2009 Annual Report - New Albany, Ohio

Village of New Albany
Police Department
2009 Annual Report
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January 29, 2010
Dear Citizens and Visitors of New Albany,
Welcome to the Village of New Albany Police Department’s 2009 Annual Report. This is the
twelfth year that the Police Department has published an Annual Report for general dissemination and
the eighth year that we have made our Annual Report available online through our web site at
www.newalbanypolice.org. We strongly believe that each of you have a right to know what type of law
enforcement services and activities have occurred within the Village and, more importantly, the
resources being devoted in providing an appropriate police response to local problems and concerns.
In this report, you will find Police Department statistics from 2009. We have also gathered local
law enforcement statistics from previous years to reflect how different categories of crime and
enforcement activities have been increasing (or decreasing) from previous years.
The men and women of the New Albany Police Department are committed to keeping pace with
the growth of the Village to ensure the safety and security of those who live, travel, and/or work in the
Village of New Albany. We hope that you find our 2009 Annual Report interesting and informative.
We have summarized our significant accomplishments for the year near the end of this report and have
attempted to provide you with a glimpse of where we hope to be in the future.
One of the biggest challenges that we (and the entire nation) faced in 2009 was declining tax
revenues due to the overall economy. As a result, we made numerous budget cuts in both the 2009 and
2010 budgets. Examples of these budget cuts include a hiring freeze for 2010 (continued from 2009),
putting off new expenditures, reducing our police cruiser order, cutting our training budget, and
looking for additional ways to reduce costs.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions to improve our Annual Report, please
contact me via email (mchaney@newalbanypolice.org), telephone (614-855-1234), or mail at 50 Village
Hall Road; P.O. Box 271; New Albany, OH 43054).
Sincerely,
Mark A. Chaney
Chief of Police
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VILLAGE OF NEW ALBANY
POLICE DEPARTMENT
MISSION STATEMENT
We, the men and women of the New Albany Police Department, in partnership with the
community, are committed to the prevention of crime and the protection of life and property.
We are proactive in promoting, preserving, and maintaining a feeling of safety and security to
all citizens and visitors. We maintain the public’s trust by holding ourselves to the highest
standards of excellence and professionalism in the delivery of law enforcement services. We
provide a quality work environment and continually strive to develop each employee through
effective training and leadership.
VISION STATEMENT
To meet the growing needs of the community, the New Albany Police Department will
continue to provide the highest level of law enforcement services available through a
department-wide community policing philosophy. Provision of police services will be
accomplished by hiring the most qualified personnel, providing superior training to all
personnel, and providing the most current equipment, technology, and facilities to provide
these services.
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VILLAGE OF NEW ALBANY
POLICE DEPARTMENT
VALUES STATEMENT
We, the men and women of the New Albany Police Department, hold these
values and principles to be of the utmost importance:
PROFESSIONALISM
We conduct ourselves, both on-duty and off-duty in a manner that reflects favorably on our
profession and the community we serve. We take pride in our appearance and demeanor. We
hold ourselves to the highest standards and will not allow friendships, prejudices, or
animosities to influence our decision-making when providing law enforcement services. We
continuously strive for excellence through training, education, and innovation.
INTEGRITY
We are guided by the principles of honesty and integrity in our daily lives. We constantly strive
to maintain the public’s trust through honesty and integrity in both words and actions.
RESPECT
We treat all people with the dignity and respect they deserve. This includes the protection of
individual rights while upholding the laws and ordinances of the United States of America, the
State of Ohio, and the Village of New Albany.
COMPASSION
We conduct all citizen contacts with courtesy and compassion. We are sensitive to the needs of
others and possess empathy in dealing with individuals in their time of need.
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Organizational
Chart
November 23, 2009
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ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
The chart on the preceding page represents the organizational structure of the New Albany
Police Department as of January 31, 2010. This chart depicts the current chain-of-command
within the organization. Generally, the Office Supervisor and three Sergeants report directly to
the Chief of Police. The Office Supervisor is responsible for managing the daily operations of
the Communications Center and Staff as well as the Police Clerk. Each Sergeant is responsible
for a designated shift and its assigned personnel.
PERSONNEL
The following is a list of personnel employed by the New Albany Police Department as of
January 31, 2010. Employees are listed in order of seniority within each classification.
