2024 ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 CHIEF’S MESSAGE As I conclude my first year as Chief, I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made at the Chandler Police Department. We are privileged to serve and work in a community where over 90% of surveyed residents feel safe. This achievement is the result of two key factors: exceptional people and strong community partnerships. Our team provides top-tier public safety services with professionalism, visibility, and approachability, and we are fortunate to work alongside an engaged and supportive community that shares our commitment to safety. At its core, a police department exists to prevent and address crime while ensuring justice for victims. Our strength as an organization is built upon three foundational pillars: policy, training, and accountability—we set expectations, teach expectations, and measure expectations. Beyond crime prevention, we embrace a shared philosophy: we care for and value people by investing in the tools, technology, and training they need to succeed. We also recognize the importance of a strong home life, knowing that when people feel supported at home, they bring that fulfillment and engagement to their work. We are committed to continuous improvement, not through sweeping transformations but through consistent, incremental progress. Organizations and individuals are either evolving or declining—there is no standing still. We encourage our employees to challenge the status quo, embrace professional discomfort, and continually expand their skills and perspectives. By doing so, we elevate each other and strengthen our organization. Wellness and resiliency are also key priorities. Our people face demanding challenges, and we are committed to supporting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being through embedded clinicians, peer support, fitness initiatives, and other wellness programs. Technology plays a critical role in enhancing our operations. Our Real Time Operations Center improves patrol response and operational planning, while our advanced drone program is laying the groundwork for a future Drone as a First Responder initiative. AI integration in our Communications Division and Real Time Operations Center streamlines operations, reducing manual video reviews and assisting callers in finding relevant information. Reflecting on this past year, I am incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of our team, as well as the support of our community. We have made great strides, and I am excited about the future as we continue to evolve, innovate, and strengthen the ways in which we serve. 3 DEMOGRAPHICS 4 ORGANIZATION CHART 5 6 PART I CRIME RATE 7 DEPARTMENT BUDGET COST CENTER 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Administration $3,412,466 $3,440,487 $3,771,984 Professional Standards $1,700,951 $1,668,672 $1,976,681 Property & Evidence $464,822 $499,316 $534,620 Forensic Services $2,548,165 $2,898,580 $2,822,690 Field Operations $34,604,723 $36,823,237 $41,049,249 Criminal Investigations $14,652,691 $18,359,401 $18,999,879 Planning & Research $650,858 $773,828 $821,709 Communications $6,231,483 $7,050,193 $4,734,341 Real Time Operations - - $3,114,082 Police Technology $3,638,713 $3,595,093 $4,067,302 Records $1,871,794 $2,068,021 $2,176,406 Detention Services $2,654,280 $2,874,374 $3,060,086 Operational Support $11,703,690 $13,594,564 $13,920,879 Capital $8,857,187 $10,955,939 $9,898,806 TOTAL $92,991,823 $104,601,705 $110,948,714 8 RESPONSE TIMES BY PRIORITY 2022 2023 2024 9 FIELD OPERATIONS Traffic directed enforcement at major intersections and roadways resulted in 26% reduction in injury collisions from the prior year. The Department transitioned to the Taser 10 representing a significant advancement in conducted energy weapons (CEW). This enhancement offers improved accuracy, range, and effectiveness, providing officers with a valuable tool to help safely de-escalate tense encounters. With this new device, the department aims to reduce injuries to both officers and suspects, promoting safer outcomes in potentially volatile situations. Collaborated with the Chandler YMCA and the Preston Lord Foundation to train over 100 teenagers in first aid/CPR. 10 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS BUREAU East Valley Critical Incident Response Team (EVCIRT) was established and is now working effectively between participating agencies to perform criminal investigations of critical force incidents ensuring independent, consistent and thorough investigations in line with applicable laws and policies. The Narcotics unit worked with our DEA partners, U.S. Army National Guard, and other local agencies to seize: Over 2,000,000 fentanyl pills 4,305 grams of fentanyl powder 27,447 grams of cocaine 199,545 grams of methamphetamine 2,997 grams of heroin 211 grams of psilocybin 21 firearms $50,000 in US Currency 11 OPERATIONAL SUPPORT BUREAU The Behavioral Health Unit responded to 33% of all department calls related to mental health, totaling 626 calls, demonstrating its critical role in addressing mental health needs in our community. The Health and Wellness Coordinator initiated a program allowing our personnel unlimited access nutritional food alternatives. This provides our personnel who work nights and holidays access to quality food when the dining options are extremely limited. Launched an Embedded Clinician Program to develop a holistic approach to wellness. This allows all department personnel direct access to a mental health professional. Hosted Aspire Academy for girls ages 14-18 to provide opportunities to experience law enforcement operations and connect with women currently in the profession. 