, given the conditions, to even be able to tell a driver's ethnicity before pulling over a vehicle for a traffic violation. "You're looking at the radar screen, you're looking at the traffic coming, you've got all kinds of things going on," he said. "Most of the time, you don't know the race of the person until you walk up to the car." Chief James said Carrollton police officers are kept too busy to try to determine a driver's ethnicity before committing to a police action. "We don't have the time to just stop people based on race. It doesn't get us anywhere. We are too busy trying to stop crime. Do I think it still occurs? I can't see any way in the course of human nature that is doesn't. Do I think it happens broadly? No. Here? Absolutely not." Spokesman's view Mr. Villarreal said there are opportunities for police officers to use ethnicity in determining which cars to pull over, and certainly during searches. "Police are often stopping people because they have seat belt violations and expired stickers. If they can spot those kinds of things, then I'm sure that if it's daytime and they don't have tinted windows, you can probably see what the person looks like, more or less." He said the reaction to this report adds to the public discussion on how to prevent racial profiling and helps to refine the reporting practices to improve accuracy and provide more useful conclusions in future reports. "The conclusion I would draw personally from the numbers is that there is a misperception throughout the community that African-Americans and Latinos are more likely to commit crimes," Mr. Villarreal said. "It could be misconceptions or bad training, but it's there. It does show racial disparity, and that is something that you want to find an explanation for." E-mail [email protected] or call 972-418-9999, ext. 2004.

LOAD-DATE: February 21, 2004 85

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: CHART(S): STUDY'S FINDINGS.

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

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The Dallas Morning News

January 2, 2004, Friday

2004 brings renewed promise; Leaders divulge their hopes, personal goals for the new year

SECTION: NORTHWEST; Pg. 1O

LENGTH: 573 words

Northwest Dallas County leaders weigh in on their hopes for a prosperous 2004: "I want to open an import company branch office in Dallas with my sister. I also want to run for Addison City Council again in May and to keep my restaurant and insurance agency healthy. I am a hardworking guy - I never want the time to just slip away." Joe Chow, Addison City Council member "I really want to commit myself to lead Ranchview High School as one of the premier high schools in the area. Personally, I want to continue to be a lifelong learner and continue to improve my own leadership skills as an educator." Barry Dodson, principal, Ranchview High School "My resolution for this year is to get into the library remodel. We are really excited to get that project under way and completed. My personal goal is to be thankful for the health of my family." Kathleen Metz Edwards, Coppell library director "My resolution is to tell as many people about the wonderful animals we have at Operation Kindness and the benefit of pet adoption, and to spend more time with my own dogs and cats, because I don't do that enough." Johnnie England, executive director, Operation Kindness "Spend more time with family and friends and to take care of myself better and to get the CHS band to Ireland and back on a successful and fun trip." Ray Foster, president, Coppell High School Band Boosters "My resolution is to deepen my prayer life. The time that I spend praying every day already gives me a great deal of energy, and I know that with what this year brings I'm going to need even more of that, so I'll be spending more time in prayer." Naomi King, intern minister, Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church "We're hoping to have a better year, and things are looking good, so we're just going to work towards that end." Farmers Branch Mayor Bob Phelps "I don't have any resolutions, but my hope is that we have a peaceful year and that officers in our department who are in the military will be able to return home to their families. We miss them all." Carrollton Police Chief David James "One of my goals for this year is working with Carrollton-Farmers Branch Educa- tional Foundation on its annual book sale. Every year it's grown, and I want to make it bigger and better than ever." Cindy Randle, director of public information, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD "I guess my resolution is to continue what I'm doing and help as many children as possible, and in the future, my goal is to open up a bunch more Bea's Kids programs. So my resolution is to keep going. There is no other way." Bea Salazar, founder of Bea's Kids in Carrollton "My goal for this next year is going to be really trying to make the things that I do things that have strong purpose behind them. I want the things I do to have an impact. Now that I've retired, I have the opportunity to be more flexible, and I also want to do more things connected with my family." Vonita White, former assistant superintendent, Coppell ISD "We have an ongoing goal - to see our chamber members grow and prosper and for us to be a vehicle for our members to support the community in both city events and local education. We want to continue to keep an up-to-date Web site. And we want to listen to our members' values and offer them speakers on timely topics at luncheons and seminars. We also want to revive our 'Shop Coppell' campaign." Beverly Widner, Coppell Chamber of Commerce president

LOAD-DATE: January 2, 2004 87

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: ILLUSTRATION(S): (MICHAEL HOGUE/Staff illustration) New Year's collage.

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The Dallas Morning News

October 24, 2003, Friday

A dangerous trek; Teen's death is tragic proof of railroad tracks' hazards

SOURCE: Staff Writers

BYLINE: KATHERINE MORALES, SCOTT STAFFORD

SECTION: NORTHWEST; Pg. 1O

LENGTH: 875 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

A black-and-white photo of Heather Dulaney fluttered on a wooden pole this week near a railroad trestle where she was struck by a train while walking to school. It was one of several tokens placed at the site. She was walking to Dan F. Long Middle School about 8:30 a.m. Oct. 15 when a train on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad trestle hit her, knocking her into the creek below. Heather died the next day. The accident has prompted school officials to consider ways of deterring students from using the railroad tracks as a walkway to and from the middle school. The tracks, west of the campus, are a popular shortcut for kids. About 17 trains travel the tracks daily, said Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad spokesman Joe Faust. "We're walking the campus physically to find routes making it less attractive to use the railroad tracks," said Charles Cole, assistant superintendent of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch school district. He said the district would consider putting up fences on school property to keep students away from the tracks. Railroad company officials have also approached the school district about sponsoring educational programs aimed at teaching kids the dangers of trains, Dr. Cole said. Carrollton city officials have expressed doubt about implementing some other proposals, such as installing a sidewalk next to the tracks. "Part of the question would be, if you're putting a walking trail in that area, does it simply attract individuals to an area that is unsafe anyway," said Marc Guy, Carrollton assistant city manager. "The objective would be to get pedestrians as far away from the risk of a railroad as possible." Although there is a grassy area alongside the tracks from Peters Colony Road south to the creek, the trestle seems to be the easiest route for students to cross over the creek. The only other routes for students north of the school would be to walk on sidewalks to either Kelly Boule- vard or Furneaux Lane, both lengthier routes compared to using the tracks. 89

According to police reports about the accident, the train's crew had noticed a number of students walking on the tracks as the train approached the trestle. They scattered when they saw the train coming, but Heather continued walking with her head down and may have had headphones on. Although they tried to stop the train and sounded the horn continuously, Heather did not seem to react and continued walking. Dallas Police Lt. John Branton said the train had been traveling 28 mph when approaching the area, and estimated that it had slowed to about 11 mph when impact occurred. There were about 50 empty freight cars on the train, he said, and it took about three-eighths of a mile to come to a stop. Lt. Branton noted that police investigators have not recovered any headphones, although they could have been lost in the underbrush or the creek. "Their account of what happened is that she continued walking towards them and that she never lifted her head," Lt. Branton said. He said that investigators tested the idea that someone listening to music with headphones might prevent them from hearing the train's horn, and determined that the horn could still be heard. "They tested it at the scene," said Lt. Branton. "Of course, those things [the horns] are tremendously loud - the sound waves will practically knock you down. There is no reason to think that headphones would in any way keep you from hearing such a loud horn. The whole thing doesn't make a lot of sense." The railroad tracks and the property on each side of them are private, and there are signs warning pedestrians against trespassing. But Lt. Branton said enforcement against trespassing on the tracks is rare. "It is a violation of state law to be on a railroad right of way, but I doubt if we have issued any citations for that during the last year," he said. Carrollton police Chief David James said trespassing on railroad property is a Class C misdemeanor but agreed that such citations are rarely issued. "Whose responsibility is it to get the students to walk on another path?" Chief James said. "The message that needs to be sent, and the only one that can be sent by the school district, is that you're not supposed to walk on the railroad tracks. My personal opinion is that it is the individual parents' responsibility. And there is also, ultimately, individual responsibility." Long Middle School principal Nick Lasker canceled a pep rally on Tuesday to allow students and staff to attend Heather's funeral. "A large number of our young people attended," Mr. Lasker said. Several administrators also attended, he said. Friends of the young student have struggled to make sense out of what happened. They remember Heather as fun, kind and original. "Her laugh made her stand out," said Melanie Magee, 13, a friend and classmate. "She always liked doing stuff out of the ordinary." As for the shortcut along the railroad trestle, Melanie said she doesn't think kids will stop using it. "You can't imagine something like that is going to happen to you," she said. "Everybody goes there to walk home." Email [email protected] or [email protected]

LOAD-DATE: October 25, 2003

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: PHOTO(S): 1-2. (Photos by GARY PAYNE/Special Contributor) 1. Long Middle School seventh-grader Auggie Kerr and sixth-grader Autumn Patrick cross a railroad track near Frankford Road. Offi- cials are warning students to stay off the tracks. 2. A photo pays tribute to Heather Dulaney, 13, who was hit by a train Oct. 15 while walking on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad trestle on her way to school. She died the next day. 3. (GARY PAYNE/Special Contributor) Long Middle School student Hatim Muham- mad waits for a train to pass before crossing the railroad tracks near Frankford Road. He must cross the tracks to get to school. MAP(S): (Staff graphic) DENTON CO. - BNSF Railroad - Where accident occurred.

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The Dallas Morning News

May 30, 2003, Friday

Seat belt campaign is clicking with most, but not all, drivers

SOURCE: Northwest Bureau

BYLINE: SCOTT STAFFORD

SECTION: DENTON COUNTY; Pg. 1Q

LENGTH: 708 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

The excuses drivers give for not wearing a seat belt range from a ringing phone to a pressing need to finish dressing. Carrollton police officers are hearing - and ignoring - them all. Between May 19, when the Click It or Ticket campaign began, and Wednesday afternoon, they'd ticketed 518 drivers for violations of state seat belt laws. The last day of the focused enforcement campaign is Sun- day. Elsewhere in Denton County, Flower Mound police had cited 502 drivers for seat belt violations as of Wednesday. Police in Lewisville, Highland Village and The Colony said they did not have figures available Thursday. Despite the hundreds of tickets being written, the good news is, the warnings about using seat belts are being heard. Most drivers pulled over for not wearing a seat belt "say they've heard about the campaign on the radio or the TV," said Carrollton police Sgt. Robert Digman, who's overseeing the two-week effort. After last year's May campaign, he said, a police survey of drivers in the area showed a 92 percent compliance rate. "We seem to have written fewer tickets than we did last year," he said. "We wrote about 824 seat belt violations during the same two weeks last year." The downside is that some people still forget to use a seat belt. Others just don't want to, no matter how dangerous it might be. "I had one lady who said, 'I was doing my dress up, my dress was undone.' Or they say they took it off so they could answer their cellphone," Sgt. Digman said. Fabio Rua of Dallas was pulled over last Friday on Marsh Lane in Carrollton and cited. He acknowledged that he didn't have his seat belt on. "I was just putting it on when I saw that I was being pulled over," he said. After getting a ticket, he said he'd be more careful to use the belt from now on. 92

"It's just one of those things you have to get used to. I usually do it after I start driving," he said. Not all drivers are ready to accept the law. Jason Bachman of Carrollton was pulled over shortly after Mr. Rua. "I realize the dangers, but I never wreck," Mr. Bachman said. "Besides, they're not going to pull me over for this once they're done with this [enforcement campaign]." He said that a ticket won't affect his behavior. "It's not that important," he said. "It's my life and my risk." Carrollton Police Chief David James noted other reasons that people give for not buckling up. "Some people think it's uncomfortable," he said. "Some people don't wear it because it wrinkles their clothing. Some people don't wear it because they are only traveling a short distance. They don't like to be incon- venienced." The enforcement campaign includes unbelted passengers and children. Sgt. Digman said most drivers who are cited for not having kids buckled up know the dangers. "They say 'I know' or 'I can't keep them in the seat.'" Despite the inconvenience, the wrinkled clothes, the ringing phones and the squirmy kids, one thing is in- disputable, Chief James said. "Probably the most dangerous thing you can do is drive without a seat belt on." Seat belts help drivers and passengers avoid blunt trauma impact injuries, said Chief James. "And if the car should roll [the seat belt] keeps them from being ejected," he said. "A 15-mile-an-hour accident can drive the steering wheel into your sternum. That is where you're going to have some of the worst blunt trauma you can get." According to Sgt. David Sponhour, spokesman for the Carrollton Police Department: "In a state-by-state breakdown of adult fatalities 20 years old and over, Texas leads the nation - they even beat out California - in deaths from unrestrained traffic fatalities in 2001." According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more unrestrained drivers and passengers die in Texas than in any other state: 1,151 adults, and 121 children, were killed in 2001. By comparison, 67 children were killed in Florida, the state with the second-worst figures. This story also appeared in the Northwest Dallas Morning News; Denton County Morning News writers Lesley Tellez and Louise Applebome also contributed to this report. E-mail [email protected] or call 972-418-9999, ext. 2004.

LOAD-DATE: May 31, 2003

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: PHOTO(S): (ARIANE KADOCH SWISA/Staff Photographer) Jason Bachman of Carrollton was stopped by Sgt. Robert Digman for not wearing a seat belt, but he remained unfazed. "I realize the dangers," he said, "but I never wreck."

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The Dallas Morning News

May 30, 2003, Friday

But Officer, I had to get dressed; No excuse: Police ticket hundreds who treat seat belts as optional

SOURCE: Staff Writer

BYLINE: SCOTT STAFFORD

SECTION: NORTHWEST; Pg. 1O

LENGTH: 754 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

The excuses drivers give for not wearing a seat belt range from a ringing phone to a pressing need to finish dressing. Carrollton police officers are hearing - and ignoring - them all. Between May 19, when the Click It or Ticket campaign began, and Wednesday afternoon, they'd ticketed 518 drivers for violations of state seat belt laws. The last day of the focused enforcement campaign is Sun- day. The good news is that warnings about using seat belts are being heard. Most drivers pulled over for not wearing a seat belt "say they've heard about the campaign on the radio or the TV," said Carrollton police Sgt. Robert Digman, who's overseeing the two-week effort. After last year's May campaign, he said, a police survey of drivers in the area showed a 92 percent compliance rate. "We seem to have written fewer tickets than we did last year," he said. "We wrote about 824 seat belt violations during the same two weeks last year." The downside is that some folks still forget to use a seat belt. Others just don't want to, no matter how dangerous it might be. "I had one lady who said, 'I was doing my dress up, my dress was undone.' Or they say they took it off so they could answer their cellphone," Sgt. Digman said. Fabio Rua of Dallas was pulled over last Friday on Marsh Lane in Carrollton and cited. He acknowledged that he didn't have his seat belt on. "I was just putting it on when I saw that I was being pulled over," he said. After getting a ticket, he said he'd be more careful to use the belt from now on. "It's just one of those things you have to get used to. I usually do it after I start driving," he said. 94

Not all drivers are ready to accept the law. Jason Bachman of Carrollton was pulled over shortly after Mr. Rua. "I realize the dangers, but I never wreck," Mr. Bachman said. "Besides, they're not going to pull me over for this once they're done with this [enforcement campaign]." He said that a ticket won't affect his behavior. "It's not that important," he said. "It's my life and my risk." Carrollton Police Chief David James noted other reasons that people give for not buckling up. "Some people think it's uncomfortable," he said. "Some people don't wear it because it wrinkles their clothing. Some people don't wear it because they are only traveling a short distance. They don't like to be incon- venienced." The enforcement campaign includes unbelted passengers and children. Sgt. Digman said most drivers who get cited for not having kids buckled up know the dangers. "They say 'I know' or 'I can't keep them in the seat.'" Despite the inconvenience, the wrinkled clothes, the ringing phones and the squirmy kids, one thing is in- disputable, Chief James said. "Probably the most dangerous thing you can do is drive without a seat belt on." Seat belts help drivers and passengers avoid blunt trauma impact injuries, said Chief James. "And if the car should roll, [the seat belt] keeps them from being ejected," he said. "A 15-mile-an-hour accident can drive the steering wheel into your sternum. That is where you're going to have some of the worst blunt trauma you can get." According to Sgt. David Sponhour, spokesman for the Carrollton Police Department: "In a state-by-state breakdown of adult fatalities 20 years old and over, Texas leads the nation - they even beat out California - in deaths from unrestrained traffic fatalities in 2001." According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more unrestrained drivers and passengers die in Texas than in any other state: 1,151 adults, and 121 children, were killed in 2001. By comparison, 67 children were killed in Florida, the state with the next worst figures. A $ 33,000 grant from the Texas Department of Transportation funded the Click It or Ticket campaign. Car- rollton officers signed up for voluntary overtime shifts during which they focus on ticketing violators in Car- rollton. A ticket for an unbuckled driver carries an $ 80 fine, said Sgt. Sponhour. An unbelted passenger draws a $ 105 fine, and an unbuckled child under 14 can cost the driver $ 175. "The officers enjoy working it," said Sgt. Digman. "In fact, the whole department increases its efforts to raise awareness of seat belt usage during that time." Jennifer Moore of Dallas, ticketed last Friday, said it was an effective reminder. "Now I'll put it on right when I get in the car," she said. E-mail [email protected] or call 972-418-9999, ext. 2004.

LOAD-DATE: May 31, 2003

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: PHOTO(S): 1. (ARIANE KADOCH SWISA/Staff Photographer) Carrollton police Sgt. Robert Digman gives driver Jennifer Moore a citation for not wearing a seat belt. The Click It or Ticket campaign ends Sunday. 2. (ARIANE KADOCH SWISA/Staff Photographer) Jason Bachman of Carrollton was stopped by Sgt. Robert Digman for not wearing a seat belt, but he remained unfazed. "I realize the dangers," he said, "but I never wreck."

