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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBozeman Police Report for 2012_12 78 2 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Department_______________3 Patrol Division_____________________8 Chief’s Message_____________________4 Detective Division__________________11 Budget Overview____________________5 Support Services Division___________14 Crime Statistics_____________________6 2013 Department Goals_____________18 Department Organization____________7 Acknowledgements_________________19 MISSION STATEMENT OF THE BOZEMAN POLICE DEPARTMENT The Bozeman Police Department, in partnership with the citizens of Bozeman, is committed to improving the quality of life by identifying and resolving public safety concerns. 79 3 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report ABOUT THE BOZEMAN POLICE DEPARTMENT BOZEMAN POLICE DEPARTMENT ~ 1947 BOZEMAN POLICE DEPARTMENT ~ 1975 BOZEMAN POLICE DEPARTMENT ~ 2012 Department Founded April 12, 1883 At a Glance Police Officers (Authorized) 65 Civilian Personnel (Authorized) 8 Calls for Service 46,010 Fiscal Year 2013 Budget $6.6 million Department Personnel Chief of Police 1 Deputy Chief 1 Lieutenants 3 Sergeants 9 Patrol Officers 36 K9 Officers 2 Detectives 8 School Resource Officers 2 D.A.R.E. Officer 1 Evidence Technician 1 Police Information Specialists 3 Animal Control Officer 1 Parking Enforcement Officer 1 Vehicle Maintenance Specialist 1 Volunteer 1 Police Vehicles & Equipment Marked Patrol Vehicles 20 Unmarked Vehicles 20 Motorcycles 4 Traffic Enforcement Vehicle 1 D.A.R.E. Truck 1 Bicycles 9 City of Bozeman Facts Population of Bozeman (2010) 37,280 Total Acreage 12,477 Square Miles 19 ½ Miles of Roads & Alleys 250 80 4 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report CHIEF’s MESSAGE Welcome to the 2012 Annual Report of the Bozeman Police Department. This report serves to highlight the activities of the year and allows the department the opportunity to self-assess and provide useful information to our citizens. The report contains not only statistical information, but also a window into the organizational makeup and daily workings of the department. Recognizing the number of incidents that involved excessive alcohol, the department began a focused effort to partner with licensed establishments to increase training and cut down on underage use and over-service. The department has also undertaken strict enforcement of all alcohol-based violations. Some arrests have increased but significant assaults and injuries have fallen dramatically. A priority of the department continues to be the hiring of quality personnel and providing them with a safe and efficient environment in which to work. The police department currently has filled 63 of the 65 sworn officer positions that are authorized. Hiring and training is costly in both time and money and our background investigative process helps ensure every employee we hire has stellar character and holds a true desire to provide service to our community. Deficiencies of the building that houses the police department were recognized ten years ago when the first space needs study was conducted. As the department has grown and technology needs have changed, the deficiencies have become crippling. Funds were recently allocated for research and design of a new police department facility. That work continues and involves representatives from several governmental groups and community members. I expect that there will be significant progress in the coming year and that the community will be even more involved as the project moves forward. The City of Bozeman continues to be one of the safest cities in Montana, in great part because of the relationship our police department has with its community. I have the honor of working alongside a talented group of men and women who come to work every day with a collective commitment of making a difference. Additionally, one of our greatest allies is the watchful citizen. Having concerned and attentive community members who call police when suspicious activity occurs in their neighborhood provides police with the best opportunity to prevent crimes, apprehend suspects, and keep our city safe. I truly thank each of you for your continued commitment to this department and to our community. Sincerely, Ron Price 81 5 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report BUDGET OVERVIEW The Bozeman Police Department is operating on a budget of $6,636,420 for fiscal year 2013, which is actually a reduced amount from the previous fiscal year by nearly $150,000. The main source of this money is tax-based, but other funding sources include drug forfeitures, grants, and donations toward a specific program. This budget amount includes all projected costs of personnel salaries and benefits, uniforms, training, equipment, supplies, contracted