HomeMy WebLinkAbout38-Police Department
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~ITV OF SAN BERN.DINO - REQUEST F. COUNCIL ACTION
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Dept:
Daniel A. Robbins
Chief of Police
police
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Subject: Request to Expend Asset Sei zure Funds
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Date: February 11, 1991
Synopsis of Previous Council action:
7/7/90 _ The Mayor and Common Council approved $28,026 in asset forfeiture
expenditures to fund the Junior Police Academy for Fiscal Year 1990-91.
2/11/91 _ Reviewed by Ways & Means and referred to Mayor and Common Council for
their review.
Recommended motion:
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That $181,665.38 be expended from asset forfeiture funds to cover
o~ertime personnel costs and equipment purchases relative to
B~ke Patrol, Drug/Gang Task Force, Junior police Academy programs
~nd start up costs relative to the new police Facility as outlined
~n the memorandum from the Chief of police dated February 11, 1991.
Signature
Contact person:
n~nipl A Rnhhinc~ rh;p~ n~ Pnlire
Phone: Je4 59g7
Supporting data attached:
VPf;.
Ward:
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
Amount: $181.665.38
JOR-J,:2./-1.? '-10:'-
Source: (Acct. No.1 -r2-l-W8-sre50
Finance:
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Acct. Oescri tion
Asset Forfeitur
euncil Notes:
Agenda Item No.
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75-0262
CITY OF SAN BERN.DINO - REQUEST F. COUNCIL ACTION
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STAFF REPORT
The Department has developed the following proposals which are designed to
enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness. These proposals will
focus on an improved level of service in the downtown area, improving the
already high level of enforcement activities directed towards drugs and
gangs, and improving the appearance of our vehicles.
BIKE PATROL
A pilot bike patrol program has been suggested wherein we would util ize
eXlsting personnel, two police officers presently assigned to Area B. The
officers, using bicycles, would provide high visibility, proactive patrol.
Additionally, we would monitor the program for a three-month period.
Depending upon the success of the program, we would then consider
increasing the number of officers assigned, again using existing personnel.
To implement this pilot program, we will need $5,374.73 to purchase
necessary bicycles and related equipment.
DRUG/GANG TASK FORCE
During this year, we have seen a continual increase in gang and narcotic
activity. When one focuses on the homicide rate, we find that over 50
percent of our deaths are due to gangs, drugs or a combination thereof.
In October of 1990, I asked my lieutenants in charge of gangs and narcotics
to reevaluate their operations and provide me with alternatives to our
present plan of operatlon. Primarily, we are not able to provide necessary
officer hours to deal with the problems on a continuing basis. This is due
to the number of personnel assigned to the two units and an overwhelming
demand for their services on a daily basis.
An action plan that was developed which deals with a much more aggressive
effort in the area of search warrants directed towards apartments and
houses of suspected gang members, utiJizing controlled drug buys, and
receipt of information and surveillances resulting in no dope warrants.
Intensive patrol to areas which have a high concentration of gang activity
wherein officers would be able to 9ain intelligence information regarding
the gang activities through contacts and arrest of suspected gang members
while enhancing public confidence as police take control of the
neighborhoods.
On Mother's Day, this is when Welfare checks are distributed on the 1st and
15th of each month, officers would be assigned to stationary posts at the
most highly active gang or drug locations. Since those days traditionally
have a large amount of drug activity, the officers would be able to
interrupt that transaction between buyer and user.
Increase the number of survei 11 ances conducted at known gang 1 ocat ions,
which possibly would result in the issuance of search warrants for drugs
and/or gang type arrests utilizing the prosecution of Step Act violations.
Additionally, these funds could be used to fund undercover programs.
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75-0264
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DRUG/GANG TASK FORCE
Prosecution of gang members should be of a paramount concern to this task
force. The District Attorney has proposed a gang prosecution unit for the
Central Division in January 1991. Our proposed program would enhance their
efforts, and we would work in a cooperative effort to assist in both
identification, arrest, and successful prosecution of gang members.
This proposal would not add additional personnel but provide additional
police officer hours by utilizing overtime hours. Officers from other
units within the Investigative Division would be asked to work overtime
hours to assist the Narcotic and Gang Units in the above described action
plan. The cost of this program would be approximately $95,000, which would
allow for approximately 3,100 hours of personnel time (on a time and a half
basis). These personnel costs include the use of P-l's, P-2's, and a
limited amount of P-3 time.
The asset seizure funding would be the sole source of overtime funding and,
of course, be above and beyond the regular hours worked. The program would
be eval uated on a month-to-month bas is, and termi nat ion of the program
implemented if objectives were not met.
JUNIOR POLICE ACADEMY
The Junior Police Academy is a joint project of the City of San Bernardino,
the San Bernardino Police Department, and the San Bernardino City Unified
School District. The program's goal is to assist the children and young
adults in developing self-discipline, pride, honesty, self-confidence and
respect for others. The program also provides another means of
communication between the Police Department and the community. This
program is currently ongoing at Lytle Creek Elementary School, located at
275 South G Street, San Bernardino. The program is currently funded
jointly by both the City of San Bernardino (via asset forfeiture fund
expenditures) and the San Bernardino City Unified School District. The
San Bernardino City Council approved funding for this program during their
July 7, 1990, Council meetin9 1n the amount of $28,026. The San Bernardino
City Unified School District s contribution towards the program is $70,600.
The costs for the program and the amount borne by each agency will remain
the same during FY 91-92. All parties in this program are extremely
gleased with the success of it. It is the intention of both the Pol ice
epartment and the San Bernardino City Unified School District to continue
this program during the next school year.
