new police chief - City of Gastonia

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2008
Gastonia Police Department
200 E Long Avenue
Gastonia, NC 28053
www.GastoniaPD.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
New Police Chief ............................................ 1 Drug Arrests .................................................. 19
Message from the Chief .................................. 2 DWI Trailer ..................................................20
Department Mission and Values ................... 3 Integrated SWAT Team, COG Award .......... 21
Command Staff Photo..................................... 4 Helping Others Understand Our Job ..........23
West District ................................................... 5 Donation to Schools, from Seizure ............. 24
Central District ............................................... 7 2008 Sniper Conference .............................. 25
East District .................................................... 9 Professional Standards ............................... 27
Investigations ................................................ 11 Administrative and Crime Statistics ........... 28
Citizens On Patrol (COP) .............................. 13 Officers of the Year ...................................... 33
Patrolling our Greenways ............................. 14 DWI Hero .....................................................34
Harley Davidson Buell’s ................................ 15 Volunteer of the Year ................................... 35
Citizen Satisfaction ....................................... 16 Farewell to Chief Sult ...................................36
Law Enforcement Assists ............................. 17
NEW POLICE CHIEF
TIM ADAMS, CHIEF OF POLICE
First, let me thank everyone for
both your warm welcome and the support you have given to me during my
first few months as Police Chief of the
Gastonia Police Department. Gastonia is a great city and I am truly honored to be selected as your Police
Chief. I am committed to working
with every part of the department and
the community to ensure that Gastonia
continues its record decrease in crime.
There is much to do and I am confident that together we can make a difference.
This past year has been dynamic;
from decreasing crime trends to new
department leadership, the employees
of the Gastonia Police Department
have worked diligently to protect and
serve the citizens of Gastonia.
Among the most notable change in
2008 was the retirement of Police
Chief Terry Sult. In October 2008,
Chief Sult accepted a position with
the Sandy Springs Police Department
in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
1
Chief Adams was named
the new Chief of Police on
November 20, 2008.
Chief Tim Adams is a
27-year veteran of the
Gastonia Police
Department and served
previously as the Interim
Chief of Police following
the retirement of former
Chief Rodney Parham.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
During his four-year tenure, Chief Sult brought about many positive changes and was instrumental in helping the department reach a higher level of professionalism. Chief Sult’s objective was to institutionalize community oriented
policing, beginning with neighborhood problem solving and expanding to regional partnerships. Through the creation
of local partnerships and the use of more advanced technology, Chief Sult’s goal became a reality. He will always be
remembered for the many great programs and technical advances that were instituted during his tenure.
It was November 20, 2008 that I was honored to be appointed as the 21st Police Chief of the GPD by City Manager,
Jim Palenick. The appointment of Police Chief is truly an honor, but what has been rewarding is to know I have the
privilege to work for a great agency with so many great people. The employees of the GPD make me proud, and
knowing that I have their support made the decision to take the position very easy.
I am proud to say that the City of Gastonia has experienced a decrease in crime for a fourth consecutive year. Each of
the three districts, along with all the support personnel, have worked diligently to stay on top of crime issues facing
our citizens in order to help make this community a safer place to live, work and play. As you review this report, it is
evident that everyone has worked very hard to serve and protect our neighborhoods and business community, thus
keeping very busy focusing on our departmental mission.
As we look forward to 2009, we will face many challenges as a department and a community. The current state of the
economy will have an effect on policing, not only locally but regionally as well. We will have to address projected
increased property crime issues, as with many individuals out of work, the crime of opportunity will often increase.
We will need to be creative with our manpower needs, like many government agencies we will need to resort to doing
more with less. With a record decrease in crime over the past four years, we will need to work closely as a department to remain focused on our new mission to Protect, Serve and Enhance the Quality of Life for All. Overcoming
these foreseen obstacles is possible with the dedication and commitment of the men and women of the GPD.
The future of our department is endless. These are truly exciting times and I look forward to our journey together in
both the GPD and in this great City.