services and capital improvement purchases, such as the replacement of police cars. In addition to funding uniform patrol officers, this budget funds our detective and support services divisions. Included are the services provided by the animal control officer, a parking enforcement officer, drug enforcement services of the detectives assigned to the Missouri River Drug Task Force, our School Resource Officers and the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E. program). We understand and respect that every spending decision must be made carefully. A constant focus on balancing “wants” versus “needs” is part of every purchase. Preparation of future budgets is based on the previous year’s actual expenditures, identified needs and careful forecasting. We focus on those items that improve public and officer safety, efficiency in how we perform our duties and those that provide needed opportunities for education as a top priority. Part of our diligence resulted in returning $585,706 in unspent budgeted funds at the end of Fiscal Year 2013. A large part of these unspent funds came as a result of not filling all sworn officer vacancies and the related costs that go with medical exams, training and outfitting these officers. Fiscal Year 2013 Police Department Budget Expenditures Salaries & Benefits ($5,176,988) Contracted Services ($472,882) Capital Improvement ($403,850) Supplies ($294,600) Repair & Maintenance ($97,700) Other ($191,400) 82 6 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report CRIME STATISTICS Members of the Bozeman Police Department respond to dispatched calls and initiate activity based on their own observations. Together, these incidents are referred to as calls for service. State-wide crime reporting is based on a category referred to as “Index Crimes”. Index crimes are identified as reported incidents of Homicide, Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Larceny and Motor Vehicle Theft. It is through the use of this index that rates can be compared across a span of years and beside other jurisdictions. The information displayed shows the raw total of crime data (Index Crimes) and the number of crimes per 1,000 population (Crime Rate). City of Bozeman Crime Statistics (2006-2012) Year Population Index Crimes Rate per 1,000 Homicide Rape Robbery Aggravated Assault Burglary Larceny Motor Vehicle Theft 2012 37,280 1,434 38.4 1 31 8 58 136 1,145 55 2011 37,280 1,290 34.6 0 24 3 66 103 1,040 54 2010 37,280 1,173 31.5 0 23 14 70 111 883 72 2009 40,910 1,370 33.5 1 13 13 51 131 1,085 76 2008 39,408 1,538 39.0 1 16 15 57 122 1,251 76 2007 36,158 1,751 48.4 0 19 15 48 136 1,299 120 2006 32,722 1,642 50.2 0 21 15 48 136 1,299 123 2010 population based on actual census numbers as 2006-09 population was based on estimations each year Crime data provided by the Montana Board of Crime Control-Helena, MT City of Bozeman Calls for Service (2010-2012) Year Calls for Service Formal Criminal Reports Total Arrests Traffic Stops Total Citations (Misdemeanor) DUI Arrests 2012 45,759 4,891 2,154 9,125 7,319 278 2011 46,010 4,868 2,149 9,843 6,780 373 2010 44,965 5,306 2,443 10,797 5,916 442 Crime Statistics for Comparable Cities in Montana City Population (2010) Index Crimes Rate per 1,000 Homicide Rape Robbery Aggravated Assault Burglary Larceny Motor Vehicle Theft Great Falls 58,505 3,045 52.0 1 38 27 137 322 2,388 132 Billings 104,170 5,361 51.5 4 120 77 303 774 3,658 425 Kalispell 19,927 1,009 50.6 1 26 7 62 89 790 34 Missoula 66,788 3,129 46.8 0 91 31 139 333 2,433 102 Helena 28,190 1,267 44.9 0 99 13 106 121 895 33 Butte 33,525 1,314 39.2 0 18 7 95 148 949 97 Bozeman 37,280 1,434 38.4 1 31 8 58 136 1,145 55 83 7 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION Chief Ron Price Deputy Chief Rich McLane Patrol Lieutenant Dave McManis Detective Lieutenant Steve Crawford Support Services Lieutenant Mark Johnson Operation Sergeant Police Information Specialist Patrol Officers (36) Police Information Specialist Detective Sergeant Detectives (6) Drug Task Force (2) School Resource Officers (2) Police Information Specialist Training Sergeant Animal Control Officer Parking Officer Vehicle Maintenance Coordinator Evidence Technician D.A.R.E. Officer Patrol Sergeants (6) Volunteer 84 8 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report PATROL DIVISION The Patrol Division is comprised of three shifts of uniformed patrol officers and patrol sergeants who perform a multitude of tasks, including traffic enforcement, responding to emergencies, investigating criminal activity, and conducting proactive patrol. The Patrol Division operates around the clock every day of the year and generally handles over 85% of the department’s calls for service. The division is also staffed with a civilian Police Information Specialist. PATROL BEATS The city is