TPD Patrol Division South Newsletter - September 2023

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Stunning Reductions in Gun Violence in PNI Study Areas

A strategy TPD implemented in three chronically violent neighborhoods reduced gun violence between 75% and 80% in each!

Tucson is one of six jurisdictions nationally to implement PNI, or Place Network Investigations, as part of a National Policing Institute Study. PNI targets street gun violence by disrupting the infrastructure that supports it.

TPD selected three hotspots for this approach, each encompassing roughly 500 meters in any direction from the center points listed below.

PNI takes a holistic approach, looking at property management practices and available community resources as well as targeting criminal networks. A multi-department, multi-agency PNI Board was created that includes business, school, nonprofit, and community members to address underlying conditions conducive to crime. Many projects were undertaken, ranging from improving Parks facilities to using Code Enforcement to address health and safety violations at several apartment complexes.

TPD's enforcement efforts gathered intelligence on criminal networks operating in these areas, often linked to narcotics. One PNI investigation into a supply house seized approximately 8 pounds of meth, 53,000 fentanyl pills, over 1,000 counterfeit Xanax pills, a half pound of heroin, $65,000 in cash, and 15 firearms, including 3 shotguns and an AK-47.

Property management also plays a huge role in contributing to community safety—or its opposite. During the study, analysis revealed that multiple properties owned by the same person—which comprise just 0.58% of the City of Tucson by landmass—were the location of 7.8% of shootings and 4.5% of gun-related calls for service citywide. Several City departments are engaged with this owner in an effort to have him improve conditions at his properties.

The tremendous amount of effort that has gone into implementing PNI has yielded great results, including increased collaboration that's having a real, positive impact on quality of life in these areas.

Shoplifting and Car Theft Suspects Arrested

Shoplifting

On September 3rd, Operations Division South responded to an initial call of a robbery at a retail establishment in the 1600 block of West Valencia Road. Four individuals took approximately $1,000 worth of merchandise without paying. ODS officers responded to the scene, detained three suspects in the area, and arrested two for shoplifting.

Kia/Hyundai Car Theft, Carjacking

On August 29th, ODS officers were dispatched to an attempted car theft at the 5600 block of South 12th Avenue. It was reported that multiple vehicles in the complex had just been broken into and had ignition damage. The Service Dog Unit and ODS officers began checking other apartment complexes and two black Kia Optimas were observed driving in tandem after leaving an address in the 700 block of East Irvington Road. It was discovered that at least one of the two vehicles had recently been stolen. ODS patrol, K9 Units and the Air Unit coordinated to locate the stolen vehicle. A juvenile male ran from the vehicle, discarding a firearm as he ran from officers. He was detained and arrested for auto theft and felony misconduct with a weapon.

On August 31st, shortly after 1:00 a.m., a 911 call was received regarding an armed carjacking in the 100 block of West Valencia Road. The victim advised that an additional getaway vehicle was present. A short time later, the suspect getaway vehicle (a red Hyundai Elantra that had been stolen the day before) was located and a pursuit ensued. The driver of the suspect vehicle lost control and crashed on the corner of Park and Ajo. Three juvenile males were detained and all three were arrested for aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, and auto theft.

ODS Statistics

Activity

Staffing

ODS in the Community

Folklorico dancers at Las Vistas Neighborhood Fiesta Mexicana in the Park.

Test driving our new subcompact patrol vehicle.

Member Highlights

What it's like being a TPD officer

Click here to see LPO Ornelas discuss what it's like being an officer with the Tucson Police Department: 
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw3bfl6PnbH/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng== 

LPO Gist and Sgt. Nolan

On August 30th, while enroute to another call, Lead Police Officer Gist saw a male on top of a vehicle being driven erratically as it exited a convenience store parking lot in the 6000 block of South Park Avenue. She promptly addressed this suspicious activity, initiating a traffic stop. The situation took an even more serious turn when LPO Gist saw a female sticking her head out of the driver's window, revealing a potential kidnapping in progress. As she approached the vehicle, LPO Gist was joined by Sgt. Nolan and together they freed the kidnapping victim from the suspect.

Subsequent investigations led to the suspect being arrested on various charges, including kidnapping, aggravated assault, possession of a narcotic drug for sale, and weapons charges. This successful outcome is a testament to the dedication and professionalism displayed by both ODS members. Well done!

Officers Valenzuela and Olivares and Detectives Gradias and Perez

On September 2nd, Officers Valenzuela and Olivares responded to multiple unknown trouble calls in the 1300 block of East Bilby Road. The calls were found to be related, with the final calls advising of persons with guns. With minimal information and lacking cooperation from the callers, Officers Valenzuela and Olivares responded and were able to identify the victim and witness, as well as a residence with potential suspects inside. With limited resources available, the officers were able to safely and successfully detain three persons who exited the residence. A fourth was seen fleeing from the back but was later detained.

Officers Valenzuela and Olivares were able to maintain control of the scene and involved persons while they moved forward with the investigation and identified the suspect. Their diligence enabled Detectives Gradias and Perez to continue the investigation. This ultimately led to warrant service on the residence and the arrest of the identified suspect for a felony charge of aggravated assault. In addition, items located on the suspect led to a secondary investigation that will most likely result in additional felony charges associated with theft and fraud. The officers and detectives methodically worked through an extensive and convoluted investigation to achieve the best outcome for the victims of these offenses, providing outstanding service to the community.

Crime Prevention Tip

You may have heard that Kias and Hyundais are being targeted for car theft due to a manufacturing issue that was shared widely on social media. As you might expect, the problem is nationwide and Tucson hasn’t been spared. While many vehicles ultimately are recovered, they have often sustained thousands of dollars in damage from the theft. What can you do to protect your vehicles (not just Kias and Hyundais)? Use a steering wheel lock. Even if you’ve had anti-theft software installed, thieves can still cause expensive damage to your vehicle while trying to steal it. A steering wheel lock can deter the attempt because a would-be car thief can see the device locked onto the steering wheel.

September Events

October Events

Links

Graffiti Removal
TPD Non-Emergency Online Reporting System
Report a Code Violation (weeds, trash, junked vehicles, building or sign violations)
Report a Homeless Encampment
File a Trespass Letter (for businesses)
TPD Website
For emergencies: call 911
For police non-emergencies: call (520) 791-4444