TPD Patrol Division Midtown 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.

Burglar Answers Police Call to Victim's Stolen Phone

On August 8, 2023 Operations Division Midtown officers responded to the 750 block of North Palo Verde Avenue in reference to a female caller who stated that she was awakened to find a male in her house.

The unknown male then stole her cell phone and purse. Officers quickly arrived and were able to assist the victim using a phone locator app. They started to track the suspect with GPS and it appeared that he had stopped in the area of 2nd and Alvernon. Officers responded to that area and called the victim's phone. The suspect was kind enough to answer, but then almost immediately hung up when the officers stepped into the alley and saw the suspect, phone in hand and carrying a purse strikingly similar to the victim's. The suspect denied stealing the items and claimed that a random unknown person had given them to him. Unfortunately for him, he also matched the description provided by the victim.

In addition to the victim's cell phone and purse, the suspect was in possession of over 11 grams of meth and a man's wallet that was determined to have been stolen from a vehicle in the 3600 block of East 3rd Street. Officers responded and met with the owner of the wallet, who was not yet aware that it had been stolen and wished to prosecute.   
This particular suspect has a long history with law enforcement and had just recently been released from the Arizona Department of Corrections after serving an 8-year sentence. He was charged with 2nd and 3rd degree burglary and possession of a dangerous drug.

ODM Statistics

Activity

Staffing

Immigration/Refugee Community Meeting

On August 2nd, TPD ODM members attended and participated in a Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) community meeting regarding immigration.

PERF held the second of three National Refugee Conferences on June 24th in Tucson with the Tucson Police Department, community stakeholders, and refugee resettlement agencies. The goal was to share experiences, issues, and barriers faced, and to foster collaboration and discuss solutions.

ODM Community Service Officer (CSO) Awes Mohammed was asked to share his life story, his journey to becoming a TPD Community Service Officer, and his desire to become a Tucson Police Officer—a goal we're certain will soon be achieved.

ODM Sergeant Travers was also in attendance and shared his work with Tucson's refugee community.

ODM Officer of the Month

ODM would like to recognize the work of Police Officer Jared Sheeley. Officer Sheeley has been a police officer with TPD and ODM for the past 3.5 years and has served Midtown during that time period. He has an aptitude for on-site (officer-initiated) activity and has been very active along the 29th Street corridor when not dealing with calls for service. While working the area, Officer Sheeley partnered with other ODM personnel and had several contacts in the area of 29th and Alvernon, where businesses and residents have asked for increased patrol due to the houseless population and drug activity observed in the area. In August alone, Officer Sheeley recovered a firearm and made several arrests for narcotics (methamphetamines and fentanyl), absconder warrants, DUI, aggravated assault, and prohibited possessor. Officer Sheeley also continued to speak with and refer people to treatment when and where appropriate. Officer Sheeley, along with July Officer of the Month Erica Cramer, also took part in the Law Enforcement “Bike 2 DC Ride to Honor” (http://bike2dc.com) in May. This was 4-day event that covered 500 miles between Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC to show support and honor the memory of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. Congratulations, Officer Sheeley!

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

September 12: Monthly ORCA Meeting at ODM
September 19: ODM LP Monthly Meeting at ODM 
September 20: Beginning of Roberts Naylor K-8 School 16-week Life Skills Course 
September 20: Burlington/Marshalls LP deployment 
September 23: Ready Set Rec event at Himmel Park 
September 25: Beginning of Life Skills Course at Doolen Middle School 
September 26: Adult Safety Class at United Health Care 
September 28: 29th Street Coalition Meeting 

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