divided into three patrol beats for the purpose of equally distributing police resources around the city. This increases public safety and police service in a number of ways to include better patrol officer allocation, decreased response times, and increased police visibility. Patrol beats also allow officers to become more familiar with the neighborhoods and businesses they patrol, along with public safety issues that may be specific to that area of the city. 32% 27% 41% Patrol Division Calls for Service Beat 1 Beat 2 Beat 3 BOZEMAN POLICE DEPARTMENT PATROL BEATS 85 9 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report PATROL SPECIALTY AREAS Two officers are assigned to a full time dedicated Traffic Unit. Their primary duties are traffic enforcement and crash investigations, as well as helping resolve vehicle and pedestrian traffic problem areas throughout the city. In 2012, the Traffic Unit stopped 1,685 unsafe drivers, investigated 500 crashes, conducted 361 patrol checks and assisted 105 motorists. To supplement our proactive traffic enforcement capabilities, the Bozeman Police Department utilized grant monies provided by the Montana Department of Transportation. Officers conducted nearly 240 hours of additional traffic enforcement patrols with a primary focus on occupant protections and impaired driving. During these emphasis patrols, our officers issued 467 citations and gave 475 warnings, all the while greatly decreasing unsafe driving behavior at no additional cost to Bozeman taxpayers. In January the City Commission adopted an ordinance restricting the use of hand-held cell phones. As the year progressed our department worked with several venues and presented education efforts, both media and in-person, to address all areas of distracted driving. In 2012 officers made approximately 500 traffic stops for violations of the cell phone ordinance that resulted in 106 civil citations for distracted driving in 2012. Our K9 Program consists of two patrol officers and their canines Taco and Nyah. The K9 program serves both the community and our officers by providing patrol functions as well as conducting searches of buildings, vehicles and other property for suspects and illegal substances. Our K9 teams conducted 28 drug sniffs in residences and vehicles, 12 tracking of suspects, and 29 searches of buildings where evidence showed forced entry was made by a suspect. Over 250 pounds of marijuana and 10 grams of methamphetamine were seized in cases assisted by our K-9 teams. In the spring of 2012 the Bozeman Police Department partnered with the Bozeman Lion’s Club to purchase a new K9. Officer Bryan Moen and his new partner Nyah traveled to Remington, Virginia where they received certification as a K-9 team. Additionally, Officer Moen became a Senior Master Handler through the American Society of Canine Trainers. 86 10 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report In an effort to curb serious assaults and other alcohol related offenses in the Downtown Area, patrol officers were regularly assigned to this area on foot and mountain bikes. During 2012, patrol officers issued 522 open container citations, 121 urinating in public citations, 32 fake ID citations, and made 42 arrests for disorderly conduct in the downtown area. The number of serious assaults in the downtown area has decreased because of this proactive patrolling. Additionally, meetings were held with tavern owners and managers to collectively combat underage drinking. The meetings outlined our intentions to conduct Alcohol Compliance Checks and over-service investigations. In 2012, we conducted 31 compliance checks of businesses which sell alcohol and our underage buyer was able to purchase alcohol in several of these businesses, resulting in a criminal citation being issued to the sellers. Our Mountain Bike Patrol Officers focus their attention on areas of the city not generally accessible by a police car. To increase effectiveness within our beat systems, officers patrol their beats with a bicycle on a trunk rack of their patrol car. With the officer already in their patrol beat they can quickly deploy a bicycle as needs arise. Our bike officers also regularly appear at special events such as bike rodeos and parades. During 2012, our department dramatically increased officer’s trained as part of our Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and currently have 21 CIT trained police officers. CIT training helps officers react appropriately to situations involving mental illness or mental disabilities. CIT is continually being refined and reassessed to make our community safer when dealing with mentally ill persons, while using the principals of dignity, understanding, kindness, hope and dedication. It is the goal of this department to train all patrol officers to CIT. Our CIT has led to a stronger partnership with the