Praying for Boston

I'm a runner and a marathoner and Boston is one of the premiere marathons in the world. People from all over qualify for and travel to Boston for this historic race. For many runners it is a dream to compete at Boston. I am sure no one dreamed such a nightmare could occur today.

Instead of focusing the media attention on the disturbed person or people responsible, let's focus on the heroics displayed by this tragedy. Prayers for all those injured, deceased and for their families. Prayers for all those who heroically responded at the scene including all first responders, runners, the many volunteers and spectators. There are a few bad apples in the world but there are MORE good people than bad! Over the next few days we will be reminded of today's tragic event by the media. We will also hear stories of runners, race personnel, spectators, volunteers, first responders and complete strangers stepping up to help each other. It is in time of tragedy we are our strongest as human beings. Prayers for Boston and America! Stay strong!

Volunteering at RTP and ARC

I volunteered at the Rock the Parkway Half-marathon this weekend. I haven't been running much and therefor wasn't in shape to run it even if I wanted to. I hope to become more consistent with my running soon. Until then I thought it would be good to give back to the sport that has given me so much.

I was a course monitor which basically means I assisted KCPD with keeping traffic off the course so the runners are able to run a safe traffic-free race. I was assigned the intersection at 63rd Terrace and Ward Parkway. Wow was there a lot of traffic! It became quite a challenge. Many people were trying to either turn south on to ward parkway or cut across, neither of which we could allow them to do once the runners got close to the area. I used my car to block the intersection but even that wasn't enough. One older gentleman tried to bump me with his car because I told him he needed to turn around. The KCPD officer assigned to work the same area came over and positioned his car so that between my car and his nobody could get through. He apologized for not doing that sooner and made sure I knew to holler if I needed help with any upset drivers. We had a few more people yell at us after that but for the most part people cooperated and turned around as directed. And of course it's always nice to hear "Thank You" from all the runners. Overall it was an experience I had hoped for. I'm sure I will volunteer at some more races this year.

I have been to a few fire calls for the Red Cross this past week as well. I have recently been diagnosed with PTSD because of the trauma of going through 2 fires in a 2 week period last year. My psychiatrist suggested that maybe I shouldn't volunteer with the Red Cross because of my recurring nightmares. I told him that I believe the benefit of helping those affected by a fire or other disaster outweighs the fear I feel from my experience with fire. I do now take a low dose antidepressant to help with the PTSD and feel like it is helping. My hope is to pursue a career in Emergency Management or related field and don't plan on giving up my volunteer activities anytime soon. Volunteering has been such a blessing for me and I look forward to the future opportunities it presents!

Week 8 - Raytown Police Department Citizens Academy

Week 8: Graduation!

Well it came and went really fast! Week 8 (March 13, 2013) was Graduation. Thank you to Raytown Police Department for putting on the Citizens Academy! I think it was a great start for many more classes to come. Thank you for allowing me to attend!

Marilyn Fleming took the first portion of the class to ask participants what they liked, didn't like, etc. I think participants provided some really good suggestions and RPD will run with those suggestions to try and provide informative and engaging Citizens Academy's for many years to come.

Here are a few pics from Graduation. Hoping to add more when I receive them.

Week 7 - Raytown Police Department Citizens Academy

Week 7 was delayed by one week due to the weather. I was happy about that because I would have otherwise missed week 7 and wouldn't be able to graduate (because I also missed week 6). Had a personal medical issue that had me sidelined for a bit. Any hoo...on to week 7. Topics covered included Overview of VIPS program, Recruiting and Training of Sworn Officers & Civilian Employees, Raytown Crime Watch Team, Neighborhood Crime Watch and finally "Questions you always wanted to ask but haven't".

Civilian Marilyn Fleming kicked off class discussing the VIPS program. Marilyn is the Community Services Unit Coordinator for Raytown Police Department. She is the coordinator for the Citizens Academy as well. VIPS stands for Volunteers in Police Service. Law Enforcement volunteer programs are not designed to replace sworn officers or civilian personnel but rather supplement functions of law enforcement agencies allowing officers to do their job in a more effective manner (focus on more essential duties). There are many volunteer opportunities for VIPS participants. Some opportunities available through Raytown Police Department include Detention/Booking, Historian for Department, Computer Entry. Participants of the citizens academy will get to ask more questions and express interest in volunteer opportunities in next weeks class. To learn more about VIPS visit their website at www.policevolunteers.org. Many area law enforcement agencies get volunteers through VIPS.