Tim Adams, Chief of Police
2
MISSION AND VALUES
The Gastonia Police Department used to focus on solving crime through problem
solving partnerships, but has changed its focus slightly to not only reflect working
with partners throughout our community, but protecting the citizens of Gastonia
and providing service that will help to improve our community overall. This
change was not an immediate change, but one that came about through surveys
focus groups and a larger retreat.
The new mission statement reads:
Protect, Serve and Enhance the Quality of Life for All.
The Gastonia Police Department values:
Respect for Human Life
Integrity
Employees
Leadership Development
Citizens and Relationships
Laws and Constitution
Communication
3
COMMAND STAFF
CAPTAINS, CIVILIAN ADMINISTRATORS, POLICE ATTORNEY,
ASSISTANT CHIEF OF POLICE AND CHIEF OF POLICE
Pictured Right to Left beginning with the back row:
Captain Rob Helton, Captain Chuck Lifford, Assistant Chief Stacy Conley, MIS Director Todd Carpenter, Captain Ed Turas, Captain Steve Duncan, Captain Cindy Isenhour,
PARC Administrator Amanda Neese, Police Attorney Stephanie Webster, and
4
Chief of Police Tim Adams.
WEST DISTRICT
Table 1: West District 2008 Part I Crime Statistics
Crime
2007
2008
Percent Change
Homicide
1
5
400
Rape
9
7
-22
Robbery
94
75
-20
Aggravated Assault
161
129
-20
Burglary
488
441
-10
Larceny
1,047
928
-11
Motor Vehicle Theft
166
157
-5
Arson
27
20
-26
Total
1,993
1,762
-12
Table 2: West District 2008 Part II Crime Statistics
5
Crime
2007
2008
Percent Change
Simple Assault
523
411
-21
Vandalism
391
311
-20
Drug Violations
179
134
-25
Captain Rob Helton is
responsible for the West
District.
Captain Helton is a 21year veteran of the
Gastonia Police Department. Captain Helton
was promoted in 2007
and took his position in
the West District after
serving as the
Administrative Captain.
6
CENTRAL DISTRICT
Table 3: Central District 2008 Part I Crime Statistics
Crime
2007
2008
Percent Change
Homicide
4
2
-50
Rape
6
12
100
Robbery
99
100
1
Aggravated Assault
151
134
-11
Burglary
402
397
-1
Larceny
944
835
-12
Motor Vehicle Theft
148
131
-11
Arson
21
11
-48
Total
1,775
1,622
-9
Table 4: Central District 2008 Part II Crime Statistics
7
Crime
2007
2008
Percent Change
Simple Assault
437
380
-13
Vandalism
360
316
-12
Drug Violations
231
153
-34
Captain Steve Duncan
was responsible for the
Central District. As of
2009, Captain Duncan is
serving as the Administrative Captain.
Captain Duncan is a 23year veteran of the
Gastonia Police
Department. Captain
Duncan was promoted to
Captain in 2005. His
first assignment as Captain was the Central
District.
8
EAST DISTRICT
Table 5: East District 2008 Part I Crime Statistics
Crime
2007
2008
Percent Change
Homicide
2
0
-100
Rape
11
5
-55
Robbery
61
68
11
Aggravated Assault
89
75
-16
Burglary
374
374
0
Larceny
1,858
1,922
3
Motor Vehicle Theft
143
145
1
Arson
8
20
150
Total
2,546
2,609
2
Table 6: East District 2008 Part II Crime Statistics
9
Crime
2007
2008
Percent Change
Simple Assault
441
356
-19
Vandalism
454
401
-12
Drug Violations
84
56
-33
Captain Charles Lifford is
responsible for the East
District.
Captain Lifford is a 25year veteran of the
Gastonia Police
Department and served
previously as the
Administrative Captain.
Captain Lifford is our
only Captain to
participate in the Police
Executive Research
Forum (PERF)
10
INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
DETECTIVE BUREAU, YOUTH BUREAU AND
IDENTIFICATION BUREAU
Table 7: Investigations 2008 Case Clearance Statistics
Category
2007
2008
Percent Change
Cases Assigned
3,441
3,145
-8.6
Exceptionally
Cleared
895
758
-15.3
Cleared by Arrest
590
569
-3.5
Clearance Rate
43 %
42 %
-2.3
11
Captain Cindy Isenhour
is responsible for the
Investigations Division.