12 REAL TIME OPERATIONS CENTER Chandler’s Real Time Operations Center opened on July 1, 2024 centralizing technology into a “single pane of glass.” This was a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing public safety and operational efficiency. The Real Time Operations Center received the Team of the Year award from the National Real Time Crime Center Association to acknowledge regionalization efforts focused on technology and information sharing across jurisdictional boundaries. 13 COMMUNICATIONS A text to 9-1-1 platform was implemented which can auto-detect and translate over 185 languages. POLICE TECHNOLOGY Upgraded the downtown precinct interview rooms, significantly enhancing both operational efficiency and officer safety. The new system streamlines video and audio recording, allowing for secure, automatic uploads to evidence storage and easy retrieval for case work. 14 FORENSIC SERVICES The Forensic Services Section (FSS) laboratory was re-accredited to The International Organization for Standards (ISO) for forensic testing and calibration, and awarded the Foresight Maximus Award for the 6th consecutive year Through grant funding, the FSS expanded its resources by equipping patrol officers with additional TruNarc devices for to identify more then 530 of the highest priority illicit drugs in a single test. The technology analyzes directly through plastic or glass for most drug samples to minimize contamination, reduce exposure, and preserve evidence. The FSS further contributed to regional public safety by supporting the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team’s crime scene investigation needs, providing crime scene expertise in critical incidents 15 PLANNING & RESEARCH The Planning & Research Section facilitated a new three-year department strategic plan with input from employees, supervisors and command staff. A retreat took place in November 2024 where employees worked collaboratively to develop a new mission, vision and strategic goals. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) remotely reviewed and assessed 55 of 170 standards to substantiate ongoing compliance as part of the department’s accreditation process. 16 SUPPORT SERVICES The Records unit received and processed over 12,899 report copy requests after redacting personal identifying information. Records implemented an online payment option for individuals requesting police reports. Property & Evidence received and safeguarded over 9,323 items of evidence impounded by officers. The Volunteers in Policing program donated 10,183 hours valued at $341,025, satisfied $412,918 in warrants, staffed the Senior Lock Box program by completing 132 new installations and 404 courtesy checks, and added 8 therapy dogs to the Paws for Police program. 17 PROMOTIONS Daniel Shellum Police Commander Rosalinda Soto Senior Administrative Assistant Jeffrey Fox Police Sergeant Irwin Wierzbicki Police Sergeant Kylee Kruse Real Time Crime Center Operator Joshua Riley Police Sergeant Sara Rozema Police Lieutenant Preston Pierce Police Commander Ray Kieffer Police Commander Rebecca Firmo-Robarge Quartermaster Jason Sieczkowski Assistant Chief Nate Moffat Police Lieutenant Aaron Kimmel Police Sergeant Allisen Crisafi Dispatch Supervisor Chris Perez Assistant Chief Zachary Waters Police Lieutenant Mitchell Janda Police Sergeant 18 RETIREMENTS Greg Howarth Police Sergeant Sean Duggan Police Chief Kimberly Homan Police Officer Blake Fairclough Police Officer Jason Hunsaker Police Officer Michael West Police Officer Tami Gray Police Officer Amanda Janssen Police Sergeant James Bruggeman Joseph Pelegrin Police Sergeant Fleet Services Assistant Michael Mills Police Sergeant Joel Lahaie Detention Officer Bryan Cox Assistant Chief Catherine Roeper Quartermaster Ronald Emary Police Officer Cara Isaac Dispatch Supervisor Jason Schouten Police Officer Michael Story Police Officer Dave Ramer Assistant Chief Richard Cole Police Officer 19 IN MEMORIAM Officer Richard Felix#151 EOW: 9/9/95 Officer Bryant Holmes #638 EOW: 10/31/14 Officer Jim Snedigar #312 EOW: 4/16/99 Officer David Payne #574 EOW: 10/31/14 Officer Robert Nielson #445 EOW: 6/12/02 Officer Tyler Britt #490 EOW: 1/11/21 Officer Carlos Ledesma #600 EOW: 7/28/10 Officer Chris Farrar #528 EOW: 4/30/21 Officer Jeremy Wilkins #662 EOW: 12/16/2021 20 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Produced by: Planning & Research Section (480) 782-4090 Project Manager: Alina Baer Editor: Julie Buelt Team Members: Cathie Gura Melanie Smith Elizabeth Medrano Contessa Berner Chandler Police Department 250 E Chicago Street www.chandlerazpd.gov MS 303, PO Box 4008 Chandler, AZ 85244-4008 21