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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD-Annual-Report-2021PADUCAH POLICE DEPARTMENT Tpww -P3DUCAH _ ` POLICE476W PADUC�IK 4p J r s F V, , 14 PADUC�IK 4p • 3 A Message from Chief Brian Laird 4 Police Foundation 5 Command Staff and 2021 Roster 7 E-911 and Civilian Staff 8 Promotions and Retirements 9 Grants and Budget 10 Community Engagement 12 Operations Division 13 School Resource Officers 14 Crime Report 15 Collisions 16 Support Services Division 18 911 Communications Services Division 19 Office of Professional Standards 20 Specialized Units 22 Our Veterans 23 Awards 24 Employee of the Year MAYOR & CITY COMMISSIONERS Mayor George P. Bray • Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Wilson * Commissioner Raynarldo Henderson Commissioner David Guess • Commissioner Carol C. Gault • City Manager Daron Jordan Z PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 4 /Ze,� �,zTHE CHIEF I want to personally thank you for taking the time to learn more about your police department. Transparency is a key component of establishing and maintaining a strong relationship with the community. Our annual report is one of the ways we share information with the public, something we have done for more than 40 years. Within this year's report, you will find information about our community involvement, training, use -of -force statistics, crime/collision rates, and much more. As we began the second year of a global pandemic, many aspects of what we do as an agency, and in everyday life, were still in question. As restrictions lifted and things began returning to a new form of normalcy, we were ready. Community engagement continues to be a high priority at the Paducah Police Department. In 2021, we once again partnered with the Paducah Housing Authority to host a "Community Fun Day" for the residents of public housing. The event was held at Robert Coleman Park and was attended by several hundred children and adults. It has continued to grow each year and now includes numerous community partners. Another long -waited project, our School Resource Officer Program, became a reality in 2021. Through a grant -funded partnership with Paducah Public Schools, we were able to place three full-time police officers within our city school system. The program began at the start of the 2021 school year with one officer assigned to Paducah Tilghman, one at Paducah Middle, and one officer rotating through the three elementary schools. These officers quickly established themselves as leaders within the schools and immediately began building and strengthening relationships with our youth. While the job of a police officer has never been more challenging, our officers are always ready to handle any task. They do an excellent job of determining if a situation requires enforcement action or would be better served through one of our community partners. This balancing act can be challenging with officers being praised one minute and then criticized the next. The one thing that I know for sure is that we have some of the best law enforcement officers, working in a community that is highly supportive of their efforts. There is a lot going on in our community. I want you to know that the Paducah Police Department is committed to keeping our community safe while providing the highest quality of service to our citizens. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with what is going on with your police department. Thank you for taking the time to look at our annual report. Our officers and staff work hard each day and we are proud to highlight some of their accomplishments in 2021. Please feel free to contact me at blaird@paducahkygov with any questions, concerns or compliments. j wry Zl�/ CHIEF OF POLICE PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 S POLICE FOUNDATION Directors David Riley Leigh Ann Ballegeer Tyler Kennady Josh Esper Penrod Cappock Shannon Livingston Tony Milliano Patrice Hoffman The Police Foundation of Paducah -McCracken County is a non-profit organization focused on helping the Paducah Police Department enhance community partnerships and improve public safety, and assist with employee development. Since its creation in 2015, the Police Foundation has been an important partner for the department. While the pandemic continued to limit the Police Foundation's activities in 2021, the board focused some of its efforts on our -- new School Resource Officer program. Through the financial support of the Police 1 r Foundation, two of our School i Resource • . Officers ' 4 purchased and distributed Christmas gifts to 87 students from our three elementary schools. These students were selected from a "Letters to Santa" project created by Officer Gretchen Morgan. The Police Foundation also supported another officer -led initiative that raised money for the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club. Throughout 2021, Police Department versus Fire Department competitive sporting events helped the officers raise more than $500 for the Club. To help further the mission of the Boys and Girls Club, the Police Foundation matched the funds raised allowing for a donation of more than $1,000. 4 PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 For the sixth consecutive year, several of our officers participated in the Cultural Leadership Academy as part of our continued focus on employee development. The Foundation continues to play a key role in this endeavor by providing the financial support necessary to maintain the program. In partnership with Murray State University, Paducah Police Officers go through a training program designed to enhance cultural competence for law enforcement. The program is taught in four modules: Intercultural Leadership; Social Intelligence and Nonverbal Communication; Ethical Practices in the Community; and Community Interaction and Group Dynamics. Participating officers are eligible to earn college credit for their work. To date, more than 35 of our officers have completed the Cultural Leadership Academy Due to the pandemic, the Police Foundation did not host its annual in-person fundraising event. If you would like to make or donation or just learn more about the Police Foundation, follow their Facebook page — Police Foundation of Paducah -McCracken Countv. 