Captain Isenhour is a 23year veteran of the
Gastonia Police
Department and been responsible for the
Investigations Division
for 7 years. Captain
Isenhour is our first
female officer to hold the
rank of Captain.
12
CITIZENS ON PATROL
The Gastonia Police Department has
more eyes and ears on the road with a
new volunteer program called, Citizens
On Patrol (COP).
The program began in August 2008
with volunteers patrolling the city. The
role of the COP volunteer is not to take
enforcement action, but rather to observe and report crime information to
the police department.
COP volunteers undergo 21 weeks of
training before beginning patrol duties.
13
PATROLLING OUR GREENWAYS
The Gastonia Police Department purchased two Suzuki motorcycles to assist with off-road patrol. The two Suzuki motorcycles will join the Gastonia Police Department’s fleet of five Harley Davidson motorcycles, three of
which were leased in 2006 and two which were leased in 2008.
Unlike the Harley Davidson motorcycles that are used for traffic enforcement, the Suzuki’s are used by patrol
officers to patrol the greenway and industrial areas, to check city owned right-of-ways and search for suspects
in off-road areas.
The Suzuki’s are an economical way to deploy our manpower. The motorcycles get 65 miles per gallon and are
utilized as much as possible.
14
CAROLINA
HARLEY DAVIDSON BUELL’S
COMMUNITY-ORIENTED POLICING PARTNERSHIP WITH
CAROLINA HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES, INC.
Carolina Harley Davidson of Gastonia, North Carolina partners with the Gastonia Police Department,
again. This time the Gastonia Police Department’s Traffic Unit is the first law enforcement agency in
the country to ride the new police equipped Buell Motorcycle. The two new Buell’s will be added to
the department’s three other Harley Davidson motorcycles to patrol the roads of the Gastonia and
keep citizen safe from drunk drivers and speeders.
15
CITIZEN SATISFACTION
FIRST ANNUAL CITIZEN SATISFACTION SURVEY CONDUCTED
IN NOVEMBER 2008
Of the 191 respondents, about 68% of Gastonia
residents indicate that they feel safe in their
neighborhoods, while another 65% indicate they
have a positive overall impression of the Gastonia
Police Department (GPD), according to results
from a 2008 Gastonia Citizen Survey.
Survey results showed residents perceive they are
safer in their neighborhoods than in the city in
general. Responses to the question, "In general, the
city of Gastonia is a safe place to live," showed 49%
agreed, 15.3% were neutral, and 35% disagreed.
Responses to the question, "I am safe in the
neighborhood where I live," showed 68% agreed,
GPD solicited the public's opinion on how they per- 11.8% were neutral, and 20% disagreed. Residents
ceive the effectiveness of the police department as
were split about whether the city is less safe than a
well as perceptions of safety in the city in a survey
year ago: 43.5% said it is less safe than a year ago,
offered on the GastoniaPD.org website starting in
36.6% said it is as safe as a year ago and 8.9% said
November. The purpose of the survey was to gain
it's safer than a year ago.
community input before the police department's
strategic planning retreat.
To better address crime in our community, the
GPD included a section to gauge fear of crime. Citi"Survey results were good, but there is always room zens were asked about various forms of crime and
for improvement," said Chief Tim Adams. "At our
asked to rate how fearful they were of the crime.
retreat we talked about efficiency and reviewed our This question was asked both on a citywide level as
organizational structure. We changed some officer well as on a neighborhood level. The findings show
hours to more nights and weekend hours to better that respondents are less afraid of being murdered
meet the needs of our community. We will also be
or raped, shoplifting or being assaulted by a family
continuing GPD's focus on guns, gangs and drugs." member and more afraid of home break-ins,
robbery, theft, vehicle break-ins, stolen vehicles,
The department received positive percentages
stranger assaults and traffic accidents. When
(63.68%) for courtesy, professionalism, integrity
examined at the neighborhood level, the responses
and honesty in job performance, and use of good
were the same except more residents indicated that
judgment in the use of force. However, 80% agreed they were less afraid of stranger assaults and traffic
that the need for police has increased in the last
accidents.
year. Respondents (50%) most frequently disagreed that the visibility of police had increased in
16
their neighborhood in the last year.
LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTS
NORTH CAROLINA LAW ENFORCEMENT BAN TOGETHER
TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR A FALLEN TROOPER’S FAMILY.
Law enforcement and fire department agencies from Gastonia, Gaston County and the state came together to help raise funds for a fallen NC State Highway Patrol Trooper, Shawn Blanton’s family.
Trooper Blanton was a two year veteran of the NC State Highway Patrol when he was fatally shot on a
routine traffic stop. The suspect was caught and tried for capital murder.
The softball fundraiser was put together to help raise funds for Trooper Blanton’s son, Tye. He was
born seven weeks premature and with a heart condition. Tye was scheduled to have heart surgery at
Duke University Hospital. The funds raised by the softball tournament were to be used to help offset
the medical expenses incurred by the family. The event raised $5,000. Unfortunately, Tye passed
away four months of age. The Gastonia Police Department was privileged to have been a part of the
17
event.
18
DRUG ARRESTS
MAKING GASTONIA’S STREETS SAFER, ONE ARREST AT A TIME.
Steroid Arrest
Prescription Drug Arrest
Nurse Drug Charges
A Gastonia man was arrested for
manufacturing and selling anabolic steroids under the fictitious
brand name “Othala Labs” out of
his home in Gastonia. Police
seized approximately $20,000
worth of steroids along with four
firearms, scales, dishes, and labels. The Gastonia man faces 34
charges for manufacturing and
selling seven types of anabolic
steroids, which are synthetic,
manmade steroids.
In 2008, Gastonia police made
six arrests in a series of ongoing
investigations involving prescription drug diversion at three
different drug stores in Gastonia.
A former nurse with the Gaston
County Health Department was
charged with 81 drug-related
charges following a joint investigation by the Gastonia Police
Department and Gaston County
Police Department.
Police say the steroids were
shipped in from China in raw
powder form and converted into
an injectable liquid. The anabolic steroids were sold across
the country via the Internet and
the US Postal Service.
There is no evidence of the anabolic steroids being sold to
school athletes or any juveniles.
The department’s Special Investigations Unit is involved in
many on-going prescription drug
diversion cases. Investigators
have found that people are doctor shopping in order to illicitly
obtain pain pills and other controlled substances.
The types of prescription drugs
that are being obtained and sold
include opium, Xanax, and Hydrocodone.
The preceding arrests could not
have occurred without the strong
cooperation and partnerships
with physicians, health care providers and the Prescription Monitoring Program in North
Carolina.
The suspect was allegedly calling
in fraudulent prescriptions using
names of providers from the
Gaston County Health Department. She was arrested on November 15, 2008 for attempting
to pick up two fraudulent prescriptions at local drug stores.
The suspect is the only one involved from the Gaston County
Health Department.
The suspect was charged with a
total of 81 drug-related charges
including; possession of a
Schedule IV, fraud/forgery, trafficking opium, simple possession of a schedule III controlled
substance.
19
DWI ENFORCEMENT TRAILER
NC GOVERNOR’S HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAM PROVIDES
FUNDING FOR GPD TO PURCHASE DWI TRAILER
The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) provided funding to the Gastonia
Police Department in 2008 to purchase a DWI Enforcement Trailer. The trailer was purchased and
outfitted in 2008 by Traffic Enforcement personnel. The trailer will be used to assist in the hauling of
traffic cones, signs, and other traffic safety materials. The trailer will also be used to assist in car seat
checks, as this is a service the unit provides on a regular basis.
20
INTEGRATED SWAT TEAM
INTEGRATED SWAT TEAM RECEIVES COG AWARD FOR
SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF REGIONAL PROJECT.
