Carlisle Police Department
Annual Report 2007

CONTENTS
	Carlisle Police Department Activity
	Training
	Use of Force
	Special Response Team (SRT)
	Drug Law Enforcement
	Special Events
	Cases of Special Interest
	Community Policing Services
	Police K-9's
	Polygraph
	Accreditation
	2008 Initiative

Carlisle Police Department Activity

CARLISLE POLICE DEPARTMENT STATISTICS

Although we must be cautious using statistics to assess community safety and police activity, data such as that compiled in this report should be reviewed. Although this data should be reviewed in conjunction with other more qualitative information, it can clearly provide valuable insight into community safety.

There are several noteworthy aspects of the Carlisle Police Department activity summary for the years 2003-2007.

1.         Calls for Service increased 3.8% from 2006 to 2007.
2.         Part I offenses increased 6% from 2006 to 2007.
3.         Part II offenses decreased 15% from 2006 to 2007.
4.         Traffic citations remained practically the same from 2006 to 2007.

The increase in Part I crimes is due primarily to an increase in property crimes. Crimes of serious violence are negligible. There were no murders in 2007. There have been no actual murders in the past five (5) years. Other serious crimes of violence (rape, robbery and aggravated assault) constitute a very small percentage (6%) of Part I offenses. (See Part I crimes reported).

While we saw a small increase in Part I crimes primarily because of property crime, serious violence levels remain constant at a low level. 91% of our Part I crime is property crime.

The majority of offenses reported are Part II offenses. There are almost twice as many Part II offenses as Part I offenses (723 Part I, 1,264 Part II). The good news is that Part II offenses are down 15% from 2006, from 1,491 to 1,264 offenses in 2007. This number is more in line with the numbers of Part II crimes reported each year from 2003 to 2005.

The most significant decreases in Part II offenses were among the most common Part II offenses outlined in the chart below.

Even though Part II offenses are relatively minor offenses, they still can have a negative effect on the quality of life in a community and deserve attention from the police and the community.

As for the 3.8% increase in Calls for Service, foot patrol details, citizen calls for service and officer initiated field interviews contribute to the increased number of Calls for Service. This increase is significant because Calls for Service are the basic unit of information used for measuring police activity and manpower allocation. We will continue to monitor our Calls for Service levels in the coming months so as keep a handle on department workload and service delivery levels. An increased number of Calls for Service is a double-edged sword. While it may cause the department to become busier, we encourage the public to report problems to police. We take the approach that problems, including crime, cannot be dealt with unless the police are made aware of them. We constantly tell neighborhood groups and the public as a whole to report incidents. We’re quite sure that this policy is responsible for at least some of the increase in Calls for Service over the past two years.

A conscious effort was made in 2006 to increase traffic enforcement. This effort continued in 2007. The police department, along with elected officials, frequently receive traffic complaints. In 2006 enforcement was stepped up, and continued in 2007, especially in residential areas. Although we have relatively few crashes involving injuries, we want to lower the injury/accident level. Enforcement is one method of accomplishing that. The difference in the number of citations issued from 2006 to 2007 was negligible.

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Training

The amount and quality of training provided to police officers is possibly the most important element in establishing the level of professionalism of a police department. Beyond basic police training, officers must receive regular on-going training to keep current on legal updates, improved practices and law enforcement methods and skills. Like all facets of life today, the challenges facing law enforcement are becoming more complex and demanding. That, coupled with safety issues, require that police receive a high level of training to insure they deliver professional service to the community in a safe manner while managing the risks involved in policing.

The Carlisle Police Department has a very vigorous training program which continued through 2007. Following is an account of training taken by members of the Carlisle Police Department. SRT training will be highlighted in the SRT section of this report.

1.       Department In-Service Week

Each February all sworn members of the department attend our annual In-Service training, a 40-hour training program held in our station Class Room. We divide all sworn members into 3 groups and provide the program 3 weeks in a row. In addition to the 2 days of annual Mandatory In-Service training required by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC), we provide an additional 3 days or 24 hours of training. The 2007 training consisted of the following:

With the exception of CPR, First Aid and firearms training, the only required annual training for police officers in Pennsylvania is the 16
hours of MPOETC training. This department’s In-Service training far exceeds the minimum requirements

2.       Firearms Training

In addition to the department In-Service noted above, all sworn
officers underwent firearms training 3 times/year. Officers must
qualify with the pistol, shotgun, and patrol rifle. Officers are
required by law to qualify once per year with any firearms they
carry or are issued. We believe qualifying once per year is in-
adequate. Firearms proficiency is a perishable skill. Firearms safety
and competency are such high risk issues that once per year isn’t
acceptable. Perhaps in the future we will be able to get back to
quarterly firearms training. The department has three (3)
certified instructors; Sgt. Michael Guido, Sgt. Joseph Hogarth and
Officer Simon Jackson. SRT members receive additional firearms
training which will be covered in the SRT section of this report.