RPD does not currently have a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) but if their is enough interest this is a project Marilyn will be heading up. This is a program I am interested in but since I am not a resident of Raytown I will most likely pursue it in the city I live in. CERT teams do not replace first responders but rather supplement emergency services as needed during disasters. For more information about CERT visit www.citizencorps.gov/cert/about.shtm.

Sergeant Michelle Rogers discussed the Professional Standards Unit. PSU is responsible for Internal Affairs, Recruiting and Hiring of Sworn Officers as well as Training. Sgt Rogers reviewed the hiring process including the extensive application and interview process. Volunteers must go through an application and interview process as well although not quite as extensive (ie. no physical or psychological exams). PSU investigates all complaints received. RPD is very proactive with training of sworn officers.

FYI... Commendations go to the Chief for review. People are quick to complain but few take the time to complement. If you have had a good/positive experience with an officer take the time to write a letter of commendation to say thank you. I did. It was for a different department. It feels a little weird running in to that deputy as much as I do but I have no regrets about writing the commendation.

Raytown has a Citizen Crime Watch Patrol. Bob, Fred and Jim (sorry, didn't get their last names) were present to discuss the team. It was established in 1992. Currently there are 9 members. There have been as many as 20. It is a nonprofit organization independent of the police department that works closely with the police department to serve as the eyes and ears for the police. The citizens patrol all areas within the city limits of Raytown. The goal is to be proactive and report any suspicious activity to dispatch for follow up by police. Members of the patrol go through 50 hours of training before being set free to patrol on their own. The Crime Watch Patrol can be identified by the sign on their vehicles. If interested in learning more contact Marilyn Fleming through the Raytown Police Department.

Officer Krista Mann discussed the Neighborhood Crime Watch program. The goal of neighborhood watch programs is for citizens to be more aware of what is happening in their neighborhood and to help prevent crime by working with the police department and becoming involved. Officer Mann initiated the VIPS program for RPD and remains very involved with the Neighborhood Crime Watch program while working in patrol full time.

Last but not least... Major Ted Bowman answered "Questions you always wanted to ask but haven't." Questions included:

Why do detectives wear business attire?
It is sometimes a softer approach (talking to an officer in plain clothes versus uniform). Depends on situation. Detectives can wear their uniform and do so depending on the type of job they are working.

Is there a case that haunts you?
The case that most haunts Major Bowman is the unsolved murder of Sarah Blessing in 1992. The suspect is believed to be a serial killer known as the I70 killer responsible for 9 deaths.

The other case that haunts Major Bowman is the disappearance of Kim Tilden in 1987. To date the case has not been solved.

How do the traffic lights change for emergency vehicles?
Traffic lights have sensors on top of the lights (I thought those were red light cameras but they are not). The sensor uses a flash frequency to detect the emergency lights. Once detected the sensor changes the light to green for the direction the emergency vehicle is going and red for all other traffic directions. The technology is installed in marked cars only. Vehicles without the technology installed cannot trigger the sensors.

What determines how many officers respond to a call for service?
Seriousness of call and availability of officers. Calls involving kids will always get a high response.

What is the biggest challenge facing Raytown Police Department?
Keeping up with the times. Technology seems to always be one step ahead of law enforcement.

Is radar a priority task for officers?
Radar is secondary. It can be run between calls. Service calls always take priority over running radar. Traffic units run radar more frequently than patrol.

What is a positive quality of RPD?
The people! From the young to the seasoned officers, RPD prides itself in hiring quality people.

What happens when a complaint is received about an officer?
The complaint is investigated by the Professional Standards Unit. Questions addressed include: Is there an issue with the officer that needs to be addressed? Training issue, behavioral issue, etc. or is it a citizen with a grudge against a specific officer?

How do officers get in to cop mode at the beginning of their shift and get out of cop mode at the end of their shift?
Routine. Everyone's different but it's important to have a routine to begin the shift to help get engaged and at the end of the shift to disengage.

Thank you to Major Bowman for being very candid and answering participant questions!

At the conclusion of class I got an opportunity to do an unscheduled ride along for a few hours. I have a friend on the department who happened to be working patrol that night. I was having a difficult day and needed to talk so I sent a text to a few friends. Upon receiving my text stating I needed to talk my friend (Officer Leigh Brooks) got permission from her supervisor for me to ride with her for a few hours which allowed me talk through an issue I was having and get input from a friend. Thank you RPD for making that exception for me. It is a great example that RPD has quality people!