20 of 31 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

January 30, 2003, Thursday

City weighs limiting use of fake guns; Ordinance to focus on those that look real

SOURCE: Staff Writer

BYLINE: LEE POWELL

SECTION: PLANO MORNING NEWS; Pg. 1P

LENGTH: 684 words

DATELINE: PLANO

Plano might soon become the second area city to strictly limit the public carrying of fake firearms. City Council members said they are concerned about possible safety problems created by fake guns that look so real they sometimes fool police. Plano police have had several instances in recent years - some in Plano schools - in which real-looking guns ended up being fakes. "Police officers have to make split-second decisions on deadly force," said Plano Police Chief Greg Rushin. "When facsimile firearms are involved, it makes it that much more difficult." Chief Rushin presented several recommendations for an expanded gun ordinance to City Council members this week. The proposed revisions would likely include a definition for so-called facsimile firearms, along with restrictions on who can carry them and in what ways. The chief said he is most concerned with how fake weapons are displayed in public areas. "The idea of this ordinance is to not take toy guns from children," he told council members. The council took no action at its meeting Monday; a revised ordinance will appear before the body for a vote at a future meeting. Plano's proposal comes on the heels of a similar ordinance change Carrollton made last year. In Carrollton possession of replica guns by minors was outlawed and it became illegal to use such fake weapons in a way that could cause alarm. Plano council members seemed to welcome Chief Rushin's recommendations, which grew out of a request made by Mayor Pat Evans to the Plano Police Department. "I think this is an important piece of work," Ms. Evans said. Plano's city ordinance currently prohibits firing BB and pellet guns inside city limits. Violating the ordinance is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine. The law is silent on displaying these types of guns or facsimile firearms. 97

As far as fake-looking guns, the Police Department is most concerned with weapons that include pellet guns, airsoft guns and replica guns. The revised law would allow exceptions for parades, police training and performances, for example. Council member Ken Lambert said he had questions about how the proposed restrictions might be put into effect. "It feels good; it's a great idea, but I don't know how practical it is as far as enforcement," he said. Chief Rushin said a public education effort would accompany the ordinance changes, an effort that would include the school system. Carrollton Police Chief David James said his department is phasing in enforcement of that city's ordinance as officers receive training. He expects enforcement to be minimal. "This in no way affects the concealed handgun law or anything to do with the possession of firearms at all," Chief James said. "We're talking about behavior. Behavior that causes alarm." Fake guns that look real have dogged law enforcement officials nationwide. Several people have been shot and killed by police officers after brandishing what later turned out to be fake weapons. Last fall, a Coppell police officer chased a child who was carrying a handgun that was later found to be a toy that fired plastic pellets. Charley Wilkison of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas said his organization has started to hear from officers about fake guns. "I've been told some departments are talking about it in squad rooms, briefings and training exercises," he said. No statewide legislation has been proposed to address the issue, but Mr. Wilkison said the association stands behind municipalities that choose to do so. "That a duly elected body determines what's right for their community, that's very appropriate," said Mr. Wilkison, CLEAT's political and legislative director. Mike Smith, owner of Lone Star Guns in Plano, does not deal in facsimile firearms, but he said he agrees with the proposed law change. "If parents would do what they're supposed to do, that ordinance wouldn't have to be written," Mr. Smith said. "I approve of that if parents won't keep them off the streets." E-mail [email protected] or call 214-977-6980.

LOAD-DATE: January 31, 2003

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: CHART(S): FACSIMILE FIREARMS

21 of 31 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

January 10, 2003, Friday

City to add 5 officers to Police Department; Group had warned of meager staffing for 150-member force

SOURCE: Staff Writer

BYLINE: SCOTT STAFFORD

SECTION: NORTHWEST; Pg. 1S

LENGTH: 535 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

There will soon be five more police officers in Carrollton. The City Council approved a proposal to hire and equip the additional officers with money from greater-than-expected sales tax revenue and reimbursement from the Carrollton-Farmers Branch school district for police stationed at the schools. "This completes the Police Department's five-year staffing plan and the commitment the council made this summer that we would review revenue, and if we felt comfortable, we would add officers," Carrollton City Manager Leonard Martin said. "It should pick up some of the slack." In November, the Carrollton Police Officers Association urged city leaders to find a way to bolster the size of the 150-member force, saying the department was spread so thin that officers were concerned for their safety. "On the whole, I think [Carrollton police officers] felt their safety was not at the top of the list," said association president and police Investigator Gary Fernandez. "Now we're very happy that they authorized these five officers. It was a struggle with the budget, but I think this shows they are concerned about public safety." Carrollton Police Chief David James said City Council members followed through on the promise they made that if the revenue was up, they would hire more officers. "It means that we'll have five additional officers that we can assign to some critical duties that we need to have taken care of, especially in patrol where we have our shortages," the chief said. He noted that it will take between six and 14 months to hire and train five additional officers and get them into active duty and that there are two vacant officer positions. Mayor Mark Stokes said the council and city staff will continue to seek funding for additional officers. "I think this solves an immediate need," Mr. Stokes said. "We're trying to stay ahead of the curve, and as the city changes, I think we'll probably need some more officers in the future. I don't think this is the end of it by any stretch." 99

Chief James said the department's 150 authorized sworn officers give it about 1.33 officers per 1,000 residents. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Report, the national average for cities with between 100,000 and 274,000 residents - Carrollton's size range - is 1.9 officers per 1,000 residents. Five more officers will bring the department up to about 1.38 officers per 1,000 residents. "That's a lot better than we are now," Chief James said. His target is 1.45 officers per 1,000 residents. Mr. Fernandez said he hopes that city officials bring the staffing ratio up to 1.5 officers per 1,000 residents during the next five years. According to a memo from Pam Hodges, Carrollton controller, to Mr. Martin, the annual cost of five police officers is $ 330,016, with a one-time cost of $ 68,985 for equipment. But because the school district will be paying the city $ 162,925 a year for officers at the schools and sales taxes for October and November were over budget by $ 381,613, "we felt we could fund the additional officers for the police staffing plan," Ms. Hodges said. E-mail [email protected] or call 972-418-9999, ext. 2004.

LOAD-DATE: January 11, 2003

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: CHART(S): STAFFING RATIOS.

22 of 31 Documents

The Washington Post

December 22, 2002 Sunday Final Edition

Dallas Suburb's Firearms Law ...

SECTION: A SECTION; Pg. A02

LENGTH: 264 words

If youngsters in Carrollton, Tex., have visions of shiny spurs, fringed chaps and convincing six-shooters this Christmas, they may be out of luck. That is, at least as far as guns go. The city, a suburb of Dallas, recently beefed up its firearms ordinance to ban minors from brandishing toy guns that look too real. Realistic toy guns are often used in hold-ups, and for years have concerned the nation's police officers. But in recent months, Carrollton Police Chief David James said, teenagers -- some of them gang members -- have increasingly been found with replicas too difficult for his officers to distinguish as fake from afar, placing them and the officers at greater risk. The same day the council passed the ordinance in November, a student at a local high school brought a gun to school in his backpack. The gun turned out to be an air pistol, like the .45 Colt and 9mm Beretta look-alikes easily found on the Internet for as little as $ 20. "It looks like it's real; it's manufactured to look like it's real. The slide works and it drops a magazine," James said. "The problem is you have [an officer] encounter one of these in the heat of the moment, and that just isn't good." The Texas State Rifle Association denounced the ordinance as too vague, but James said legal firearms owners aren't affected. Fake guns are permissible and replicas will still be allowed at public ceremonies and parades, he said. "People can enjoy them in their own privacy, in their own backyards," James said. "But they can't go running around with them in public." -- Amanda Zamora

LOAD-DATE: December 22, 2002

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newspaper

23 of 31 Documents

The Associated Press State & Local Wire

November 20, 2002, Wednesday, BC cycle

N. Texas town outlaws replica guns in public

SECTION: State and Regional

LENGTH: 375 words

DATELINE: DALLAS

Carrollton's city council has made it illegal for minors to possess toy guns that look real in public and for anybody to use replica guns in a way that could cause public alarm. Police Chief David James said he proposed the change to the city's firearms ordinance to avoid instances where fake guns are mistaken for the real thing. "You want to play with them, fine. Play with them in a contained situation, in your house or in your back yard," James said. "But don't take those things out and brandish them in public." He said it's dangerous for a child to carry a replica gun in public because someone with a real gun, such as a police officer or a neighbor, cannot tell that the replica is a toy. "We'd like to remove both the possibility of somebody else shooting that person or the police shooting that person in a mistake," James said. The change, passed Tuesday night as part of a list of proposals that are approved without discussion, comes after a replica gun caused alarm in nearby Coppell last month. A police officer had spotted a child with a handgun, only to find out after a short chase that it was a toy that shot plastic pellets. James Dark, executive director of the Texas State Rifle Association, told the Carrollton council the change, which allows replica guns only in parades, ceremonies or other official activities, was a misuse of the weapons ordinance. "In its amended form, this ordinance is a significant cause of concern to us as an organization and indeed will be to many gun owners," Dark said. James, who said the change was consistent with state law, said Carrollton police have reported three incidents in which replica guns were confiscated from minors, and some were being used to intimidate others. "Our officers were very, very upset that they came into a situation where they might have used deadly force, that what had the appearance of a firearm which would place them in imminent fear of bodily harm was in fact not one," James said. "What a nightmare that is." Replica guns that shoot plastic pellets have become popular with people who play paintball and other war games. Known as airsoft models, they are designed to look like real weapons used by police and military forces.

LOAD-DATE: November 21, 2002

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

102

24 of 31 Documents

The Associated Press State & Local Wire

November 20, 2002, Wednesday, BC cycle

North Texas town outlaws replica guns in public

BYLINE: By SUSAN PARROTT, Associated Press Writer

SECTION: State and Regional

LENGTH: 459 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON, Texas

City officials have outlawed minors from brandishing toy guns that look real, and police say the change to the city's firearms ordinance could save lives. "We would like to remove both the possibility of somebody else shooting that person or the police shooting that person in a mistake," said Police Chief David James. The Texas State Rifle Association immediately denounced the new rules, saying they are too vague and could affect legal owners of guns. The police chief, however, said fake guns pose a threat to those who carry them because neighbors and police officers might mistake them for the real thing. That's exactly what happened last month in Coppell, another Dallas suburb. A police officer spotted a child with a handgun and gave chase, drawing his service revolver and aiming at the boy. The object in the boy's hand turned out to be a toy that shot plastic pellets. In his report, the Coppell officer said the pistol looked exactly like a 9 mm handgun, and had a detachable magazine, working slide and hammer. "At a distance you can't tell the difference," James said. "To an officer it looks like a gun." Replica guns that shoot plastic pellets have become popular with children and adults who play paintball and other war games. Known as airsoft models, they are designed to look like real weapons used by police and military forces. Carrollton police have reported several incidents in which replica guns were confiscated from minors, including one at a high school on Tuesday. In other cases, persons have used fake weapons in robberies and to intimate others, the police chief said. On Tuesday night, the city council approved a change in to the city's firearms ordinance to prohibit minors from possessing the replica guns in public. The change also bans anyone from using the toys in a way that would cause public alarm. Replica guns will still be allowed in parades, ceremonies or other official activities. Toy guns that don't look real, such as brightly colored water guns, are not affected by the changed ordinance. But James Dark, executive director of the Texas State Rifle Association, said the new rules are still too vague. 104

"I'm a deer hunter," he said. "If I carry my rifle from my car into my house, a neighbor could call police." But the police chief said the neighbor would have to prove the gun was used to cause alarm. "We use discretion," James said. "We can figure those kinds of things out." Carrollton Mayor Mark Stokes said that in the case of replica guns, police officers must respond as though the weapon is real. "A toy gun is a toy gun; it doesn't have to look real," he said. "But this is dangerous, and some innocent kid is going to end up getting hurt."

LOAD-DATE: November 21, 2002

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: AP Photo pursuing

25 of 31 Documents

United Press International

November 20, 2002 Wednesday

Texas city restricts toy guns in public

LENGTH: 291 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON, Texas, Nov. 20 (UPI)

The Carrollton City Council has restricted the possession of realistic toy guns in public after a recent scare in which a police officer mistook a replica gun held by a child for the real thing. An amended firearms ordinance unanimously approved by the council Tuesday night would prohibit the possession of the toy guns by minors and make it illegal for anybody to use them in a way that could cause public alarm. It takes effect immediately. Police said the ordinance is aimed at replica guns patterned after real firearms used by the police and the military. They often shoot plastic pellets and some models are designed for use in paintball games and other war games as sport. Carrollton Police Chief David James said the fear is that such a gun carried outside the home or yard by a child could be mistaken for a real gun and lead to a tragedy. "We'd like to remove both the possibility of somebody else shooting that person or the police shooting that person as a mistake," James told The Dallas Morning News. A recent scare in neighboring Coppell raised concern with Carrollton officials. A police officer spotted a child carrying what he thought was a real gun but after a short chase discovered it was a toy replica that shoots plastic pellets. No one was injured. James also said officers have confiscated replica guns from minors recently after they were used to intimidate other children. The ordinance has drawn objections from some gun owners. James Dark, executive director of the Texas State Rifle Association, said Carrollton's weapons ordinance has been misused. "In its amended form, this ordinance is a significant cause of concern to us as an organization and indeed will be to many gun owners," he said.

LOAD-DATE: November 21, 2002

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

26 of 31 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

November 15, 2002, Friday

Police urge city to hire more officers; Council agrees to bulk up force if sales tax revenue increases

SOURCE: Staff Writer

BYLINE: SCOTT STAFFORD

SECTION: NORTHWEST; Pg. 1S

LENGTH: 908 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

With property crimes and gang activity rising, the president of the Carrollton Police Officers Association said the department is understaffed and some areas of the city are going unprotected. Police Chief David James said he'd like to hire more officers, if the city has the funds to do it. "It's true that we don't fill every beat all day, every day. We just don't have the staffing for that," he said. "It does mean that we don't have as much time for doing problem-oriented policing and discretionary patrol. It puts us in a more reactive mode." Carrollton has 149 sworn officers, 72 dedicated to patrol duties. But because of family leave, military service, training and illness, the number of active patrol officers is down to 62. City figures estimate about 1.3 officers per 1,000 Carrollton residents based on a city population of 113,000. But the national average for cities with between 100,000 and 274,000 residents is 1.9 officers per 1,000 residents, according to the FBI Uniform Crime Report. The FBI report shows Carrollton's staffing ratio is among the lowest in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for cities of similar size. The Carrollton City Council has agreed to slightly expand the force if sales tax revenue comes in higher than projected after the first quarter of fiscal 2003, which ends in December, City Manager Leonard Martin said. "Certainly we could stop maintaining the streets to do it, but I don't think that's what the people want," Mr. Martin said. "Our council's position has been that we should staff and equip all of our departments based on need, not national statistics." Coppell police Captain Gary Nix said his city of about 38,000 residents employs 57 officers, for a ratio of 1.5 officers per 1,000 residents. Farmers Branch, with a daytime population of about 85,000 people and 27,000 residents, has 73 officers, or about 2.7 officers per 1,000 residents. Tory Caeti, criminal justice professor at the University of North Texas, said a city Carrollton's size probably should have more manpower. "They should probably be closer to 2 per thousand" residents, he said. 107

'We're at a crisis level' To illustrate the effects of an understaffed police force, Gary Fernandez, Carrollton Police Officers Associa- tion president, sent an e-mail to council members this week writing that a deliveryman was beaten and robbed Monday when no officers were able to respond to a suspicious person call. "We're at a crisis level here, as far as we're concerned," Investigator Fernandez said. "Police and fire are your basic services that you have to concentrate on first. We think it's a matter of priority." Investigator Fernandez also told the council that reports from patrol officers showed that on Nov. 6-9, two or three beats at a time were unattended because of a shortage of police staffing. The overall crime rate in Carrollton has risen 10.1 percent through September compared with last year, according to city figures. Crime reports show a 16 percent increase in burglaries of motor vehicles, a 37 percent jump in criminal mischief, a 10 percent increase in larceny theft and a nearly 9 percent increase in burglary. Robbery incidents grew 61 percent, and sexual assaults have increased 700 percent. Chief James said property crimes such as burglary of a vehicle and criminal mischief are increasing the fastest. "It's the biggest increase we've had in many years," Chief James said. "But it's not just Carroll- ton." Gang activity growing The city is also seeing more gang activity, Chief James said. "We're seeing an increase in gangs confronting one another, and the graffiti is picking up," he said. Carrollton Mayor Mark Stokes said: "Let's face it, public safety is the Number 1 concern of the council. One of the things our citizen survey shows are that 93 percent of the people think of themselves as safe in Car- rollton. That's something we're very happy with and proud of, and we're going to try to maintain that." He noted that it costs about $ 80,000 a year to employ and equip each police officer, so 20 police officers would cost $ 1.6 million annually and six additional officers would cost $ 480,000 a year. An effort to save money in city government through managed competition is under way, Mr. Stokes said. But with reduced sales tax revenue and a tight budget, finding a way to pay for more officers is a challenge. "What we need is a committed, long-range staffing plan that would ultimately see the Police Department at 1.5 to 1.7 officers per thousand residents," Investigator Fernandez said. Chief James said that having a force of 170 officers by 2007 would bring the city rate up to about 1.4 officers per 1,000 residents. "That's something I think we ought to realistically look toward doing," Chief James said. "But if our economy stays in the drinker, that's not going to happen." 'Feel pretty safe' Carrollton resident Teresa Alexander, 38, said she hasn't noticed a shortage of officers. "We had a bicycle stolen out of our garage the other day, but other than that we feel pretty safe." Another Carrollton resident, Grace Chao, 50, said she hasn't noticed any problem with Carrollton police service. "From my perspective, I don't think we need more police." "In my neighborhood, we're pretty satisfied with the way the Police Department has been doing its job," said Carrollton resident Ed Smith, 78.

LOAD-DATE: November 16, 2002

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: CHART(S): COMPARING CRIME TOTALS.

24 of 38 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

November 7, 2002, Thursday

BRIEFS

SOURCE: From staff reports

SECTION: METRO; Pg. 34A; BRIEFS

LENGTH: 730 words

KAUFMAN COUNTY Late count overturns outcome in judge race Kaufman County's elections were all but decided with 60 percent of the vote counted Tuesday, but one judi- cial candidate did overcome a deficit when counting concluded Wednesday morning. Erleigh Norville, a Re- publican, defeated Democrat Joe M. Parnell in the race for county court-at-law judge. Republicans won every contested race on the Kaufman County ballot, including contests for district judge, district attorney, county judge, county clerk, county treasurer, two county commissioners and two justices of the peace. IRVING Tyler fire chief named to head city department Tyler Fire Chief Paul C. White has been named Irving fire chief, replacing Jack Hickey, who retired. The appointment was made by City Manager Steve McCullough and must be confirmed by the Irving City Coun- cil. In Tyler, Chief White has overseen a department with nine fire stations and 131 uniformed personnel. The Irving Fire Department has 11 stations and 282 uniformed personnel. Chief White also has been fire chief in San Angelo and held positions in the Houston Fire Department during a 21-year tenure there. WEST DALLAS Pot, trucks taken in raid; 3 arrested Dallas County sheriff's deputies on Tuesday seized 220 pounds of marijuana, an 18-wheeler and two pickup trucks headed to Dallas from South Texas, said the department's spokesman, Sgt. Don Peritz. Deputies and U.S. Customs agents, operating on a tip, arrested three men on charges of possession of marijuana. Jiberto Cruz, 31, of Dallas, Francisco Rodriguez, 42, of Dallas, and Carlos Hernandez, 28, of Mission, Texas, remain at Lew Sterrett Justice Center. They were arrested just before midnight Tuesday. FORT WORTH Arguments are delayed in bathtub-slayings trial Opening arguments have been delayed in the capital murder trial of Dale Devon Scheanette, who is charged with the 1996 deaths of two Tarrant County educators. Arguments and testimony in the death pen- alty case were to begin Thursday in Fort Worth, but senior state District Judge R.E. Thornton said Wednes- day that they would not take place, declining to say when they will be rescheduled. Mr. Scheanette was arrested in September 2000 in the deaths of Wendie Prescott, 22, and Christine Vu, 25. The bodies of both 109

women were found bound in the bathtubs of their apartments in the same Arlington complex. The judge issued a gag order in the case in late August. Attorneys finished picking a jury a month ago. ARLINGTON Police say fatal crash caused by speeding Speed was a factor in a one-car accident that killed a 17-year-old driver Tuesday evening in South Arling- ton, police said. Jonathan Wayne Thomas of Arlington died at 8:25 p.m. at Harris Methodist Fort Worth hospital, said the Tarrant County medical examiner's office. At 4:21 p.m., Mr. Thomas was speeding in a car heading east in the 900 block of West Mayfield Road when he lost control, skidded into oncoming traffic, crashed into a telephone pole and struck a parked vehicle, police said. GRAND PRAIRIE Motorist dies after heart attack at wheel A 39-year-old Grand Prairie man who had a heart attack shortly before crashing his pickup truck has died. Andrew Wesley Smith, 39, died at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, the Dallas County medical examiner's office said. At 8:27 p.m. Sunday, he was driving in the 2500 block of West Main Street in Grand Prairie when he veered into oncoming traffic and hit a vehicle head-on, officials said. The occupant of the vehicle had minor injuries. CARROLLTON Police close offices while crane is righted A crane replacing heating and air-conditioning units toppled on the roof of the Carrollton Police Department at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday. No injuries were reported, and administrative offices were evacuated while the crane was righted and a structural engineer evaluated the damage. Police Chief David James said two beams were damaged, requiring temporary bracing before the offices could be reoccupied. He said there were also several holes in the roof, damage to the structure's brick veneer and possibly damage to exterior beams. No repair estimates have been made. The crane is owned and operated by Crocker Crane Co. of Irving. A police spokesman said the operator reported no indication of instability before the accident.