NEW POLICE FACILITY
The Police Department has been authorized to move several of its components
into the vacant commerci a 1 structure located on the northwest corner of
Fifth & D. This structure has been purchased by the City's Redevelopment
Agency. The RDA has also provided $42,805 to refurbish this building prior
to the move. However, it is possible that some a9ditional expenditures, on
a one-time start-up basis, may need to be made out of the asset forfeiture
fund. Incl uded among these expenditures woul d be telephones , tel ephone
1 ines, computer equipment, and office furnishings. These items will be
essential to properly equip the facility. One of the prime users of the
facility will be the Police Department's Narcotic's Units which will be
housed there. At this time, I do not have enough information to provide an
exact budget for this program.
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EOUIPMENT
In order to pursue these pro~rams and support ongoi ng efforts in the
Vice/Narcotics Unit, the follow1ng equipment purchases will be necessary:
1. Window tinting of vehicles assigned to Vice/Narcotics $ 770.00
2. Charging unit for portable cellular telephone 90.65
3. Emergency light bars for suction mounting on the
windshield of unmarked cars - 6 @ $230 ea. 1,380.00
4. Siren units for above six cars - $1,100 ea. 6,600.00
5. Nylon raid belts with holsters and ancillary equipment 1,530.00
18 @ $85 ea.
6. Mobile radios - two "Motorola" Spectrum model
32 channel with antennas $2,300 ea.
7. Two foot microphones, $100 ea.
8. Computer software program for asset seizure log
TOTAL EQUIPMENT COSTS:
4,600.00
200.00
95.00
$15,265.65
The Vice/Narcotics Unit currentl~ has three vehicles, originally obtained
via asset forfeiture, which are 1n need of replacement. These vehicles are
either well known throughout the City or have high mileage and maintenance
costs. They need to be replaced so that more re 1 i able and 1 ess better
known cars can be made available to our undercover operatives. I recommend
the purchase of three vehicles to replace the aforementioned cars. These
vehicles should be two used cars and a used mini-van. The two cars will be
utilized as surveillance vehicles while the mini-van will double as both a
surveillance vehicle and a vehicle to transport the Narcotics Unit's K-9.
The estimated purchase price for the vehicles is as follows:
Two cars (extended warranties) $12,500 x 2
One mini-van (extended warranty)
ESTIMATED TOTAL:
$25,000.00
13,000.00
$38,000.00
The total recommended expenditures for these programs is as follows:
BIKE PATROL
DRUG/GANG TASK FORCE
NARCOTICS EQUIPMENT
VEHICLES (three)
JUNIOR POLICE ACADEMY
TOTAL:
$ 5,374.73
95,000.00
15,265.65
38,000.00
28,026.00
$181,665.38
The current balance in our asset seizure fund is $397,469.58.
Attached please find the complete breakdown on proposed programs and
equipment requests.
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CITY OF SANeERNARDINO
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.EMORANDUM
LT. D. SNELL~
From
To
_Ubject
CAPTAIN J. GRIGGS
EQUIPMENT NEEDS: VICE/NARCOTICS
Date
12/20/90
Approved
Date
The following items of equipment will assist the Vice/Narcotics Detail
in pursuit of its mission:
1. Window tinting of seven assigned vehicles: $770.00.
(Purpose: Undercover officers and informants have a need to have
their identity protected and this can be accomplished in our cars
with the tinting.)
2. Charging Unit for portable cellular telephone (Radio Shack: $90.65.
(Purpose: A portable cellular phone was recently awarded to the
Department on an Asset Forfeiture action, but a charger is needed.
The cellular unit will be useful in our lease cars.)
3.
Emergency lighting bar, portable for suction mounting on windowshield
of unmarked cars, "Whalen-Master Two", needed for six City owned
cars, @$230.00: $1,380.00.
(Purpose: Needed to make unmarked cars in compliance as authorized
emergency vehicles.)
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Siren units for above six cars, @$1,000.00: $6,600.00.
(Purpose: Needed to make unmarked cars in compliance as authorized
emergency vehicles.)
5. Nylon raid belts with holsters and ancillary equipment, 18 needed
at $85.00 each: $1,530.00.
(Purpose: The nylon is recommended during any close exposure to
chemical materials because it can be readily washed.)
6. Mobile radios, (2) "Motorola" Spectra model, 32 channel, with antennas,
@$2,300.00: $4,600.00.
(Purpose: Mobile radios are needed in one of our City owned vehicles
(#99) and in a second City owned car,- if the purchase is approved.)
7. Foot microphones, (2) $100.00: $200.00.
(Purpose: Needed for covert surveillance activity.)
8. Computer software program, Asset Seizure Log: $95.00.
(Purpose: Newly updated program for our computer.)
EQUIPMENT COSTS:
VEHICLE COSTS (ESTIMATED):
TOTAL:
$15,265.65
38,000.00
$53,265.65
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CITY OF SAN ERNARDINO
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.EMORANDUM
LT. D. SNELL~
To
&iect
CAPTAIN J. GRIGGS
From
VEHICLE NEEDS: VICE/NARCOTICS
Date
12/20/90
Approved
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Date /2- 2o--?(J
Current personnel assigned to Vice/Narcotics: 1 P-4
3 P-3's
6 P-2's (1 vacant)
8 p-1's
2 CSR II's
2 Stenos
20 total for
field duty
Current vehicles assigned: See attached memo for list.
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The Vice/Narcotics Detail has developed a need for replacement
of forfeited vehicles to provide both dependable and covert
surveillance vehicles to our officers. Several current vehicles
are in need of replacement. The vehicles we have currently in
forfeiture proceedings should not be considered as replacement
vehicles for our fleet because they are either too maintenance
intensive (high performance carsl, too costly to operate and
maintain (BMW and a Mercedes Benzl, or are older vehicles with
high mileage. The Corvette has been sold and the dual cab
pickup has been assigned to Traffic.
Three vehicles on the current roster need replacement:
1. 1987 Pontiac Trans-Am: Has high maintenance costs and
is well known about the City. Has
52,406 miles.