Gallatin Mental Health Center. Our Honor Guard and its members provide the department with a specially trained ceremonial team to render honors and preserve tradition. They provide guidance and uniformity while performing ceremonies throughout the year, including funerals, formal services and other events. In 2012, our combined City of Bozeman/Gallatin County Special Response Team (SRT) responded to five barricaded/suicidal subject incidents in Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley. The incidents were successfully resolved. The team is comprised of officers from both the Bozeman Police Department and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. The Special Response Team continues to maintain a high level of training to ensure they are prepared for high-risk incidents which threaten public safety. The team trains twice monthly in tactical operations, firearms, and other required training as well as physical fitness training. In May 2012, two of our team members were part of a multi-agency team that took first place in the tactical competition at the annual Mountain States Tactical Officers’ Association in Helena, Montana. 87 11 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report DETECTIVE DIVISION The Detective Division is responsible for conducting felony criminal investigations including crimes against persons such as homicide, felony assault, robbery, crimes against children, and sexual offenses. Detectives are responsible for conducting investigations involving property crimes such as burglary, theft, embezzlement, and identity fraud. Detectives conduct background investigations of prospective employees as well as some other positions within the City of Bozeman. Internal investigations are completed by the Detective Division. In addition to their primary investigative responsibilities, detectives respond to requests for assistance from patrol officers and supervisors as well as other public safety and law enforcement agencies. In 2012, the detective division investigated approximately 348 new cases in addition to cases carried over from 2011. These cases included robberies, felonious assaults, burglaries, embezzlements, and sexual crimes. The division also investigated one homicide and two attempted homicides. This year we witnessed an increase in sexual crimes, specifically in the offense of Sexual Intercourse without Consent which increased from 24 in 2011 to 31 in 2012. It is not clear if this increase is due to higher numbers of occurrences or if it is influenced by greater awareness of the crime and an increase in reporting. The division also experienced an increase in burglaries but a decrease in aggravated assaults. DETECTIVE SPECIALTY AREAS In 2012 the BPD initiated a new Computer Crime Unit (CCU). The department now has the capability to process most computer systems, smart phones, and cell phones for evidence of various crimes. The CCU assisted the department by retrieving important information and digital evidence in cases involving embezzlement, missing persons, stalking, and child abuse among others. One major case involved a male that had kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 13 year old in Wyoming and our analysis led to his arrest in the Bozeman area. A detective is assigned to conduct computer forensic examinations as well as participate in the Montana Internet Crimes against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The Montana ICAC Task Force is part of a nationwide initiative to enhance investigative response to computer-facilitated crimes against children. Our ICAC investigator conducts both proactive and reactive investigations to protect children from online predators. Year Cases Opened Violent Crimes Sexual Crimes Property Crimes Agency Assists Hiring Backgrounds Other Cases 2012 348 49 96 128 22 12 41 2011 343 54 80 140 15 16 38 2010 299 69 51 72 22 28 57 88 12 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report In addition to criminal investigations, the Montana ICAC Task Force provides education to the public on computer-facilitated child exploitation. In 2012, the ICAC detective conducted several presentations for middle school and high school students in Bozeman on the dangers of the internet, sexting, cyber-bullying, and online predators. In support of the ICAC mission, the department continues to present seminars for parents and caregivers to help them understand the technologies children are using and the dangers they face online. The Bozeman Police Department’s Sexual and Violent Offender Registry Program is responsible for ensuring that all violent and sexual offenders residing in the city limits of Bozeman have registered a current address with our department as required by Montana law. Registration also ensures that the department has current photographs, fingerprints and DNA samples of subjects