21
On June 28, 2007 the
Gastonia Police Department
SWAT Team integrated with
three other law enforcement
SWAT Teams. The team
expanded to include an
18-officer entry team and a
10-officer sniper team.
With fifteen municipalities
and twelve law enforcement
agencies in Gaston County,
this was a big step forward
in our post 9-11 world.
Gastonia’s Integrated SWAT Team
was recognized for excellence in
2008 by the Centralina Council of
Governments (COG). The COG
granted the 2008 Excellence in Local
Government Efficiency and
Effectiveness to the Gastonia Police
Department for initiating a multiagency, multi-jurisdictional, SWAT
team. The integrated SWAT Team
is a big step forward for Gaston
County. The multi-agency
partnership provides benefits to all
involved, including the citizens of
Gaston County; 1) Shared costs, manpower and resources, 2) Reduced
individual costs to member agencies
involved, 3) Decrease in duplication of
resources and equipment, 4) Increase
of sustainability during incidents with
extended periods of time, 5) Expanded
coverage area and the ability to
provide a regional response to
agencies requesting assistance, 6) Access to Urban Area Security Initiative
resources because of regional
participation, and 7) Increased
opportunities for grant and funding
program.
22
PRISIM SYSTEM
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GASTON COLLEGE.
A dozen media representatives
attended GPD’s Media Day on
June 17, 2008. Media Day occurs approximately one time
each year and allows our media
representatives an opportunity
to meet with departmental personnel and learn about what officers are responsible for each day.
This Media Day representatives
participated in Gaston College’s
PRISim Video Training
Simulator.
The PRISim system is a realitybased use of force simulator that
is used to develop the skills required for officers or armed security guards to make decisions
in the use of lethal and less-lethal
weapons.
Reactions varied among participants, but the overall effect was
beneficial. Media personnel, like
most citizens, have unrealistic
expectations due to the influence
of TV police shows that ten to
glamorize situations and people.
This simulation system puts a
lethal situation into perspective.
COMPUTERS SEIZED AND
DONATED TO GCPS
The Gastonia Police Department donated 60 computers to the Gaston County School System in 2008.
The computers were seized when police raided two businesses in Gastonia and Cherryville, NC.
Prosecutors allege that the two businesses were fronts for a video gambling ring. Video gambling was
banned in North Carolina in 2007. Prosecutors say that people were gambling illegally by using swipe
cards to purchase credits or time to play various gambling games online. Pay outs for winners were
made at the front counter.
24
2008 SNIPER CONFERENCE
SECOND ANNUAL GASTONIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
SNIPER CONFERENCE
25
The Gastonia Police
Department’s Second Annual Sniper Conference
attracted some of the
nation’s top manufacturers
and dealers of elite-marksmen-related equipment including Bushmaster Custom, Remmington, Smith
& Wesson, Insight Tech
Gear, Camelbak, Oakley
and Leupold.
Some of the nation’s best law enforcement and military sniper teams were in Gastonia September 913, 2008 to test their skills and compete for top honors in the Gastonia Police Department’s Annual
Sniper Conference. The conference is held at the Gastonia Police Firearms and Tactical Training Center. Even though the event was only in its second year, the number of participating teams grew from
17 in its first year to 28, with some of the teams coming from as far away as Connecticut and Mississippi.
Additionally, due to the event’s growing popularity, some of the nation’s top manufacturers and dealers of elite marksmen-related equipment attended to showcase their latest equipment, technology and
proactive gear. Some vendors provided highly specialized workshops for the elite law enforcement
and military marksmen who attended the conference.
The teams that attended competed in 13 professional events that tested both individual and team
skills in situations specifically designed to simulate real-world conditions that professional snipers
face.
The first place overall winners were from Syracuse, NY Police Department. The second place overall
winners were from Naugatuck, CT Police Department, and third place overall winners were from the
United States Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Elizabeth City, NC.
