Police Dept Accreditation Report - Satellite Beach

To: Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc.
From: David Pate, Team Leader
Date: July 25, 2012
Re: Satellite Beach Police Department
Standards Manual 4.0.23
A. Dates of On-site Assessment: July 18-20, 2012
Key Agency Personnel:
Chief Executive Officer: Chief Jeff Pearson
Accreditation Manager: Ms. June Esposito
B. Assessment Team:
Captain David Pate, Team Leader
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission
620 S. Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 488-6251
David.Pate@myfwc.com
Ms. Jamie Roush, Team
Member
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
501 E. Bay Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 630-3436
jamie.roush@jaxsheriff.org
Lieutenant Joe King, Team Member
Punta Gorda Police Department
1410 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 639-4111
jking@ci.punta-gorda.fl.us
C. Standards Summary Tally:
M = Mandatory
N = Non-
Mandatory
Number of Percent of
Number of
Percent of Percent of
Number of Number of
Applicable Applicable
Total Standards Number
Applicable Applicable
Non- Standards
Non- Non-
Number Not
of
Standards Standards
Waived, Elected
Elected Elected
of Applicable Standards
Elected Not
Applicable for 20%
Standards Standards
Standards (By Waived
(20% Elected
Standards Exemption
In
In
Function)
max.) (80% min.)
Compliance Compliance
M 154 11 0 143 0 0.00% 100.00% 143 100.00%
N 109 14 0 95 4 4.21% 95.79% 91 100.00%

Satellite Beach Police Department
Final Assessment Report
July 25, 2012
Page 2 of 11
D. Agency Profile
Satellite Beach was incorporated in 1957 and the first Police Officer was hired in
1961. Chief Jeff M. Pearson was sworn in as the 5 th Chief of Police for the city
on August 1, 2011, when the agency had 23 full-time sworn Police Officers and 7
support personnel. The Satellite Beach Police Department now consists of 21
sworn Police Officers, which include one K-9 Officer, 2 Motorcycle Officers, 2
School Resource Officers and a 9 member Emergency Response Team. There
are also 11 support employees and an office of Professional Standards, and 6
School Crossing Guards. Additionally, the agency utilizes civilian volunteers
throughout the department, enhancing services and community relations.
Currently, active programs include: Citizens On Patrol; Volunteer Marine Patrol
and ATV Patrol, Citizens Police Academy, House Checks, and Stop By & Say Hi.
The Satellite Beach Police Department is a full service agency and performs all
major law enforcement duties 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The duties of the
agency include, but are not limited to uniformed patrol, criminal investigations,
police and fire dispatch, traffic enforcement, arrest of violators, school resource
programs, evidence collection and preservation, training, records keeping and a
variety of administrative functions which include fiscal matters and personnel
management.
The city of Satellite Beach is located in Central Brevard County on the east coast
of Florida. Satellite Beach is a barrier island located east of the City of
Melbourne, on the Atlantic Ocean between Cocoa Beach and Indian Harbour
Beach abutting Patrick Air Force Base to the North.
The entire population of the barrier islands exceeds 55,000 people while the
population of Satellite Beach is approximately 10,000. The communities on the
barrier island include Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Patrick Air Force Base,
Satellite Beach, and Indian Harbour Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne Beach and a
fairly large unincorporated area.
The City is predominantly residential with some light industry and professional
businesses.
The City government is a City Manager form, with an elected City Council made
up of four Council Members and a Mayor.
The Satellite Beach Police Department achieved its initial accreditation in 2000
through CFA and was reaccredited in 2003, 2006 and 2009.
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Satellite Beach Police Department
Final Assessment Report
July 25, 2012
Page 3 of 11
E. On-site Assessment Summary
Assessor training and tours:
Prior to the assessment, team members met and discussed the protocol and
goals of the assessment. Additionally, the assigned standards were reviewed
and the agenda and meeting times were confirmed.
On July 18, 2012, the assessment team assembled and was escorted to the
Satellite Beach Police Headquarters by Accreditation Manager June Esposito
and Commander Brad Hodge. The agency provided the assessors with their
main conference room as a work area, which served as an adequate area for the
assessment. After arriving at their headquarters, the assessors were assisted
with any issues relative to connectivity with PowerDMS.