2. 1986 Nissan Pickup:
Has 95,711 miles, is well known
about the City and has no air
conditioning. It is a federal
forfeited vehicle awarded 10/89.
3. 1987 Chev. Iroc:
Assigned to BNE task force and
has 72,930 miles. It is costly
to operate due to high mainten-
ance costs and down time.
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I propose the purchase of three vehicles to replace those
vehicles listed above. Two used cars and a used mini-van could
be purchased from Asset Forfeiture Revenue Funds. The two cars
would be assigned to officers as transportation/surveillance
cars while the mini-van would be a surveillance/K-9 unit.
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The costs of the three vehicles are estimated as follows:
2 Cars (extended warranties) $12,500 x 2 =
1 Mini-van (extended warranty)$13,OOO x 1 =
Estimated Total:
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$25,000.00
$13,000.00
$38,000.00
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From LT. D. SNELL~
To CAPT. D. LEVAN
.Ubject
Approved
VICE/NARCOTICS ASSIGNED VEHICLES
Date
8/28/90
Date
CITY UNITS
UNIT /I
DESCRIPTION
ASSIGNED TO
88
1988 Ford Taurus, burgandy, #2NDK358
Lt. Snell
1988 Mercury Cougar, grey, #2NJK157
Sgt. Billdt
Sgt. Tull
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82
1988 Ford T-Bird, red, #2MID087
12
1987 Pontiac TransAm, navy blue, #2JDD096 Sgt. Germany
987
99
95
97
1986 Chev Camaro, blue #2MXJ639
Det. Klettenberg
1988 Ford T-Bird, silver
Narc team
1988 Ford Mustang, white
Narc team
1985 Ford van, grey, #2X22849
Special use only
(surveillance)
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106
1985 Ford van, white, #3P19460
Special use only
(raid van)
11
1986 Nissan piCkUp, blue, #4A39630
Special use only
LEASE CARS
3 cars
Narc team
1 car
Vice Team
NOTE: One special use vehicle (1988 Corvette) was auctioned last month.
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~INP~ROGRE':';'
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. CITY OF SAN eERNARDINO - .EMORANDUM
To Captain L. Richards
ebject Budget For Bicycle Patrol Pilot Program
From Officer D. Waldo
Date
5-Dec-90
Approved ~
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Date
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide budget fi~ures for the Bicycle
Patrol Pilot Program. The total figures are as follows and a detailed
breakdown for each is provided on the attached sheets:
1. Bicycles with equipment installed
2. Parts for bicycles
3. Standard uniforms
4. Inclimate weather uniforms
5. Maintenance
6. Additional items
7. Placards for bags
Tax
Shipping
Total
$1,525.20
275.00
1,190.78
471. 90
1,040.00
462.45
26.00
333.40
50.00
$5,374.73
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The equipped bicycle, additional items, and, except as noted, the uniforms
have a projected service life in excess of one year, with some items having
a projected service life in excess of two years.
A training program, sllecific to Bicycle Patrol, is available through the
West Hollywood Sheriff's Office. It is a two-day class which is available
at no cost.
Regarding having the bicycles marked as police units, I contacted "H"
Street Customs and they volunteered to donate the markings, installed, to
the program.
Respectfully submitted,
Officer D. Waldo
DW/pg
Attachments
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BICYCLES
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DescriDtion
1. G.T. Karakorum elite or Specialized
Stump Jumper, 21 speed, Deore OX equipped
mountain bike
2. Night-sun rechargeable headlight with taillight
3. Blackburn mountain rack
4. Cargo trunk for rack
5. Avocet 30 cycle computer
6. Kickstand
7. Two water bottles with cages
8. Air pump with mounting peg
Total
X 2
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Costs
$ 460.00
164.95
29.95
37.95
29.95
8.00
11.80
20.00
762.60
$1,525.20
. PARTS
DescriDtion Costs
1. Two sets of Continental Grand Canyon tires $ 100.00
2. Five tubes 14.75
3. Two sets tire irons 5.90
4. Two 2 oz. bottles chain lube 5.90
5. One Kryotolock cable lock ~
Total 137.50
X 2 $ 275.00
UNIFORM
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DescriDtion
1. Nylon Web Gear X 2
2. Helmet Specialized hard shell X 2
3. Whistle w/cover and retainer strap X 2
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Costs
$ 299.38
100.00
30.40
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4. Gloves X 2
5. Shoes X 2
6. Lapel speaker/microphone for H.T. X 2
7. Shorts X 2
8. Shirts w/patches and silkscreen X 12*
26.00
120.00
160.00
159.80
295.20
S1.190.78
Total
1. Gortex jacket and pants w/patches X 2
2. Gloves X 2
S 421. 90
50.00
S 471. 90
Total
All items except the shorts, shirts, andd lightweight ~loves have a
projected service 1 i fe in excess of one year, wi th some 1 terns havi ng a
projected service life in excess of two years.
The nylon web gear includes holster, belt, H.T. holder, s~are ammo carrier,
mace holder, baton holder, handcuff case, mini mag light holder, and
keepers.
* Minimum order.
MAINTENANCE
Descr1Dt1on
Perform the following services every 500 miles:
1. Repack front wheel bearings
2. Repack rear wheel bearings
3. Service bottom bracket
4. True both wheels.
5. Clean driveline
6. Check and adjust brakes, shifters, etc.
7. Replace minor parts as necessary
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S 50.00
S 10.00
At 2,500 miles, service headset:
Based on a projected mileage of 20 miles (average)
per shift resulting in an average annual mileage
of 5,000 miles, it is reasonable to expect a need
for 10 services per year. Depending on how the
Bicycle Patrol is deployed, higher or lower mileage
may be expected. If mileage were in excess of the
projected average, the service could be extended to
750 miles to remain within budget and retain an
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acceptable safety margin. If mileage was less than
projected, then part of this budget could be re-
covered. Barring any serious damage, this program
should allow a service life of two years for the
bicycles.