3.       TASER Training

Lt. Michael Dzezinski has attended the TASER Instructor Recertification and Armorer Course in Phoenix, Arizona. Lt. Dzezinski is the department instructor and resident expert on the TASER. Because of the fact that all of our officers are issued TASERS, we insure that our department receives the best and most up to date training on the TASER. The best way for that to occur is for our department instructor to receive his training from TASER International at their Headquarters in Arizona.

The TASER is an extremely valuable risk management tool for law enforcement. Although there is some degree of risk in every law enforcement activity, the TASER clearly gives officers the opportunity to use less force than they would be authorized in many situations, thereby reducing the risk of injury to citizens and officers. All officers receive 4 hours of TASER training annually.

Numerous additional training sessions for our officers included the following:

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USE OF FORCE

One of the most sensitive topics in policing is police use of force. The police are legally authorized to use force in the performance of their duty. We equip and train Carlisle officers with a variety of lethal as well as less lethal force options. Indeed, over the years, members of the Carlisle Police Department have been thrust into various circumstances where the full spectrum of force options have had to be used. Fortunately, good training and policy have assisted officers in making the right force decisions and employing the proper tools and techniques appropriately.

The Carlisle Police Department tracks Use of Force incidents to insure officers are making the right decision and using the proper techniques. Every time an officer uses force on an individual, it must be documented in a department Use of Force report and reviewed by the officer’s supervisor. Anytime an arrestee is injured during arrest, an officer uses a baton, pepper spray, a TASER, physically struggles or fights with an arrestee or points a weapon at an individual, a Use of Force report must be completed.

In 2007 Carlisle officers engaged in forty (40) incidents which required a Use of Force report. The only injuries sustained in these encounters were minor abrasions or contusions. 2007 was a good year in that no officers or subjects received injuries requiring more than cursory treatment.

Of particular interest in 2007 was TASER use. There were 12 fewer Taser deployments in 2007. The 2007 TASER usage is broken down as follows

The spark and laser demo categories are particularly noteworthy in the fact that no actual use of the TASER occurred in those 24 incidents. Simply the threat of the TASER was enough to gain suspect compliance.

In circumstances where the TASER was actually deployed, the device proved successful 92% of the time (8 of 9 probes fired were successful and 4 of 4 drive stuns were successful for a total of 12 out of 13).
Although the use of the TASER may raise controversial issues among some, we at the Carlisle Police Department believe it is an invaluable law enforcement tool. With the proper training and monitoring of usage, it would be detrimental not to continue to use this law enforcement tool

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SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM (SRT)

The SRT is often referred to as a SWAT team or Tactical Team. Police SRT’s are comprised of officers who have received special training and are equipped with specialized weapons and tools to perform high risk tasks. In our case these officers have regular assignments and participate on SRT as a voluntary extra-duty assignment.

Most SRT members have received specialized training from military and law enforcement sources. Additionally the team trains monthly. In a high risk environment such as SRT operations, it is critical that high training levels be maintained. This insures a high level of proficiency on the part of SRT members. Even though SRT activations are always high risk, the success of the team is 100%. Success is measured by effectively carrying out the mission without injuries and unplanned property damage. Typical incidents SRT responds to are high risk drug search warrants, high risk arrest warrants or fugitives, barricaded subjects and hostage takers.

JANUARY

The first half of the training day consisted of equipment proficiency exercises which required each operator to demonstrate a working knowledge of the following equipment:

Ballistic shield and blanket
Camera systems (ball and pole camera)
Night vision equipment
Bull horn
Flash bang pole
Negotiator throw phone
Less lethal weapon systems
Shotguns
First Aid kit

The second half of training consisted of team building and physical fitness.

FEBRUARY

A week long training block was held in February.

MARCH

This day consisted of firearms range training at the Pennsylvania Game Lands Range. All officers present were recertified on all weapons.

APRIL

Training was held at the Old Mill on N. Hanover Street by the War College. Training was conducted using simunition firearms. Building clearing techniques were practiced as well as finding role players acting as suspects. Using the “sim gun” added realism to the training day.

MAY

Training was conducted at the Carlisle Community Center. The training consisted of entry practice with an emphasis on slow and deliberate movements. The team also trained in stairwell clearing, hostage rescue scenarios and team movements incorporating Carlisle Police Department K-9 Eagle.

JUNE

Training was held at the Game Lands Range. A junk vehicle was towed to the range and the team trained in vehicle assaults using both static and live fire techniques.

JULY

The team traveled to Lebanon, PA to train with the Lebanon County SWAT Team. Two locations were used for the training and the teams alternated between these two locations. One location was a farm house that was used for hostage rescue and building clearing.