An entrance interview was conducted with the assessors, Commander Brad
Hodge and Accreditation Manager June Esposito represented Chief Jeff Person
who was travelling to get back for the remainder of the assessment. Commander
Hodge discussed the agency’s commitment to the accreditation process,
Commander Hodge emphasized that most of the officers working at the agency
had “grown up with accreditation,” and were very familiar with the process.
Commander Hodge added that the agency has a very high retention rate, and
discussed the agency did not have a need to hire any new sworn members in
2011 or 2012.
Commander Hodge discussed that the agency has had no major issues in the
last accreditation cycle and there are currently no lawsuits involving the agency.
He stated that there was one officer involved shooting during the cycle. The
shooting was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and
the officer was found to have been justified in his actions as well as fully
compliant with all agency protocols regarding the use of force. Assessor Pate
was assigned Chapter 2, Use of Force and conducted a thorough review of the
investigative file on this shooting, noting that all statutory, policy and accreditation
protocols were met.
A static display was held the same morning at city hall where the assessment
team had an opportunity to observe several agency vehicles and interact with
sworn and civilian volunteer members. Interim City Manager Ayn Samuelson
was present for the display and she conferred her support of the accreditation
process, the police department and Chief Pearson.
Upon returning to the Police Department, an agency tour was conducted with the
assessment team. The Hartman Flagg Police Headquarters is named in memory
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Satellite Beach Police Department
Final Assessment Report
July 25, 2012
Page 4 of 11
of two Satellite Beach Police Officers tragically killed in the line of duty by a drunk
driver. The building is a secure facility with swipe card and key access to all nonpublic
areas. The building is clean and neat and the work areas are adequate
and reflect a well-organized work force.
The rest of the day and the following day (July 19, 2012) were spent reviewing
the agency’s accreditation files, interviewing employees and conducting patrol
ride-alongs with members of the agency and tours of the organizational
components.
Ride-alongs:
On July 19, 2012, during a ride along with Officer Don Triebell, Assessor Roush had
the opportunity to experience the communication between Officer Triebell and
Communications Officer Grace. Communications Officer Grace assisted Officer
Triebell by providing information regarding previous calls for service and individuals
who lived at a specific location. The information assisted Officer Triebell in conducting
follow up with the concerned citizen. The communication between Officer Triebell and
Communications Officer Grace was professional and pleasant and illustrated mutual
respect.
On July 19, 2012, Assessor Pate participated in a ride-along with Sergeant Paul
Creatura. Sergeant Creatura is currently assigned as a School Resource Officer,
but is temporarily assisting the uniform patrol function during the summer. Sergeant
Creatura is a 20 plus year employee who can be described as a true ambassador of
the agency. He displayed excellent knowledge of policy and police procedure and
presented the image of a well-qualified employee. His historical knowledge of the
area and citizens was consistently displayed during the ride-along. Sergeant
Creatura is heavily involved with the Police Athletic League and was instrumental in
locating a gymnasium where this program and other city services are delivered.
On July 18, 2012, Assessor King participated in a ride-along with Sergeant Eric Bell.
Sergeant Bell is a newly appointed Road Patrol Sergeant with approximately 15
years of service at the Satellite Beach Police Department. During the ride-along,
Assessor King questioned him in regards to numerous patrol procedures, to include;
arrest procedures, pursuit policies, and field training. Sergeant Eric Bell was very
knowledgeable about department policies and procedures. In addition; it was
apparent that Sergeant Bell cared about the agency and city in which he served. He
further expressed his and his department’s belief in the accreditation process. During
the ride-along, Sergeant Bell stopped to assist a mother and her child who had
locked themselves out of their vehicle. He went above and beyond by offering them
a ride to their residence to retrieve a spare key.
Significant interviews:
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Satellite Beach Police Department
Final Assessment Report
July 25, 2012
Page 5 of 11
Chief Jeff Pearson
Accreditation Manager June Esposito
Sergeant Eric Fuller
Administrative Assistant Linda Harlow
Officer Jim McGann
Corporal Greta Valiente
Corporal Steve Owens
Comm. Off. Brigid Grace
Sergeant Paul Creatura
Mr. Adam Schultz
Records Clerk Beverly Ryan
Sergeant Eric Bell
Commander Brad Hodge
Lieutenant Bert Berrios
Staff Sergeant Darren Frost
Finance Director Brenda Raver
Detective Valerie Balloue
Citizen Volunteer Bob Becker
Corporal Rob Mench
Ms. Patricia Noe
Comm. Supervisor Mari Johnson
Records Sup. Sherry Driggers
Officer Don Triebell
Ms. Lori Cribb
There were no agency/team conflicts.