Chief of Police Police Officers Dispatchers
Mark Chaney (By Order of Seniority) (By Order of Seniority)
Joe Duff
Mary Ham
Sergeants Ken Hamilton Ronda Brigner
(By Order of Seniority) Jeff Wall Monique Brigner
Greg Jones Joel Strahler Brandi Daniels
Ed Burton Kevin Deckop Tammie Booth (Part-time)
Mark Anderson Brett Hall Ross LaPerna (Part-time)
Kris Daniels
Kirstin Williams (Part-time)
Office Supervisor
Ryan Southers
Yvette Nguyen Joe Rehnert Police Clerk
Garrett Fernander
Anita Mercer
Leland Kelly
Joe Catanese
Van Geiger (Part-time)
Mike Workman (Reserve)
August 2009
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PERSONNEL CHANGES
There was an organizational change in May 2009. The Administrative Assistant (Yvette Nguyen)
was promoted to Office Supervisor. This newly created position reports directly to the Chief and
is responsible for supervising all civilian staff, including dispatchers. Other duties include
maintaining the 911 equipment, preparing budget estimates, and grant writing. In addition, Ms.
Nguyen remains as Chief Chaney’s assistant. The former Dispatch Supervisor (Anita Mercer)
took the position of Police Clerk. Ms. Mercer performs various duties such as records
management for the department, procurement of supplies, and assisting the public. Ms. Mercer
also serves as a part-time dispatcher.
The New Albany Police Department added two new employees in 2009:
Ross LaPerna and Kirstin Williams were hired as part-time dispatchers in late November. Ross
has a background in marketing and advertising and has been a stay at home dad for the past 6
years. Kirstin recently graduated from Columbus State with an associate’s degree in Criminal
Justice. Both began training the first week of December 2009 and will continue their training
during the first quarter of 2010.
Dispatchers Kirstin Williams and Ross LaPerna
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COMMUNICATIONS CENTER INFORMATION
The Communications Center has one supervisor, four full-time dispatchers, and four part-time
dispatchers who provide service twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week to the community.
From the left: Monique, Yvette, Mary, Brandi, Tammie, Anita, Ronda
(not pictured: Ross and Kirstin)
The number of calls received by the Communications Center is outlined below. Calls for service
indicate the number of Police Department calls for assistance that were received and dispatched.
As can be seen by the below graph, the total number of dispatched calls for service decreased the
past year by approximately 18%.
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OFFENSE, INCIDENT, AND ACCIDENT REPORTS
The New Albany Police Department takes three basic types of reports - offense reports, incident
reports, and traffic crash (accident) reports. An offense report is defined as a violation of the
criminal code. An incident report is used to record non-criminal calls for service, such as
motorist assists and business/residential checks. Accident reports are traffic crashes that are
recorded on a prescribed form (OH-1) for the State of Ohio.
The past year there was a slight increase in offense reports and significant decrease of
approximately 33% in incident reports. Combined, the total number of offense and incident
reports decreased approximately 19% from 2008 (564) to 2009 (457).
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TRAFFIC CRASHES
As can be seen in the chart below, the Village of New Albany Police Department investigates less
than 200 traffic crashes per year. The department recorded a total of 31 car/deer traffic crashes
in 2009. This number is slightly higher than the previous year. The department has been
fortunate the past five years with only 1 recorded traffic fatality within the Village. As vehicular
traffic and miles of roadways increase (currently over 150 lane miles) in New Albany each year,
the department maintains a commitment to providing high visibility patrol and traffic law
enforcement to keep the Village streets and highways as safe as possible.
Year Non-Injury Injury Fatal Total
2005 158 26 1 185
2006 140 36 0 176
2007 151 36 0 187
2008 156 28 0 184
2009 132 21 0 153
Top Accident Locations for 2009:
State Route 161 @ U.S. 62 (Johnstown Road) 10
U.S. 62 (Johnstown Road) @ Kitzmiller Road 8
U.S. 62 (Johnstown Road) @ Smith’s Mill 6
S.R. 605 @ New Albany Road East 5
U.S. 62 (Johnstown Road) @ Thompson Road 5
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
40
20
0
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TRAFFIC CITATIONS
The New Albany Police Department issues both citations and warnings to traffic violators who
are observed breaking traffic laws within the Village of New Albany. The department issues
warnings to most traffic violators. Warnings are issued for minor moving violations, equipment
violations, and parking violations. When investigating traffic crashes, it is the policy of the
department to issue a traffic citation(s) to the at-fault operator. A breakdown of traffic warnings,
traffic crash citations, and accident citations is listed below.