The second location was a ten acre wooded area that was used for an outside search grid for suspects.

AUGUST

SRT went to the Game Lands range for firearms training. All officers performed standard drills with sub-guns and passed the qualification course. In addition, all officers shot and passed the MPOETC qualification course with their Glock 40 caliber pistol.

SEPTEMBER

Team members traveled to Adams County for two days of Field Force Training. This is crowd control and arrest techniques. The training was provided by officers from the Baltimore County Police Department.

NOVEMBER

SRT went to the Game Lands range for quarterly firearms qualification and shooting drills.

DECEMBER

SRT went to Newville Area School and trained in a school shooting scenario. Wounded students were evacuated and negations were conducted with the role player suspect.

In the afternoon, Dauphin County SRT came to our station to demonstrate the Terrorism Task Force robot that can be used for bomb disposal and SRT maneuvers.

ACTUAL DEPLOYMENTS:

In 2007 the SRT deployed for 4 actual incidents, 2 in Carlisle and 2 outside the Borough.

A summary of those incidents is as follows:

March 27, 2007
Bridge Water Wholesale Warehouse
Mechanicsburg, PA

Mechanicsburg Police Department contacted SRT regarding a truck driver headed for their location that was wanted on 16 counts of possessing child pornography. The suspect’s criminal history included Kidnapping and Sexual Assault and he made statement to his family members that he wouldn’t be taken alive. The truck was being tracked by the company’s GPS unit and he was taken into custody by SRT without incident when he arrived at the warehouse.

July 18, 2007
345 W. North Street
Carlisle, PA

This was one of two search warrants executed simultaneously as a result of a shooting that occurred on July 16, 2007 in the 200 block of W. North Street. Although no physical evidence related to the shooting was seized during the execution of the search warrant, it did help gain cooperation in the investigation that led to the later arrest of Anthony Hodge.

July 18, 2007
248 Franklin Street
Carlisle, PA

This was the second of two search warrants executed simultaneously as the result of a shooting that occurred on July 16, 2007 in the 200 block of W. North Street. As with the first mentioned search warrant, no physical evidence was seized related to the shooting but it did garner cooperation in the shooting investigation that led to the later arrest of Anthony Hodge.

September 7, 2007
503 Chestnut Street
Mt. Holly Springs, PA

Mt. Holly Springs Police Department requested SRT assistance when they had a barricaded suspect at the above address. This suspect was wanted by Oregon authorities on a parole violation for Child Pornography and Weapons charges. SRT responded and evacuated the neighboring houses. After a search of the suspect’s house it was determined that he fled prior to SRT arrival. This person was later captured by Mt. Holly Springs Police Department some four miles from his house.

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DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT

Drug law enforcement is a major endeavor for the Carlisle Police Department. We have two (2) detectives assigned full-time to drug law enforcement. Other detectives and uniformed officers also spend a tremendous amount of their time and energy investigating and responding to drug related crimes.

In our drug enforcement efforts our department works cooperatively with a multitude of outside agencies. In addition to other municipal agencies some of the agencies we have worked with in 2007 were:

• Cumberland County Drug Task Force
• Cumberland County Probation and Parole
• The Pennsylvania State Police
• Office of the Attorney General
• PA Dept of Welfare
• The F.B.I.
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• U.S. Marshall’s
• U.S. Postal Inspectors
• INS/Border Patrol

In 2007, Carlisle Police Department officers and detectives made 144 drug arrests. This does not include other charges such as theft, robbery, assaults, etc. which were directly related to drug use or sales. We know that drug use generates a great deal of additional criminal acts. Drug use is not, as some people would suggest, a victimless crime

DRUG CASES OF SPECIAL INTEREST

• On January 4, 2007 Carlisle Police stopped a vehicle on Belvedere Street at 4:10 p.m., for traffic violations. Both driver and passenger had outstanding warrants and were taken into custody. Information was obtained during the traffic stop that led to the execution of a search warrant at 157 W. Louther Street at 9:50 p.m. Jaime Quinones, age 28 was taken into custody after execution of the search warrant. Police seized approximately a quarter pound of marijuana, $365 in cash and scales. Quinones was charged with Possession with Intent and taken to Booking for processing.

• On March 2, 2007 Thomas A. Marino, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Grindberg, age 23 of Carlisle was charged in a three count indictment by a grand jury in Harrisburg. Grindberg sold heroin to Phil Miller of Carlisle on October 2, 2006. Miller died as a result of using the heroin. Grindberg also sold heroin on January 26, 2007 to Jaime Wakefield of Carlisle, who was admitted to the hospital after using the heroin from September 2006 through January 2007. This was a joint investigation by the Carlisle Police Department and the DEA. If Grindberg is convicted he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years up to life imprisonment.