LOAD-DATE: November 11, 2002

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: PHOTO(S): (JIM MAHONEY/Staff Photographer) Crane operator Bill Harris waits to be lowered to the ground after his crane tipped onto the roof of the Carrollton police building. No one was injured.

27 of 31 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

May 10, 2002, Friday

Youths unite to fix up house; Program pairs Boy Scouts, at-risk teens for service projects

SOURCE: Northwest Bureau

BYLINE: SCOTT STAFFORD

SECTION: DENTON COUNTY; Pg. 1K

LENGTH: 756 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

To help out an elderly woman, they cut down overgrown weeds, trimmed neglected hedges and trees, helped paint the house, and found a common cause without which they might never have met. South Carrollton teens in a police program for at-risk youths and north Carrollton Boy Scouts from Troop 787 came together last Friday and Saturday at the home of Jean McCormick. Their mission was to trim back the growth, repair and paint the house, and give Ms. McCormick, 76, a head start in keeping the house maintained. Joining the boys were volunteers from the Police Department, Scout leaders and parents. A carpenter and a professional painter also donated their time. The police program, Impact, helps teens in DeWitt Perry and Ted Polk middle schools and R.L. Turner High School deal with everyday pressures that can add to personal challenges to make life choices difficult. Carrollton police Officer Todd Burnside, a resource officer at DeWitt Perry Middle School, said the kids in Impact meet once a week. They talk about "life-skill issues, conflict resolutions, goal setting, drug-abuse situations, how to say no to somebody, how to fight negative peer pressure in a positive way." He said parents, teachers or other police officers refer teens to the program. "These kids aren't necessarily gang members, aren't necessarily troubled kids, they just may need a positive role model in their life." Carrollton Police Chief David James said that as a result of Impact: "They're more willing to communicate with us in a positive way. The benefit to the community at large is that those are young people that are doing things that are self-productive, and by virtue of it being good for them, it's good for the community." One member of Impact, Adam Dickerson, 13, a student at DeWitt Perry Middle School, said Officer Burn- side has helped him overcome daily challenges. Adam suffers from dyslexia and lives with his mother, little brother and uncle at his grandmother's house. They aren't sure where his father is. Adam is grateful for the help Officer Burnside has given him. 111

"He's really nice," Adam said. "My father didn't do much, and Officer Burnside is making up for that. I thought some police officers were just people who wanted to get us in trouble, but once I met Officer Burn- side, heck, that changed my whole opinion." Working side by side with Adam last Saturday was Jared Chadwick, 15, a sophomore at Hebron High School and candidate for Eagle Scout. To attain the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout has to engage in a community service project. Jared's project was to devise what he calls the Carrollton Revitalization Program. He designed procedures and guidelines specifically for the Impact group. He said he was pleased with the outcome of his work. "It makes me feel real good," Jared said. "It's hard work, but it gives back more than any project that I've ever done." When a police officer notices a house or property that is in bad shape, said Bill Brady, scoutmaster of Troop 787, "and they know the people there aren't capable of doing anything about it, they fill out this form and hand it in to Officer Burnside." Then, two or three times a year, Officer Burnside will pick out a project that Impact can work on, Mr. Brady said. "What's kind of neat is that Jared's put into place a program that's going to perpetuate itself for years to come," Mr. Brady said. For the first project, the Scouts chose Ms. McCormick's home because she lives alone on a fixed income, has no family support nearby and suffers chronic physical challenges that prevent her from maintaining the property on her own, Officer Burnside said. Her father, LeRoy McCormick, Carrollton mayor from 1936 to 1940, built the home in 1937. Ms. McCormick has lived in the house since it was built, she said. Ms. McCormick is grateful for the help. "It was a good thing for them to do; it's a lot of help," she said. "I have a lower-back problem from falling a lot, and I can't afford to have a yardman do it." It also helps that the house is on Walnut Street, right behind DeWitt Perry Middle School, where many of the Impact members will see the property and can take pride in their work as they pass by on their way to and from school, Jared noted. Adam said he is pleased with his work. "It makes me feel great," he said. "I'm helping out the community and helping this elderly person feel good about her yard." E-mail [email protected] or call 972-418-9999, ext. 2004.

LOAD-DATE: May 14, 2002

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: PHOTO(S): (1-2 RON BASELICE/Staff Photographer) 1. Boy Scout Eric Brown (left), 13, and Carrollton police Officer Bill Janecek repair a window at an elderly resident's house. 2. Adam Dickerson, 13, chops a tree limb to make room for more discards during a joint cleanup effort.

28 of 31 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

March 6, 2002, Wednesday

Flood damage assessed; Government center cleanup about $ 45,000, not counting repairs

SOURCE: Staff Writer

BYLINE: ANNETTE FULLER

SECTION: DENTON COUNTY; Pg. 1M

LENGTH: 541 words

Workers are assessing the damage from flooding at the Carrollton Government Center that began over the weekend because of a malfunctioning fire sprinkler system. The government center, at 1029 W. Rosemeade Parkway, is a satellite office for Denton County operations. It will remain closed until Thursday except for early voting for the March 12 primary. Cleanup is estimated to cost about $ 45,000, but officials said they cannot yet estimate the damages. Carrollton Police Chief David James said he saw the damage firsthand Monday. "I was just going up there to vote and found it," Chief James said. "I saw the water pouring out of the building. It was terrible. There was water all over the place." Early voting is accessed at the rear of the building, according to the county elections administrator. The building houses several elected officials' offices, including state Rep. Burt Solomons, R-Carrollton; county Commissioner Sandy Jacobs; Justice of the Peace Ron Marchant; and Constable Jim Davis. Also at the government center is a branch office of the county clerk's department, as well as a county tax office. Denton County commissioners called an emergency meeting Tuesday morning to assess the damage and to give county staffers the authority to pay for cleanup and repair. "It would be easier to tell you which rooms didn't flood," said county facilities manager Danny Brumley, when questioned by the commissioners about the damage. "Commissioner Jacobs' office was the only one in the building that didn't have flood damage." Mr. Brumley said he doesn't know whether the pipes burst because of cold weather or a nonweather-related malfunction. The cleanup bill will be as much as $ 45,000, Mr. Brumley said. Repairs to computers, drywall, carpet and other items will be in addition to that cost, he said. Insurance ad- justers already are on the site, he said. County Clerk Cynthia Mitchell said her office computers sustained no damage. 113

"While we had water on the floor in our area, water evidently didn't flood in from the ceiling in our area," saving the computers, Ms. Mitchell said. The Carrollton office is the only satellite office for the county clerk's office. The office provides marriage li- censes and birth certificates, and accepts passport applications. Also, there is a computer terminal on which the public can view county property records, she said. Denton County Constable Jim Davis said although much of his office's work is on the road, eventually records need to be entered into computers. "It's basically shut down the entire building," he said. "Of course, the day-to-day operations have come to a screeching halt." Early voting was shut down at the Carrollton Government Center on Monday, said Elections Administrator Don Alexander. On Monday, signs directed voters to the Dallas voting site at Frankford Town Homes at 18110 Marsh Lane. The Carrollton polling site was back up again on Tuesday, Mr. Alexander said. "We were shut down on Saturday due to the snow and cold weather, too," Mr. Alexander said. "There is nothing normal about any election. You have to expect glitches like this." Staff writer Scott Stafford contributed to this report.

LOAD-DATE: March 7, 2002

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

25 of 38 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

November 18, 2001, Sunday

Police fondly remember Rikko, Carrollton's first canine officer; Dog was credited with biggest marijuana seizure in county

SOURCE: Northwest Bureau

BYLINE: SCOTT STAFFORD

SECTION: IRVING; Pg. 4V

LENGTH: 604 words

One of the city's finest was buried with full honors last week on a hill overlooking the Carrollton Amphithea- ter, next to the Police Department. Rikko, a 9-year-old Belgian Malinois, was the first police dog to join the ranks of the Carrollton Police De- partment. He started in 1994 and spent his tenure sniffing out narcotics, tracking down suspects, looking for missing persons, and delighting school children with his frequent visits. According to Carrollton police spokesman Dave Sponhour, Rikko was "solely responsible" for the location and seizure of 9,031 pounds of marijuana in 1997, the largest marijuana seizure in Dallas County history. Officer Robert Hay, Rikko's partner at the time of his death, said Rikko was an energetic and determined officer. "He did everything we asked of him," he said. "Even at 9 years old, we'd be in training and other handlers were in awe of his abilities." But in late October, Officer Hay noticed Rikko seemed tired and had blood in his urine. Several veterinarian exams revealed a cancerous growth in his abdomen the size of a baseball. After difficult and painful deliberations, during which the question of medical costs never came up, said Mr. Hay, department officials determined that Rikko should be put to sleep. He was born and trained in Holland. His first partner, former Officer Mike Ellsworth, selected him for the department. Mr. Ellsworth said that of the five dogs he had to choose from, Rikko was the most spirited. The first day they met, "he was all over me, like a small kid wanting to play." During their time together, Rikko proved to be a formidable officer and a loyal playmate, Mr. Ellsworth said. "The things that he did were just incredible," he said. "Every day was a new adventure with Rikko." One incident, Mr. Ellsworth recalled, occurred when a motorist found a toddler wandering through the rain near a major thoroughfare. The child couldn't speak to tell police where he lived, so they used Rikko to find his tracks. After sniffing around the area where the child was found, Rikko hit on his scent and led officers directly to the front door of a nearby apartment where the boy lived. His mother answered the door, astounded to find that her child had gone missing while she was asleep. 115

"The bond we had was just incredible," said Mr. Ellsworth, who described a gentle family dog with his wife and children, a loyal friend and protector at home, and an efficient, eager officer at work. Mr. Ellsworth said Rikko was well-known to residents. "Throughout the community, it was always, 'There's Officer Rikko,'" he said. "I was just his sidekick, his chauffeur." "He's definitely the most well-known member of our department," said Carrollton police Officer Keith Rigsby, another canine handler. "Everybody knows Rikko." Rikko died last Monday morning. He was buried that afternoon, in a casket donated by a local funeral par- lor, on a grassy hill next to the police station. The site overlooks the amphitheater, a creek, and numerous trees. A marker will be installed. Police officers in full uniform gathered quietly at the ceremony. Under gray skies, Rikko's partners and closest friends spoke about his career and friendship. A life-sized photograph of Rikko, with his police badge on his collar, overlooked the gathering. Mixed in among the dozens of police and civilians were several children. "We all felt Rikko was a part of our department," Police Chief David James said. "He was a well-respected animal and officer. So we felt it was appropriate to send him off with appropriate honors."

LOAD-DATE: November 20, 2001

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: PHOTO(S): 1. (CHIP LITHERLAND/Staff Photographer) Carrollton police Officer Roger Cox takes a moment to himself next to the gravesite of his former partner, Rikko, the department's first canine officer. 2. (Carrollton Police Department) Rikko spent his career sniffing out narcotics, suspects, and missing persons.

26 of 38 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

October 26, 2001, Friday

Watch group taking shape; Civil Security Corps will answer the call to keep city safe

SOURCE: Staff Writer

BYLINE: SCOTT STAFFORD

SECTION: NORTHWEST; Pg. 1S

LENGTH: 712 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

The Carrollton Police Department responded to the White House call for help with homeland security by initiating a plan to use community volunteers to safeguard Carrollton neighborhoods. A steering committee will provide details in the structure and purpose of what Police Chief David James calls the Carrollton Civil Security Corps. "This really is something very similar to the old civil defense system that came about in World War II," said Chief James. "They would go out and check out the water towers, check out schools at nighttime, look at other places like telephone switching stations, look at railroad track crossings, to be sure they're safe and there is nothing suspicious around them. And that's what we would do here, too." The city already has a group known as the Carrollton Citizens Patrol, which consists of about 20 graduates of the Carrollton Citizens Police Academy. "Because of the current situation, we would like to expand this program, try to make this neighborhood-oriented and call it the Civil Security Corps," Mr. James said. "It really was spawned by the homeland defense idea that somehow the local people would have to get involved. Well, what does that mean? I started getting phone calls that week from people asking, 'What can I do?' Well, if people were trying to target some local assets - although that's a fairly remote possibility - we could use some extra eyes." Carrollton Police Lt. Mark Dant, facilitator of the program, said, "The guidance from the president and from the governor is that we are all responsible for our own maintenance of our homeland. Taking that to the basic level of the citizen, we respond to where the need is and we're proactive in searching out those needs. So we should see what we can do in our own neighborhoods to ensure that issues that might happen are identified and secured." A group of people have been asked by Chief James to serve on the steering committee, which would define the group's form and determine how to select leaders. Then, leaders would be chosen, patrol patterns mapped out, assets defined, and patrols would start. "The steering committee will define the specific route that this group will take," said Lt. Dant. "It's imperative for the group and the community to understand, the Police Department backs and supports the corps, but they lead. So we'll be having meetings in the next two weeks to find those who are interested and bring in 117

those who have questions regarding where the group will be going and why this is necessary and we hope they'll come on board." 15 areas identified The city has identified 15 neighborhoods for land-use purposes, Mr. James said. The corps would seek to have representatives from each neighborhood, not only to patrol, but to help identify assets, concerns, and possible trouble spots that could patrol targets. "It's important to get someone from each of the neighborhoods," Lt. Dant said. "Carrollton is a diverse community, and it's difficult for one to know what concerns there may be in another neighborhood. That's why it's imperative that we find and recruit members of every neighborhood, including business neighborhoods." Volunteers in the corps could be trained in a variety of skills, Lt. Dant said, including first aid, cardiopulmo- nary resuscitation, weather-watching, directing traffic, gang identification, and legal issues. They could also go through the Citizens Police Academy. "It is an outstanding opportunity for citizens to respond to the call of the government and to respond to the call of their neighborhood," Lt. Dant said. "The overriding reality is that there are a number of us that want to do something - that's a great sign and that's a first step." Answers a need Former Carrollton Mayor Milburn Gravley, a member of the Civil Security Corps steering committee, said the group has been needed for quite a while, "not just because of September 11. People needed to be more at- tentive and caring and questioning just because of where our society already was before that date. I think that's just something that in my mind is part of your citizenship, to take care of yourself and your neighborhood." For more information or to volunteer, call Lt. Dant at 972-466-3344.

LOAD-DATE: October 27, 2001

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

29 of 31 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

October 26, 2001, Friday

City hopes to calm anthrax fears through document; It addresses how to detect, handle suspicious letters

SOURCE: Staff Writer

BYLINE: SCOTT STAFFORD

SECTION: NORTHWEST; Pg. 3S

LENGTH: 456 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

To help deter widespread anxiety and unnecessary emergency calls, Carrollton has distributed a document to help citizens understand the threat of anthrax-laced letters, how to detect them, and what to do if a piece of mail fits the profile. The document has been mailed to Carrollton businesses and is available to citizens at the city's website, www.cityofcarrollton.com, and at City Hall, 1945 Jackson Road. "In general, the public has received so much information about this anthrax situation, I think it leaves people in a state of vulnerability that they've never experienced in their lifetime," Carrollton Police Chief David James said. "As a result, they've developed a hypersensitivity to anything that looks like a powder." Around the nation, police and fire departments have been flooded with calls about white powder, Chief James said. Examples of calls police have received include spilled flour in a grocery store, a piece of stepped-on chalk, ant killer that's been put out on the lawn, and sand that had been dropped in the wrong place, he said. "People don't know what to do, and this is a major issue among law-enforcement officials, public safety officials, environmental health officials, he said. "We decided to put together a handout for the general citizenry about how they might evaluate whether something is risky or not." Carrollton Fire Chief Bruce Varner said there is cause for concern but that much of the concern may be ex- aggerated. "There has not been a single valid anthrax call in North Texas, in fact not anywhere in the state of Texas," he said. If someone calls the fire or police department about a piece of mail, Mr. Varner said, "and there's nothing to indicate that this would involve other law-enforcement agencies such as the FBI, and there is no other threat, we are going to bag the item. It will be held for a period of time. If something comes up in that time, then we can go retrieve it. Other than that it will simply be destroyed. We're not going to open it, we're not going to analyze it because there's simply no need to do that." The document contains 16 questions to help residents assess the probability of anthrax's presence and suggestions for handling suspicious mail. "Many of these questions originated through information from the Postal Service," said Chief James. 119

"We basically make sure that this is consistent with things that have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, and we gave them some information in the handout about what the symptoms of the three types of anthrax would be and how they would be contracted." Staff writer Scott Stafford can be reached at 972-418-9999, ext. 2004, and at [email protected].