Year
Warnings
Traffic Citations Traffic Accident
(Non-Accident) Citations
Total Citations
2005 1675 1643 95 1738
2006 2129 2353 111 2464
2007 2094 1982 117 2099
2008 2332 1837 122 1959
2009 2024 1536 84 1620
2500
2000
Warnings
1500
Non-
Accident
Citations
1000
Accident
Citations
500
0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
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ARRESTS
The New Albany Police Department investigates all criminal offenses to the fullest extent
possible. When a suspect can be identified, it is our policy to file the appropriate criminal
charges. Adult misdemeanor and felony arrests as well as juvenile misdemeanor arrests were
lower in number than the previous year, however; juvenile felony arrests increased. Common
felony arrests include Breaking and Entering, Domestic Violence, Drug Possession,
Fleeing/Eluding, OVI (3 or more priors), and Receiving Stolen Property. Common
misdemeanor arrests include Assault, Driving Under Suspension, Menacing, No Operator’s
License, OVI (1 st or 2 nd ), Theft, and Drug Abuse/Paraphernalia. A breakdown of both adult and
juvenile misdemeanor and felony arrests for the past several years is as follows:
Year
Adult Adult Juvenile Juvenile
Total
Felony Misdemeanor Felony Misdemeanor Arrests
2005 12 309 0 10 331
2006 15 366 0 20 401
2007 20 332 0 15 367
2008 22 322 3 11 358
2009 15 269 0 14 298
Total Number of Arrests
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
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OVI ARRESTS
In an effort to minimize the loss of property and life, the New Albany Police Department takes
an aggressive stance against drunk driving. The breakdown of arrests for OVI (Operating a
Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drug of Abuse) is as follows:
Year
Number of OVI Arrests
2005 48
2006 70
2007 107
2008 106
2009 95
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
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IMPOUNDS
The New Albany Police Department is responsible for the safe keeping of found and recovered
property. The Property Room keeps found, recovered, and evidentiary property until it can be
returned to its proper owner or is disposed of pursuant to a judicial order. The department is
also responsible for the impoundment of vehicles. The numbers of both property and vehicle
impounds have decreased this past year. The breakdown of both property and vehicle
impounds is as follows:
Year Property Impounds Vehicle Impounds Total
2005 72 154 226
2006 98 189 287
2007 120 202 322
2008 201 241 442
2009 105 179 284
2009
Vehicle
2008
2007
2006
2005
Property
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
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VACATION (HOUSE) CHECKS
The New Albany Police Department prides itself in providing superior law enforcement services
to the community. One way in which we provide this service is through periodic residential
vacation checks. A resident need only contact the department to request a vacation check. An
officer will then provide periodic checks of the residence while the owner is out-of-town. A
breakdown of vacation checks is as follows:
Year
Vacation Checks
2005 1692
2006 1527
2007 1633
2008 644
2009 765
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800
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ALARMS
The New Albany Police Department responds to all residential and business alarms that are
received by the Communications Center. Pursuant to Codified Ordinance 705.02, an alarm
permit is required for each residential and business alarm located in the Village. The
department charges for false alarms after 3 false alarm occurrences in one calendar year. For
additional information, please contact the Police Clerk at the department. The total number of
false alarms increased signicantly by approximately 59% from 2008 to 2009. The breakdown of
alarm runs is as follows:
Year
Number of False Alarms
2005 466
2006 452
2007 386
2008 291
2009 462
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
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CRIME STATISTICS BY OFFENSE CATEGORY
Below is a breakdown of criminal offenses by category within the Village of New Albany. Some offenses were
down in 2009 (i.e. - Breaking and Entering, Criminal Damaging, Larceny/Theft), while other offense reports
(i.e. - Menacing, Motor Vehicle Theft, and Miscellaneous Offenses) had a significant increase. Total offenses
increased by 28% in 2009. The Police Department maintains a 5-year accounting of statistics for comparison
purposes.
