Inside Mesa

Remember the City Council’s approval for civilians to participate as non-voting members on the Mesa Police Department’s Use of Force Board? It finally happened! After a screening process, selection of members to serve within the pool randomly drawn by the City Manager’s Office, and some additional training - I had the privilege of being drawn to serve on the Inaugural Use of Force Board the end of May 2006. I must tell you, it was an experience that made quite an impact on me and provided yet another level of learning I had not anticipated. I thought I could best share with you in part, a letter I wrote - with some editing - to Interim Police Chief Gregory Fowler, City Manager Chris Brady, with copies to Commander Ron Kirby, Use of Force Board Oversight and Diversity Officer Mary Berumen, City Manager’s Office - on June 6, 2006. It expresses the process I went through, describing how it all unfolded.It went like this:"I’d like to express how very honored I am to have been randomly selected by the City Manager’s office, to serve as a non-voting civilian member on the Use of Force Board. I’m especially thankful to be included as part of the Inaugural Use of Force Board that included civilian participation on May 31, 2006. I have long awaited this very important implementation by the city as a result of the recommendation to the city council by the Ad Hoc Committee to Study Police Oversight appointed by Mayor Keno Hawker in 2004, chaired by then Vice Mayor Dennis Kavanaugh. At the head was then Mesa Police Chief Dennis Donna, Ad Hoc Committee member, fully supported and favored civilian participation, and Mike Hutchinson, then City Manager. I believe community situations highlighted the need, plus the efforts of this committee brought about a significant way to help bridge the gap between the Mesa community and Police Department. With the approval of non-voting civilians on the Mesa PD Use of Force Board in 2005 - a critical element is in place - giving back to the community what they have asked for. After graduating from the Mesa Citizen Police Academy, serving and learning within the Alumni Association, then going through the civilian Use of Force Board selection process, there was more. We reviewed policy and procedure, participated in more training - including taking part in mock scenarios for awareness. Very telling when you’re in the middle of the action! I then read through the pending board review and met with Commander Kirby, who oversees and is responsible for Use of Board Reviews. Procedure was explained and my many questions answered - I thought I was pretty well equipped. The moment of truth - The Use of Force Board convened with a panel of eight, which included two civilians. Commander Kirby as Chair, experts on the panel were: an officer on range, another on skill. A Lieutenant, another officer, and police attorney all present, all professional, courteous, focused, and used great sensitivity to the case - staying on target. Each officer in review came before us, one by one.The experience was deep, enlightening, moving, and felt in a way I had not anticipated. To witness the re-telling of the event, although some months ago, suddenly became very real. To observe and hear each officer respond with sincerity, integrity, answering each question with details - placed them back at the scene - in the moment. It spoke volumes to me as I ‘caught’ their place and circumstances as each spoke. My gratitude and appreciation for each and every officer that serves the City of Mesa was clearly intensified by this experience. To see these officers sit before their peers in all humility, in order to find that ‘moment of truth’ that would lead to their findings, was an important ingredient of this process. I am grateful to have been able to experience this first hand. No matter how much one is trained, first hand knowledge is powerful. My thanks and appreciation to those making civilian participation possible and allowing me to be included in this useful and much needed function within the Mesa Police Department, for the City of Mesa. I believe the success of this board is a priority; I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve.Sincere Regards"To join in on this worthwhile effort one must first go through the Citizen Police Academy. One is starting in September. The information about the Academy and explanation with the qualifications for civilians to serve the Use of Force Board is on the City of Mesa Web Site under Departments, then Police. Check it out today!

Mesa Chief of Police George Gascon, sworn in less than 3 weeks ago, is already putting Mesa in the spotlight.As one of the 138 invitation-only law enforcement leaders selected - the Chief represents first-timer Mesa, in the National Violent Crime Summit in Washington D.C. Host: Police Executive Research Forum, a non-profit international and national think-tank.Chief Gascon says Mesa belongs at the national level and our representation at the summit will bring other opportunities such as training, funding, and creating national policies that affect communities.With violent crimes rising in Mesa, as in other large cities across the U.S., law enforcement officials will gather to discuss ways to reduce the increase.As the 40th largest city in the U.S., violent crime and robberies have risen; we’ve experienced several lately, one perpetrator still at-large, the Baseline killer. Homicides in Mesa have begun to rise as well: 2004 at 22, 2005 records 29 - 2006 currently at 24. Chief Gascon came to Mesa at the right time; a city in need of strong representation, years of experience, diverse law enforcement expertise, managerial skills, and ability to mobilize the department and community; partnering to fight crime.