The service would be through Mt. View Cyclery
located at 4124 N. Sierra Way, San Bernardino.
This is the authorized dealer for G.T. and
Specialized bicycles in San Bernardino.
The owner agreed that when service became
necessary, he could turn the bicycles around on
the officer's off days to eliminate down time.
Total projected annual cost X 2
$1. 040. 00
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
DescriDtion Costs
1. Two extra batteries for night-sun lights* $ 200.00
2. Two collapsible straight batons w/holders** 110.00
3. One maintenance stand 99.95
e 4. One floor air pump 30.00
5. One set cone wrenches 22.95
6. One set Allen wrenches ~
Total $ 462.45
* The additional batteries would be necessary if
the unit was to be used during darkness in a time
span exceeding four hours.
** The folding baton allows the officer a greater
ability to mount and dismount the bicycle without
getting hung up, as well as removes the full length
baton that can interfere with pedaling and possibly
~et hung up in the mechanics of the bicycle while
lt is being ridden.
Tax $ 333.40
Shipping 50.00
Placards for bags 26.00
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This is a basic budget request for the items needed to establish the pilot
program.
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To
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CITY OF SAN .ERNARDINO
.EMORANDUM
From Lt. D. snell~~
Date 11-30-90
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Captain J. Griggs
Tactical Plan to Address Problems Involving
Gangs/Drugs
Approved
Date
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PROBLEM:
Problems caused by gangs/drugs severely impact the quality of life in our
city. A rising crime rate, a proliferation of gangs/drugs into many city
neighborhoods, and a perception of a lack of enforcement by the SBPD
contribute to this impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
To achieve an increase of enforcement operations against persons involved
in gangs and drugs, I recommend the transfer of $95,000 from the Asset
Seizure Revenue Fund (Account #108-000-41927) to a special work order to
function as an overtime account to finance the increase in operations.
It is proposed that the program be implemented in January, 1991.
FINDINGS:
Because of personnel shortages, an ever-increasing work load, and time
constraints within normal duty hours, officers from all divisions are
limited in their response to ~ang and drug problems within neighborhoods.
A small percentage of complalnts involving gangs and drugs are actively
worked to a culmination of either a prosecution or a movement of the
problem from the neighborhood. Because our successes are limited, there is
a perception by citizens that the SBPD is unable to adequately address
these problems.
With the establishment of an overtime account, additional enforcement
activities can be implemented. It is proposed that officers from all
divisions be included in the enforcement activities.
The majority of these enforcement activities should focus on crimes that
are ~ang related. Another major focus .should be to address drug
distrlbution activities involving gang members, their affiliates, and known
locations in gang areas from which dru~s are. being sold. An integral part
of most gangs is the use and distributlon of drugs.
The following types of enforcement activities are proposed to combat these
problems:
I.
Search warrants: Search warrants of apartments and houses of
suspected gang members can be obtained through controlled drug buys
and through receipt of information and surveillances resulting in "no
dope" warrants. These warrants can be obtained utilizing a task force
approach of Vice/Narcotics officers, MET officers, and CRU officers.
The service of search warrants is very labor intensive and a task
force of officers proficient in the service of search warrants can be
assigned for this task.
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Tactical Plan to Address Problems Involving
~ Gangs/Drugs
_ Page 2
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2. Intensive Patrol: Overtime officers can be assigned to areas which
have a high concentration of gang activity, resulting in an extremely
high visibility of police in that neighborhood. These officers will
be able to gain intelligence information regarding the gang
activities, through contacts and arrests of suspected gang members and
neighborhood persons, and an increase in arrests should also occur.
3. "Mothers' Day" Program: Overtime officers can be assigned to
stationary posts at the most highly active gang/drug locations,
especially on days when government assistance cllecl{s arrive. Since
those days traditionall)' have a large amount of drug activity, the
stationary officers should be able to terminate illegal activities in
those neighborhoods on those specific days.
4. Surveillance: Increased numbers of surveillances could be conducted
at known gang locations, possibly resulting in the issuance of search
warrants for drugs or for the prosecution of STEP Act violations.
5. Long Term Buy Program: A new officer can be utilized in an undercover
drug buy program targeting individuals associated with gang activity
and drug distributors in known gang areas.
Additional components of this supplemental enforcement program would be the
development of informants to gain additional intelli~ence against the gangs
and a possible increased number of prosecutions utillzing that information.
Officers should also consider the use of conspiracy charges during
investigations and the util ization of city code enforcement officers to
address problem dwellings after enforcement activities occur at those
locations.
Prosecution of gang members should be of paramount concern to this
department. .The District Attorney has proposed a gang prosecution unit for
the Central Division in January, 1991, and these deputy District Attorneys
will be available to assist us on prosecutions involving 9ang members.
Investigative details will target those arrests of gang members and make
all attempts to obtain a filing of a criminal complaint.
The use of asset seizure funds is allowable under the Health & Safety Code
in that this program is not supplanting the Police Department budget, but
is a supplemental program. benefitin~ 1 aw enforcement efforts (H&S
11489(d)). The establishment of overtlme funds in a work order account
would allow the best accountability to the use of these funds. The $95,000
would allow for approximately 3100 hours of personnel time (on a time and a
half basis). These personnel costs include the use of P-1s, P-2s, and a
limited amount of P-3 time.
Evaluation Period
It is proposed that thi s program be eval uated after 30 days, then after
each 3D-day period thereafter. A report will be generated indicating the
results obtained by overtime officers and the amount of overtime used
during that period.