• On April 25, 2007 Carlisle Police assisted the Federal Marshals in a warrant service at 122 N. East Street. At 1:30 p.m. police arrested Michael Williams, age 38. He was wanted in Maryland on drug charges and a parole violation. He was charged by Carlisle Police as a Fugitive from Justice and committed to Cumberland County Prison to await extradition.

• On May 24, 2007 at approximately 7:25 p.m., Carlisle Police observed what they believed was a drug transaction in front of the Minute Stop on N. Hanover Street. Hery Crespo was stopped and searched and approximately 60 grams of marijuana was seized. It was individually wrapped for sale. The buyer, Ricardo Jefferies, age 21 was also stopped. Crespo, age 18 of Carlisle was arrested for Possession with Intent to Deliver and Jefferies was arrested for Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana.

• On July 14, 2007 at 4:04 p.m., Weis Market reported a robbery at their pharmacy. A white male indicated that he had a gun, but none was displayed. The suspect took drugs and fled in a pickup truck that was reported stolen in Shippensburg. No one was injured.

• On October 19, 2007 Carlisle Police conducted a warrant sweep. Twelve people were wanted for dealing narcotics at the street level. The investigation was conducted over the past year. Carlisle Police were assisted in the warrant sweep by Cumberland County Probation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Marshall Service.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

For a Borough of 18,000-19,000 residents, Carlisle is host to a tremendous number of special events. Over the course of the year there are a multitude of parades, marches, street closures, festivals, celebrations and patriotic observances

Most of these events require some combination of police, fire police and Public Works Department assistance to be conducted safely. The Borough accepts a large liability allowing special events in public places, thus the necessity to insure they are conducted safely. The planning and supervision of these events takes a tremendous amount of manpower and effort. The Borough is reimbursed for some of these events but is an “institutional sponsor” for many events.

Aside from cars shows, 2007 Special Events included:

• Memorial Day Parade
• Summerfair Parade
• Corvette Parade and Dance
• Halloween Parade
• Holiday Open House Ceremony
• Veteran’s Day Parade and Ceremony
• Amani Festival
• Martin Luther King March
• Army Field Band “Volunteers” Concert
• YMCA Monster Mash Mile
• YMCA Turkey Trot
• First Night
• National Night Out
• Carlisle Mile Downtown Road Race
• Downtown Carlisle Festival of the Arts and Octubafest
• Dickinson College Freshman Orientation and Graduation
• Carlisle High School events (football, basketball, soccer games, graduation, etc.)
• Stars Burst Over Carlisle Fireworks Display
• Carlisle Theatre events
• Summerfair Road Race and other events
• Nino Fund 5K Road Race
• DCA First Friday Events
• St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Block Party
• Hope Station 5K Road Race
• Law School Graduation
• Syntec 5K Road Race
• March for Jesus and Community Block Party at Biddle Mission

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CASES OF SPECIAL INTEREST

ROBBERIES

On January 23, 2007, at 5:42 p.m., a hold up alarm was received from the PNC Bank on Noble Blvd. Police responded and found that a black male wearing all black and his face covered robbed the bank at gun point. He fled with approximately $6,000. No one was injured in the robbery.

On May 1, 2007 at 12:40 p.m., a teller at PNC Bank on Noble Blvd. reported an armed robbery. The robber was described as a white male, thin build and scruffy. He displaced a hand gun and a note and fled with a small amount of cash. Police searched the area without success.

On May 9, 2007 at 9:13 a.m., Sovereign Bank at Penrose called and reported an armed robbery. The white male fled on foot with an undetermined amount of cash. Carlisle Police responded as well as the State Police and F.B.I. An extensive search of the area was conducted that included PSP’s helicopter. We felt the same person was responsible for the May 1st robbery at PNC Bank as well as bank robberies on the East Shore and Adams County.

On May 14, 2007, Jeremiah Shoemaker, age 29 of York, PA was arrested in Susquehanna Twp. at the Inn of the Dove. Motel staff became suspicious of his actions and called police. Police investigated and then called the F.B.I. Shoemaker, when interviewed, confessed to robbing the PNC and Sovereign Banks in Carlisle. He also admitted to numerous other bank robberies. He is being charged federally by the F.B.I. for all the bank robberies including ours.

On July 14, 2007 at 4:04 p.m., Weis Market reported a robbery at their pharmacy. A white male indicated he had a gun, but none was displayed. The suspect took drugs and fled in a pickup truck that was reported stolen in Shippensburg. No one was injured and the investigation was initiated. On July 23rd, after investigating, Daniel Lee Cook, age 34, was arrested for the Weis Market Pharmacy robbery. Cook was found in a stolen truck near Shippensburg by Pennsylvania State Police. Evidence taken from the Weis Market was found in the truck. Cook was later identified by employees as the person who robbed the pharmacy. Cook was charged with Robbery and Theft. He was on state parole from the 1996 Carlisle Hospital Pharmacy robbery and was committed to prison on these charges and a state parole detainer.