F. Standards Noncompliance Discussion: None.
G. Corrective Action Discussion:
17.08 M Each vehicle used for patrol or traffic enforcement must be equipped
with: Bullet E states Personal protective equipment.
During the static display, it was observed that the motorcycle officers were not carrying
first aid kits or Personal Protective Equipment for blood borne pathogens on the
motorcycle. Both motor officers are issued the equipment and the items are present in
their patrol vehicles, but were not available on their individual motorcycles. Supplies
were immediately available and were placed in the saddlebags (equipment storage) of
the motorcycles. Additionally, the agency updated their checklist of specific equipment
for the motorcycles to include these two required items.
21.02 M If the agency has a tactical team, a directive provides for the following,
at a minimum: Bullet C Annual team training and readiness exercises;
During file review proofs were provided that showed the Emergency Response Team
(ERT) conducted two full team training sessions during 2011. The standard only calls
for “annual” training with the entire element. However, the agency policy required
“quarterly” training sessions to occur. The agency elected to change their policy to
reflect a minimum of two training sessions per year, in addition to other mandated
training for sworn members.
H. Waiver Concurrence/Nonconcurrence Discussion and
Recommendation: None.
I. 20 Percent Standards Election (See Section C. for “Tally”)
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Satellite Beach Police Department
Final Assessment Report
July 25, 2012
Page 6 of 11
Standards Elected for Exemption:
2.10 15.01 15.02 35.03
J. Standards Verified by the Team as “Not Applicable” to the Agency:
1.04 DP 5.01M DP 5.02M DP 5.03 DP 5.04M DP 5.05M DP
13.11 DP 21.03M JK 24.06 JK 31.01M DP 31.02 DP 31.03 DP
31.04 DP 31.05 DP 31.06M DP 31.08 DP 31.09 DP 32.03 JR
32.04 JR 32.05 JR 32.06 JR 33.14M JR 34.07M JR 36.09M JK
38.03M DP
K. Standards, the Status of Which, Were Changed by Assessors: None.
L. Public Information Activities:
L-1. Public Information Session: None.
L-2. Telephone Contacts Session: None.
L-3. Correspondence and Media Interest: None.
L-4. Follow-up by Assessment Team: None.
M. Exemplary Policies/Projects/Procedures:
Motor Unit
The Satellite Beach Police Department operates a traffic enforcement unit that
includes two certified and trained motorcycle officers. It is significant that an
agency of this size can maintain motor unit support. Of even larger significance,
the motor unit recently received the recognition of their peers by taking first place
in the 2012 Law Enforcement Challenge for motor units.
In addition to basic traffic law enforcement, the unit performs safety awareness
education, seatbelt enforcement, crash reduction efforts and the Selective Traffic
Enforcement Program (STEP) which provides directed strategic responses to
ongoing traffic issues within the city.
Volunteer Program
The Satellite Beach Police Department Volunteer Program was started in June of
1993 and is currently comprised of 41 dedicated individuals who participate in the
following programs: Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.), House Checks, Stop By & Say
Hi, Marine Patrol, Fingerprints, Administration, FPL Power Light Outage, the All
Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Beach Patrol, and Code Enforcement Observations.
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Satellite Beach Police Department
Final Assessment Report
July 25, 2012
Page 7 of 11
The volunteers are an extension of the police department’s eyes and ears.
Because they all want to donate their time, they fill a huge requirement, which
benefits everyone in the city. In providing their service it enables the police
officers to stay on the road and civilian staff in their office. The volunteers have
donated 4,948.35 hours in the year of 2011 and at the quoted rate of $19.51/per
hour, saving the city $103,173.10.
Citizens on Patrol
The Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.), pair up trained volunteers to patrol residential
streets and business areas in 2-hour shifts. During the school year, their
presence also provides visibility at various school zones to deter speeders and
bring awareness that children are present. They run errands for the department,
they hand deliver City Council Pension and Code Packages for City Hall and at
the Detective Divisions request, they deliver neighborhood notices on sexual
predators and alert notices for crime related areas, etc., they deliver material to
other agencies such as the State Attorney’s Office and Clerk’s Office and also
provide traffic assistance during special events.