28
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Employee Complaints
Complaint
Count
Result
Conduct Unbecoming
1
Not Sustained
Excessive Force
1
Not Sustained
Inattention to Duty
1
Not Sustained
Information Only
1
Not Sustained
Integrity
1
Unfounded
CRIME
STATISTICS
In the City of Gastonia, crime has continued to decrease. By viewing the crime clock
below, residents and visitors alike can expect to see the frequency of criminal acts to
occur in the following manner:
1 Index Crime every 1 Hour 28 Minutes
1 Violent Crime every 13 Hours 35 Minutes
1 Property Crime every 1 Hour 38 Minutes
2007
2008
Part I Crime
Number
Occurrence
Murder
1
Every 52 Days
Rape
1
Every 17 Days
Robbery
1
Every 37 Hours
Aggravated Assault
1
Every 23 Hours
Burglary
1
Every 7 Hours
Larceny
1
Every 2 Hours
MV Theft
1
Every 20 Hours
Change in Part I Crime
4500
3,842
3,678
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1,259
1,210
1500
1000
500
5 7
23 21
Murder
Rape
234 237
451 438
432 381
0
Robbery
Aggravated
Assault
Burglary
Larceny
MV T heft
2008 Violent Crime Density Map
Violent Crime
760
740
720
700
680
660
746
710
640
701
670
620
646
600
580
2004
2005
2006
2,007
2,008
29
2008 Property Crime Density Map
Property Crime
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
6,458
6,242
5,870
5,607
5,377
2006
2,007
2,008
2,000
1,000
0
2004
30
2005
CITY OF GASTONIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
UNIFORM CRIME REPORTING STATISTICS
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
68,255
68,246
68,518
68,809
70,278
71,376
72,779
CALLS PER CAPITA
1.39
1.39
1.41
1.48
1.38
1.31
1.29
SWORN PERSONNEL AUTHORIZED
172
170
168
168
167
167
169
ACTUAL SWORN PERSONNEL
167
161
157
152
155
162
169
TOTAL DISPATCHED CALLS FOR SERVICE
94,543
94,544
96,527
101,657
96,811
93,221
94,030
PART 1 CRIME TOTALS
6,045
6,202
7,204
6,912
6,580
6,308
6,023
PART 2 CRIME TOTALS
5,690
5,681
6,569
6,881
6,504
5,840
4,976
605
728
746
670
710
701
646
PROPERTY CRIMES
5,440
5,474
6,458
6,242
5,870
5,607
5,377
TOTAL CRIMES
11,735
11,883
13,773
13,793
13,084
12,148
10,999
AUTHORIZED OFFICERS PER 100,000
POPULATION
252
249
245
244
238
234
232
ACTUAL OFFICERS PER 100,000
POPULATION
245
236
229
221
221
227
232
CALLS FOR SERVICE PER OFFICER*
566
587
615
669
625
575
556
VIOLENT CRIMES PER OFFICER*
4
5
5
4
5
4
4
PROPERTY CRIMES PER OFFICER*
33
34
41
41
38
35
32
TOTAL CRIMES PER OFFICER*
70
74
88
91
84
75
65
VIOLENT CRIMES PER 100,000 POPULATION
886
1,067
1,089
974
1,010
982
888
7,970
8,021
9,425
9,071
8,353
7,856
7,388
17,193
17,412
20,101
20,045
POPULATION
VIOLENT CRIMES
PROPERTY CRIMES PER 100,000
POPULATION
TOTAL CRIMES PER 100,000 POPULATION
18,617
Source: Gastonia Police Department Uniform Crime Report
17,020
15,113
Crime Trends Per 100K
25000
20000
15000
Property Crime
Violent Crime
10000
Part I Crime
5000
0
2004
2005
2006
Property Crime
Per 100K
32
2007
2008
Violent Crime
Per 100K
Part 1 Crime
Per 100K
Hickory
7,885
Rocky Mount
1,282
Rocky Mount
9,107
Rocky Mount
7,825
Salisbury
1,054
Hickory
8,699
Fayetteville
7,582
Charlotte
970
Salisbury
8,632
Salisbury
7,578
Winston Salem
951
Fayetteville
8,486
Gastonia
7,384
Fayetteville
903
Gastonia
8,271
Greenville
7,167
Gastonia
887
Greenville
8,052
Winston Salem
6,888
Greenville
885
Winston Salem
7,839
Charlotte
6,486
Greensboro
857
Charlotte
7,456
Greensboro
6,335
Hickory
814
Greensboro
7,192
High Point
6,215
Wilmington
791
High Point
6,941
Asheville
5,644
High Point
726
Wilmington
6,342
Wilmington
5,551
Asheville
697
Asheville
6,341
Concord
4,391
Raleigh
630
Wilson
4,772
Wilson
4,236
Wilson
536
Concord
4,633
Matthews
4,146
Concord
242
Matthews
4,364
Raleigh
3,729
Matthews
217
Raleigh
4,359
Cary
1,774
Cary
81
Cary
1,855
OFFICERS OF THE YEAR
DETECTIVE JEREMY WILLIAMS
OFFICER CHRISTIAN CLINCH
Detective Jeremy Williams was the recipient of the Exceptional Duty and Officer of the Year awards in Gastonia
Police Department's 2009 Awards Program. Detective Williams was recognized for his work in a case in which about
$12.5 million was fraudulently obtained in Gastonia. The
Internal Revenue Service has determined more than $200
million in U.S. Treasury checks were issued in this fraud
and some of the checks have been recovered.