LOAD-DATE: October 27, 2001

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

27 of 38 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

July 27, 2001, Friday

Fee adopted to combat high level of false alarms; City Council decides to charge homes and businesses for permits

SOURCE: Staff Writer

BYLINE: SCOTT STAFFORD

SECTION: NORTHWEST; Pg. 3S

LENGTH: 1093 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

Carrollton wants its residents to pay close attention when they're leaving or entering homes and offices. Just to make sure they do, the city will be collecting a fee. The problem, city officials say, is that people are triggering a high number of false alarms by entering the wrong code or making other mistakes in operating their burglar alarms. According to Carrollton Police Department figures, 2,936 hours were spent by patrol officers responding to 14,130 alarm calls in 2000. Only 35 of the calls were valid - 0.25 percent - according to the figures. "The police are spending a significant amount of time responding to alarms that shouldn't have been set off in the first place," said Carrollton Mayor Mark Stokes. "The scary part is that when the alarm goes off and you're so sure statistically that it's nothing, you could walk into a problem." In an effort to reduce the number of false alarms, the City Council agreed last week to start charging a fee for burglar alarm permits, which are required of residents and businesses that use the monitored security alarm systems. Under the new ordinance, the fee for an alarm permit at a residence will be $ 30; for businesses, the fee will be $ 35. All alarm permits, existing or not, will be charged the initial fee. Annual renewals after that will be $ 15 for homes and $ 20 for businesses. Each home or business with a permit will be allowed five free false alarms; after that, each false alarm carries with it a fine of $ 50, a provision that will remain unchanged. A home or business without a permit will be allowed one warning, after which each false alarm carries a fine of $ 50. The new alarm-fee structure could go into effect in October, city officials say. If not, it will take effect no later than Jan. 1. Expected revenue As of February, there were 8,095 registered alarm permits in Carrollton. "We had over 2,900 man hours spent answering false alarms last year," said Mr. Stokes. "So in effect, we had one full-time police officer somewhere whom we're paying to do nothing but answer false alarms. There is an economic impact to this." 121

According to a memo furnished June 21 to city officials from Carrollton police Chief David James, the cost involved in responding to false alarms includes "salary time for dispatchers, officers and record clerks; cost of vehicle response; and ancillary cost for communications." "The only reason to have this is for people to realize the public safety issues created by the false alarms and for them to correct it," Chief James said. "I don't see this as a way to get fees. What we're trying to do is to say we could be spending our time more positively than chasing false alarms." Mr. Stokes said the city is hoping its citizens will take notice. "Pay some attention - you're utilizing a very fragile resource for us here. We need as many officers on the street as we can get, and if they're out chasing false alarms, that's bad. So take some responsibility." The irony is that the peak time for false alarms is also a peak time for police activity - the hours in the morning and early evening when people are leaving the house and arriving at work and when they are leaving work and arriving home. And most false alarms are caused by user error. According to Ann Lindstrom, spokeswoman for ADT Security Services Inc., "People need to know how to work their system. You see a real high number of false alarms when a person's system is new, when they're still trying to figure out how to work it." Ms. Lindstrom said there are several guidelines to use to avoid false alarms: *Make sure that you are dealing with a company that is reputable and won't be out of business tomorrow. *Insist that the company educate you on how to use the system; be there when it is installed. *Your security is your responsibility, therefore, you can't neglect it. You need to maintain and repair it to keep it from sending out false signals. *When that installation is done, do you feel comfortable operating it? If you have any questions, do you feel the company representatives are responsive to you before you even sign the contract? She said that ADT will typically give the customer a week to use the system and get used to using it correctly before activation. And if there are problems, ADT urges customers to call the company and seek cor- rection or repair. "Work with us here; maybe we can get it to work right," Ms. Lindstrom said. Chief James also had some tips for residents considering the purchase of an alarm system: *Homeowners should be rigorous in being sure the equipment installed is of good quality. Company representatives should explain the type of system, the quality of wire and related matters. Radio-frequency alarms in the FM range can produce false signals frequently, officials said. *Motion alarms should not be set to a sensitivity level that will set off the alarm when a truck drives by or a cat walks through the room. *Users should be disciplined about activating and deactivating alarms as they arrive and depart. *Alarm owners should know where the monitoring company is and understand the monitor's procedure for calling police. * People with audible alarms indoors should set them as loud as they can. For more information about alarm companies and tips on usage and avoidance of false alarms, police officials recommend that residents visit the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association Web site at www.alarm.org. Police approach "It's very hard to take alarms seriously, so what we have to do is be very careful about our attitude," said Chief James. "We don't want to approach an alarm as if, 'Oh, here's another false alarm, there's nobody there.' When we get there, we will still check the home or the business as best we can to see if it's secure." 122

Chief James noted that the alarm companies can't guarantee proper operation of a system. "The alarm companies are not responsible for user error," he said. Ms. Lindstrom said that false alarms are a significant challenge facing the burglar alarm industry in general and that many towns and cities are facing the same problem and charging higher fees as a result. "If it's costing an agency money, then you almost can't blame them," she said. She noted that most alarm systems can by purchased for an installation fee of between $ 99 and $ 300 and a monthly monitoring fee of $ 30. Staff writer Scott Stafford can be reached at 972-418-9999, ext. 2004, and at sstafford@dallas news.com.

LOAD-DATE: July 28, 2001

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

28 of 38 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

June 22, 2001, Friday

Congratulations

SECTION: NORTHWEST; Pg. 10S; CONGRATULATIONS

LENGTH: 524 words

Cubs win award Carrollton Cub Scout Pack 121, sponsored by First United Methodist Church, won a national award in Col- gate-Palmolive's annual search for the best community projects by young Americans. The Cubs painted over graffiti on a neighborhood foot bridge, a "Fighting Crime" project endorsed by the Carrollton Police Department and Chief David James. The project placed fourth in the competition. Adult leader Julie Doyle said the boys were working on their Bear Badge in Cub Scout advancement. "The boys learned that law enforcement is a big job. They learned ways in which they could help law enforcement, and with the help of Chief James the boys were able to prevent possible future crime in a neighborhood," Mrs. Doyle said. Teen studies leadership Teen Ashley Stover, a student at American Heritage Academy, will participate this weekend in a three-day National Teen Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin. The scholarship program features leadership and motivational training. Ashley is junior class president, volleyball captain, has a 4.0 grade-point average and is a member of National Honor Society. Medical career close-up Jamison Minkoff of Carrollton has been accepted to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medi- cine, a career development program for high school students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and an interest in medicine. Qualifier for TAMS Amy Stephenson, daughter of Louellen and Gary Stephenson and a student at Newman Smith High School, has been accepted to the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science at the University of North Texas. TAMS is a two-year residential program at the University of North Texas that enables talented students to complete their college freshman and sophomore requirements while earning their high school diplomas. Baylor scholars Students on the spring session dean's list at Baylor University in Waco included Heather Cristine Hastings of Farmers Branch and Katy Marie Allen, Emily Karen Banks, Jessica Cathryn Boehr, Angela Louise Dug- gins, Sandy George, Christen D'anne Harris, Taylor Leigh Henderson, Kelly Christine Keith, Lissa Kate Lu- binski, Jessica Leigh Murphy, Sarah Drue Schell, Parinaz Mariam Sekandari and Bryan Nguyen Truong, all of Carrollton. Military achievers David Shattuck, son of Robert Shattuck of Carrollton and a 2000 graduate of Newman Smith High School, has joined the Army under the delayed entry program. He will report for basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. 124

Army Pvt. Ivan R. Doyle has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, S.C. He is the son of Lisa Gardenhire of Carrollton. Samuel Mosqueda, son of Luz and Salvador Mosqueda of Carrollton, has joined the Army under the delayed entry program. He is a graduate of The Colony High School. Straight-A student Cara Smith, daughter of Charlie and Cindy Smith of Carrollton, completed her junior year at the University of North Texas with a 4.0 grade-point average. Ms. Smith is a sociology major planning to teach at the secondary level. She works as a waitress and as a substitute teacher.

LOAD-DATE: June 23, 2001

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: PHOTO(S): 1. Ashley Stover. 2. Amy Stephenson. 3. Cara Smith. 4-5. (Courtesy Photo) 4. Ryan Doyle is a member of Carrollton's Cub Scout Pack 121, which painted over graffiti as part of a "Fighting Crime" project. 5. Their bridge project earned Stephen Tinsley, John Roy Wisdom and the rest of Pack 121 a national award.

30 of 31 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

June 1, 2001, Friday

Officials to renew curfew law

SOURCE: Staff Writer

BYLINE: Scott Stafford

SECTION: DENTON COUNTY; Pg. 6K

LENGTH: 295 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

Carrollton council members say they will likely readopt the city's curfew law after a public hearing Tuesday. State law requires readoption three years after the law was initially passed, said Carrollton police Chief Da- vid James. Council members and the Police Department are confident that the curfew law is working and anticipate a unanimous vote. "We think it has been helpful," Chief James said. "Our officers believe it's resulted in a decrease in juvenile activities at night. The officers are in favor of continuing the ordinance. Other municipalities are continuing their efforts as well." The curfew law requires that children up to age 16 be home or in the company of a parent or legal guardian by 11 p.m. on school nights and midnight on Friday and Saturday. There are exceptions for employment and school-sponsored activities. "I have found nobody that is against this," said Carrollton City Council member Judy Scamardo. "I think it's the best thing that we ever did." And at least one local teen supports the idea. "I like the law. I think it keeps kids out of trouble," said M'Lee Lytle, who was student body president and a recent graduate at Newman Smith High School. "I think it should be renewed." Chief James said the curfew law allows police officers to immediately resolve a minor situation involving juveniles. If officers come upon a group of young people involved in a disturbance or under suspicion of potentially criminal activity, officers legally can detain the juveniles and contact their parents. Without the juvenile curfew law, officers could stop and talk to minors involved in suspicious activity, "but what would you put on them," Chief James said. This story also appears in the Northwest Morning News.

LOAD-DATE: June 2, 2001

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

29 of 38 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

May 11, 2001, Friday

Chief named to panel; Officer licensing is focus of task

SOURCE: Staff Writer

BYLINE: Scott Stafford

SECTION: NORTHWEST; Pg. 2S

LENGTH: 552 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

Gov. Rick Perry's appointment of Carrollton Police Chief David James to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education was confirmed by the Texas Senate on Wednesday. His confirmation was endorsed last week by the Senate Committee on Nominations, chaired by Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound. "I'm honored that I was nominated by the governor, and I hope to serve the citizens well," Chief James said. "And although this will take up some of my time, my primary commitment is to this community and to the staff of the Carrollton Police Department." "We're as proud as we can be that Chief James has been placed on this committee," Carrollton Mayor Mark Stokes said. "I think it reflects well on the Carrollton Police Department and the city as a whole." "It is such a thrill when one of my constituents is chosen for a gubernatorial appointment, especially someone like Chief James," said Ms. Nelson, who represents Carrollton. "He brings so much experience to this commission, and I am confident that his expertise will be a wonderful asset to the state of Texas." The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education was created in 1965 to establish standards for the training and certification of peace officers, reserve law enforcement officers and county jailers. It develops and enforces minimum standards for the selection, training and licensing of peace officers. Mr. James has served as Carrollton's police chief since 1994. He is responsible for 151 sworn officers and 70 civilian employees. He has more than 27 years of municipal law enforcement service. He noted that he has been involved in the training of police officers since 1977 and was the director of training for the Dallas Police Department for more than three years. During that time, he said, "I was actively involved with them [the commission] in issues and standards and rewriting curriculum. "I feel like I probably have as much experience as anybody that's ever served on that board in terms of training," he added. "I did basic training; I did in-service training; I've been a member of the Southwestern Law Enforcement Institute's adjunct staff for years, teaching managers and supervisors; and I sit on their advisory board now, too." 127

The Texas Police Chiefs Association seems to agree. Chief James said the association asked him to submit his name to the governor's office for consideration. Mr. Perry selected Chief James on April 27. "I feel like I'm as prepared as anybody," Chief James said. "I understand the purposes and goals of the commission. I felt like I had something I could contribute. It's an important role, and we want to be sure that the people that are serving the citizens in the state of Texas in a law enforcement capacity are competent individuals." The commission conducts two-day meetings quarterly. The position is voluntary with no compensation, other than some reimbursement for expenses, Chief James said. "I do it because I'm interested in the continuing improvement of our profession, so it's a continuing contribution in that regard. It's one of those things I'm doing because I hope it will make a difference." Staff writer Scott Stafford can be reached at 972-418-9999, ext. 2004, and at [email protected].

LOAD-DATE: May 12, 2001

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: PHOTO(S): (Courtesy Photo) Sen. Jane Nelson endorsed Carrollton Police Chief David James' confirmation to Gov. Rick Perry's appointment.

30 of 38 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

February 23, 2001, Friday

Construction projects nearing end; Better traffic flow planned

SOURCE: Staff Writer

BYLINE: Scott Stafford

SECTION: NORTHWEST; Pg. 1S

LENGTH: 652 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

Carrollton drivers may start breathing easier in the coming months. Construction-related delays should begin to ease because several major projects are due for completion in April and May, including the Hebron Parkway widening project. The President George Bush Turnpike, State Highway 190, is scheduled to open July 31. At the same time, Carrollton is moving to synchronize 40 percent of its traffic signals. Randy Walhood, construction supervisor in Carrollton, said the Hebron Parkway project is scheduled for completion in May, and that job is ahead of schedule. "If they have decent weather, I think they'll beat that." As a result of the construction along Trinity Mills Road and Hebron Parkway, "Keller Springs and Frankford are two arterials that are picking up a fair amount of the load," said Cesar Molina, transportation director for Carrollton. In fact, Frankford Road at Rosemeade Parkway handles 29,000 vehicles per day, he said. Another result of the construction has been drivers seeking quicker routes by cutting through residential areas, which leads to complaints from residents about traffic in their neighborhoods. Most of the complaints about cuts through neighborhoods to avoid construction are on Province and Spur- wood drives in north Carrollton, both scheduled for targeted enforcement by police, Mr. Molina said. Carrollton Police Chief David James said Spurwood will be the subject of concentrated police enforcement starting next week, and Province would be next in line during the next few weeks. Signs will be posted prior to enforcement periods, said Chief James, "so there are no surprises. We prefer voluntary compliance. Our goal is not to write tickets. Our goal is to have people drive safely to reduce these accidents and the danger to the city." Soon after most of the construction is wrapping up, traffic signal timing will start enhancing traffic flow. Mr. Molina said a traffic signal synchronization project will attempt to change the timing of the lights to "keep the traffic moving a little more smoothly." "First and foremost [traffic signal timing] is a public safety issue," said Mayor Mark Stokes. "Carrollton has had an increase of traffic accidents at intersections, and it's basically due to people getting frustrated - taking chances they wouldn't have normally taken because they're spending so much time on the road sitting at traffic lights." 129

Two other reasons to improve traffic-light timing include better air quality and quality of life. "There are more fun things to do than sitting at traffic lights," Mr. Stokes said. Since November, the signals along Rosemeade Parkway have been the subject of a synchronization effort, said Mr. Molina, as part of the larger project to begin this fall involving 41 locations. The project includes Frankford Road from Furneaux Lane to Eisenhower Street, the 14 signals along the Bush Turnpike from Kelly Boulevard to MacArthur Drive, and Old Denton Road from Hebron Parkway south to include the Luna Road north extension, and Josey Lane from Keller Springs to Hebron Parkway. "We're going to do it in stages, because it's just too many to implement all at once," Mr. Molina said. The city will put out a request for proposals in April or May, with the study to begin after the start of school, Mr. Molina said. There is a budget of $ 123,000 for the project. The process will last from six to nine months. Chief James said figures compiled by the Carrollton Police Department show that: From 1999 to 2000, there was an overall increase in traffic collisions of 11.04 percent; injury accidents went up 17 percent, and there was a 5 percent increase in the number of injured persons. In the same time period, the number of traffic citations went up 10 percent. Staff writer Scott Stafford can be reached at 972-418-9999, ext. 2004, and at [email protected].

LOAD-DATE: February 24, 2001

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

31 of 31 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

November 6, 2000, Monday

Church is thanked for answering call; Carrollton police chief credits members for aiding in school's hostage situation

SOURCE: Staff Writer of The Dallas Morning News

BYLINE: Terri Williams

SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 15A

LENGTH: 590 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

CARROLLTON - First Baptist Church Carrollton became a sanctuary in the truest sense of the word last week when a hostage situation developed across the street at Newman Smith High School. Church leaders opened their doors to frantic parents who hurried to the school Wednesday to get word about their children after conflicting media reports about a student with a gun. On Sunday, Carrollton Police Chief David James expressed his gratitude to the church and its members during their service, saying it was a community effort that helped prevent a tragedy. "I come today to say thank you," Chief James told the congregation. "Thank you for the access of this building. Thank you for coming to those in need. In times of crisis, people of faith come together." The crisis that brought the community together unfolded last Wednesday when a 15-year-old runaway held his pregnant teacher and 19 classmates hostage at gunpoint in a geography class at Newman Smith. Minutes after threatening to kill them, the freshman put down his 9 mm handgun and lay on the floor as a police tactical squad prepared to break down the door. No one was injured. The boy, who is not being identified because he is a juvenile, is being held at Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center, where he is being evaluated. Because the police had to close access to the school, parents were forced to wait at the church. As the situation changed, police officers and school administrators kept them informed, Chief James said. In addition, church leaders allowed school and police officials use of the fax machine to send lists so students would know whose parents were standing by at the church. After Chief James' talk, the Rev. Brent Taylor used his sermon to talk about forgiveness. Mr. Taylor said Wednesday's crisis is a lesson on why it's important to forgive people who have caused hurt. He said he understands that doing so "takes tremendous strength." Yet it's an act that "allows us to be more like God," he explained. After all, he said, it was God's grace and power that kept students at the school safe. "Our name could have been associated with Columbine," Mr. Taylor told the worshipers, referring to last year's massacre by two students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. 131

"For some reason the Lord chose to work in our community. The Lord allowed peace in a time of turmoil." Students at Newman Smith said the church was the rock their parents needed during a difficult day. Laura Neal, 16, Lauren Nelms, 16, and Cara Gatewood, 15, all sophomores, said their parents waited at the church for them to be released from school. The teens said that their parents felt reassured by school and police officials, who told them they were fine. "The community really came together to make sure we were safe," Laura said. The mood at school following the incident has, for the most part, been normal, the students said. However, they said security has been beefed up and school administrators are taking precautions against the slightest infraction, such as rumors of pranks made by some students. Heeding the call of their pastor, the teens said they have found it in their hearts to forgive the suspect. "There were circumstances that led to the way he acted," Laura said. Meanwhile, Chief James said he's relieved that the neighborhood can move on. "The Lord smiled on us Wednesday because everything turned out just fine," Chief James said. "This sanctuary became just that, a sanctuary."

LOAD-DATE: November 7, 2000

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: PHOTO(S): (The Dallas Morning News: Allison V. Smith) First Baptist Church Carrollton's pastor, the Rev. Brent Taylor (left), thanks Carrollton Police Chief David James after he addressed the congregation.

