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April 2023
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Captain James Wakefield
Operations Division East
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Organized Retail Theft Arrests
Operations Division East (ODE) continues to focus on the problem of organized retail theft (ORT).
TPD Officer Sean Payne is heading ODE’s efforts to identify, investigate, and arrest individuals involved in ORT. In March, Officer Payne focused on two prolific ORT suspects in the theft of almost $10,000 in merchandise.
In the first case, Officer Payne worked with a retailer to arrest an employee for the theft of over $8,500 in merchandise, which the employee resold on a mobile marketplace app. The employee admitted to stealing and selling the merchandise.
In the second case, Officer Payne worked with a local grocery store to identify and arrest a subject for ten shoplifting events in March. The items stolen were valued at over $1,500. Officer Payne noticed that they were consistent with items used by catering businesses. After an extensive investigation, Officer Payne identified and arrested the suspect, who admitted to stealing the items and using them in catering jobs at his business.
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ODE Statistics
Activity
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Type
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2023 Division Year to Date
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2023 Department Year to Date
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Calls for Service
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12,022 |
52,258 |
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Officer-initiated Activity
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5,966 |
24,908 |
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Gun-related Crime
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80 |
513 |
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Homicide
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0 |
18 |
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Traffic Citations
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747 |
7,659 |
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Staffing
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Type
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2023 Division Year to Date
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2023 Department Year to Date
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Sworn Members
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107 |
801 |
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Community Service Officers
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22 |
118 |
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Professional Staff
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2 |
212 |
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Fishing with CAST for Kids Foundation
In March, ODE joined CAST for Kids Foundation to help special needs children in our community fish at Lakeside Park. In addition to the fun time fishing, the anglers were treated to pizza and soft drinks for lunch!
Member Highlight
ODE would like to recognize the work of Officers Richard Valentine and Christina Garcia.
Officer Valentine identified a suspect who groped a woman’s breasts while she was shopping at an eastside grocery store.
The suspect confessed to the incident and was arrested for sexual abuse.
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In late March, Officer Garcia responded to the report of a stabbing at an apartment complex on Golf Links.
With the assistance of the Air Support Unit, Officer Garcia located the victim on the ground in the courtyard of the complex. She immediately moved in and rendered aid.
Witnesses on the scene then identified the suspect and Officer Garcia took the person into custody.
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Crime Prevention Tip
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The number one favorite way for burglars to break in is through an unlocked door or window.
So while you're remembering to lock your doors and windows, don't forget the garage - thieves often gain access to the main house through an attached garage.
Photo by Brian Babb on Unsplash
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April Events
ODE participated in a DEA Drug Takeback on April 22nd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Eastside Station (9670 E. Golf Links). Also on April 22nd, ODE members attended the Fountain Park Community’s 40th Anniversary Celebration at 2121 N. Evelyn from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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