Next week is graduation! A class picture will be taken and CA participants will get an opportunity to discuss what they liked about the citizens academy, what improvements could be made, etc. Participants will also be able to express their interest in volunteering and starting a CERT program in Raytown.

Week 6 - Raytown Police Department Citizens Academy

Week 6 covered Firearm Safety and the FATS Simulator. Unfortunately due to a personal emergency I was unable to attend. Disappointed about that but life happens. Week 7 was delayed due to weather this week so we will meet next week for VIPS, Recruitment/training of sworn officers, etc.

Volunteering and Citizens Academy Alumni Assocations

I haven't said much about volunteering lately. It's not because I haven't been volunteering, because I have! I just haven't had much to share lately...

I spend one day a week at Wayside Waifs. Although I have to admit I haven't been good about that lately. Seems like it's one day every other week. I will be heading over there shortly today though.  Can't wait to see what new kitties and puppies are looking for their forever homes. The joy in volunteering at Wayside Waifs is seeing the animals get adopted and go to their new forever home. If I have become attached to an animal that generally means they have been at Wayside for too long but that increases the joy when they do finally get to go to their forever home!

I take call for the Red Cross one evening a week and more if I see a large gap on the calendar and I am available.  I took call 2 days this week and fortunately didn't get a call. I say fortunate because if I receive a call that means that someone is having a bad day and has either experienced a fire or some other disaster. I appreciate being able to help people but I wouldn't wish a disaster on anyone! I still have nightmares from my fire and it's been almost a year since it happened... 

I am bringing up the subject of volunteering today because it came up this week in the Citizen's Police Academy. If you have been reading my posts you know I am currently attending Raytown Missouri Police Department's Citizens Academy. This week Marilyn (CA coordinator) encouraged the participants to think about forming a Citizens Academy Alumni Association. I had actually inquired about a Citizens Academy Alumni Association at the last academy I attended but it wasn't something of interest to their organization. The response I received was that their funding comes from tax dollars, grants, SCAAP funds, etc so therefore they don't have the need for fundraising. It led me to believe that the main purpose of a Citizens Academy Alumni Association is fundraising but the more I researched other organizations I learned that fundraising may or may not be a goal of the Citizens Academy Alumni Association. Here are some of the goals for Citizens Academy Alumni Associations that I have learned about:  provide educational opportunities for citizens (to make better informed citizens and foster better communication between law enforcement & citizens), provide volunteer opportunities for citizens with the law enforcement agency in which they attended a Citizens Academy, help promote the law enforcement agency within the community via community activities, etc. Having learned a little bit more about Citizens Academy Alumni Associations it is something I would like to consider pursuing. I am still a little disappointed that JCSO wasn't interested in forming one but you know the saying... if one door closes, another one opens... I am looking forward to seeing what door(s) opens for me this year. I am not a resident of Raytown so I don't know if it's in my or their best interest for me to volunteer for their organization. I guess I will take it a day at a time and see what opportunities are available and what their needs are. I will be volunteering for another local agency too so I need to be careful and not spread myself too thin. People who know me keep cautioning me not to wear myself out trying to do too much. I guess I am still trying to find my niche and that's why I am trying different things. I have enjoyed learning new things and meeting the wonderful people in each organization I have volunteered with! Looking forward to more opportunities and meeting even more wonderful people!
  

Week 5 - Raytown Police Department Citizen's Academy

Week 5 included Crime Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation, Emergency Management and Q&A with 2 officers from patrol.


Kyle Stoker, a Crime Analyst talked about the Crime Analysis team. The team was put together in 2000. At any given time there are at least 1-2 Crime Analysts on duty. The philosophy is to "Work Smarter, Not Harder!".

Raytown is 9.9 square miles and has approximately 29,000 residents. In 2012, there were 29,306 calls for service, 3062 Incident Reports written, 3395 Arrests, 8297 Tickets handed out and 591 Accidents. It's enough to keep RPD busy but doesn't require as big of a Crime Analysis team as some of the bigger surrounding cities. CAs routinely look at statistics regarding crime patterns, trends and suspects and use tools such as maps, bulletins and forecasts. Career criminals are responsible for most of the crime and that's why Crime Analysis is so important. Only a minimal amount of the crime is random or unpredictable when career criminals are responsible. Most crime is targeted, predictable and connected. Crime includes a victim, offender and a place.