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CITY OF SAN#ERNARDINO
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.rEMORANDUM
To Daniel A. Robbins, Chief of Police
From Captain J. Griggs
_bject
Plan for Gangs/Drugs for 1991
Date
11-5-90
Approved
Date
PROBLEM:
The mode of operations of 9angs and drug dealers has changed recently
during 1989 and 1990, therefore a re-evaluation of law enforcement action
needs to be completed and action updated.
RECOMMENDATION:
I recommend that we enact the solutions which are provided in this memo.
FINDINGS:
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The San Bernardino Police Department is not geared to handle major dealers
due to lack of funds. The City of San Bernardino experiences a large
volume of street dealers, but not a volume of major dealers. If only the
"Columbian connection" were worked, a great deal of time would be spent in
the Los Angeles area due to the large volume of drugs that they deal and
the availallility of big money to support the major drug dealing.
Generally speaking serving search warrants generates revenue through the
asset seizure program and an increase of search warrants would generate
more revenue. The District Attorney's office is not yet fully equipped and
prepared to the extent that they can pursue gang/drug prosecut i on to a
large degree. They do hope to have this in force Ily January, 1991.
Too many apartments are being built in the San Bernardino area and going
un rented for extended periods of time, lending ~hemselves to low rent and
use by drug dealers.
A group of law enforcement experts from the San Bernardino Police
Department met on the problem of gangS/drugs on 10-31-90. They have noted
the following major trends affectfng the San Bernardino area. .
TRENDS:
1.
2.
Smoke houses. There is a.tendency to set up more of what are known as
smoke houses. These places are drug selling establishments where you
may purchase, but 10U must use the drugs on the premises and are not
allowed to leave wlth the drugs in your possession.
Use of apartments and large houses. There is an increased use of
apartment buildings and large hOllses which are being rented by drug
dealers for the purpose of drug distribution. Normally these houses
do not carry a large amount of drugs or money and are usually rented
by reputable appearing persons and families for the gangs/drug
dealers.
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Plan for Gangs/Drugs for 1991
Page 2
3. Arrest without prosecution. It is noted that there is an increase of
non prosecution of persons who are arrested for dealing drugs.
4. Non gang members selling drugs. There is also an increase of gangs
employing street people and other persons to sell drugs for them
rather than gang members becoming directly involved in the sales.
5. Illegal aliens selling drugs are moving to numerous locations
throughout the city and no longer located in one geographical area.
The group also noted two major events which have occurred this past year.
1. Stoclcpil ing of cocaine. There is a large stockpil ing of cocaine
reported in the Mexico area in order to drive the price of cocaine up
and the stockpile will be released sometime after the first of the
year.
2. Increase of clandestine labs in Hexico for the manufacturing of
methamphetamine. It has also been noted that there have been an
increase of labs in Mexico for the manufacture of methamphetamine.
SOLUTIONS:
The group discussed possible solutions and came up with the following
prospectus.
1. Increased and better use of informants and the increased use of
arrested persons who are charged with minor offenses in order to gain
information and leads to arrests and convictions of drugs dealers.
2. A long term buy program. This could be possible with a newly sworn
police officer who is as yet unknown to the drug community.
3. The use of asset seizure funds for overtime. It is estimated that if
approximately $10,000 of asset seizure funds would be used to
supplement overtime there could be more search warrants and possibly
up to as many as 30 search warrants a month. Currently we are doing
approximately 15-20 search warrants each month.
4. An increase of search warrants through a task force approach. An
alternative to the use of overtime is an increase of search warrants
being served and possibly use of officers from other details such as
the H.E.T.t Trafflc, or CRU teams could be set up on a monthly basis
to gain information and affect these warrants.
5. Get the District Attorney's office more involved, possibly through
ri de along programs and frequent contacts wi th the offi ce to insure
their continued support of the eradication of drug dealers and gangs.
6. Assign a Community Service Representative to the M.LT. Unit. This
person could be used to follow up on information and insure that
paperwork and reports are completed in a timely fashion; thereby
making the SMASH unit more effective and reducing administrative time
spent by pol ice officers which could be better util ized in a field
situation.
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Plan for Gangs/Drugs for 1991
Page 3
7. The continued and possibly expanded use of Code Enforcement officers
and calling Code Enforcement officers to the scenes of search warrants
as necessary, dependent upon circumstances at the scene.
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THE DISTRICT ATlORNEY'S OFFICE
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
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Dennl. E. Koumeler
District Attorney
316 N. Mountain View Avenue
San Bernardino. CA 92415
(714) 387.6604
PROPOSED CENTRAL GANG UNIT
January, 1991
Two Deputy DA IV's to be assigned to the unit
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One DA Investigator II
One clerical position
METHODS:
1. Assist in the coordination of the efforts of local law
enforcement Gang Units.
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2. Encourage the court to expand the use of gang probation
conditions. Establish procedures to notify local Gang
Units.
3. Employment of the conspiracy theory in the prosecution of
violent gang crimes.
4. Coordination of an active Street Terrorism Enforcement and
Prevention Program (PC l86.22) including the identification
of a "Gang" and the service of letters to establish the
"knowledge" element of individual gang members.
5. Employment of asset forfeitures wherever possible for not
only the fruits of narcotics activity but the seizure and
sale of vehicles used in drive-by shootings. - .
6. The use of the Grand Jury as-an investigative-tool.
7. Coordinate and encourage the use of Health and Safety Code
Sections 11570 et seq. to abate nuisances.
8. The prosecution of parents for violations of Penal Code
Section 272, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, for
failure to exercise reasonable care, supervision and control
over their minor children.
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9. Assist in the targeting of particularly violent gang members
and those in leadership positions for accelerated
enforcement.
. CITY OF SAN eERNARDINO - .EMORANDUM
To Lieutenant R. Curtis
ebject Bicycle Patrol Programs
From Offi cer D. Waldo
Date IS-Oct-90
APproved/~
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Problem
The purpose of this study was to examine local law enforcement aQencies
with bicycle patrol programs already in place to determine the feaslbility
of using bicycles for law enforcement within the City of San Bernardino.
