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June 2023
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Captain James Wakefield
Operations Division East
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POPP - Problem-Oriented Precision Policing
Throughout this year, TPD Operations Division East (ODE) has focused on a crime reduction strategy known as Problem-Oriented Precision Policing (POPP). POPP is an evidence-based crime reduction strategy validated by decades of research.
POPP combines hot spot policing with problem-oriented policing. These are place-based strategies to disrupt criminal activity, engage community members, and address the underlying causes of crime and disorder. POPP locations are identified using data compiled by the Tucson Police Department's Analysis Division.
Patrol divisions implement POPP. Officers are dispatched to POPP locations every 90 minutes. The responding officer is tasked with spending 15 minutes in the POPP location and being highly visible while there.
At the end of May, the Analysis Division reviewed the program to determine its effectiveness. They concluded that POPPs were effective at reducing what are known as Part I Crimes - a designation by the FBI that includes some of the most serious crimes, such as homicide, rape, and aggravated assault. Part I crimes were down by over 15% and, citywide, 1,200 fewer calls for service occurred - both significant findings.
In the next few weeks, the Analysis Division will identify new POPP locations, using crime and survey data. ODE will continue using this proactive location-based strategy to make our community safer.
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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18,511
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80,478
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Officer-initiated Activity
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9,692
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39,450
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Gun-related Crime
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106
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627
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Homicide
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1
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28
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Traffic Citations
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1,065
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12,601
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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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102
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813
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Community Service Officers
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23
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114
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Professional Staff
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2
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212
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Operations Division East in the Community
In May, ODE participated in the Ward 2 - Centre East Open House, “Coffee with a Cop,” and the Ward 4 Splash Blast.
In June, we held our quarterly Division Advisory Committee (DAC) meeting at the Erik D. Hite Eastside Substation on the 21st from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. There was a presentation from the Public Safety Communications Department, as well as presentations on crime prevention and safety tips, and neighborhood crimes investigations.
TPD ODE at the Ward 2 Centre East Open House.
TPD ODE at the Ward 4 Splash Bash.
Member Highlight
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Operations Division East would like to recognize the work of Officer Usbaldo “Uzi” Velazquez as our Officer of the Quarter.
Uzi has served the Tucson community for over twenty years, working in ODE that entire time. Uzi is assigned as the Lead Police Officer for squad 4 and works weekdays.
Uzi is a hard worker and a problem solver who volunteers for challenging assignments. We’re grateful to have him in ODE!
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Crime Prevention Tip
You can tell someone's walking on gravel from a distance. It's kind of noisy.
The thing is, burglars don't like to make noise, especially noise that announces, "I'm here, walking around on your property."
Putting gravel in a side yard, especially one that's hidden from public view, may deter burglars from taking that approach to break in - or the noise may alert you, or your dog, to their presence.
Photo by Nadin Mario on Unsplash
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