132

31 of 38 Documents

Business Wire

August 4, 1999, Wednesday

2nd Annual Heart of Business Conference Set for Sept. 22-24 in Austin

LENGTH: 904 words

DATELINE: AUSTIN, Texas

Aug. 4, 1999--

"Next Generation Leadership" To Feature Top Business Visionaries Including "Fifth Discipline" Author Peter Senge

Affect Your Bottom Line, Learn The Way To New Organizational Realities

The good news in business: glowing profit and economic reports. The bad news: the ever-tightening labor market. Suddenly, employee turnover is making a lot of CEOs sit up and take notice. Addressing such issues (costly recruitment and retention, an insecure workforce, and the impact on team-building and product development) demands new business management, an organizational philosophy focused on human potential, one that the most successful companies in the world -- including Seattle-based Starbucks and Aus- tin-based Motorola and Whole Foods -- are using to achieve great bottom-line results. And it doesn't take several thousand dollars and a full week to learn. Call it "Next Generation Leadership." Find it at the 2nd Heart of Business Conference, Sept. 22-24 at Austin's Townlake Hyatt Regency, where global business visionary Peter Senge and senior executives, from a successful high-tech CEO to a leading university president, will discuss theory and tangible tools for strategic planning and organizational design of greater performance based on the most underutilized company resource: the hearts and souls of its human capital. Cost is $ 550 ($ 600 after Aug. 15). For registration, an up-to-the-minute list of speakers, panel updates and full conference itinerary, visit www.heartofbusiness.org or call 512/416-1242. "Expect to see results," says consultant and conference organizer Kyle Fuller. "Learn new ideas for strategic planning and new ideas of corporate vision. If you can tap the potential of your team, you can elevate your business to a whole new level. These ideas, though far from new, are radical when compared with conventional leadership thought. Now I'm getting e-mails from Israel and calls from around the country by curious executives wanting to know more." On tap for the conference is management innovation pioneer Peter Senge, author of the best-selling "The Fifth Discipline" and "The Dance of Change," who has founded his own Society of Organizational Learning (www.sol-ne.org) for generating and sustaining profound organizational change. "More and more leaders are faced with the choice of competing through stress or through tapping into the talents and imagi- nation of the people," says Senge. Also scheduled are:

-- Cathy Royal, founding president of the Diversity Institute and an international consultant and master facilitator in the organizational potential-unleashing methodology known as "Appreciative Inquiry";

-- Linda Clark-Santos, vice president of learning and development 133

for Starbucks;

-- William Archer, commissioner/CEO of the Texas Department of Health; and

-- Steve Papermaster, chairman of the technology venture development company Powership Group and founder of the 360.Summit, Austin's only high-tech leadership conference.

Two main panel discussions are planned:

-- "Visionary Leadership, Visionary Cultures," on skills for creating high-performing organizations, collaborations and values-driven cultures, with Dr. Lawrence Faulkner, president of the University of Texas at Austin; Ruth Kane, 1997 Texas Secondary Principal of the Year and one of Reader's Digest's 10 "American Heroes in Education"; and Clark-Santos; and

-- "Exploring the Meaning of Servant Leadership," its basis and measurable effects, with Larry Spears, CEO of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership; Dallas-based consultant Ann McGee-Cooper; and David James, chief of the Carrollton (Texas) Police Department.

Other speakers will include Judith McCrackin, author, consultant and principal of ThoughtSpace; Barbara Miller of Miller Communication; Mel Wexler, former chairman of Wright & Greenhill, now partner in Resolution Architects; and Joyce Scott, Texas Strategist, business coach and media expert. The new emphasis on employees is "causing business leaders to re-examine their assumptions and personal beliefs," says Fuller. "It's not rocket science. We see sports teams hire coaches and psychologists to help create visual imagery of winning. Companies still need to practice or build a strategic plan and marketing model, but this is a sort of X-factor in deciding who wins." The rules of business have changed. Or, more accurately, the rules of successful business have changed. The 2nd Heart of Business Conference offers the information and tools necessary to keep up, successfully.

CONTACT: 2nd Heart of Business Conference, Austin Cyndy Purcell or Kristin Cosmai, 512/478-0578 Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet with Hyperlinks to your home page. URL: http://www.businesswire.com

LOAD-DATE: August 5, 1999

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

DISTRIBUTION: Business Editors & Feature Writers

32 of 38 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

August 8, 1998, Saturday

Pact lets detective show faith on job; He reaches compromise with police after discussing Christ with juvenile

SOURCE: Staff Writer of The Dallas Morning News

BYLINE: Kendall Anderson

SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 33A

LENGTH: 825 words

When David Tatom encouraged a 14-year-old boy to accept Christ as his savior, he told supervisors he was only trying to help. But because Detective Tatom is a 12-year veteran of the Carrollton Police Department and discussed his faith with a juvenile crime suspect, his supervisors warned him to keep his religion to himself. "The officer was trying to do the right thing - he was trying to help the young man," Police Chief David James said Friday. "We don't fault him for that. But we felt it was an inappropriate time to get someone con- verted to Christ . . . especially a minor." Department officials initially threatened to demote Detective Tatom to patrol unless he agreed to not talk about his faith on the job, said his attorney, Kelly Shackelford, chief counsel for the Liberty Legal Institute, an arm of the conservative Free Market Foundation. Detective Tatom said he couldn't do that, and he and department officials ultimately compromised. When talking about his religious beliefs, he will specify that they are his own and not necessarily those of the Police Department, Mr. Shackelford said. "He was satisfied with that, and they were satisfied with that," said Mr. Shackelford, whom Detective Tatom called for advice. "He couldn't leave his religion at the door when he came to work. He felt that would be a relinquishment of his religious duty. And he's right as far as the law goes - he has a right to express his religious views." Chief James said Detective Tatom faced no disciplinary action and remains in the same good standing he held before the incident last spring. Detective Tatom declined to discuss the incident this week but told Heritage, a Dallas-area Christian news publication, that he doesn't "use my position to go out and seek the opportunity to share the Gospel." "Yet when God allows that sort of thing to fall into my lap, then I will go ahead and share with someone," he was quoted as saying in the publication's August issue. Detective Tatom had gone to the boy's school to question him as a possible witness to a theft when the boy tearfully admitted committing the crime himself and said he was tired of a life of lies. Mr. Shackelford said the boy asked Detective Tatom how he could change his deceitful behavior before the detective began discussing his faith with him. 135

When she learned what had happened, the boy's mother contacted school officials, who alerted Carrollton police officials, Chief James said. Public schools - not police departments - are more accustomed to wading through the murky waters of the separation of church and state doctrine. But the issue can arise in any government entity because of the First Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to exercise their faith freely and forbids "the establishment" of any religion by government. Many law officers say religion and questions of God come up regularly in a profession where death is a common topic and officers are counselors in addition to crime-solvers. "Officers talk to people all the time and comfort them and deal with so many victims," Chief James said. "We've even had people ask officers to pray with them, so we try to be sensitive. I don't think there is anything wrong with that." An attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union said Carrollton police probably took the proper action with Detective Tatom. Dr. Don Jackson said it's also important to be aware of the problems that occur when the religious expression goes too far. "Both the freedom of religious express and separation of church and state are important," said Dr. Jackson of Fort Worth. "The really tough cases are the ones that involve people who are a religious minority. This is a recurring problem in North Texas - people with a strong Christian point sometimes tend to force it on others." Chief James said his department has established no guidelines from the incident because he hasn't seen a pattern of problem behavior. Few police departments or other government agencies have such policies, Mr. Shackelford said, because there is little case law to guide them. "It's an area that's really murky and really hard," he said. Mr. Shackelford said his organization worries that fear over the separation doctrine could hold back people like Detective Tatom, who genuinely want to help. "We feel it's a shame that the fear over this whole thing can really disrupt helping the kids," Mr. Shackelford said. "What we need is more officers trying to do positive things for the kids." Chief James agrees to a point but said he doesn't want his officers placed in a position of influencing "people who might be vulnerable to certain suggestions from an authority figure." He said he also sees why the 14-year-old's parents were concerned about what his detective said. "I see the parents' position: "I don't know the guy who just did this with my son,' " he said.

LOAD-DATE: August 14, 1998

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

33 of 38 Documents

The Dallas Morning News

April 18, 1998, Saturday

Stop right there!; Area police to crack down on red-light runners, speeders

SOURCE: Staff Writer of The Dallas Morning News

BYLINE: Kendall Anderson

SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 30A

LENGTH: 552 words

DATELINE: RICHARDSON

RICHARDSON - If a yellow light ahead prompts you to hit the gas pedal, you're not alone, area police say. And you're about to be in big trouble. Beginning May 1, police in 27 Dallas-area police departments plan to crack down on red-light runners and speeders - two road monsters that are often the same motorist, they say. More than two dozen police chiefs, including Dallas' Ben Click, got together in Richardson on Friday to sign a giant letter kicking off the effort. They said they'll tackle the two problems using extra enforcement, public awareness and, if local cities allo- cate funds, special intersection-monitoring devices. They also plan to team up traffic officers along borders between cities. "We had no idea when we started talking about this problem that we'd be able to draw 27 agencies," Car- rollton Police Chief David James said. "That shows how important this matter is to our communities. "The key to the success of this program is the awareness of all drivers and how their driving behaviors impact the peace and safety of the community." Nationally and locally, red-light running ranks close to drunken driving as a cause of traffic deaths and property damage, police and other officials said. The Greater Dallas Injury Prevention Center points to running red lights as the most common cause of injury accidents. Nearly half the crashes caused by a motorist running a red light result in injuries, compared with 30 percent of all other accidents, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says. According to the Dallas Police Department's traffic division, the number of accidents caused by a driver's failure to stop at a red light increased almost 22 percent between 1992 and 1996. "It's really a problem," said Richardson Deputy Police Chief Larry Zacharias. "These are the most serious accidents we have because you are broadsiding another vehicle." In Richardson this year, red-light running at some intersections has increased 50 percent over the same period last year, city records show. 137

Education needs to be a big part of the effort, Chief Zacharias said, because most of the problem is in drivers' heads. "This is about getting people to think about how they drive," he said. "When you see a traffic light change to yellow, do you speed up or slow down? "Many drivers see that yellow light and think they've got until it turns red to slow down. Well, that's not true." Richardson police propose that departments create a public awareness campaign through public meetings, signs and lapel pins. The program's slogans will be, "Red Still Means Stop," and, "Kick the Speeding Habit." The effort started in February in Plano. City officials approved a $ 58,000 package for intensified enforcement, including a signal detection system that videotapes drivers running red lights. "It seems to be working real well," said Officer Carl Duke, a Plano police spokesman. "We are seeing fewer and fewer violators." Some of the police chiefs said Friday that they weren't optimistic about getting more money for the program, but that didn't deter their enthusiasm. "We'll still be able to do something," Lewisville Chief Steve McFadden said. "We'll be focusing more on this, and I think, with all the departments working together, it'll work."

LOAD-DATE: April 28, 1998

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: PHOTO(S): (The Dallas Morning News: Irwin Thompson) Richardson police Officers Allan Burns (left) and Trey Cotten pursue a driver who ran a red light. Friday, more than two dozen area police chiefs gathered in the suburb to kick off a drive against the traffic offense, a leading cause of deaths.

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THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

April 18, 1997, Friday, HOME FINAL EDITION

AG sues owner of Carrollton motel; Illegal drug activity on property alleged

BYLINE: Berta Delgado, Staff Writer of The Dallas Morning News

SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 35A

LENGTH: 395 words

Attorney General Dan Morales has filed suit against a Carrollton motel owner for allegedly allowing illegal drug activity to take place on the property, Mr. Morales' office announced Thursday. The suit was filed against Chandrakant Patel, owner and manager of the Carrollton Inn at 1735 South I-35E in Carrollton. The suit alleges that Mr. Patel violated state nuisance abatement laws by allowing the illegal activity. Mr. Patel could not be reached for comment Thursday. An employee at the motel said Mr. Patel is no longer the owner or manager and did not know how to reach him. According to the attorney general's office, at least 13 arrests for illegal possession and delivery of a con- trolled substance have been made on the property in the past three years. Between Jan. 1, 1994, and Dec. 31, 1996, the Carrollton Police Department was called more than 2,000 times to respond to the motel for various offenses, according to the suit. "We must respond swiftly and firmly against property owners who allow their property to pollute the community with drugs and crime," Mr. Morales said. "Let this suit be a reminder to others that we will act similarly if property owners don't take responsibility for the illegal activity occurring on their premises." Ron Dusek, press secretary for the attorney general, said the suit is a routine matter. "We've done dozens upon dozens over the years," Mr. Dusek said. "It's a routine way of eliminating a problem property if the owner of the property does not respond to simple requests to get rid of those conducting the illegal activity or, if it's abandoned, to board it up or put a fence around it." Carrollton police Chief David James said the department frequently made calls to the property. "The owners didn't seem to do anything to abate that," he said. "After years of that, we called the attorney general's office, and they were happy to help us." Chief James said the motel has also been cited for many code violations. "This is not a motel where people stayed overnight after traveling on the road. This is where people were renting," he said. 139

In the suit, the attorney general asks that the court shut down the property for a year unless a $ 20,000 bond is posted by Mr. Patel. If the bond is posted but the law continues to be violated, the motel can then be shut down for up to one year.

LOAD-DATE: April 19, 1997

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

35 of 38 Documents

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

June 25, 1995, Sunday, HOME FINAL EDITION

Presence of gangs worries Carrollton Informing residents considered tool in fight

BYLINE: Marice Richter, Staff Writer of The Dallas Morning News

SECTION: SPECIAL; Pg. 1R

LENGTH: 916 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

CARROLLTON - City officials have a message for anyone hanging with a gang or thinking about it: Gang activity is not welcome in Carrollton. The message is part of a new effort by city and police officials to help stem an increasing gang presence in Carrollton. The goal of the initiative is to inform parents, businesspeople, civic leaders and other residents about the problem and enlist their support in curbing it. "Unfortunately, there isn't a community today that can't not worry about gangs," said Carrollton Police Chief David James. "We're trying to paint a picture of what's going on here - remove the stereotype about gangs being just an inner-city problem. "Gang members come from all backgrounds - they are white, black Hispanic and Asian, girls as well as boys," he said. "We don't have the kind of problem Dallas has, but it is significant enough that we need to pay attention to it and try and prevent it from getting worse." Police have identified six groups operating as gangs in Carrollton and are battling problems such as graffiti and crime associated with gang activity. Although most gang-related crime so far has been minor - thefts, criminal mischief, vandalism and simple assault - a murder this spring was possibly gang retaliation, police said. Carrollton certainly isn't alone among northwest Dallas County cities in facing a growing gang problem. Farmers Branch police have been trying to head off gang activity for several years and has established a task force to track gang members and handle cases of gang-related violence. Farmers Branch has been plagued with more gang-related violence, including fights and drive-by shootings, than Carrollton, police said. "It's violent and getting more so," said Terry Adams, a gang force officer. "We've identified members of at least a dozen gangs operating here." Compounding the problem for Farmers Branch is the city's proximity to northwest Dallas. In addition to gangs born in Farmers Branch, the city is battling Dallas groups that find it easier to operate in the suburb, Officer Adams said. "The Dallas Police Department is doing such a fantastic job of cleaning up that they're chasing them up to the suburban areas," he said. "Now they are our problem. 141

Likewise, because of common boundaries with Carrollton, Dallas and Farmers Branch, Addison officials say they are seeing more and more gang-related graffiti appearing on buildings, especially in apartment complexes. So far, there has yet to be violence linked to gangs. "We're starting to gather some intelligence on gangs and Farmers Branch has been real helpful with that," said Addison police Capt. Ed McCarley, supervisor of the patrol and investigative units. "Other than graffiti we haven't had much gang activity, but we don't have the gathering places - shopping malls and public schools - where kids meet and congregate." Coppell officials say they don't yet face a gang threat although there are some indications of wannabe gang members at Coppell High School, Police Chief David Miller said. "Later in the year we're going to train our officers in gang identification and response so we're ready if a problem occurs," Chief Miller said. As part of its anti-gang effort, the Carrollton Police Department is also planning to train all officers to identify gang warning signs and respond to gang violence. City officials also are considering a graffiti ordinance, which would impose stricter penalties on perpetrators and may include fines for their parents. At the same time, Youth Focus 2000, a task force formed last year, is exploring issues such as the need for a teen curfew and more recreational opportunities that might deter gang involvement. "We're trying to take a holistic approach to the gang problem," Chief James said. Officials kicked off the gang public-awareness campaign with a town hall meeting June 1, which was attended by more than 150 people, mostly parents. Officials plan to follow up with presentations to civic organizations, neighborhood crime-watch groups and at churches and schools - as well as anywhere else they are invited, Chief James said. They also hope to present some programs in Spanish to capture the attention of non-English-speaking parents and residents. The presentations aim to inform parents of the signs - including clothing, music, hand symbols, tattoos and secretive behavior - that might indicate their children have become involved with a gang. "We are handing out lyrics of some of this gangster rap music that is popular with gang members," Chief James said. "This stuff aggrandizes violence, encourages lack of respect for authority and degrades women. "We want parents to be aware of what gang involvement means so they can help their children make responsible choices." Another part of the anti-gang strategy involves encouraging property owners to remove or paint over graffiti as quickly as possible. "Graffiti is the way gangs mark their turf and send messages to one another," Chief James said. "If we can remove it within 24 hours, then we've effectively neutralized it because the message won't be seen by a rival gang." Since the anti-gang effort is still in its formative stages, officials expect to develop more strategies to battle the problem. "This is important to the future of our community" Chief James said. "We don't ever want to face a problem like Dallas has with gangs. "We need to act now to make sure that doesn't happen."

LOAD-DATE: July 26, 1995

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

SERIES: SPECIAL REPORT: NORTHWEST DALLAS COUNTY

36 of 38 Documents

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

June 24, 1994, Friday, HOME FINAL EDITION

Dallas officer named Carrollton police chief

BYLINE: Eric Garcia, Staff Writer of The Dallas Morning News

SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 25A

LENGTH: 259 words

DATELINE: CARROLLTON

CARROLLTON - City officials named a 21-year Dallas police veteran Thursday to lead the Carrollton Police Department. David James, 43, a Dallas police captain and director of training, will succeed longtime Chief Vernon Camp- bell, who retired in January. Chief James starts work July 20. He was selected from six finalists, including acting Chief Monty Stanley. Carrollton officials said about 150 people applied. The new chief "has worked in virtually every phase of law enforcement," Carrollton City Manager Dan John- son said Thursday. "He has a well-rounded background that will undoubtedly bring a lot to our already excellent Police Depart- ment." Chief James said one of his first goals will be to improve the department's community relations, an important task because Carrollton's population is expected to exceed 100,000 within five years. "That means that we're going to be actively involved . . . to meet the needs of the community," he said. He said his plans also include neighborhood storefront operations and bicycle patrols. A Carrollton resident since 1984, Chief James started his career in Dallas in 1973. He has experience in juvenile services, criminal investigations, administration and training at local, regional and state academies. Chief James, who received a bachelor's degree from Abilene Christian University, has received outstanding officer awards from the Greater Dallas Crime Commission. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy and the Southwestern Law Enforcement Institute Management School.