Reconmendations
I recommend the institution of a Bicycle Patrol Enforcement Team on a
one-year study basis. Because of the proven public relations aspect, which
can off set the cost of the program, I would reconvnend having officers
ready to operate within the program by no later than the end of November
1990. If officers were ready by this time, the program would benefit by
the public relations as well as the possible influx of funds which could be
created by using them in the Central City Mall area during the heavy
Christmas shopping rush. .
(For further information, see proposed actions in the Findings section of
this report.)
Findinas
In order to obtain a pool of information for further examination, and
application to the speclfic question of using bicycles for law enforcement
in the City of San Bernardino, I contacted the Los Angeles Police
Department, West Hollywood Division, Paramount Sheriff's Office, and
consulted an article in Police Magazine regarding the Seattle Patrol. Each
major sub-heading under this section will be broken up as to the specific
information found in each of these departments.
DETAIL:
L.A. P.O. Detail:
Time in operation:
3 weeks.
Manpower Commitment:
At the time of this report, the manpower convnitment for this
detail was 12 officers and two Sergeants which accounted for
7% of the total available manpower for that division. The
detail is to be expanded to a total of 15% convnitment by the
middle of 1991, and other divisions within L.A. P.O. are
formulating bicycle patrols at this time.
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Lieutenant R. Curtis
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Bicycle Patrol Programs
Present Target Area:
Congested downtown urban type area, approximately two mil es
by one and a half miles.
Specific Use:
Narcotics enforcement, cruisers, heavy pedestrian situations,
F. I. ' s, enforcement of City ord i nances, etc. Offi cers also
respond to calls within their area that they are close to and
that fall within the scope of their detail.
Shift Assignments:
Manning consists of five 2-man teams working two shifts, on a
7-day per week coverage.
Paramount Sheriff Detail:
Time in Effect:
One and a half years.
Manpower commitment:
Approximately 10% commitment of total manpower, which is four
pol's, and two P-3's. The detail operates as a sub-detail of
a task force very similar to our Community Response Unit.
That particular detail has a 20% manpower commitment and
about 50% of the detail's time is spent on bicycle patrol
which accounts to the 10% commitment. This details mission
is to address specific problems in areas as they become
noted, including narcotics, auto theft, enforcement of City
ordi nances, subject contacts, park patro 15, narcot i cs
enforcement, gang enforcement and burglary suppression.
COSTS:
L.A.P.D. Detail:
Bicycle Costs:
Bicycle costs reported to be $500 to $700 per bicycle and the
cost of service is unknown at this point. The bicycles have
a present projected service life of two years in this detail.
Uniform Costs:
An approximate cost of $300 for the first set, including the
investment in more durable items such as nylon web gear,
helmet and shoes. Afterward, approximately $100 per uniform.
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Lieutenant R. Curtis
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Bicycle Patrol Programs
Paramount Sheriff Detail:
Bicycle Costs:
Bicycle cost are al>proximately $700. The reforted service
costs for six bicycles in the detail for the ast one and a
half years has been $300 total. Approximately service life
of a bicycle is one year.
Uniform Costs:
Approximate11 $300 for the first set which includes the
investment 1n more durable items such as the web ~ear,
helmet, and shoes and then approximately $100 per un1 form
afterward.
Seatt 1 e Deta 11 :
Bicycle Costs:
Bicycle cost is $750 plus $400 per year maintenance with
vehicle service life of one year.
Uniform Costs:
The uniform costs were not covered in the article regarding
the Seattle Detail.*
*The Seattle article reports, "Seattle equipped 28
officers with bicycles, special uniforms, and necessary
bicycle maintenance for less than the cost of two patrol
cars".
TRAINING:
L.A.P.D. Detail:
L.A. P.O. Detail had a 2-day school with the L.A.S.O. Bicycle
Detail. The curriculum for the school included basic terminology,
maintenance and practical riding skills.
Paramount Sheriff Detail:
The Paramount SO had no formal training whatsoever, and in talking
with their representative I was told that the detail was
approached one day and asked if they would 1 ike to try bicycles
for enforcement and when they said that they would, the next day
they were equipped with bicycles and sent out to work and it has
been a "1 earn by doi ng" program ever since.
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Bicycle Patrol Programs
Seattle PrOGram:
The Seattle program originally started with help from local
mountain bikers to assist the officers in instruction of proper
ridin~ techniques and then had the added input from sports
mediclne doctors to help avoid injury.
The State of Washington now has a 40-hour Bicycle Patrol Training
Pro~ram under study but it was not in place at the time of the
artlcle.
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LIABILITY:
L.A. P.O. Detail:
Injury Rate:
L.A. P.O. , with 14 officers presently assigned in a detail
which has operated three weeks, reports zero injury.
Paramount Sheriff Detail:
Injury Rate:
Paramount SO reports, with six officers assigned, in a detail
which has been in place one 'and a half years, indicates zero
injury.
Seattle Detail:
Injury Rate:
Seattle POl with 28 plus, officers, with a program which has
been in erfect for three years, reports two injuries; one
which was bike related and one WhlCh was incurred during
normal arrest procedures.
All three departments report zero traffic collisions involving their
bicycles with vehicles or pedestrians. Additionally, Seattle notes
that the chance of injury to bicycle officers is substantially reduced
because of the increased 1 eve 1 of fitness atta i ned by the bi cyc 1 e
officers.
Also under liability, in regards to theft or vandalism of the bicycles,
all three departments report that there has been no theft or vandalism
of any of the police bicycles at this time.