On September 5, 2007 at 12:53 a.m., a victim reported he had been robbed at gunpoint at Pitt and Louther Streets by a white male. He gave a clothing description and police observed a person matching the description on the 100 block of W. North Street. Justin Darby Scott, age 19 of Gardners was patted down and a realistic looking BB gun was located in his waistband. He was brought to the station and confessed to the robbery. The victim was not hurt and Scott was charged with Robbery and Theft offenses and committed to prison.
On November 3, 2007 at approximately 8:00 a.m., a female reported a robbery on the first block of W. Penn Street. The suspect, who she identified, pointed a handgun at her and demanded money. The victim called police a short time later and said the suspect was in the Hamilton Restaurant. Police set up surveillance and when the suspect and his companions exited the restaurant, they were taken into custody. Christopher Smalls, age 25 of Harrisburg was charged with the robbery. During the investigation it was discovered that Smalls was actually Christian Zimmerman and was wanted by state parole from Brooklyn, New York. He was charged with Robbery and as being a Fugitive from Justice. His companions, who were with him during the robbery, Miquel Otero, age 25 and Felicia Jackson, age 18 of Harrisburg, were charged with drug possession after crack cocaine was found on them during the arrests. All three were arraigned before Judge Brewbaker and committed to prison.

On December 1, 2007 Lower Allen Twp. Police Department called at 2:00 p.m. and reported they had a robbery warrant for a Vincent Perry and that he was staying at 339 Garland Drive, Carlisle. Perry was located at that address and taken into custody without incident. A black powder rifle was seen outside the house and seized as evidence for Lower Allen. Perry was turned over to Lower Allen Twp. Police.

On December 7, 2007 at 5:49 p.m., a resident of Safe Harbor reported he was assaulted at the Minute Stop by four black males who then attempted to steal his car. One suspect had a handgun. The victim was treated for his injuries and released. The investigation of this incident led to the arrest of Keiron Murray of Carlisle.

ASSAULTS

On Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 5:04 p.m., police received a complaint of a shot fired in the 100 block of S. Bedford Street. Police responded and an investigation revealed that Mike Washington, age 24 of Carlisle was in an argument on Friday night with Chris Felton. The argument continued on Saturday and resulted in Felton “pistol whipping” Washington. As Felton was hitting him with the gun, it discharged and the bullet struck a residence. No one in the house was injured. Felton fled the scene, but was arrested at this home at 8:37 p.m. in the 400 block of N. Pitt Street. He was charged with Aggravated Assault and gun charges. Washington was treated and released.

On April 21, 2007 at approximately 9:02 p.m., Dickinson College Department of Public Safety reported shots fired at the Depot on Cherry Street. Dickinson was having a Rap competition at the Depot and one member of one band was displeased with the way the Dickinson students were reacting to his group. When this person went outside he pulled a gun and shot several rounds into the air and fled in a car. Several .32 caliber casings were found at the scene. No one was injured. John Balkcom, age 26 of Harrisburg was identified as the shooter. A warrant was obtained for him on various charges. Carlisle Police searched for him for several days. He was believed to be in the Harrisburg area. On April 27, 207 at 12:50 a.m., Balkcom was located in a residence in Lower Paxton Twp. The Dauphin County SWAT Team executed a search warrant at 5921 Linglestown Road, Lower Paxton Twp. and took Balkcom into custody. A handgun was also recovered that is believed to be the gun used in the shooting. Balkcom was committed to Cumberland County Prison.

On June 11, 2007 at 11:02 p.m., Carlisle Police responded to the 100 block of N. Pitt Street for the report of a stabbing victim. Officers arrived to find Dedric Dukes, age 32 of Carlisle with multiple stab wounds. He was transported to Hershey Medical Center. The person that stabbed him was interviewed. The investigation revealed to be a case of self defense. On July 5, 2007, Dukes was charged with Simple Assault.

On July 16, 2007, at 11:34 p.m., a citizen on the 100 block of W. North Street reported several gunshots. County then called and reported a shooting victim at 215 W. North Street. Trakia Houdeshel, age 27 of 215 W. North Street was standing by her porch and was struck in the head by a bullet. She was Life-Lined to Hershey and was in stable condition. Police recovered nine 9 mm casing in the street between 147 and 151 W. North Street. The victim was not the intended target.

On July 18, 2007 at 4:00 p.m., the SRT executed simultaneous search warrants at 248 Franklin Street and 345 W. North Street as part of the investigation into the shooting of  Trakia Houdeshel on July 16, 2007. Evidence was recovered and several individuals were served with Cumberland County Grand Jury subpoenas. Assisting in the search warrants were Cumberland County Probation, Pennsylvania State Police, FBI, and the U.S. Marshall’s.