LOAD-DATE: June 25, 1994

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

37 of 38 Documents

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

July 6, 1993, Tuesday, HOME FINAL EDITION

Police use new brand of bullets; Surgeon says removal may endanger doctors

BYLINE: Dan R. Barber, Staff Writer of The Dallas Morning News

SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 11A

LENGTH: 693 words

The Dallas Police Department is among more than 200 law enforcement agencies now using a new brand of ammunition designed to provide more stopping power. Marketed under the name "Black Talon' by the Winchester Olin Corp., the Dallas police began issuing the cartridges to officers in February after lengthy comparison tests against other ammunition. According to promotional material, the hollow-point bullets are designed to "mushroom' with "extended petals that unfold' when fired and thus provide additional security for officers and people they protect. The new ammunition has replaced the department's standard Winchester Olin 9mm bullets, which lacked the petals. "It's supposed to be more ballistically efficient than what we had before,' Police Department spokesman Ed Spencer said. But medical authorities are concerned that the new bullets -- which are also sold to the public -- may prove to be something of a fatal flower to them. Because they develop the "petals' as they rocket through the air, they may place anyone who must remove them during surgery or autopsy at increased risk of infection. A Winchester Olin spokesman in East Alton, Ill., defended the ammunition, saying the bullets pose no greater risk of infection to medical professionals than other bullets. Capt. David James, commander of the Police Department's training division, said the department purchased 250,000 Black Talon rounds after extensive testing of the ammunition in 9mm caliber. The department began issuing the ammunition to officers in February during spring qualifications and completed the distribution by May, he said. "Everybody should have it now,' he said. "They can only carry this ammunition.' Capt. James said his department selected the Black Talon ammunition because it was accurate and relia- ble, worked correctly in the semiautomatic pistols officers carry and provided adequate stopping power. The ammunition ranked well during ballistic comparisons on paper and at the target range, he said. "This bullet, if not flawless (in) performance . . . was very good. We wanted this bullet.' One specific goal was to use ammunition that stayed inside the target, rather than penetrating and exiting, Capt. James said. Bullets that do not exit a target are more likely to stop the threat to officers or civilians, he said. "We don't shoot to kill,' Capt. James said. "We shoot to stop.' 144

Dr. Kim Marie Zeh, chief of Parkland Memorial Hospital's surgery and trauma emergency department, said sharp-edged bullets are dangerous because they can't always be removed with surgical tools and can cut a surgeon. For this reason, the new bullets are of "significant concern to our surgical colleagues,' Dr. Zeh said. "It's a very real danger. Imagine someone reaching into a bucket of mud, and there's a multihook fishhook down there,' she said. Dr. Jeffery Barnard, Dallas County's chief medical examiner, could not be reached for comment. But a field agent said he and others in the medical examiner's office are especially concerned about the risk of infection. "In general, we're not real happy with them for that reason,' said the field agent, who asked to remain uniden- tified. "I don't like them, just the thought of trying to recover a bullet and getting cut on it. . . . The problem is, it is like sticking yourself with a contaminated needle. There's the HIV exposure possibility and all that.' No injuries have been reported to medical professionals removing the bullets. Jerry Foust, a Winchester Olin marketing and sales representative, said medical professionals are at risk whenever they enter a body looking for bullets, metal jacket fragments or bone splinters. "I don't know that (the bullets) pose any more threat than any other bullet,' he said. He said Winchester Olin officials are not aware of any criticisms of the bullets, which have received favorable response from gun writers and law enforcement agencies. Across the United States, 201 police agencies now use the ammunition, he said. "That's the ones we know about,' Mr. Foust said. "There could be many others that we don't know about.'

LOAD-DATE: July 8, 1993

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

GRAPHIC: CHART(S): New police ammunition. (DMN: Lon Tweeten)

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PARIS CAYCE AND MACARIO TRISTAN, Appellant v. GERALD POMPOSELLI, Appellee

No. 05-01-01706-CV

COURT OF APPEALS OF TEXAS, FIFTH DISTRICT, DALLAS

2002 Tex. App. LEXIS 6971

September 30, 2002, Opinion Issued

NOTICE: PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE, UNPUBLISHED OPIN- IONS SHALL NOT BE CITED AS AUTHORITY BY COUNSEL OR BY A COURT.

SUBSEQUENT HISTORY: Petition for Review Denied May 8, 2003.

PRIOR HISTORY: On Appeal from the 193rd District Court. Dallas County, Texas. Trial Court Cause No. 00-08064-L.

DISPOSITION: REVERSED and RENDERED.

JUDGES: Before Justices Kinkeade, Bridges, and FitzGerald. Opinion By Justice Bridges.

OPINION BY: DAVID L. BRIDGES

OPINION Before Justices Kinkeade, Bridges, and FitzGerald Opinion By Justice Bridges Paris Cayce and Macario Tristan appeal the trial court's denial of their motion for summary judgment on the ground that Gerald Pomposelli's claims against them were barred by official immunity. In a single issue, Cayce and Tristan argue the trial court erred in denying their motion for summary judgment. We reverse the trial court's judgment and render judgment that Pomposelli take nothing on his defamation claim. In June 2000, Pomposelli was a detective in the youth section of the criminal investigations division of the Carrollton police department. At that time, Cayce was a sergeant in the same division, and Tristan was assistant chief of police. On June 21, 2000, Cayce sent Tristan a memo in which Cayce described Pomposelli's failure to assist with adult investigations one day when manpower in the criminal investigations division was severely depleted. Tristan passed the memo along to police chief David James and two assistant police chiefs, Monty Stanley and Mike Martin. In July 2000, Tristan summoned Pomposelli, told him he was not being a team player, and transferred him to the patrol division. In explaining Pomposelli's transfer to the other investigators in the youth division, Cayce also said Pomposelli was not a team player. Pomposelli filed suit bringing, among other things, a defamation claim against Cayce and Tristan. Cayce and Tristan filed a motion for summary judgment on several grounds, including the defense of official immunity. The trial court denied their motion for summary judgment, and this appeal followed. In their sole point of error, Cayce and Tristan argue the trial court erred in denying their motion for summary judgment. Specifically, they argue they were entitled to official immunity from Pomposelli's defamation claim. 146

The standard of review in a summary judgment case is well settled. See Nixon v. Mr. Property Management Co., 690 S.W.2d 546, 548-49 (Tex. 1985). In a summary judgment case, the question on appeal is whether the summary judgment proof establishes, as a matter of law, that there is no genuine issue of fact as to one or more of the essential elements of the cause of action. See Gibbs v. General Motors Corp., 450 S.W.2d 827, 828 (Tex. 1970). Government employees are entitled to official immunity from suit arising from the performance of their (1) discretionary duties in (2) good faith as long as they are (3) acting within the scope of their authority. City of Lancaster v. Chambers, 883 S.W.2d 650, 653 (Tex. 1994). If an action involves personal deliberation, decision and judgment, it is discretionary; actions which require obedience to orders or the performance of a duty to which the actor has no choice are ministerial. Id. at 654. An employee acts in good faith if a reasonably prudent employee under the same or similar circumstances could have believed that the need to take the complained-of action outweighed the associated risk of harm. Wadewitz v. Montgomery, 951 S.W.2d 464, 466, 40 Tex. Sup. Ct. J. 894 (Tex. 1997). A court must measure good faith in official immunity cases against a standard of objective legal reasonableness, without regard to the officer's subjective state of mind. Id. Once the public official or employee has met his burden of proof on good faith, the plaintiff may attempt to controvert the existence of the employee's good faith. Davila v. State, 6 S.W.3d 788, 793 (Tex. App.-Corpus Christi 1999, no pet.); Tex. Dep't of Pub. Safety v. Tanner, 928 S.W.2d 731, 736 (Tex. App.-San Antonio 1996, no writ). However, to avoid summary judgment based on official immunity, the plaintiff carries a much higher burden of proof. Davila, 6 S.W.3d at 793; Tanner, 928 S.W.2d at 736. In order to raise a fact issue, a plaintiff is required to prove that no reasonable person in the defendant's position could have thought the facts were such that they justified defendant's acts. Chambers, 883 S.W.2d at 657; Davila, 6 S.W.3d at 793. In this case, Pomposelli admitted he did not agree to review any adult investigations when asked to "help out" in June 2000. It was within the scope of Cayce's and Tristan's authority to handle personnel matters such as evaluating Pomposelli's performance, deciding whether to transfer him, and explaining the transfer to the remaining employees once the transfer was made. Further, the record indicates Cayce and Tristan took action to transfer Pomposelli based on documented evidence that Pomposelli was, at times, "not a team player." Thus, it appears Cayce's and Tristan's evidence demonstrated that their actions were undertaken in good faith. We have reviewed Pomposelli's evidence that his transfer was retaliatory and Cayce's and Tris- tan's remarks defamatory. However, we cannot conclude Pomposelli has carried his burden of proving that no reasonable person in Cayce's and Tristan's position could have thought the facts were such that they justified their acts. See Chambers, 883 S.W.2d at 657; Davila, 6 S.W.3d at 793. Accordingly, summary judgment in favor of Cayce and Tristan on the ground of official immunity was appropriate. We sustain Cayce and Tristan's sole point of error. We reverse the trial court's judgment and render judgment that Pomposelli take nothing on his defamation claim. DAVID L. BRIDGES JUSTICE

147

March 17, 2015

McKinney names new police chief Conley has served as Garland PD assistant chief since 2000 http://starlocalmedia.com/mckinneycouriergazette/news/mckinney-names-new-police- chief/article_bbe41150-cd13-11e4-a9bc-bba6fc205291.html

The McKinney Police Department has its next leader.

City officials on Tuesday announced the hiring of Greg Conley, currently Garland PD’s assistant chief, as McKinney's police chief.

“Chief Conley has the integrity, strength of character, and wealth of experience we were looking for,” said interim City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck in a statement. “He is a proven consensus builder, and we believe he is the best fit for the future of the McKinney Police Department.”

Conley will officially begin his McKinney duties April 13. His hiring comes after a national search, extensive public input and an interview process. He was one of four finalists for the job.

Conley began his 27 years in law enforcement in 1988 with the Mesquite Police Department. He was hired on with the Garland Police Department in 1992, and before being promoted to a supervisor’s role, was a patrol officer, field training officer and school resource officer, among other positions.

He went on to supervise many of the department’s units and was promoted from lieutenant – over captain – to assistant chief in 2000. He’s currently over Garland PD's investigations division, one of four divisions. The department has 323 sworn officers and 135 civilian employees.

Having had a role in Garland’s and its police department’s growth has prepared him well for a similar expansion in McKinney, Conley said, adding he’s excited to be a part of “a very solid police department” and ready to “continue to meet challenges as the growth happens.”

“Everything I’ve done in my life and career has brought me to this point,” Conley said. “My background and experience are what the department needs at this time.”

The city conducted its search with The Mercer Group, Inc., an executive recruiting firm, and garnered resident feedback through public input meetings in October. Residents and city officials met the four finalists, which also included McKinney PD Assistant Chief Randy Roland, at a public reception March 4.

Conley replaces former Chief Joe Williams, who retired in July. Williams, who served in the position for about two years, was named chief by former City Manager Jason Gray without a search. Some residents and city officials disliked the move, which occurred right after the seemingly sudden ouster of then-Police Chief Doug Kowalski.

David James, longtime Carrollton police chief, has served as McKinney’s interim chief. He’s acting as an adviser and already working with Conley on his transition to the department.

Conley is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Executive Research Forum, Texas Police Chiefs Association and the North Texas Crime Commission. He has a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Texas at Arlington and a bachelor’s degree in theology from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo.

His education and experience have both led to his McKinney role. He’s now the head of a department of nearly 200 sworn officers, tasked with keeping safe a community of more than 150,000 people.

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“When you’re the chief, the buck stops with you – you have that next level of responsibility,” Conley said. “Ultimately, everything is on the chief.”

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October 09, 2014

McKinney officials seek public input in finding new police chief City to use feedback during national search http://starlocalmedia.com/mckinneycouriergazette/news/mckinney-officials-seek-public-input-in- finding-new-police-chief/article_b3cf1fc2-4fec-11e4-9cd7-3bf6b4974a3a.html

McKinney officials are asking for public input in finding a new police chief.

The city will host open meetings from 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 22 and Oct. 23 at City Hall, 222 N. Tennessee St. Residents’ feedback will “help establish community priorities” for the position as the city begins its national search, according to a city release.

The city is looking to find a permanent replacement for former Police Chief Joe Williams, who replaced former Chief Doug Kowalski in October 2012 amid pushback from residents and city officials. Williams abruptly retired from the position July 1 after a tenure questioned by residents and political action group, McKinney Watchdog.

Jason Gray, former McKinney city manager who resigned in February, named Williams – with whom he'd worked in Frisco and Celina – as Kowalski’s replacement. Gray had hired Williams as McKinney deputy city manager upon Gray’s arrival to the city before naming him police chief.

In May, the city hired retired Carrollton Police Chief David James to serve as McKinney's police chief on an interim basis. City officials are working with The Mercer Group Inc., an executive recruiting firm, to search for qualified candidates.

Interim City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck said Tuesday city officials will meet with boards and commissions, homeowners associations and corporate executives in coming weeks. They plan to also talk with past mayors and city council members, he said.

The city will put together a brochure to advertise the position. Officials plan to advertise for about 30 days and to soon “start going through the process of looking at the applicants and getting the very best one for the city of McKinney,” Muehlenbeck said.

Muehlenbeck and Jim Mercer of The Mercer Group will update residents on the search timeline at this month’s open meetings.

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August 06, 2014

Former McKinney police chief lands private-sector job in city http://starlocalmedia.com/mckinneycouriergazette/news/former-mckinney-police-chief-lands- private-sector-job-in-city/article_683f6c4e-1d86-11e4-8967-0019bb2963f4.html

Recently retired McKinney Police Chief Joe Williams has a new job.

Williams, who retired July 1 after serving as chief of the McKinney Police Department since 2012, is general manager of Tenant Tracker’s national headquarters in McKinney, announced Keith Clifton, the company’s founder and CEO.

Williams began his role Monday. He has oversight of the strategic direction, expansion and overall management operations of Tenant Tracker.

“I could not have selected a better man to run the operations of Tenant Tracker. Joe has demonstrated strength, fearlessness and integrity, which are a perfect fit for the organization. His background in the police agency along with his experience in managing a team of over 200 individuals, overseeing a multi- million dollar budget and his direct, genuine and honest communications are second to none and a quality I admire in a man. I couldn’t be more honored to have him on my team,” said Keith Clifton, CEO of Tenant Tracker, in a company release.

Williams’ tenure with McKinney PD was controversial from the start, when former City Manager Jason Gray hired him after the two worked together in Celina and Frisco. Gray, who replaced then-Chief Doug Kowalski, had previously hired Williams as deputy city manager. City officials questioned the move at the time.

Continued pressure from residents, particularly from a political action committee called McKinney Watchdog, and a city investigation into Williams seemed to lead to an abrupt retirement from the department.

The city on Monday hired former Carrollton Police Chief David James to serve in the interim as officials conduct a national search for a permanent replacement.

Williams served in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years. With more than 20 years’ experience in the public safety sector, Williams received multiple achievements including being a recognized Police Agency in the city of Celina and the city of McKinney with the Texas Police Chiefs Association in 2011 and 2014, graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy, graduate of Leadership Command College and graduate of the Institute of Law Enforcement Administration.

“I am fortunate and thankful to have solid relationships and a strong network of individuals who know and have witnessed my strengths, abilities and what I can bring to an organization,” Williams said in the release. “I look forward to this new opportunity with Tenant Tracker and furthering my career.”

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August 05, 2014

City of McKinney hires Interim Police Chief http://www.ntxe-news.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=57&num=90863

Last night, the McKinney City Council approved a contract to appoint David James as Interim Chief of the McKinney Police Department (MPD). James will start Aug. 5.

“As a well-known leader in law enforcement, particularly in the DFW area, we are confident our police department will thrive under David James’ leadership as we conduct a national search for a Police Chief,” said Tom Muehlenbeck, Interim City Manager. “The MPD is full of dedicated, hard-working individuals who are committed to providing for the safety of our citizens.”

James has more than 37 years in law enforcement service, management, supervision and training experience. He served for 21 years as a Captain in the Dallas Police Department and most recently served 15 years as the Police Chief for the City of Carrollton before his retirement in 2010. James also served as president of both the North Texas Police Chiefs Association and the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA). From 2004 to 2008, he served as the first Chairman of the TPCA’s Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices Recognition Committee.

Following retirement, James has served as Interim Police Chief in various cities around the DFW metroplex. As the Director of Law Enforcement Leadership & Management Consulting, LLC, James worked with municipal governments across Texas and with institutes providing continuing education for law enforcement.

James holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Abilene Christian University and is a graduate of the Institute of Law Enforcement Administration’s Command and Management College and the FBI’s National Academy. James will work as Interim Police Chief while the City of McKinney conducts a nationwide search for a permanent Police Chief.

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May 15, 2014

Police Memorial service Thursday recognized fallen officers http://www.corsicanadailysun.com/news/local_news/police-memorial-service-thursday- recognized-fallen-officers/article_c92aeb26-da80-580b-ae91-15ed86cdf892.html

The annual police memorial service serves two purposes, explained Retired Carrollton Police Chief David James Thursday.

It recognizes the men who have given the ultimate sacrifice in serving their community, and it also honors those who are currently serving as law enforcement officers.

James is a former officer with the Dallas Police Department and retired from the Carrollton Police Department, but is now a resident of Navarro County.

He spoke Thursday at the annual Police Memorial Service, which was attended by about 100 people at noon Thursday at the courthouse.

Lydia Bailey with the Child Advocacy Center sang the National Anthem and “America,” while Les Grayson played “Taps,” on the trumpet. A 21-gun salute was fired by a combined guard from the sheriff’s office, Corsicana Police Department, Department of Public Safety, Navarro College Police Department and the Corsicana ISD Police Department.

Pastors Rick Lamb and B.F. Risinger gave benedictions.

One of the guests at the ceremony was Teresa Cox, and her adopted mother, Wanda Robinson. Cox is the daughter of a Robert “Bob” Robinson, a Corsicana Police Officer who was shot and killed while making a traffic stop in 1962. Cox’s grandfather was a Cleburne Police Officer, who died in a car wreck while on duty. Wanda Robinson was married to Bob’s brother. Her husband was a DPS officer.

“It’s a beautiful ceremony,” Wanda said. “We’ve come almost every year.”

Cox is a resident of Ennis, and has four sons. None of them went into law enforcement, she said.

She was only three years old when her family was torn apart, and she doesn’t remember much about her father, she said. She doesn’t even own a clear photo of him.

Twelve officers have died in Navarro County since 1870. Their names and the dates they died were read aloud as part of the ceremony Thursday by Sheriff Elmer Tanner.

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November 04, 2013

Police chief sworn in http://starlocalmedia.com/theleader/police-chief-sworn-in/article_5d9f83fc-45a3-11e3-b121- 0019bb2963f4.html

Andy Kancel was officially sworn in Monday as Flower Mound's new chief of police.

Kancel, who served as assistant chief of police of the Management Services Bureau in North Richland Hills, was named Flower Mound’s new police chief Oct. 14. He takes over for Kenneth Brooker, who retired in June after spending 30 years in the town, including 14 as police chief. David James served as interim police chief.