ORDINANCES:
Seattle Detail:
The Seattle study indicates that local ordinances may need to be
enacted for protection of the department and City in the event of
any legal action and also for the purpose of explaining procedures
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Lieutenant R. Curtis
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Bicycle Patrol Programs
in the event of citizen's complaints, etc. At this point,
L.A. P.O. is in the process of enacting emergency ordinances which
need only approval by the City Council for enactment.
Paramount Detail:
Paramount SO says they had no ordi nance changes and they are
considering none.
Seattle Detail:
Seattle PO said no ordinance changes were considered or necessary
in their jurisdiction.
SUPPORT:
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Prisoner TransDort:
Both Paramount and L.A. P.O. use patrol units for transport of
their prisoners.
Seattle has prisoner van available for their prisoners.
ReDair:
L.A. P.O. and Paramount both have contracts with local bike shops
and minor maintenance is done by the officers themselves.
I had no information available regarding how Seattle deals with
their repair situation.
EFFECTIVENESS:
L.A. P.O. Detail:
L.A. P.O. had no firm statistics regarding effectiveness, but the
unit reported approximately 30% increase in effect, over the same
officers working the same area. The 12-day stats for the detail
showed the following:
12 Felony arrests with five guns seized
52 Misdemeanor arrests
ISO Citations
100 F.I. Cards
Paramount Detail:
Paramount also had no specific stats available for the detail. I
was advised by their representative that their experience was that
they put the units in a problem area and the problem "disappears".
He clted an incident where they had a swap meet with three
separated parking lots and each day they lost on the average of
one stolen vehicle per day. The I)icycle patrol was placed into
this problem area and within seven days the auto thefts stopped
and have not reoccurred.
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Bicycle Patrol Programs
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Seattle Detail:
The Seattle article did not have any firm statistics, however, it
did report that in three months their bicycle patrol officers
accounted for five times the arrests of the average patrol car
officer.
COST BENEFIT:
Taking the information which I had obtained from my research,
which indicated that based on programs in place, it would be
reasonable to expect a 30% decrease in crime activities where the
bicycle patrol is used. I came up with the following statistics:
I examined the statistics of loss of monetary value from January
to June of 1990 for the City of San Bernardino. For that period
of time, the average burglary loss was $1,269. The average 459
vehicle loss was $51B. and the average GTA loss was $5,163.
I then used six arbitrarily chosen crime patterns; four for
residential burglaries and two for auto burglaries, and calculated
the figures set equal to a 3D-day period and applied the estimated
30% decrease in crime by use of the bicycle patrol in the same
crime pattern. By taking these six sets, the average savings in
loss to the citizens of San Bernardino, would be $4,772 for a
3D-day period. That translates to $28,637 total saved in loss to
the six specific crime patterns, which equated to a 6-month
period.
It should be noted that I had no crime patterns available for GTA,
but the individual incident average loss to GTA was averaged at
$5,163 which is much higher than t~e average loss to a residential
burglary or an auto burglary, so greater savings in lost property
could be expected were the detail applied to a GTA problem.
The next thing I did was to obtain the maintenance sheets for a
12-month period of time for the fleet of police patrol vehicles.
Using the figures reported in these documents, and adding the
total cost of each unit on the average, whi ch cons i sts of the
operating cost and maintenance cost I found that the average
patrol vehicle cost the City approximately $13i227 per year to
operate and that cost does not appear to inc ude depreciation
value of the vehicle. Considering the vehicles are available to
all three shifts, I felt it fair to say that the cost per man per
vehicle would be approximately one-third-~f the total avera~e cost
and that figure was $4,409 per unit per man in patrol. USlng the
fi~ures which I arrived at regarding the cost of equipment and
unlforms for one man for one year of bicycle patrol, the total was
$1,750.
By comparing these two figures, it appears that the City and the
department would have an estimated equipment savinlls per officer
on the bicycle detail of $2,659 per officer. By uSlng the average
loss savings figures detailed previously, it would be reasonable
to expect an approximate $57,264 projected loss savings to the
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Lieutenant R. Curtis
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Bicycle Patrol Programs
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citizens of San Bernardino in a 12-month period where the bicycle
patrol was applied to problem areas.
It should be noted that these are tangible results which do not
include the much higher per incident savings which would be
attained from autos not being stolen and it cannot include
indirect crimes such as that which would be prevented using the
detail for narcotics enforcement. So, by using this figure and
the minimum requirement of a 3-man bicycle team, the department
would see a $7,977 savings in equipment for a 12-month time and it
would be reasonable for the citizens to see a savings in property
loss of $57,264.
In addition to the savings, it should be stressed that there is a
positive impact on public relations created by the use of a
bicycle patrol.
Paramount SO advised me that it is not unusual for the bicycle
patrol to come into an area and have people actually come out of
buildings and on the street and applaud them for being there.
Seattle PO indicates that their patrol is so pro-public relations
that it is not unusual for tourists to seek them out just to have
their photos taken with them. Possibly the most outstanding
example I found was that L.A.P.D./s Bike Patrol, having only been
in effect three weeks, has created such a strong positive public
relations image that the Downtown Merchants Association 1n the
area where they work area are raising $20,000 to give to the
detail in order to obtain more equipment and more bicycle
officers.
Based on all these figures, I feel that if the detail were given a
one-year trial program where it was able to create the same
positive public relations, the detail could be conceivably self-
supporting at the end of that year requiring little or no funding
from the department or the city with the exception of the
officer's salaries.
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RIDE-A-LONG:
As part of this research project, I went to the L.A. P.O. West
Hollywood Division, on 10-12-90 for the purpose of a ride-a-long
to observe how the bicycle patrol works and if it would have any
application to the City of San Bernardino. In order to get the
best viewpoint of this, I took a bicycle with me and actually rode
along with the Sergeant in charge of the detail from 6:30 p.m. to
3:30 a.m. As previously mentioned, this particular detail s main
target at this time, especially Friday and Saturday nights, is a
heavy cruising problem on Sunset Blvd., which was very similar to
the situation we have on Mt. Vernon Avenue in the summertime.