The case started July 17, 2008, when Detective Williams
was assigned a stolen check case in which the check was
cashed at a local check-cashing store. The case developed
into the largest case the IRS has had, and resulted in a
multi-million dollar fraud scheme across the globe being
thwarted. The case was adopted by the U.S. Attorney's
Office with two suspects having pled guilty and two others
awaiting trial.
Officer Christian Clinch, pictured to the right, was
awarded 2008 Officer of the Year by the AM Optimist
Club in Gastonia. Officer Clinch demonstrated superb
community policing as he identified crime trends and
formed partnerships with the community to help identify suspects and disrupt the theft ring.
Officer Clinch was able to make a larceny arrest on a
female repeat offender who was stealing Dyson vacuum
cleaners from area retail locations. Officer Clinch conducted many hours of surveillance which led to the
arrest of a female repeat offender. The offender then led
Officer Clinch to the ringleader, unveiling the criminal
enterprise. It was discovered that the vacuums were
being traded for Mexican Herion.
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DWI HERO
SERGEANT KEITH MCCABE
Gastonia Police Department Sergeant Keith McCabe was named Western North Carolina Police DWI
Hero in MADD North Carolina's 2008 Law Enforcement /Criminal Justice Awards of Excellence.
The recognition given by Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is awarded to an officer who goes
above and beyond his job requirements through dedication and involvement within the community,
personal creativity and innovativeness, a belief in the Mothers Against Drunk Driving's mission, and
dedication to the ideals of law enforcement.
Sergeant McCabe has been with the Gastonia Police Department since 2001. He has served as a Police
Training Officer, and is a National Highway Transportation Safety Administration certified Standardized Field Sobriety Tests Instructor. He is a certified Chemical Analyst and has been involved in more
than 200 DWI and Drug Violation cases. MADD recognized detective McCabe in 2003 and 2004 for
having the highest number of drunk driving arrests for the City of Gastonia. Recent accomplishments
include:
Serving as a faculty member in assisting the N.C. Conference of District Attorneys for their prosecuting
Drug Drivers Conference in August 2008.
Developing a partnership with MADD in the Western Region and being instrumental in the development of “Hook’em Like MADD” Fishing Tournament, which will be in April 2009. This tournament
involves local and state agencies in showing awareness of not only DWI, but also Boating While
Impaired problems. This is MADD's first event addressing the issue of boating while impaired.
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VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
MR. DON BRITTAIN
Don Brittain, father to Sergeant Travis Brittain, achieved the most volunteer hours for the year.
Mr. Brittain was one of the original Citizen’s Academy graduates and one of the department’s first Citizen’s
On Patrol volunteers. Without assistance from Mr. Brittain, and the other COP volunteers, much of what
we do every day would not be possible.
35
FAREWELL TO CHIEF SULT
CHIEF SULT RETIRES
2004-2008
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Police Department