The types of crime that are counted in the statistics often referred to as the "crime rate" include:  Homicide, Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Larceny, Auto Theft and Arson. Raytown sees a steady trend upward in crime like its neighboring cities. Typically when analyzing crime a CA will look at the most recent 3 year period as a comparison. Some 2012 stats Kyle shared with the class include:  19% of burglaries in Raytown happened at a home where the door was unlocked or a window was left open; 57% of theft from cars involved cars that were unlocked; and 45% of cars that were stolen had the keys in them or the car was left unattended while running. Why share these stats? To show that crime is preventable! Some other ways to help prevent crime include:  Neighborhood Watch Groups, Volunteers in Police Service, CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) and Crime Mapping (raidsonline.com).


Next up, Detective Justin Pool discussed Crime Scene Investigation. I went in to great detail about Crime Scene Investigation and what a Crime Laboratory does in my last citizen's academy so I won't go in to much detail here.  If you want to learn more about CSI read my entry about it by following this link Week 11 - Introduction to and Tour of Crime Laboratory - JCSO Citizen's Academy. 

“The dust and debris that cover our clothing and bodies are the mute witnesses, sure and faithful, of all our movements and all our encounters.” ~Edmond Locard (1877-1966), Pioneering French Criminologist

"Trace evidence is one of the most valuable, misunderstood, misused and underutilised forms of physical evidence." ~ Dr. Peter R. De Forest

Raytown Police Department has 7 detectives and all have a role in Crime Scene Investigation. CSI is about Evidence - Statements - Confessions.  Evidence doesn't lie! The role of the first responder (officer) on the scene is to safeguard the scene. They will brief the detectives that arrive on scene. Chain of Custody must be maintained. Ie... what did you get from who, when, where?  Processing a scene includes the following steps:  Interview, Photograph, Search, Diagram, Process, Collect. The final goal is to apprehend the suspect and bring justice to the victim. One CSI must be on call at all times. Crimes investigated include but are not limited to:  Homicide, Suicide, Rape, Robbery, Assault, Burglary, Auto Theft, Forgery, Stealing. The Metro Squad can be called in to assist as needed. Death Investigation is the most common investigation assistance is needed with. The Jackson County Medical Examiner is utilized in cases of Homicide, Suicide and Accidental Death. If evidence is collected that needs to be analyzed by a lab, RPD will send to either the Missouri Highway Patrol Lab in Jefferson City or Kansas City MO Police Department. MHP is generally not as backlogged and is used preferentially by RPD.



Major Stranimier

Major Frank Stranimier spoke about Emergency Management. RPD does not currently have a CERT Program but are hopeful to get one going soon. CERT training is available through Central Jackson County Fire, Kansas City Missouri (I believe it's through the Police Department but could be through Emergency Management) and Blue River Community College. There are programs available on the Kansas side as well which is likely where I will complete my CERT program. The Emergency Management team for RPD is responsible for alerting residents to threats. Most common threats are weather related such as ice storms, tornadoes, flooding. Major Stranimier strongly encourages residents to purchase an all weather radio. (If you purchase at Price Chopper some of the money goes back to the EM department for education). Also stressed was putting together an emergency kit for your family. Other civil emergencies that Emergency Management is responsible for include:  Silver Alerts, Amber Alerts, HazMat Incidents. Information is publicized through Nixel message, Public Service Announcements and of course the local media. RPD is part of MEMC (Metropolitan Emergency Managers Committee) which is part of MARC (Mid America Regional Council). This is a coordinated effort across the metro so that all area communities are getting the same message.

Emergency Management is something I am interested in getting more involved in. I am proud to be a Disaster Services Technician with the American Red Cross and look forward to advancing my training with the Red Cross and through CERT. A community and it's residents can never be too prepared for an emergency! Having been through my own emergency strengthened my resolve to want to do more in my community. 

Last but not least... Officers Joe Holt and Larry Doty talked about their experiences with the department as a new officer (Officer Holt has been with the department for 2 years) and as a seasoned officer (Officer Doty is the longest tenured Officer having started with RPD in 1974). Officer Holt attended the Blue River Community College Police Academy and Officer Doty attended KCMO's Police Academy staying true to RPDs commitment to hire from both academies. Both Officers stressed that they chose RPD because of the small town feel to it versus the big city department. They feel like RPD is a family. They encourage anyone pursuing a career in law enforcement to get support from their family. It is important to have that support in order to have a successful career and home life. I enjoyed the stories both Officers shared. Thanks guys for taking the time to present to the Citizen's Police Academy!


Next week we will be at Blue River Academy for Firearm Safety and FATS Simulator. All class participants will have an opportunity to practice on the FATS Simulator if they want to. Looking forward to it!