On July 19, 2007 at 1:40 p.m., Carlisle Police were on foot patrol in the 100 block of W. North Street and heard gun shots fired to the rear of that block. Additional police responded. A description of the shooter was obtained from a witness. Monday’s shooting suspect, Anthony Hodge was at the scene. He was taken into custody on Monday’s shooting. A juvenile was detained and a search warrant obtained to do a gunshot residue test on him. After this was done Hodge was arraigned on charges of Criminal Attempt- Homicide, 2 cts. Aggravated Assault, Recklessly Endangering and Criminal Mischief. Bail was set at $2,000,000. At the preliminary hearing on July 27th Hodge’s bail was reduced to $500,000.

As reported in the media, the shooting by Hodge resulted in an unintended victim, Trakia Houdeshel being struck. In fact Hodge was shooting at another man, Asmara Vasser. This was the result of an on-going dispute over a former girlfriend. This is not the first time Hodge has allegedly fired a gun at Vasser, however it’s the first time Vasser and other witnesses would testify to that fact. Anthony Hodge has been a scourge to this neighborhood for years His freedom is now 1 ½ - 5 years, making Carlisle a safer community.

On July 17, 2007 a man was hospitalized with gunshot wounds, and a suspect arrested following a fight late that afternoon. Mark Clark, age 54 of 428 Fairground Avenue, was transferred to Hershey Medical Center. Terry William Dupert, age 26, of the same address was apprehended by police at the scene and charged with Aggravated Assault and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. Clark and Dupert were involved in a physical confrontation inside the home. At one point, the two were fighting over possession of a .410 gauge shotgun. The gun discharged during the struggle for possession. No one was injured. As Clark was fleeing the scene in a vehicle, Dupert shot Clark through the back window of a vehicle. Dupert said his intention was to “spook” Clark. Dupert was transported to Cumberland County Prison.

On August 4, 2007, at approximately 11:22 a.m., police received a call of a suspicious person outside of Tritt’s General Store. The caller stated the suspect was wearing a long sleeve shirt, gloves and attempting to put another shirt over his face. Police located the suspect near Thornwald Park, later identified as Scott Tilden, age 26 of Allen Road. Police became suspicious when he refused to put a bag on the ground. Police searched the bag and found a loaded 9 mm handgun, gloves and an extra shirt. Tilden was charged with Carrying a Firearm without a License, Attempted Robbery and Theft. He was arraigned and committed to Cumberland County Prison.

On December 23, 2007 at approximately 12:56 a.m., Carlisle Police responded to the All Star Café located at 257 Penrose Place for a report of shots fired. Police arrived on scene within seconds of the shots and learned that two separate groups of males had gotten into a verbal argument inside the bar and the altercation spilled into the parking lot where gunfire between the two groups was exchanged. No one was hit by any of the gunfire, however four unoccupied vehicles in the parking lot were struck. The suspects had fled prior to police arriving on scene, however witnesses described one of the suspects as a black male with a goatee who was wearing a dark colored jacket. Police are actively continuing their investigation. Carlisle Police were assisted at the scene by officers from the Cumberland County Forensic Unit

VEHICLE THEFTS

On January 10, 2007 at 10:55 a.m., an officer from Lower Paxton Police Department called our station and reported that a construction worker stopped at their station with a vehicle and registration card that he was going to buy from a person, but became suspicious. Lower Paxton checked the vehicle and found that it was our stolen construction vehicle from the old hospital site. Our detective coordinated surveillance with the Dauphin County Auto Theft Task Force because the suspect was supposed to go back and close the deal for the truck. The suspect, Brian Swartz, of Mt. Holly Springs did go back to the buyer in Harrisburg and was arrested. He was charged with Theft and Receiving by our detective and taken to Booking for processing. The vehicle was recovered.

On August 30, 2007, Carlisle Police observed a previously stolen car being operated on W. Willow Street at 11:07 a.m. The car was stopped and Maurice Vianey, age 29 of Carlisle was arrested without incident. He was charged with the theft of the stolen vehicle and several car break-ins on W. North Street where properties from those thefts were found in the stolen car. He was arraigned and committed to Cumberland County Prison.

FATAL CRASHES

On May 25, 2007 at 12:28 a.m., police responded to the Ritner Highway, near Gold’s Gym for a motorcycle accident. Jeremy Keifer, age 23 was traveling East on the Ritner Highway at a very high rate of speed and rear ended a vehicle traveling in the same direction. Keifer was thrown from the motorcycle and then run over by a vehicle traveling westbound. He was pronounced dead by the Cumberland County Coroner’s Office. The County’s Accident Reconstruction Team was called to assist in the investigation. Neither driver of the automobiles was injured

On September 29, 2007 at 6:19 p.m., Carlisle Police responded to the intersection of Mooreland Avenue and Walnut Street for an auto accident and discovered a passenger lying in the street who had been ejected from one of the vehicles involved. The subject was flown from the scene to Hershey Medical Center in critical condition. The individual, David Doody, age 19, died on Monday, October 1, 2007 from injuries sustained in the accident. The investigation into the crash was conducted in conjunction with the Cumberland County Accident Investigation Team. There were no criminal or traffic charges filed as a result of this crash.