Offense 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Arson 0 0 0 0 0
Assault 9 7 10 5 9
Breaking & Entering
(Including Attempts)
6 4 6 17 7
Burglary
(Including Attempts) 14 5 5 5 11
Criminal Damaging
(Including Attempts) 19 37 25 22 16
Criminal Trespassing
(Including Criminal
Mischief and Vandalism) 14 12 7 14 19
Disorderly Conduct 2 3 3 2 5
DOA 0 2 0 0 3
Domestic Dispute/Violence 18 19 17 36 21
Drug Offenses 10 2 2 4 49
Homicide 0 0 0 0 0
Kidnapping 0 0 0 0 0
Larceny (Grand/Petit Theft)
(Including Attempts) 105 126 107 128 91
Missing Person
(Including Recovered
Missing Persons) 3 6 2 3 5
Menacing
(Including Telephone
8 6 9 7 18
Harassment)
Motor Vehicle Theft
(Including Attempts &
Unauthorized Use) 1 3 4 4 13
Rape/Sexual Assault 1 0 1 0 1
Robbery
(Including Attempts) 0 0 0 0 0
Suicide
(Including Attempts) 1 0 3 1 5
Miscellaneous Offenses 58 49 82 93 201
Total Offenses 269 281 283 341 474
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COMMUNITY POLICING SERVICES
The New Albany Police Department provides several community policing services including: Female
Self-Defense Training, Student Resource and DARE Officers, and Child Safety Seat education. We
also coordinate the New Albany Safety Town Program and local Block Watch neighborhood groups.
The graph below shows the number of Safety Town program graduates over the past five years:
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
245
272
279
313
312
0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
911 Presentation Building Tour
Dispatcher Ham
SRO Strahler
Building Tour
Office Supervisor Nguyen
Building Tour
SRO Strahler and Fireman
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COMMUNITY POLICING SERVICES
The New Albany Police Department held five female self defense classes in 2009. The classes were
taught by Officer Joe Duff and Officer Leland Kelly. Classes were offered to women who reside in
New Albany, as well as to women who are employed with A&F, TweenBrands, and the Hampstead
Mom’s Club. The graph below shows the number of attendees for the last five years:
Female Self Defense Attendees
60
50
40
30
20
10
53
39
22
47
53
0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Officer Joe Duff wearing the Red Man suit during class instruction
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Summary
The New Albany Police Department made significant progress in several areas throughout 2009.
Most 2009 Goals and Objectives were met for the year and numerous projects and programs were
successfully completed. The department’s significant accomplishments for 2009 included the
following:
The department purchased and installed the WebCheck software and scanner in order to
process civilian fingerprints. Several officers and civilian staff were trained to operate the
system. This new system benefits government agencies, businesses, and the public by
providing civilian backgrounds checks in an expedient manner.
The installation of a new audio recording system was completed in August. This system
features recording of both audio (phone and radio transmissions) and visual (computer
screens). This system allows more accurate retrieval of emergency telephone calls and radio
transmissions.
The Honor Guard led the Fourth of July parade and presented colors at New Albany High
School’s Homecoming football game.
Two police officers completed training on property/evidence room management. Improved
property and evidence management will assist victims of crime in retrieval of recovered stolen
property in a more timely manner.
Expanded the female self defense classes to local residents, students, and employees within
the Village.
A mounted patrol unit was formed during the second quarter. Officer Joe Duff and Smokey
participated in several community events such as, the Founder’s Day parade, Little League
Sign-up Day, Fourth of July parade, New Albany Classic, and many other events.
Officer Joe Duff and Smokey
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2010 Goals
The New Albany Police Department sets numerous goals and objectives for the organization each
year. A highlight of upcoming 2010 goals and objectives include the following:
‣ Design a computer program that will allow officers to complete OIBRS reports directly on
Police Department computers. In addition, the Police Department will have researched ways
in which OIBRS compliant reports can be created using in-car laptops.
‣ The department will have conducted its first Citizen Police Academy.
‣ The department will have acquired (via grant funding) all equipment to continue the
transition to the MARCS radio system.
‣ Crystal Reports software will be utilized and customized reports that will streamline data
retrieval and reporting of statistics will have been created.
In conclusion, we hope that you have found the New Albany Police Department’s twelfth Annual
Report both interesting and informative. We believe that this report serves as another important
avenue of communication between you and the New Albany Police Department.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the New
Albany Police Department by telephone at 614-855-1234; by mail at 50 Village Hall Road, P.O. Box
271, New Albany, OH 43054; or on the web at www.newalbanypolice.org.
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Officer Joe and Smokey
Market Square
The Honor Guard
Participating in the Fourth of July Parade
Cops and Kids Day
Franklin County Fairgrounds
From left to right: Sgt. Jones, Sgt. Burton,
Chief Chaney, and Sgt Anderson
New Albany Police Officers
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