The Flower Mound Police Department invites all residents to welcome Kancel during a meet-and-greet from 5 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the Flower Mound Police Department Community Room, 4150 Kirkpatrick Lane.

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November 01, 2013

Flower Mound council message: November http://starlocalmedia.com/theleader/flower-mound-council-message-november/article_4beff796- 430e-11e3-93af-001a4bcf887a.html

October was an exciting month for Flower Mound. Flower Mound hired a new chief of police, Andy Kancel, after an extensive search and interview process.

Kancel will be coming to us from the North Richland Hills Police Department, where he has served for more than 24 years. Known as a highly-respected leader in law enforcement, Kancel plans to build upon the successes of the Flower Mound Police Department, while also being accessible and involved in the community. He will be officially sworn-in on Monday, and the community is invited to help welcome the chief to Flower Mound during a special reception on from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Community Room at the Flower Mound Police Department, 4150 Kirkpatrick Lane.

We truly appreciate the hard work of our interim chief of police, David James, and wish him the best as he hands the reins of the department to Kancel this month.

We also had some exciting economic development news in October. Two new restaurants announced they were coming to Flower Mound – Mellow Mushroom and Modmarket. Mellow Mushroom will be opening in 2014 in the new River Walk Market development, located at the northeast corner of FM 2499 and FM 1171. With original artwork and design styles, Mellow Mushroom will offer a variety of gourmet pizzas in addition to salads, appetizers, hot sandwiches, craft beer, as well as gluten-free menu options (www.mellowmushroom.com). Modmarket will also be an exciting new restaurant in town, especially for residents who prefer to eat on the healthier side.

This will be the first Modmarket outside of Colorado and will be located in the Highlands Plaza development, at the southeast corner of FM 407 and Chinn Chapel. A Nation’s Restaurant News 2013 Hot Concept Award winner, each Modmarket store is uniquely-designed with a clean, modern style and has plenty of simple, whole, unprocessed foods on the menu to appeal to those who have specific dietary requirements including vegan, celiac, Paleo, raw, South Beach, high-carb, low-carb or low glycemic index. Modmarket will also open in 2014 and will serve a variety of salads, pizzas and sandwiches (http://modmarket.com).

Our third big economic development announcement in October was the news that CustomInk, a customizable apparel e-commerce company, will soon open its first Central U.S. location in Flower Mound’s Lakeside Business District. Consistently ranked on Inc. Magazine’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies list, CustomInk has received numerous awards for its first-class customer service and outstanding corporate culture for employees. The new production and distribution facility will add 160 new jobs and $240,000 to the town’s annual sales tax revenue, the equivalent of six restaurants. An interesting fact for residents, more than 750 jobs have been added to our community since Jan. 1.

This month, the council hopes to announce more exciting businesses coming to town, in addition to continuing work on important projects. I encourage you to stay involved and engaged in the “Our Master Plan” project as we continue to review the Land Use portion of the master plan. The process will continue with public hearings on the proposed options and amendments with the planning and zoning commission on Nov. 11 and the town council on Dec. 2. For more information, please visit www.flower- mound.com/ourmasterplan.

November also brings the opportunity for residents to voice their opinions in Tuesday’s special election. Your vote is needed on a variety of important issues facing our community, our schools, and our state. I encourage Flower Mound voters to get to the polls and let their voice be heard on Proposition 1, the authorization for the town to create the River Walk Public Improvement District, Lewisville ISD Trustee 155

Place 3, and nine proposed amendments to the state constitution. For more information about the River Walk Public Improvement District, please visit www.flower-mound.com/riverwalkpid. If you’d like to learn more about polling locations, view sample ballots, and more election information, please visit www.flower- mound.com/elections.

Don’t forget about our other important community events this month. On Nov. 10, we will be hosting the annual Veterans Day celebration from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Flower Mound High School Football Stadium. Attendees will enjoy free hot dogs, cake, and lemonade as we all take the time to honor the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country during a special ceremony. The following weekend, on Nov. 16, the town will host the 10th annual Dorothy’s Dash 5K Run/Walk and Kids K. Dorothy’s Dash is held in honor of former town of Flower Mound employee Dorothy Walkup, who lost her battle with Multiple Sclerosis on Nov. 16, 2004. All proceeds benefit the Lone Star Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society in honor of Mrs. Walkup. It’s a great event with an even greater cause and if you’d like to learn more, please visit www.flower-mound.com/dorothysdash.

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October 14, 2013

Flower Mound names new police chief http://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2013/10/14/flower-mound-names-new-police-chief/

A 24-year veteran of the North Richland Hills Police Department will soon take the reigns of the Flower Mound Police Department.

Andy Kancel, Assistant Chief of Police in North Richland Hills, was named Flower Mound’s new police chief on Monday.

“Andy Kancel is a highly respected law enforcement leader whose focus on community policing and public outreach will be a tremendous asset to the Town of Flower Mound,” said Flower Mound Town Manager Jimmy Stathatos.

During his time in North Richland Hills, Kancel has worked in and supervised areas such as patrol, SWAT, training, internal affairs, professional standards, school resource and community services.

He was recognized with the department’s Supervisor of the Year award in 2005.

Kancel holds a Permanent Peace Officers License for the State of Texas, a Master Peace Officers License, and is a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education licensed instructor.

In addition to his extensive law enforcement career, Chief Kancel is also a graduate from the FBI National Academy, Leadership Command College, and Law Enforcement Executive Development College. He graduated summa cum laude from Mountain State University with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and is working toward a master’s degree in administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma.

“When examining all the outstanding applicants, Andy Kancel’s experience, integrity, and approachable demeanor quickly elevated him to the top of our list,” said Stathatos. “We look forward to having Chief Kancel at the helm of our police department for many years to come.”

In June, the town partnered with Strategic Government Resources to begin the search for a new police chief after the retirement of long-time chief Kenneth Brooker, who had been with Flower Mound for 30 years.

David James, a 36-year law enforcement veteran and retired Chief of Police for the City of Carrollton, has been serving as Interim Chief of Police until a new chief was selected.

Although a specific start date has not been determined, Stathatos will introduce Chief Kancel to the community during the Oct. 21 Town Council meeting.

“I am honored to be able to serve the citizens of Flower Mound as well as the staff of this great police department,” said Chief Kancel. “I look forward to getting to know everyone and my family and I are very excited to become a part of the Flower Mound community.”

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June 10, 2013

Flower Mound hires search firm for next FMPD chief, selects interim police chief http://starlocalmedia.com/theleader/news/flower-mound-hires-search-firm-for-next-fmpd-chief- selects/article_34f6a081-cb71-56b3-acff-6754ad828b0e.html

With the upcoming retirement of long-time Flower Mound Police Chief Kenneth Brooker, the town has begun searching for the next leader of the Flower Mound Police Department. On June 7, Town Manager Jimmy Stathatos selected David James, a well-known leader in law enforcement, as Interim Police Chief.

“We are honored to have Mr. James serve as our interim police chief,” said Town Manager Jimmy Stathatos. “He is widely-regarded as an icon of law enforcement and has more than 36 years of experience to bring to the table. I am confident our police department will continue to thrive under Mr. James’ leadership and he will make every effort to provide a seamless transition.”

James served the Dallas Police Department for more than 21 years, and as the chief of police for Carrollton for 15 years. During that time, Gov. Rick Perry appointed him as a commissioner for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education. James also served as president of both the North Texas Police Chiefs Association and the Texas Police Chiefs Association. Upon retirement from the City of Carrollton, he began a consulting firm that provides leadership training for police departments and has since served as interim police chief for the City of Colleyville. James will begin his work as FMPD interim police chief on July 1.

During James’ tenure in Flower Mound, the town will be working closely with Strategic Government Resources to recruit a permanent Police Chief. The search is expected to take approximately three months.

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June 18, 2011

Interim Police Chief Hired in Colleyville COLLEYVILLE NAMES INTERIM POLICE CHIEF Former Carrollton police chief set to take the helm http://archive.localnewsonly.com/2011lno/news/06/11_06_18interimpolicechief.htm

David N. James, former police chief for the city of Carrollton, Texas, will serve as the interim police chief in Colleyville while the city conducts a search for a permanent chief. James also is a veteran of the Dallas Police Department where he attained the rank of captain and served as director of training. His first day in Colleyville will be June 21, overlapping with Chief Dye’s final days as Colleyville police chief to allow for a smooth transition in leadership.

“David James brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Colleyville and our police department. Most importantly, he brings a philosophy of progressive, proactive management to our public safety efforts. His leadership will afford us the opportunity to continue to grow and enhance our public safety programs even while we search for a permanent chief,” said Colleyville City Manager Jennifer Fadden.

James has more than 36 years of experience in municipal law enforcement service, management, supervision, and training. He served for 15 years as chief of the Carrollton Police Department, serving a resident population of 121,000, with 163 authorized sworn officers and 80 non-sworn personnel. He was an early proponent of community policing, implemented through self-directed work teams.

“I’ve been fortunate to know David James for a number of years now. His appointment, while temporary, reflects a commitment on the part of the city to providing the ultimate level of service to the community and to the department,” remarked out-going police chief, Steve Dye.

Prior to his tenure in Carrollton, James served for 21 years with the Dallas Police Department. Retired as a captain, his other service areas included: commander of the Traffic Division, operations commander of the Inspection Division, operations commander of Crime Analysis and Data Processing, field operations commander of the Criminal Investigations youth section, and liaison to the city manager’s office.

James is an advisory board member and adjunct staff instructor for the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration. He is a past president of the North Texas Police Chiefs Association and past president of the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA). He also served as the first chairman of the TPCA’s Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices Recognition Committee. In 2001 he was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry as commissioner for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education.

As a consultant, James continues to work with law enforcement executives to craft professional and organizational development programs. He also works with various institutes to provide continuing education for law enforcement supervisors and management. He holds a bachelor’s of science from Abilene Christian College and is a graduate of the Institute of Law Enforcement Administration’s Command and Management College, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.

The city will begin its search for a permanent chief in the next few weeks. The search will be conducted by Strategic Government Research, which has waived its executive search fees under an existing contract with the city.

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March 02, 2007

McFadden gets big send-off at retirement http://starlocalmedia.com/lewisvilleleader/news/mcfadden-gets-big-send-off-at- retirement/article_f3900dde-d3f7-5846-9437-a4b0470dac42.html

No one can say Steve McFadden Jr. is not well respected and admired.

A huge crowd, including many in police and firefighter uniforms, filled the community room at the Municipal Center Annex Friday afternoon, with many more standing in the hallway, to say goodbye to McFadden the longtime Lewisville Police Chief.

The ceremony that lasted for more than an hour and a half was laden with plaques, presents and praises for the McFadden, who retired Friday after serving as Lewisville’s police chief for more than 29 years.

The highest honor of the evening came at the end of the ceremony, with the unveiling of an architectural drawing of a new jail to be built later this year. The wording on the front of the jail reads, Steven H. McFadden Jr. Law Enforcement Center. The city council voted last month, in the chief’s absence, to name the new center after him.

Ron Neiman, city attorney, told McFadden, “I just realized, you were here for 29 years, and you were never promoted. You were just like Tom Landry. You are in the same group.”

McFadden had “coached” the Lewisville Police Department from the time it had about 30 officers and other staff members in 1977 until the department grew to more than 130 employees in 2007.

Carrollton Police Chief David James, a longtime friend of McFadden, said the honoree was considered to be an “elder statesman” of the North Texas Police Chiefs Association.

“Your presence has always been one that is stabilizing,” James said. “When you speak, we listen. We look up to you.”

The crowd laughed when James added, “I literally look up to you.” McFadden was the tallest person in the room.

The program began with the Lewisville Police Honor Guard posting the colors.

Assistant Police Chief Jerry Galler introduced guests, including members of McFadden’s family, at the reception. This list also included several police chiefs from North Texas as well as city officials both from Lewisville and elsewhere.

Russ Kerbow, who will serve as interim police chief until a permanent one is named, read a brief biography of McFadden and said, “Over the years, he has served on more boards than anybody could possibly think of.”

He also read a resolution from State Sen. Jane Nelson, resolving that the state senate commend McFadden on his retirement. Flags flown over the Texas and United States capitols were in recognition of the chief’s retirement.

Kerbow presented McFadden with a “retired chief’s badge” and several gifts.

Lewisville City Councilman Dean Uckert said, “Lewisville has a reputation of having one of the best police departments in the country. I believe that trickles down from the top.”

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Lewisville Mayor Gene Carey also praised McFadden, calling him “one of the finest men I have ever met. He did his job with grace and dignity. He is the kind of person who only comes along once in a lifetime. He will always be chief to me.”

The city’s media department showed a video of McFadden’s life and career, with photos of him as a baby, child, teenager, college graduate, police officer and police chief.

The crowd laughed as the video ended with the song, “Big City, Turn Me Loose and Set Me Free.”

Breihan Bridgewater of the Lewisville Citizens Police Academy Alumni presented McFadden with a plaque noting him as “Police Chief Emeritus.” He said he looked up the word “emeritus,” and “It means forever.” The plaque had a 1977 silver dollar and a 2007 silver dollar on it.

Bridgewater also gave McFadden two National Geographics, one from 1977 and one from 2007.

Lewisville Fire Chief Richard Lasky gave McFadden a certificate naming him Honorary Fire Chief and a plaque with an actual fire helmet protruding from it.

Ken Wells, pastor of Northview Baptist Church, worked with McFadden in establishing the police and fire chaplains program 26 years ago. He called McFadden “a man of high integrity” and told him, “Your Christian values permeate this department.”

Other Lewisville chaplains were also on hand to honor the retiring chief.

Johnny Buelen of VFW Post 9108 gave McFadden a certificate of appreciation for his support of the VFW.

Lewisville City Manager Claude King presented a certificate of appreciation to McFadden for his leadership in growing the police department to what it is today.

After those who were on the agenda to speak, others in the crowd were invited to come forward and speak if they chose. Several did, including those who told humorous stories about McFadden, and those who told how he had gone beyond the duties of an administrator and had even helped in making arrests.

McFadden himself spoke briefly toward the end of the ceremony. He praised city managers and other city officials he had worked with in the past in Lewisville.

He attributed his long stay in Lewisville to the fact that, “This city takes care of its employees and makes people want to stay.”

The Lewisville Fire Department’s Pipes and Drums played “Shenandoah,” “America, the Beautiful” and the Marine hymn.

Then after a moment of silence, the voice of Stan Steadman, communications supervisor for the LPD, was heard giving a message over the police radio for all officers on patrol and others to hear:

“Thanks, chief, for 29 years. Lewisville Police Department at 16:11. All units now resume normal traffic.”

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February 20, 2007

Council discusses traffic surveillance cameras, safety issues http://starlocalmedia.com/carrolltonleader/news/council-discusses-traffic-surveillance-cameras- safety-issues/article_0528163e-8222-52e9-b0c7-683e950daaa9.html

The Carrollton city council discussed all manner of safety in the city at its regular meeting and work session Tuesday.

Fire chief John Murphy presented the council with findings of a research study measuring emergency response times in the city, both for fire and medical services responses.

Murphy told the council if the city continues to grow and receive an increasing number of calls for emergency services, an eighth fire station and a fourth EMS station may be necessary to handle the volume. Murphy also said relocating fire station number six to another area of the city might be necessary to help canvas areas that receive slower response times in emergencies.

If the city opts to build in the next few years, additional fire and EMS stations could be located near state highway 121. Station six would be moved further south than its current location. Murphy said the exact locations of the new facilities couldn’t be determined yet, but said that if approved, service from those stations could lower staff response times in emergency situations.

Murphy also stressed that as the city grows, adding more preventative measures in new structures such as high-rise office buildings would help control damage in emergency situations.

“The more built-in protection we can have, the better off we’re going to be,” Murphy told council members during Tuesday’s work session.

The council also covered another measure of safety during the work session. The council discussed the possibility of installing cameras at certain intersections throughout the city which would capture the license plate numbers of drivers who run red lights. Those violators would then receive a citation for around $75 in the mail, even though an officer wasn’t present at the time of the violation.

One council member suggested the possibility of interspersing real cameras with decoys to help deter drivers from running red lights.

Police chief David James said the city would receive revenue off the operation, but that the focus of the project would be to make Carrollton streets safer.

James said that drivers could appeal the fines, but that to appeal would cost an additional fee. In Plano, where the city already uses the intersections cameras, only four appeals of the violations were files last year. James said most drivers wouldn’t want to pay the additional administrative fees and would likely just pay the fines.

“This is not about revenue but about preventing accidents,” James told the council. “Rear-end accidents are minor. T-bones kill people or maim people.”

One area resident told the council during the regular meeting that he opposed the use of cameras, stating that the city of Dallas saw an increase in the number of rear-end accidents. That claim has not be independently verified.

James told the council in the work session that while some cities using the cameras saw an increase in the number of rear-end accidents, the number of intersection wrecks went down substantially.

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“The quality of life issues that this community is dealing with are that people want to live in a city where it’s safe to drive,” James said, “and where their children can drive safely.”

At its next regular meeting, the council likely will review an ordinance allowing automatic cameras to be installed at selected intersections to identify red-light infractions s civil violations rather than criminal violations. The appeals process for tickets would be finalized after the city decided on a vendor.

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December 19, 2006

City not ready for ICE partnership http://starlocalmedia.com/carrolltonleader/news/city-not-ready-for-ice- partnership/article_6918ba07-5742-5dba-a11c-f852f276a1f4.html

At least half of the members of the Carrollton City Council and Mayor Becky Miller feel that the city should not enter into an inter-local agreement with the federal government at this time in the processing of illegal immigrants who commit serious crimes in the city.

At a workshop prior to a regular city council meeting last Tuesday, Carrollton Police Chief David James gave the council of an overview of a section amending the Immigration and Nationality Act which would allow such an agreement.

The amendment offers an opportunity to participate in a joint effort between a state or political subdivision and a federal program to “act as a force multiplier to target criminal aliens.”

James said the city of Farmers Branch has applied for the program which authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to “enter into a Memorandum Agreement for a Cross-Designation program to delegate the authority of enforcing immigration laws to a state or political subdivision.”

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would work with the political subdivision, such as a city, “to pursue investigations relating to violent crimes, human smuggling, gang/organized crime activity, sexual- related offenses, narcotics smuggling and money laundering offenses committed by aliens.”

James said all suspected illegal aliens arrested by Carrollton police for Class B misdemeanor or higher charges that are transferred to the Dallas County or Denton County jails are already supposed to be processed by ICE officials.

ICE will not force itself on any state, city or other political subdivision. ICE services must be requested by the state or political subdivision. Any political subdivision that participates must request the services and be prepared for at least a two-year commitment.

One reason why several members of the council and mayor are opposed to entering into the program with ICE, at least for now, is that officers who would participate must go away for training. The city of Carrollton would be required to pay for all transportation and training costs as well as all other costs associated with a the program including salaries of personnel, overtime and materials.

James said, should Carrolton enter the program, two correctional officers would have to have training. Correctional officer training is four weeks.