BOMB THREAT

On October 4, 2007 at 12:53 a.m., County Control received a 911 call from a person trying to sound Arabic, saying that Americans have killed too many of his people and that he planted a bomb between McDonald’s and Frog and Switch. A phone check revealed a connection between Favian Padilla age 19 of Carlisle and the original number where the bomb threat was received. The Minute Stop on N. Hanover Street was burglarized at 1:09 a.m. A window was broken and a blood trail led to the residence of Padilla. Padilla was not there and a warrant was obtained for his arrest on this burglary and the fictitious bomb call. Padilla was arrested at 2:45 p.m. that day on N. Hanover Street and arraigned on the charges.

DOUBLE DUI

On April 21, 2007 at 2:00 a.m., police received a report of a man slumped behind the steering wheel while his car was sitting at a green light at S. Hanover and Willow Streets. Daniel Watson, age 27 of Gardners was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and taken to booking. He blew a .138% and was released from booking. He then went back to his truck and was again stopped by Carlisle Police at S. Hanover and State Road. He was arrested again for Driving Under the Influence and taken to the hospital for a blood test and taken back to booking.

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Community Policing Services

Community Policing is a philosophy the Carlisle Police Department embraced several years ago. In essence, Community Policing involves the police being responsive to community concerns and problems and working with the community to proactively solve problems.

Our primary method of advancing Community Policing is by trying to be active with neighborhood groups and community organizations. By attending group meetings and establishing dialogue with citizens, we hope to improve communication between the police and citizens. The citizens are then able to better inform police of problems in the community. The police are better able to educate citizens on how to deal with these problems. These relationships have allowed citizens to work with the police and other agencies to address community problems. 2007 saw the formation of another neighborhood association, S. Pitt/Chapel Avenue Association (SOSO). Additional neighborhood associations include Pitt/North Street Pride, West Louther Street Neighbors, College Street Neighbors and East Side Neighbors. Additionally, our officers meet regularly with the Hope Station Advisory Board and the Redevelopment Authority to address neighborhood concerns.

Another Community Policing program is our Junior Police Academy. The Junior Police Academy is a modified version of our successful Citizen Police Academy. The purpose of the Junior Police Academy is to foster greater understanding and communication between youth and the police department and to better inform Carlisle youth regarding the activities of the community’s police department.

This past summer we had 60 youngsters attend the Junior Police Academy. It was an outstanding program which was very well received by the cadets and their families. They received instruction in forensics, less lethal force and handcuffing, investigations and received an SRT demo. Additionally, they took field trips to Hershey Park, Pine Grove Furnace and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department. We intend to offer JPA again in the summer of 2008.

Finally, the highlight of our Community Policing efforts is National Night Out. Held the first Tuesday of August each year, National Night Out promotes crime prevention and community policing. Through a variety of displays, demonstrations and informational sessions, we attempt to reinforce crime prevention and police-community cooperation and communication. The event is very well attended by the public and numerous other agencies, including the Dickinson College Department of Public Safety, participate in the program with us. Again, we will be sponsoring National Night Out on August 5, 2008

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Police K-9's

The Carlisle Police Department has a K-9 team comprised of Cpl. David Miller and K-9 Eagle.

Police K-9’s can be valuable assets to a department. The capabilities of the dog are superior to humans in so many ways they are invaluable. Additionally, the Police K-9 is a great public relations tool. Dogs and other animals are loved by children in particular. These K-9 demos are a great way to build positive relations between the police and youngsters.

Below are K-9 statistics for 2007:

K9 Statistics for 2007

Tracks – 5  (Actually attempting to find / follow a suspect’s trail.)

Area searches – 1  (Attempting to locate a suspect in an open area without a confirmed path.)

Building Searches – 12  (Allowing K9 to clear a building for Officers.)

K9 Demos – 14  (Display of the K9 accompanied by presentation of facts, etc normally to youth.)

Presence – 19  (The presence of a Police K9 at a scene influences suspects into more cooperative behavior.  This however is something that cannot be accurately measured because there is no way to tell how individuals would have reacted if he was not present.  There are instances when a suspect will even mention it to officers.  It is indisputable that the K9 can reduce Officer injuries or death, reduce the danger to innocent bystanders, and reduce criminal activity in an area where he is deployed.)  

Assists outside of Carlisle (Patrol work) – 8  (tracks, area searches, building searches, aggression, etc while assisting other agencies.)