living in our area that are convicted of qualifying offenses. In 2012, 20 sex offenders and 31 violent offenders were registered and monitored by the Bozeman Police Department and listed on the Montana Department of Justice website for public access. Twice a year, patrol officers physically verify the residency of every offender registered within the Bozeman city limits to ensure compliance. Two detectives from the Bozeman Police Department are assigned to the Missouri River Drug Task Force (MRDTF), with focused investigation on regional drug crimes. These detectives investigated cases involving the possession, distribution or manufacture of dangerous drugs, and fraudulently obtaining prescription drugs. These cases resulted in charges ranging from single to multiple felonies. MRDTF detectives also investigated complex conspiracy cases involving multiple subjects involved in transporting significant amounts of dangerous drugs into Montana and distributing them, generally resulting in charges related to violations of federal crimes. These investigations frequently involved the assistance of other regional drug task force detectives in Montana and Idaho as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security. In 2012, MRDTF detectives conducted undercover operations, controlled purchases, controlled drug deliveries, executed search warrants and intercepted drug shipments during the course of their investigative duties. In addition to criminal cases, MRDTF detectives submitted civil forfeiture paperwork, resulting in the seizure of currency and vehicles. They also assisted federal agencies and other drug task forces, both in and outside of Montana, in drug investigations. They conducted numerous drug educational talks to various local groups and assisted area detectives in the investigation of crimes unrelated to dangerous drugs. MRDTF detectives investigated 4 federal drug conspiracy cases in 2012 involving methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine and heroin. Complex conspiracy cases can easily take over a year to investigate and many of these cases remain ongoing into 2013. To date, seven suspects were indicted and have pled guilty to federal charges related to these conspiracy cases. MRDTF Investigations (2010-2012) Year Prescription Drugs Marijuana Cocaine Methamphetamine Other Drugs 2012 19 67 8 22 10 2011 17 16 3 59 7 2010 17 35 25 25 8 89 13 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report The Bozeman Police Department provides one-half level funding for an Evidence Technician position that is shared with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. During 2012, the Evidence Technician managed evidence for over 1,500 new cases that were generated by the Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri River Drug Task Force and Gallatin County Coroner’s Office. In addition to documentation, storage and proper disposal of evidence, the technician is responsible for crime scene response, processing items for fingerprints and other trace evidence and forwarding items to the Montana State Crime Lab for examination. SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS In partnership with the Bozeman School District, our department continues to ensure the safety of over 5,500 children in our school system. We have two School Resource Officers (SRO) assigned to these duties full-time, with funding shared with the school district. Goals of the School Resource Program are to collaboratively work with educators, students, parents, and the community to provide a safe school environment, provide law and safety-related educational programs in the schools in an effort to reduce crime, drug abuse, and violence. SRO’s assisted multiple agencies in investigations involving school age children throughout Gallatin County. In 2012, our two SRO’s handled over 878 calls for service. In 2012, SRO duties and accomplishments included working closely with district administrators, staff, and students on a daily basis. This included identifying parents who are currently on the Montana Sexual and Violent Offender Registry and then notifying them of school district policy that could affect their access to school property. SRO’s also developed and administered district-wide tabletop emergency crisis exercises, three times during the school year. Additionally, SRO’s conducted and assisted in Risk and Threat Assessments related to security issues involving students and threats generated from outside the schools. SRO’s assisted the District Facilities Supervisor in assessing and making school buildings safer for students and staff. They worked with all schools on conducting safety drills and training students and staff on safety procedures. In October, SRO’s worked with the district to implement the WeTip program which is a completely anonymous hotline for students and parents to report concerns regarding school safety and potential threats of school violence. When tips are received they are routed directly to SRO’s from WeTip. 