TPD Patrol Division South Newsletter - May 2024

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TPD Releases 2023 Annual Report

TPD's 2023 Annual Report is available on the City's website. Check it out at the link, here: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Police/About-TPD/TPD-Annual-Reports Some highlights: All the effort poured into Place Network Investigations (PNI) and Problem-Oriented Precision Policing (POPP) paid off in a reduction in violent gun crime. New approaches to investigating these crimes resulted in an even more impressive homicide clearance rate than last year, as well as apprehending suspects before they have an opportunity to offend again. TPD was designated a Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) by the U.S. Department of Justice and our increased capacity to analyze ballistic evidence is yielding dividends. Staffing remains a challenge, but we succeeded in cutting attrition in half. TPD continues to invest in, and commit to, employee wellness - which most likely contributed to the reduction in attrition.

Blood Evidence Leads to Residential Burglary Arrest

On May 12, 2024, a residential burglary took place in Operations Division South. Surveillance from the victim's home showed three male suspects. A crowbar was used to break a rear window to gain access. Once inside, one of the males took the victim's rifle and handgun.

Police responded and the Crime Scene Unit processed the home. Suspected blood evidence was found near the point of entry and submitted for testing. The victim alleged that a friend was involved - a friend who knew the layout of the property, as he had been there weeks before and photographed the victim's weapons.

Lab work on the suspected blood sample was associated to two potential contributors. The mixture was sent through CODIS and returned with a match to a male unknown to the victim. Further investigation found that the male had been contacted by police for an unrelated matter two days before the burglary. In body-worn camera video of that contact, he was wearing clothing and a wristwatch similar to those seen on surveillance video of one of the burglars. Coincidentally, the victim’s friend was also seen on body-worn camera video that same night, with an acquaintance of the male.

Probable cause was established for the suspect and a stop and arrest was issued on May 28th. That same night, Operations Division West officers located and arrested the suspect. A search warrant was granted for the suspect’s DNA for further testing and he was booked into the Pima County Jail. Evidence against the alleged co-defendant will be presented to the prosecutor at Issuing.

ODS Statistics

Activity

Staffing

Apollo Middle School Bike Rodeo

On April 27, 2024, Sergeants Hackett and Leon; Officers Figueroa, Marroquin, Montero-Garcia, Placencia, and Soriano; and CSOs Mendoza and Zamora participated in the Bike Rodeo and Ride at Apollo Middle School.

This community event provided bike safety instruction, as well as bike inspections and minor repairs, to children ages 8 and older and their families. There were also costumed characters present, giving a nice family feel to the event. Tucson Police Department members did an amazing job demonstrating bike safety and providing assistance to all who attended. To quote the organizer of the event, Rebecca Quintero, “We would like to thank each and every one of you for all your help, love, and support for making our 3rd annual Bike Rodeo and Ride a successful event. The students had a great time! Some even said it was the best day ever!”

The ODS personnel not only helped with bike safety, but served as role models for the youth involved, exemplifying TPD values of excellence, service orientation, and teamwork. Well done!

Crime Prevention Tip

Did you know the Tucson Police Department has a program to help owners and managers of multi-housing properties reduce crime? The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program offers quarterly all-day training classes at the TPD Westside Substation, 1310 West Miracle Mile. To sign up for the July 18 class, email the representative in your area. Contact information is here: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Police/Crime-Prevention/Crime-Free-Multi-Housing

May Events

At the Amazing Shake event, Indian Oasis Intermediate Elementary School.

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