Total Narcotics Scans – 179  (Scans have included vehicles, residences, money, schools, and training.  Most of these would be from monthly training.  I count these for statistical purposes because Eagle does not know the difference between a training scan and a street scan.  Therefore they each count toward his credibility / experience. 

Total Confirmed Narcotics “Finds” – 172  (A find is a confirmed source for the narcotic scent.  This is normally finding narcotics or paraphernalia but can also be a suspect admitting consumption or transportation of a controlled substance in the vehicle recently.
Note - The credibility of the K9 in narcotics scans can be measured by the percentage of success.  Out of 179 scans Eagle gave positive alert for narcotics odor 174 times.  Out of those 174 positive alerts, 172 resulted in “finds.”  This shows a 99.3% rate of accuracy.

Assists outside of Carlisle (Narcotics) – 11  (Narcotics scans performed to assist CCDTF, Probation, PSP, DEA, Prison officials, school officials, or other outside agencies.

Total Calls – 103  (This would include all of the above mentioned activities and any others which did not fit those categories.  An example would foot patrols done by the K9 team since the K9 is being used and displayed for a purpose at the time.) 

Additional notes:

In 2007 This K9 team competed in two regional K9 physical competitions placing 2nd and 3rd overall.  Retired K9 Thunder and handler joined us for one, resulting in an additional 1st place team award.

While assisting with an extensive FBI investigation, Eagle was responsible for the seizure of over $900,000 in illegally obtained funds and a vehicle.

Throughout the year Eagle was responsible for the seizure of vehicles, various amounts of drug product, drug paraphernalia, 1 stolen handgun, stolen property from burglaries, and an additional estimated $11,000 in cash funds related to drug activity.

K9 Eagle continues to be present at every SRT call out and has been deployed on occasion to assist.

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polygraph

In 2006 the department purchased a polygraph and sent an officer to the 10 week training required for polygraph operators. 2007 was the first year of having in-house polygraph capability.

The polygraph was a useful criminal investigative tool in 2007. In numerous cases, the polygraph exam either exonerated a suspect or resulted in a suspect confessing to a crime.

The 2007 polygraph breakdown is as follows:

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ACCREDITATION

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) was created as a credentialing authority for Law Enforcement. CALEA’s purpose is to establish a body of professional standards and administer an accreditation process for credentialing of Law Enforcement Agencies .

CALEA, among other things, requires participating agencies to develop comprehensive written directives or General Orders. CALEA has 459 standards which must be met in order to become accredited.

In the spring of 2007, newly promoted Lt. Michael Dzezinski attacked the CALEA challenge. As department Accreditation Manager, Lt. Dzezinski has revamped numerous department policies into CALEA compliant General Orders. Although we’ve re-started the CALEA process in our department there is much more to be done.

The General Orders issued in 2007 are as follows:

Law Enforcement Agency Role
Limits of Authority
Use of Force
Agency Jurisdiction and Mutual Aid
Contractual Agreements
Organizational Structure
Unity of Command
Authority and Responsibility
General Management and Administration
Direction
Written Directive System
A Child Is Missing Program
Planning and Research
Goals and Objectives
Crime Analysis
Allocation and Distribution of Personnel
Specialized Management
Fiscal Management
Budget
Purchasing
Accounting
Agency Property
Job Analysis
Compensation

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2008 INITIATIVES

There are several initiatives which are on the agenda for exploration and possible implementation in 2008.

1. A video surveillance system for use throughout the Borough is being investigated. Many cities across the country have found the use of video surveillance to be extremely useful in reducing crime. The placement of cameras to monitor public areas such as downtowns, parks and other public places has proven to be beneficial as a crime deterrent and as an investigative tool when crime is committed. We are in the process of gathering information on systems which would accommodate multiple cameras and be controlled/monitored from Police Headquarters.
   
   
2. Funds were budgeted in the 2008 police budget for an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP is designed to make referrals or provide counseling/assistance to employees who may be experiencing personal, emotional, substance, family, financial or other problems. The EAP is intended to assist employees with problems before they become so bad as to have negative effects on work performance. A small investment in the EAP could result in
   huge savings in avoiding employment problems and human
   suffering.
   
   We expect to implement the EAP by late winter/early spring this year.
   
   
3. As noted in previous reports the deer problem in the western section of the Borough is an on-going problem. Through a series of meetings with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and United States Dept. of Agriculture Wild Life Services, we believe a plan to deal with problem deer is now on the horizon.

   After many hours of meetings, discussions and research, it appears the Borough may be able to enter into a Cooperative Services Agreement with the USDA for a deer study, Deer Management Plan and possibly control methods. Even if this agreement is entered into immediately, it will take several months to run its course. The police department will continue to be involved with USDA and Game Commission staff throughout this process as we work toward the deer problem solution.

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