90 14 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION The Support Services Division is located in our downtown office at 30 North Rouse. This division is responsible for animal control, parking enforcement recruitment, hiring, training, fleet maintenance, uniforms, equipment, volunteer and community outreach programs, and DARE. This location brings us closer to businesses in historic downtown Bozeman and our community members. ANIMAL CONTROL & PARKING ENFORCEMENT The Bozeman Police Department Animal Control Officer, with assistance from the patrol division, primarily deals with failure to leash, dog bites, vaccinate and/or license dogs or cats. They also assist with loose livestock, wildlife at large, exotic pet licenses, and inspections of residences for kennel or chicken licenses. The Bozeman Police Department Parking Enforcement Officer, with assistance from the patrol division, handles all parking complaints for the City of Bozeman, outside of the downtown, MSU, and high school parking districts. Common complaints include vehicles parked on sidewalks, those left on public streets for an extended period of time, and vehicles left parked in a manner restricting the passage of other vehicles, especially during the winter months. POLICE OFFICER HIRING & TRAINING Throughout 2012, we received 200 applications and interviewed 77 potential police officer candidates. Eight officers were hired to fill vacancies due to attrition and to meet a 13 officer increase authorized by a 2007 voter approved public safety mill levy. New officers attend 12 weeks of classroom and hands-on training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy. Upon successful completion of the academy, officers are placed into the department’s 14 week Field Training Evaluation Program before being allowed to patrol the streets on their own. Year Animal Complaints Criminal Citations Issued Civil Citations Issued 2012 2,117 8 166 2011 2,172 10 563 2010 2,873 28 681 Year Parking Complaints Parking Citations Abandoned Vehicle Complaints 2012 1,041 3,745 790 2011 1,700 3,640 824 2010 1,897 4,067 862 Police Officer Staffing Year Total Number of Officers 2012 63 2011 60 2010 55 2009 51 2008 47 91 15 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report In 2012, members of our department attended 56 various Peace Officer Standards and Training certified training courses, such as crash investigation, leadership, domestic violence, child interviewing, Internet crimes against children, and death investigations. Our department also conducted 20 in-service training topics, to include domestic violence, TASER recertification, firearms, defensive tactics, legal updates, and police vehicle operations. FLEET MAINTENANCE With a fleet of 20 patrol cars, 20 unmarked and support staff cars, and two motorcycles, our vehicle maintenance coordinator is very busy with general maintenance installing all police equipment in new cars purchased each year. By performing a majority of our own maintenance and installations on these cars, we have been able to maintain our repair and maintenance budget. A newly formed vehicle committee made up of officers has been tasked with assessing our fleet of patrol cars in hopes of improving our fleet, both in terms of safety and efficiency. VOLUNTEER PROGRAM In July, the Bozeman Police Department began a volunteer program to increase police responsiveness, service delivery, data input, assist with special events and projects, and provide new program opportunities. Our lone volunteer maintains our bicycle registration program and abandoned bicycle database, performs front counter services at our downtown office, assists with special events sponsored by the police department, and has been a valuable asset in assisting with our evidence management. D.A.R.E. The current Drug Alcohol Resistance and Education (D.A.R.E.) program provides a research-based curriculum to all fifth grade students in the Bozeman School District. These lessons include stranger danger, Internet safety, drug prevention and bullying as well as life skills to resist alcohol, drugs, tobacco and violence. More than 500 students in the Bozeman School District were taught D.A.R.E. in 2012. The Bozeman D.A.R.E officer also provides instruction to schools in Gallatin County, to include Amsterdam, Anderson, LaMotte, Malmborg, and Monforton. 