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January 2023
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Captain James Wakefield
Operations Division East
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Taking Back the Street from "Street Takeovers"
For the past few months, TPD's Operations Division East (ODE) has focused on reducing street racing and a new phenomenon known as "street takeovers." These involve flash mobs that show up at specific intersections to block traffic and perform dangerous stunts. Along with street racing, these events have led to dangerous collisions, property damage, and even shootings.
Vehicle at a "street takeover" event.
We've taken a regional approach to this problem, including officers from each TPD patrol division as well as deputies from the Pima County Sheriff's Department. So far, three deployments have led to over 100 arrests and five vehicle seizures.
ODE Statistics
Activity
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Type
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2022 Division Total
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2022 Department Total
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Calls for Service
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36,513
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160,072
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Officer-initiated Activity
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22,359
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104,209
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Gun-related Crime
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144
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870
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Homicide
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12
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66
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Traffic Citations
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2,636
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24,258
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Staffing
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Role
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Current Division Total
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Current Department Total
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Sworn Members
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107
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793
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Community Service Officers
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23
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107
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Professional Staff
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2
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209
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ODE in the Community
December was a busy month for community engagement in Operations Division East. Santa needs helpers, and our members were happy to oblige!
ODE members participated in Breakfast with Santa at the Gaslight Theater on December 14th - an annual tradition in ODE for almost 20 years.
Another exciting event was a toy giveaway at Booth Fickett K-8 on December 17th. ODE members helped families in need pick out clothes and toys for children in the community.
So. Many. Toys. - at Booth Fickett K-8 Toy Giveaway.
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Member Highlight
Officers Frias, Wolverton, Hineman, Sargent, and Casper received commendations for arresting a dangerous carjacking suspect.
The suspect carjacked a community member on the west side near Amphi High School. Both he and the vehicle were located in ODE and, after the suspect tried to carjack yet another community member, a TPD vehicle pursuit was initiated.
The suspect was finally taken into custody after ramming Officer Frias' patrol vehicle.
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Crime Prevention Tip
Want to deter a burglar?
Leaving a loud TV or radio on can fool burglars into thinking you're home. Even better, you may want to put these devices (and your lights) on a timer, to imitate your patterns when you're at home.
Photo by Tech Daily on Unsplash.
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January & Upcoming Events
ODE members participated in a Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at Park Senior Villas, discussing ways seniors can protect themselves against fraud and other property crimes.
ODE will host its Division Advisory Committee (DAC) meeting on February 21st, with a presentation by the Pima County Attorney's Office, as well as someone from the city to speak regarding the city's new homeless protocol.
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