Because of the heavy congestion in traffic, officers working in
2-man teams, would work gridlocked vehicles as they were stopped
at lights with one officer on each side of a row of vehicles
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Lieutenant R. Curtis
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Bicycle Patrol Programs
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working down the row. The viewpoint into each vehicle was
excellent for plain sight observation of alcohol, contraband,
weapons, etc. Added to this was the benefit of the speed in
approaching the vehicle and the fact that everybody I llersona11y
approached that night did not know I was there until I made my
presence known to them. By using this technique, officers were
checking people for being under the influence, locating liquor and
were able to check for other violations and build PC towards other
arrests.
The detail was also used in conjunction with large crowd
gatherings at both the Palladium and Palace Theaters. Because of
the extreme mobility of the officers, they were able to monitor
the crowds for possible rroblems and subjects for contraband or
under the influence. Add tionally, because of the openness of the
bicycle officer, on several occasions we were approached and given
information regarding subjects in the crowd with possible weapons
or contraband.
Because of the fact that the bicycle gains virtually no notice as
it approaches, it was very easy to approach subjects in the
adjoining parking lots who were drinking and using contraband as
we 11 as for suspect contacts. Sergeant B1 um, in charge of the
detail, advised me that two weeks previous in the same parking
lot, he had been parked on his bicycle in his bicycle police
uniform approximately 40 feet from a group of black males, who he
heard discussing guns. He sat there openly and listened to them
and then observed one of the subjects throw a loaded 9mm into a
vehicle. He called for back-up and was able to recover the weapon
and affect an arrest.
As previously mentioned their beat, at this Ilarticular assignment,
was approximately two miles by one and a half miles in dimension
and I was impressed with how qUickly we could move from one
trouble spot to the next and how much we could observe while doing
it and among the things we responded to were backing other
officers in the area.
In observing the bicycle program, I could see many, applications
to the City of San Bernardino, with the most obvious being the
similarity in their cruising problem and our cruising problem in
the Mt. Vernon area.
Another application demonstrated to me was the efficiency the
bicycle patrol had in dealing with pedestrian crowd situations
such as those found at the Orange Show and annual events hosted by
the City such as the Black History Parade, Cinco de Mayo, etc.
Because of the accessabil ity to the officers, it was easier for
them to contact people on the street or for people to contact them
giving them information about subjects or possible crimes, thus
making them more effective.
Until I rode with the West Hollywood patrol, the possible benefits
were all theoretical, but after riding with this patrol I was very
impressed at just how effective a bicycle patrol could be.
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lieutenant R. Curtis
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Bicycle Patrol Programs
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PROPOSED ACTIONS:
I. The institution of a 3- or 4-man Bicycle Patrol which would
maintain a close 1 ink with Crime Analysis and would respond to
problems as Crime Analysis or Area Commanders identify them. A
3-man team would be the very minimum required to give the program
a chance and a 4-man team would give an even better coverage
because it would allow times with two 2-man teams to work
together.
A. In regards to funding, I have been in contact with several
officers who have been told I was involved in this project
and I feel that it woul d be easy to fi nd three or four
volunteer officers, with the proper mental and physical
conditioning to operate within this detail who would be
wi 11 i ng to pay for the bi cyc 1 e out of thei r own pocket as
lon~ as the department would pick up the rest of the cost for
equlpment for both the bicycle and for uniform.
The benefits of this would be two-fold; one, it would allow
the department to get into this program for approximately
$1,000 per officer for an entire year, and the second benefit
would be the PR which could be generated by showing that the
officers are concerned enough about the community they work
in to buy bicycles to work in this program in mutual
cooperation with the police department itself. I believe
this would al so make it much easier to get funding for the
program through grants or private donations.
B. The second possibility is for the department to buy into the
program completely and then look into funding for the program
through such organizations as the Central City Mall Merchants
Association, the Elk's lodge, etc.
C. To fund the program, the department could attempt to get
grants and private funding prior to setting up the program.
In ~ opinion, the program, using the premise of sub-section A or
sub-section B is the most viable. As previously indicated, the
importance of positive public relations cannot be over emphasized
and if the detail could be placed on line prior to December 1, so
as to be used downtown during the heavy Christmas season, it could
possibly pay for itself just in that one month.
Additionally, I would be more than 'willing and excited to
participate in this program and I have already made many contacts
within the bicycle programs already in place which have offered
ride-a-longs to me and other officers and possible inter-agency
training programs; one of which is a live flre exercise which is
to be conducted in January in conjunction with l.A.P.D. and
l.A.S.D. These contacts have also given me information as to who
to contact regarding getting a police price on some equipment
items.
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Bicycle Patrol Programs
The most interesting thing I found in examining the three programs
was that each city tailored its program to the specific needs of
its community. In going into it, all three details had only a
loose idea of exactly how they were going to function and then
each detail found where it worked best and worked wi th that
situation. The one thing that aPfears to be constant in all of
the details examined, is the pos tive public relations and the
detail's overall effectiveness.
In closing, if you have any questions regarding the content of
this study, I would be pleased to discuss it with you in person.
Also, if you have any doubt as to the effectiveness of the detail,
L.A.P.D. has offered to me that I can come back at any time and if
any member of the department would like to also examine the detail
from the bicycle seat standpoint, they would be more than welcome.
I think with so many benefits and so few drawbacks, the detail
deserves a one-year trial and I bel ieve at the end of that
one-year trial, the detail will be basically self-sufficient as
far as cost of equipment.
Aooendixes
None attached. Supporting studies or documentation is available upon
request.
Respectfully submitted,
Ottlcer UWlght Waldo
IC 25120
DW/pg