Denise Traves, Crime Prevention Unit Supervisor, City of Mesa Police Department was recently named as number one in law enforcement by the Optimist Club in Mesa. This award was especially significant since her peers nominated her. Traves began as a volunteer with Mesa Police in 1994, was hired as a Crime Prevention Specialist in 1996, then promoted to Supervisor in 2000. She is an Internationally Certified Crime Prevention Specialist, member of the International Society of Crime Prevention, Certified Practitioner of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, Treasurer of the AZ Crime Prevention Association, AZ Peace Officer Standards in training certified instructor, career advisor for those in the MPD, a MAHC board member, and currently a Mesa Chamber LTD Program, Class of 2007 member. Quite an accomplished person that well deserves this award!The Crime Prevention Unit has provided the much-needed personal safety sessions lately at the various district headquarters. I attended mine last week. Terri Teten, Crime Prevention Specialist, provided important information for personal safety and when to report suspicious activity. The Mesa PD C.A.T. (Community Action Team) shared their role and how we can help. Sgt. Sherwood, Officers Vaughn and Essenburg spoke with us and answered questions. Commander Kirby of the Superstition District spoke to us as well, briefing us on the recent district boundary changes, growth, crime, and the importance of citizens participating by calling in tips of suspicious activity, becoming part of the solution in our own neighborhoods. Commander Kirby has served in law enforcement for 27 years, a valuable employee with the police department and an asset to our district.The Mesa Citizen Police Academy is an excellent program offered, helping citizens understand how the department, staff, and officers are equipped to "Protect and Serve" our community. The next academy starts in September led by Karen McBride Training Specialist. An application is available on-line at the City of Mesa web site. There is a different program in place for teens; Explorers for those interested in law enforcement as a career.Mesa’s successful Narcotics Hotline was started a few years back in order to report drug activity citizens might see in their neighborhoods. A recent change added the option to also hear the message in Spanish, which will reach a wider audience. You can call without identifying yourself, 480-644-6272.Commander Kirby spoke about positive change forthcoming and citizens being encouraged to approach the Police Department with any questions. Terri Teten also advised us that the community rooms at each police district station are available to the public, at no cost, to have meetings. Simply call and schedule the day and time needed.I’ve noticed banners in downtown Mesa recently asking people to seek employment with the police department. A friendly approach encouraging those interested to apply.

It is good news to learn that Mesa Police Officer John Lafontaine’s partner was not injured in the struggle with the "wanted" Robert Miles that ended in a freeway chase.Leon is his name, K-9 is his game. He has an honorable place as a unit dog for the Mesa Police Department, working along side his partner Officer John Lafontaine.Leon was the hero of the day when officers were not able to subdue 350 lb. Miles with beanbag rounds and a Taser gun shock. Leon, a 65 lb. 2 year old Belgian Malinois, went into action by clamping down on Miles arm. The struggle that Miles displayed, violently tossing Leon about didn’t hurt this K-9 at all, in fact he is used to it.The professional and skillful Leon demonstrated his police training; it could have been a lot worse for Miles as Leon is capable of applying 1200 lbs. of jaw pressure that will crush bones. Later that day it was off duty, affectionately muzzling his handler - Officer Lafontaine - and going home as a man does with his pet - or shall I say as a dog does with his owner.A happy ending for this team. Leigh Rivers, Chandler, a fellow Southeast Valley blogger alerted me yesterday that he had heard on the news the K-9 was okay. In this mornings East Valley Tribune an article appears with photo of Lafontaine and Leon, story by Art Martori.

John Goodie is concerned about the MLK Parade of which he is the Chair, and I don’t blame him….. The parade is one of those items that will not be funded this year by the city; the cost is just under $10,000. Some of those costs: $4500 barricade services, $550 parade signs, $200-$300 insurance, $100 portable restrooms, $100 parade permit, $150 orange cones for traffic control, $100 for parade numbers, $100 radios, and 10 police officers at $35 an hour for three hours. Other needs are $2200 stage and sound, and $400 for the band shell.All I can say is Good for Goodie!! He’s not giving up on the possibility that the Mesa community wants to see this happen and will ensure we move forward.The MLK parade gives high school and junior high school bands the opportunity to participate. It is also is a great way to start the year off - with a reminder and celebration of civil rights for all of us. A holiday that everyone of us can be thankful we have, the beginning of a new year in unity!John Goodie wrote the article in hopes it would gather interest, to see if the public would contribute and/or if there are those that would be willing to sponsor the MLK Parade; either in total or by any amount toward the $10,000. Sponsorship is always part of those mentioned that makes it all possible. Who knows, one big donor could have the parade named after them. I know I’m willing to contribute in a small way that might buy the permit! More will come on how to submit donations.Call John to get in on the action, let him know he can count on you: 480-329-3116 or contact him by email at jrgoodie@peoplepc.com. Planning has to be done early so that everything comes together efficiently and in time for the MLK activities in January 2007.John is a City of Mesa Park Ranger, one of four that were retained to provide a much needed service. About eleven positions were cut due to budget constraints. I’m so glad we still have John on board to serve our city and is participating on the MLK Committee.

As I watched the footage of Robert Miles, angry, swinging fists, showing the attempts to apprehend —The US 60 freeway incident that started with Mesa Police stopping Miles because of an expired vehicle registration then finding there were warrants out for his arrest.As another officer arrived, Miles took off west on U.S. 60 - along the way - his wife and child in the car - he dropped off his wife; remaining, a 3 year old later reunited with his mom and both doing okay.Miles stopped when he crashed into a freeway barrier. At first holding up the child to "protect" himself; then thankfully obeying commands to put the child back in the car.Nothing was stopping this huge 350 lb. man - he survived bean bag shots, Tasar shock, and a dog attack and bite. I was stunned to see Miles treatment of the K-9, causing me great concern for this service dog, well trained to willingly do his job, putting himself in harm’s way to stop a criminal - one of Miles warrants is child abuse. It was a terrible site and to think also, that this is how Miles may have abused a child or children.I want to learn what condition the K-9 is in. There are many unsung heros - service dogs - dedicated to protect and serve along side their police officer.