Their role is to be observant while performing duties and to report any suspicious
incidents or potential hazards immediately. This provides another layer of
vigilance in support of our professional Patrol Division. The COP program has
the added benefit of enhancing public relations with residents as they patrol the
neighborhoods while maintaining a high level of service and efficiency particularly
during times of fiscal cutbacks.
The Marine Patrol unit consists of trained members who patrol the waterways
and canals, which include a city owned island (Samson’s Island) that can only be
reached by boat. The Marine Patrol reports inoperable boats, boats that could be
a potential hazard in the waterway, boats that are not registered or boaters who
are in immediate distress. They patrol Samson’s Island both by boat and
sometimes on foot checking for campers, unattended fires or anything out of the
ordinary that needs attention.
Stop By and Say Hi Program
The “Stop By & Say Hi Program” is an extension of Satellite Beach’s
Communities for a Lifetime Program designed to provide outreach to all citizens
in need. This program is available to citizens of all ages, who may be feeling
lonely, feeling isolated, be a shut in, a caregiver or a cancer patient. Through
this program the volunteers make friendly visits once a week to the residents who
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Satellite Beach Police Department
Final Assessment Report
July 25, 2012
Page 8 of 11
enjoy social interaction. The volunteers share city resources and keep the lines
of communication open, which enables the agency to be proactive instead of reactive
to problems as they emerge. Through this communication they address
any concerns or problems the citizens may be having at the time and provide
assistance through various programs.
Exit Interview with CEO:
On July 20, 2012, an exit interview was conducted with Chief Pearson and
approximately ten additional members of his staff. Chief Pearson expressed his
appreciation for the team and the manner in which the assessment was completed.
Chief Pearson was informed that all standards were found in compliance and that no
conflicts between the assessment team and his staff had occurred. Chief Pearson was
informed of two very minor corrective actions (See Section G), but that overall, the
assessment was near flawless.
Team Leader Pate advised Chief Pearson that the team would be recommending
to the Commission that the Satellite Beach Police department be reaccredited at
the next Commission meeting.
N. Quality of Law Enforcement Service:
Chapter Summaries (Selected)
Chapter 6 Civilian Volunteer Programs (Assessor Pate)
The Civilian volunteer programs administered by the Satellite Beach Police
Department reflect the commitment to the community and making it a better
place to live. Almost all of the programs utilized by the department are discussed
in the Exemplary Programs section of this report. While the agency does not use
any sworn auxiliary or part-time members, their cadre of volunteers exceeds the
number of full-time employees. Assessor Pate spoke with Volunteer Robert
Becker who displayed a very loyal and passionate level of service to the agency
and to the city.
Chapter 7 Fiscal Activities (Assessor Pate)
Assessor Pate met with Finance Director Manager Brenda Raver who confirmed
that the police department has consistently met all of their obligations with regard
to fiscal responsibility. She provided additional audit information that confirmed
that they are following their policies. Interviews with employees also confirmed
that all areas where fiscal accountability is needed are being strictly followed.
Chapter 12 Conduct and Disciplinary Process (Assessor Pate)
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Satellite Beach Police Department
Final Assessment Report
July 25, 2012
Page 9 of 11
During the assessment, very few proofs were available regarding disciplinary issues
that occurred during the last cycle. This speaks well to the management and
supervision of this diverse and qualified agency. Assessor Pate interviewed
Commander Brad Hodge and it was clear that Section 112.532, Florida Statutes, their
policies and their collective bargaining agreement are being adhered to in both the spirit
and letter of those documents. All of their disciplinary and investigative files are secure
and stored in a manner to ensure that they are accessed only as required by law.
Commander Hodge displayed an excellent working knowledge of the Police Officer’s Bill
of Rights and has an impressive history of training for conducting these types of
sensitive investigations.