That would create a shortage in the Carrollton Police Department or require that other officers be paid overtime to fill in for the officers who were away for the training.

James said the city council had requested he provide an informational overview, partly in light of the fact that neighboring Farmers Branch is applying.

The amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing for this program, became effective on Sept. 30 1996.

So far, no city has participated in the program and only seven states or political subdivisions have. They include the Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Forces, the Alabama Department of Public Safety, State of Arizona Department of Corrections, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in California and the Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Sheriff’s Department. 164

June 13, 2006

Two of Carrollton’s finest celebrate anniversary http://starlocalmedia.com/carrolltonleader/news/two-of-carrollton-s-finest-celebrate- anniversary/article_caa2580b-92db-5ae2-8be6-83c0396df340.html

As Lt. Gary Anderson reflects on his 30 years of service with the Carrolton Police Department one of the changes that stands out is the technology.

When he first joined the department, straight from college, to make the siren work he had to hold down the horn ring while driving.

“It would wind up as long as you held it down n when you made a turn you would have to let off and it would begin to wind down and then when you got going straight again, you could push it down and it would wind back up,” Anderson said.

Upon arrival at the call Anderson would get out of his squad car and the siren would still be winding down.

“Now we have electronic sirens that are instant on and off,” Anderson said.

Both Anderson and Assistant Chief Monty Stanley are celebrating 30 years of service with the Carrollton Police Department this year and neither have plans on leaving anytime soon.

“All through the years this has been a great experience with a lot of great people,” Stanley said. “I plan on being here another couple of years at least.”

When the officers began working for Carrollton there were only about 35 employees with the police department and the city population was about 35,000, Stanley said. Now the city population is more than 116,000 and the employees in the police department is well over 200 with 156 officers and 59 civilians.

“I guess I’m still doing this because it is still fun,” Stanley said. “The interesting part is that it is never the same thing from week to week.”

Anderson agrees with Stanley.

“People ask me all the time when I’m going to retire,” he said. “I’ll retire when it’s not fun anymore. I still enjoy it and there are still things that I would like to change.”

Anderson’s philosophy in life is to make things better than what they were when he got there.

“Now that I’m in a higher rank I have the ability to make thing better more often,” Anderson said. “One thing I’ve been involved in is the striping package on the cars. I’ve done other things behind the scenes.”

Stanley responded to a job posting with the Carrollton Police although he wasn’t looking for a job at the time. He had been working at Dallas/ Fort Worth international Airport as a public safety officer.

In 1979 he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to Patrol Operations, which has been his favorite assignment.

“You are right there in the middle of everything and you get to pick and choose what calls you want to go to,” Stanley said.

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Stanley was promoted to Lieutenant in 1983 and to Assistant Chief in 1987. As an assistant chief he has been assigned to Administrative Services Bureau, Patrol Bureau/ Operations Bureau, Management Services Bureau and Investigative Services Bureau.

In 1978 Stanley was named the Carrollton Police Officer of the Year. He was also involved with the national agency accreditation program. In 1988 Carrollton was the third agency in Texas and the 65th in the United States to be accredited.

“Through his influence in the accreditation organization he is recognized as a competent expert nationally,” said Chief of Police David James. “Monty’s talents as an administrator are remarkable.”

Anderson was also hired as a patrol officer in 1976. When Anderson was hired he was put out on the streets the first day and didn’t go through academy training for almost four months.

“The first day here I was with a training officer, who pretty much just showed me the boundaries of the city,” Anderson said. “I knew theory but I didn’t know how to be a ‘street’ police officer. Luckily Carrollton isn’t crime ridden like some of the other cities it’s size.”

The training situation is a sign that times have changed. Now before a new officer is released on their own they must attend three months of academy training, six weeks of in-house training and then four months of training by a field training officer

He was promoted to sergeant and assigned to patrol operations in 1985 and to lieutenant in 1992. As lieutenant he has been assigned to patrol operations, administrative services, and currently is assigned to technical services.

Of all Anderson’s accomplishments he says his greatest achievement is staying married throughout his career. He was married one month after he began working with the department.

“This job tends to have a high divorce rate,” Anderson said. “For her to put up with me and the job requirements makes her a special woman. I do tease her by saying that I don’t know where I got my gray hair, from police work or from her.”

Anderson is married to Sallie and they have two children, Brian, 17 and Holly, 12.

Stanley has also been married throughout his career to Susan for more than 32 years. They are expecting their first grandchild from their oldest daughter Angela, 30, and her husband Michael. They have two other children, Aileen, 27, and Bryan, 21.

After all the changes both officers have seen in their 30 years of office n laptop computers and cameras in the squad cars, radios allowing officers to talk to surrounding agencies and getting to take cars to a full service car wash n some things will always stay the same.

“We still have to pump our own gas, that hasn’t changed,” Anderson said.

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October 15, 2002

Bank Holdups Rise in Small Towns http://www.foxnews.com/story/2002/10/15/bank-holdups-rise-in-small-towns.html

A robbery in Nebraska that left five people dead last month is part of a disturbing national trend that has seen a sharp rise in the number of rural bank stickups.

Between 1995 and 2000 -- the most recent years for which FBI statistics are available -- small-town bank robberies rose 49 percent, compared to an overall national rise of just 6.7 percent. The only decline was in suburban bank robberies, which fell 32 percent.

And officials can't explain the trend.

Finding reasons for the spike is a "purely speculative" exercise, according to FBI spokesman John Iannarelli. He said one factor could be a perception that small-town banks make easier targets.

"You'll find crime wherever there's the opportunity or the perception that there's opportunity," he said.

The killings and botched Sept. 26 heist of the U.S. Bank in Norfolk, Neb., shocked the normally quiet community, and has led leading analysts, law enforcement officials and the media to take a closer look at bank robbery trends across the nation.

"It's the kind of thing that alarms everybody," said David James, police chief of Carrollton, Texas, a Dallas suburb.

James said he has noticed a slight increase in bank robberies in his and surrounding towns in recent years. The trend often runs in cycles, with gangs of robbers hitting a series of banks in one area until they're caught.

James attributed the rise in part to the increase in grocery store bank branches and the absence of armed security guards, who were once ubiquitous at nearly every bank door.

"If conditions have changed, it becomes more attractive," James said. "(Bank robbers) tend to be fairly bold."

Others speculated the shaky stock and job markets are fueling the upward swing.

"When jobs are plentiful, a lot of people don't have to commit crimes," said Raymond Simmons, police chief in Humboldt, Tenn. "If they lose that, they're going back to another way of making money."

Simmons said there has been a slight increase in bank holdups in Humboldt over the last seven years.

"Probably professional criminals try to scope smaller town banks -- they try to find the most vulnerable target," he said. "The perception is that a small town could be an easier hit."

But that isn't necessarily true.

"It's a false perception," said Chief James. "Banks in rural areas have the same protection as banks in cities."

Since most banks are federally-insured facilities, the FBI has jurisdiction over bank robberies. Agents work with local officials to nab the thieves -- meaning at least two law enforcement agencies tackle each case. 167

"The solution (crime-solving) rate for bank robberies is pretty great," Iannarelli said, pointing to Nebraska, where all four suspects were snagged within hours of the Norfolk heist.

Simmons and other police chiefs say officers have become more active in patrolling neighborhood banks -- with random, unannounced checks; frequent communication with tellers; drive-by surveillance of suspicious activity; and even decoy police cars parked at banks with their motors running.

"We have a very aggressive patrol procedure on our banks here," said J.D. Sanders, public safety director at the Martin, Tenn., police department --which hasn't seen a bank robbery in 20 years. "There's a strong presence in and around banks."

Others wonder if the FBI, which has focused its efforts on the war on terror, has the proper resources to chase down bank robbers. But for now, at least, the bureau is confident it will manage.

"While terrorism has become our No. 1 priority, bank robberies are still something the FBI works on an active basis," Iannarelli said. "We have to investigate. We're held accountable."

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October 18, 2001

Small-Town Police Forces Struggle to Meet Demands of Anthrax Scare http://www.foxnews.com/story/2001/10/18/small-town-police-forces-struggle-to-meet-demands- anthrax-scare.html

The 911 call came into the Martin Police Department in Tennessee at the busiest time of day, when school was letting out and the roadways were choked with cars.

A mail carrier saw some white powder in a rural mailbox. Thinking it could be anthrax, he closed the lid and called the cops.

Though the postman was just being careful, that call took its toll on the tiny police force in the town of only 10,500. When the homeowner couldn't be reached, all seven officers on duty dressed in rubber containment suits and headed to the scene with a handful of firefighters.

The mailbox had to be taken apart. The area had to be cordoned off. Traffic had to be directed. A protective container to collect the substance had to be found. Then the homeowner pulled into the drive.

She told them the powder was pesticide.

"Another 30 minutes, and it would have been on its way to be tested," said Martin Public Safety Director J.D. Sanders. "We're not equipped for that sort of stuff. It takes a lot of our resources and a lot of time."

Police and fire departments around the country are struggling to cope with the torrent of calls coming in from people who think they've seen anthrax.

Because of limited resources, small-town forces often have the most trouble meeting the demands. More than 85 percent of police departments in this country serve communities of less than 25,000, Sanders said. And 80 percent of fire departments are volunteer, according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

"We want to be able to handle everything, but we don't have the funding or the staffing," said IAFC Executive Director Garry Briese. "Unfortunately, we are overstressing our resources right now."

On Tuesday alone, as news swirled that anthrax-contaminated letters had reached the offices of Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., and ABC News, the IAFC documented 2,000 calls from people worried they'd come across some of the powdery toxin themselves. That's compared to zero anthrax-scare calls on a typical day in less panic-stricken times.

General protocol for authorities investigating a suspicious-substance report involves blockading the area, rerouting traffic and donning plastic gloves, masks and goggles — or rubber vapor-trapping suits if they have them — to try to figure out what the substance is. That can be difficult since many don't have experience with anthrax or hazardous materials. There are fewer than 1,000 hazmat teams in the U.S., Briese said.

If officials think the substance could be dangerous, they triple-bag it in plastic, place it in a special protective containment carrier and scrub down the surface where it was found. After they decontaminate themselves and anyone else exposed to the powder with water and soap or bleach, they send it off to the nearest public health department lab, which might be miles away.

The process can take hours.

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"It's hard on small communities because they rely on volunteers," said Tom Halicki, executive director of the National Association of Towns and Townships. "In a situation such as we have now, [they spend] much more time responding to those calls and away from other work."

For that very reason, the police department in Carrollton, Texas — a Dallas suburb of 112,000 people — has a screening process for anthrax scares to assess whether there's a real threat before sending a crew to the scene.

That's helped for reports like the one that came in recently from a scared caller who thought anthrax was blowing around in the air, said Carrollton Police Chief David James. It turned out to be the stuffing from a toy that had been run over by a car.

In fact, all of the 20 or so anthrax-related calls his department has received in the last few days have turned out to be false alarms. Though James doesn't blame residents for being scared, the paranoia has stretched the force a little thin.

"It's interfering with our response to other items and with other preventive police work because we're responding to these little brush fires," James said. "People have become ultra-sensitive and don't know what to do."

He and Sanders offered the same advice to the panicky public: Continue to be cautious, but be reasonable and use good judgment before calling the authorities.

"This is so new and so frightening to people that they just overreact — in big cities, but here in the hinterland too," said Sanders. "We're not equipped to deal with that overreaction. We're telling folks here to use a little common sense."

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November 07, 2000

Police chief credits Baptist church for help in school hostage incident http://www.bpnews.net/6803/police-chief-credits-baptist-church-for-help-in-school-hostage- incident

Parents, students and the police chief expressed their thanks to the congregation of First Baptist Church, Carrollton, Texas, for their help during a Nov. 1 hostage situation at a high school directly across from the church.

Church leaders opened their doors to frantic parents who hurried to the school Wednesday to get word about their children after conflicting media reports about a student with a gun, the Dallas Morning News reported.

On Sunday, Carrollton Police Chief David James expressed his gratitude to the church and its members during their service, saying it was a community effort that helped prevent a tragedy.

"I come today to say thank you," James told the congregation. "Thank you for the access of this building. Thank you for coming to those in need. In times of crisis, people of faith come together."

The crisis that brought the community together struck when a 15-year-old runaway held his pregnant teacher and 19 classmates hostage at gunpoint in a geography class at Newman Smith High School. Minutes after threatening to kill them, the freshman put down his 9 mm handgun and lay on the floor as a police tactical squad prepared to break down the door. No one was injured.

The boy, who is not being identified because he is a juvenile, is being held at Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center, where he is being evaluated.

Because the police had to close access to the school, parents were forced to wait at the church. As the situation changed, police officers and school administrators kept them informed, James said. In addition, church leaders allowed school and police officials use of the fax machine to send lists so students would know whose parents were standing by at the church.

After James' talk, pastor Brent Taylor used his sermon to talk about forgiveness. Taylor said the crisis is a lesson on why it's important to forgive people who have caused hurt. He said he understands that doing so "takes tremendous strength." Yet it's an act that "allows us to be more like God," he explained. After all, he said, it was God's grace and power that kept students at the school safe.

"Our name could have been associated with Columbine," Taylor told the worshipers, referring to last year's massacre by two students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. "For some reason the Lord chose to work in our community. The Lord allowed peace in a time of turmoil."

Students at Newman Smith High School said the church was the rock their parents needed during a difficult day.

Laura Neal, 16, Lauren Nelms, 16, and Cara Gatewood, 15, all sophomores and First Baptist members, said their parents waited at the church for them to be released from school. The teens said their parents felt reassured by school and police officials, who told them they were fine.

"The community really came together to make sure we were safe," Laura said.

The mood at school following the incident has, for the most part, been normal, the students said. However, they said security has been beefed up, and school administrators are taking precautions for the slightest infraction, such as rumors of pranks made by some students. 171

Heeding the call of their pastor, the teens said they have found it in their hearts to forgive the suspect.

"There were circumstances that led to the way he acted," Laura said.

Meanwhile, Chief James said he's relieved that the neighborhood can move on.

"The Lord smiled on us Wednesday because everything turned out just fine," James said. "This sanctuary became just that, a sanctuary."

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March 10, 2000

Police conference calls all chiefs http://www.theshorthorn.com/news/police-conference-calls-all-chiefs/article_c3c6afc9-0bdd-57ce- a9a4-383650036761.html

State law enforcement leaders learn management, organizational skills

Almost 60 police officers descended on the campus Monday in the UC Red River Room and remained all week.

It’s not a standoff, but for eight hours a day, police chiefs from across the state have attended a management and organizational skills course required by state law for the past few years. The five-day event ends today.

University Lt. James Ferguson, who helped coordinate the conference, aspires to become a police chief. He said that university Police Chief Wayne Gay has only three lieutenants working for him and this training is good experience.

“We work in a deputy chief-type capacity, so this is good training for people in our position,” he said.

Ferguson said among the topics presented during the conference, some of the most important dealt with liability issues, leadership development, management styles and organizational culture.

Recent events involving police corruption in Los Angeles and brutality issues such as those plaguing the New York City Police Department were also discussed in the weeklong conference.

“We talked about how to avoid problems like that,” Ferguson said. “Organizational efforts that can be made to head off occurrences like these in your particular agency were discussed.”

The conference is a 40-hour course that exposes police chiefs to ever-changing aspects of their jobs. They must take a management and organizational course such as this one every two years.

The conference is coordinated by the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, a state-funded agency that has headquarters at Sam Houston State in Huntsville. Conference coordinator Tab Cooper said the course has been taught for three years.

“We teach leadership and management training about 11 times a year for chiefs in different regions of the state,” he said.

The training may be vital to some police chiefs, especially those new to their jobs. For some, however, the opportunity to meet with their peers and get acquainted is the conference’s most enjoyable aspect.

Carrollton Police Chief David James said he talks about applying what he learns at the conference with some of his fellow officers.

“We don’t often enough get to talk with our peers,” he said.

Robert Hooper, Tarleton State University police director, talked with James about some of the conference’s topics. He agreed that the conference gives officers a chance to connect with one another.

“The state is making it possible to get the best training in the world at a good cost,” he said. “And some of the best part of it is talking with other chiefs.”

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Chief Gay did not attend this particular conference. He said, however, he will be going to the one scheduled April 10 to 14 in Huntsville.

Gay said the conferences provide good training and a forum for chiefs to bounce various management and organizational ideas off fellow officers. Just as Hooper and James, Gay said interacting with other chiefs is a valuable process during the conferences.

“You always have a lot of new chiefs at these things,” he said. “You get to know them and they get to know you.”

Gay said this is the first time that he knows of a conference just for police chiefs has been on campus.

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Biography______

David N. James Chief of Police (Retired) Carrollton Police Department

Recently retired Chief David James has over 36 years experience in municipal law enforcement service, management, supervision and training; including executive management experience with other municipal services and working with city management. Chief James holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Abilene Christian College and is a graduate of the Institute of Law Enforcement Administration’s Command and Management College and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.

David was appointed Chief of the Carrollton Police Department in July of 1994, retiring in January 2010, with 15.5 years of service. At the time of his retirement the Carrollton Police Department served a resident population of approximately 121,000 with 163 authorized sworn officer and 80 non-sworn personnel. During Chief James’ tenure the Department adopted a Community Resolution Oriented Policing implemented through Self-Directed Work Teams operational philosophy. David was quick to point out that he was proud to serve with such a fine group of dedicated professionals who were committed to quality customer service.

Prior to his appointment in Carrollton, Chief James retired from the Dallas Police Department after 21 years of service. At the time of his retirement, he served as the Director of Training for the Dallas Police Department. Other areas of service included: Commander of Traffic Division, Operations Commander Inspection Division, Operations Commander Crime Analysis and Data Processing, Field Operations Commander Youth Section Criminal Investigations, City Manager’s Office Liaison.

During his career with Dallas Chief James was given a number of significant special assignments which included 1) assuming Command of the Dallas Park Police Department, integrating that operation into the Dallas Police Department; 2) serving as Interim Assistant Director for the City of Dallas Department of Aviation; and 3) serving as Interim Director for the City of Dallas 175

Court Services Department. During 1997 Chief James served for an interim period as an Assistant City Manager for the City of Carrollton.

Since 1977 Chief James has actively been involved in law enforcement training and instruction. Presently he serves as an Advisory Board member and adjunct staff instructor for Institute for Law Enforcement Administration. In 2001 Texas Governor Rick Perry appointed David as a Commissioner for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education. Chief James is a Past President of the North Texas Police Chiefs Association and is the Immediate Past President of the Texas Police Chiefs Association. From 2004 to 2008 he served as the first Chairman of the TPCA the Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices Recognition Committee.

Chief James is actively involved with leadership issues. He believes in Servant- Leadership as a personal philosophy. In his capacity as an instructor and public speaker he seeks every opportunity to relate how Servant-Leadership can be applied in law enforcement, other organizations and one’s personal life. Chief James attributes his viewpoints on leadership to Robert Greenleaf, author of The Servant as Leader, and founder of the Greenleaf Center for Servant- Leadership.