92 16 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report COMMUNITY OUTREACH The Bozeman Police Department continues to provide important information so community members are better informed and armed with tools to help keep them safe. Activities include attending neighborhood meetings, speaking at schools and service group meetings, and presenting public talks to adults and children about personal and home safety. In 2012, we attended nearly 290 public education events throughout our community. We also implemented a quarterly crime prevention newsletter full of safety tips, crime prevention ideas, and general information about the department and our programs to better communicate with those we serve. The Bozeman Police Department has long made crime information available to the public through various means. In 2012, we began using Facebook as a primary means of informing our community of crime prevention and information. The Bozeman Police Landlord Partnership was created to open lines of communication between the police and landlords to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods. This partnership has allowed us to remedy problem rental houses in a timely manner when it comes to nuisance properties, illegal garbage dumping, and general neighborhood concerns. We continue to partner with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office in sponsoring Drug Take Back events in our community in an effort to get as many unused prescription drugs off our streets, so they don’t end up in our water systems or fall into the hands of an abuser or young child. Many bicycles are found abandoned throughout Bozeman and end up in our impound lot. We make every attempt to return these bicycles to their owners, but find many bicycles were never reported to the police as being stolen or lost, thus making it difficult for us to find an owner. To help return recovered bicycles, an online bicycle registration program was created on the department’s web-site to allow our community to register their bicycles, at no cost. This program is maintained by our department volunteer. 93 17 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report In collaboration with various public safety agencies and with support from a group of outstanding volunteers and local businesses, the Bozeman Police Department joined forces for the second straight year with thousands of communities nationwide for the second annual National Night Out Against Crime event in August. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and strengthen public safety and community partnerships. Our Citizen’s Police Academy continues to be a big success. Since its inception in 2010, we’ve had over 130 community members commit to a 10 week academy, providing opportunities to meet our officers and truly see, hear, and learn about the Bozeman Police Department. In December, members of the Bozeman Police Department, along with the generous financial support of the Bozeman Police Protective Association and Target, opened their hearts and wallets by raising nearly $1,600 to sponsor 14 young children from our community for the holidays in our first ever Shop-With-A-Cop. Officers and even some of their family members took these lucky children shopping at Target to pick out gifts for the children and their families. After shopping, officers drove the children to our downtown police station in a patrol car, where the gifts were wrapped and pizza was consumed! Many of our officers and their families remain heavily involved in serving on the boards of various non-profit organizations in our community and support local fundraising events, such as the Gallatin Valley Food Bank, HAVEN, Montana Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gallatin County, Camp Postcard of Montana, and the Montana Law Enforcement Torch Run. (Photo by Bozeman Daily Chronicle) 94 18 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report 2013 DEPARTMENT GOALS  Continue efforts toward a new municipal police and courts facility • Work with county and city officials to identify and secure a building site • Complete initial building designs • Design and present a public information campaign  Implement a plan for response and resolution of quality of life issues. • Coordinate city-wide response to code issues • Expand crime prevention offerings • Improve public education and community training efforts  Expand on our presence in the school system • Increase school resource officers to provide more immediate service to middle and elementary schools • Provide better access to parents and students • Partner with the school district to evaluate and enhance the physical safety of all schools • Expand our delivery of information across all grade levels  Evaluate and strengthen our recruitment and hiring processes • Establish long-term plans for anticipated vacancies and recruitment • Streamline the hiring and post-conditional offer process • Develop and implement a new-hire initial training program 95 19 Bozeman Police Department 2012 Annual Report 2012 BOZEMAN POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT PRODUCED BY: Bozeman Police Department Command Staff SPECIAL THANKS TO: Charley Gappmayer Ed Kibbey Mark McCarthy 96