Chapter 19: Juvenile Operations (Assessor Roush)
The Satellite Beach Police Department is committed to and engaged in community
policing which includes programs designed to prevent juvenile delinquency. Officers
are given the latitude to balance enforcement efforts with discretion to issue juvenile
civil citations to appear in court in lieu of incarceration. Officers are provided with clear
written directives which thoroughly discuss criteria in which juveniles may qualify for a
juvenile civil citation. If officers must take a juvenile into custody, written directives
provide clear guidelines to ensure that the constitutional rights of juveniles are
protected, parents or guardians are notified appropriately, fingerprints are submitted per
Florida law and interviews are limited in duration and number of interviewers.
Additionally, guidelines ensure juveniles are taken to an intake facility without undue
delay and kept separate from adults. Written directives also provide exceptions to
standard procedures in circumstances where the juvenile is alleged to have been
harmed or to be in danger of harm.
Chapter 28: Public Information (Assessor Roush)
The Satellite Beach Police Department engages in community policing through a
positive relationship with the community it serves by disseminating information to the
news media and public. The department’s directive on public information designates a
Public Information Officer. Commander Brad Hodge serves as the department’s Public
Information Officer. He prepares news releases to include information for on-going
investigations, where assistance from the public is needed, and closure of significant
investigations. News releases are coordinated with the Chief of Police. Commander
Hodge indicated that there is a positive working relationship between the department
and the news media.
While the department is not responsible for registration of sexual offenders and
predators, the department has policies and procedures to direct individuals to the
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Satellite Beach Police Department
Final Assessment Report
July 25, 2012
Page 10 of 11
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office for registration. Additionally, the department has
policies and procedures to notify the community of sexual predators.
Chapter 33: Communication (Assessor Roush)
At the beginning of the assessment, a brief tour of the Communications Center located
within the police department headquarters was conducted. Communications Officer
Brigid Grace was actively handling both phone and radio communications. The
assessor examined the facility which was located adjacent to the records unit and
discussed security with Accreditation Manager June Esposito. Records personnel are
cross-trained in communications and are able to assist communications during busy
periods of time. Public access to the communications and records units is restricted.
The assessor conducted an interview with Communications Supervisor Mari Johnson.
During this interview Ms. Johnson discussed recording and security of communications,
demonstrated playback of radio communication, tactical dispatch plans and procedures
to contact external agencies, and methods to communicate with hearing or speech
impaired and non-English speakers. Ms. Johnson also indicated her procedures to
check on units frequently as well as features of the CAD system which highlight units
which exceed specified periods of time per call type. It was apparent that Ms. Johnson
is proactive in monitoring and communicating with active units.
Chapters 35 and 36 (Assessor King)
On July 19, 2012, Assessor King toured the property and evidence area. Ms. Lori
Cribb, a seasoned Evidence and Property Supervisor with the Satellite Beach Police
Department provided details on the procedures for evidence intake. She provided
details on the storage of valuable items and narcotic related items. She further
explained the bar-coding tracking system utilized by the Satellite Beach Police
Department. Ms. Cribb was extremely knowledgeable in regard to the procedures for
processing evidence and property. Additionally, she was very knowledgeable in
statutory requirements in regard to drug destructions. She advised her agency
processes approximately 2,000 pieces of evidence throughout the year.
Chapter 30 (Assessor King)
On July 19, 2012, Staff Sergeant, Darren Frost provided Assessor King a tour of the
agency’s holding facility. Satellite Beach Police Department had a 3 room holding
facility utilized to temporarily house prisoners while the arrest process was completed
by officers. Sergeant Frost was very knowledgeable about all policies in regard to
searching prisoners, processing prisoner’s property, and the transportation of
prisoners. In addition he was very knowledgeable in regard to the standards governing
juveniles in the holding facility. It was apparent that Staff Sergeant Frost fully believed
in the importance of the accreditation process.
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Satellite Beach Police Department
Final Assessment Report
July 25, 2012
Page 11 of 11
O. Summary and Recommendation:
OVERALL CONCLUSIONS: The assessment team found the Satellite Beach Police
Department to be in compliance with 143 mandatory and 91 other than mandatory
standards. Twenty-five (25) standards were verified as not applicable by function. The
agency elected four (4) other than mandatory standards to 20%. Only two corrective
actions were taken with both involving a revision to a written directive to reflect the
agency’s current compliant practices.
It is the unanimous recommendation of the assessment team that the Satellite Beach
Police Department be reviewed by the full commission for reaccredited status.
NON-COMPLIANCE SUMMARY: None.
Signed: ______________________________
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