1_I PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 202155 fy 2021 Travis Matthew Matthew Steve Watson Hopp Scheer Thompson Jason Nickolas Eric Jordan Travis Hicks Francescon Taylor Murphy Counts �. Gretchen Dana James Jarrett Corey Morgan Davie Robbins Woodruff Willenborg AY i Joshua Beau Nathan Christopher Keith Bryant Green Jaimet Fearon Thuline /w Kevin Derik Blake Andrew Matthew Collins Perry Quinn Parrish Jones o� Chelsee Lucas r Cody Daniel Ryan Breakfield Stone Santel Kimball Hudson PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 202155 Kevin Danny Zane Eric Cassandra William Alex Wilson Slack White Abbott Ravens Hendrickson Liebenrood !A = 1, ,e ,A' I tea,, •.. Jason Matthew Cameron Brandon Benjamin Tyler Adam Armstrong Strohmeier Thomason Cupp Anthony Bradley Brown c Tyson Logan Pedro Matthew Carlos Casey Jon Michael Riley Barrow Loredo Jr. York Kerley, Jr. Steenbergen Wentworth L WEAL— Noah Ryan Michael Alex Daniel Dylan Jennifer Willett Euteneier Vowell Whitworth Hunerkoch Cook Szyszkiewicz , ir Bryan Taylor Thomas Julia Fred Carlos Samantha Potts Cissell Shiels Sutterfield Harvey Cordero Wilson C Jackson Rachel Michael Austin Caleb Steven McCormick Bertrand Foster Gruner Kindred Lang 6 PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 E-911 STAFF OA, � i 91 11 9/1 711 4 "�-��`, Amber Stephanie Taryn /Hannah Hillary Auston McCall Spears Goins Reed Abbott Fowler Scutt Buckingham �n Tara Patrick Emilee Bryce Landon Laura Sarah Martin Bugg Jones Mansfield Schellhardt Peery Lambert CIVILIAN STAFF 1 Robin Vicki Amy Kim Amanda Newberry Miller Travis Newlon Fooshee Mary Sabrina Farrell Miller 0 Jon Meridith Boulton Barkley PROMOTIONS Nicolas Francescon joined the Police Department March 8, 2012, and serves on the SWAT Team. He has spent his career in Operations and was a PTO until he was promoted. Eric Taylor joined the Police Department March 28, 2013, and is a member of the Digital Forensics Unit and an Explorer advisor. He was a detective until his promotion. Jordan Murphy joined the Police Department August 4, 2016, formerly worked for Louisville Metro Police Department. He is a member of the Digital Forensics Unit and was a detective until his promotion. RETIREMENTS Justin Canup joined the Paducah Police Department on Dec. 2, 2002. He served as a PTO, a SWAT Team member, and a TASER and firearms instructor during his career. Officer Canup finished his career in the Operations Division and retired on Nov. 30, 2021. NOW HIRING RECRUIT OFFICERS LATERAL OFFICERS TELECOM MUNICATORS APPLY TODAY PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 GRANTS AND BUDGET The Paducah Police Department relies on grant funding to replace expired equipment, purchase new technology and to supplement personnel costs. These grants help to lessen the financial impact on the taxpayer. In 2021, the department utilized funding from several different grant sources. The department received $12,325 from the United States Department of Justice, Justice Grant Award. This funding was utilized to purchase a speed trailer with message board. This new technology provides a way to measure speeds on roads and highways. It allows us to better allocate resources during peak times at problem locations and provides a way to educate the public instead of issuing a citation. The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security grant provided $93,900 for the purchase of a portable X-ray device for the bomb squad. The machine aids in determining if a suspected device is, in fact, a live explosive. The X-ray increases the safety of bomb squad members by allowing them to utilize a robot without moving the suspected device. The department looks to purchase the X-ray machine in 2022. The department received $20,000 from the Kentucky Highway Safety grant. This grant provides overtime funding for seatbelt, DUI, and speeding enforcement. They sponsor programs such as "Click -It -Or -Ticket," "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," and Speed Weeks. Grant funding this year was used to aid in combating issues on Interstate 24 caused by a work zone in Illinois. Each officer is issued flexible body armor by the department. This armor is custom fit to each officer and has a five-year expiration. To offset the cost, the department applied for and received $8,098.38 from the Office of Justice Programs Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Program grant. The department was awarded a Community - Oriented Policing Services grant in 2020. The total award was for $375,000, and covers a four- year period. It provides partial funding for three School Resource Officers (SROs). These officers are assigned within the Paducah Public Schools. The department also received a grant in the amount of $42,772 from the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. The KDLA governs the records retention schedule for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This funding will be utilized for the digitization of paper records and photographs from older records and case files. 2021 Fiscal Year U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES THREE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS $93,90+ KENTUCKY OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY PORTABLE BOMB X-RAY DEVICE $42,772: KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT FOR LIBRARIES AND DIGITIZATION RECORDS $20,000: KENTUCKY HIGHWAY SAFETY OVERTIME FUNDING FOR TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT $12,325: U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE, JUSTICE GRANT AWARD SPEED TRAILER WITH MESSAGE BOARD $8,098: VETT PROGRAM BULLETPROOF PURCHASE BULLETPROOF VESTS $552,095 GRANT AWARDS PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 9 COMMUNITY BATTLE OF THE :BADGES ENGAGEMENTI The Paducah Police Department and the Paducah The Paducah Police Department believes that engaging Fire Department came together for the community in the community and building relationships and trust is the a "Battle of the Badges" in 2021. The firefighters were responsibility of every member of the police department. tough competitors, but our officers managed to win This relationship building starts during a phone call to a both a softball game and golf tournament. Together, the 911 dispatcher, grows through each officer responding departments raised $1,065 to split between their chosen to a call, and continues through our civilian staff when a charitable organizations. The Police Foundation of citizen comes to the department needing a report. Every Paducah matched the police department's half, allowing interaction is an opportunity to show our heart of service the officers to give the full $1,065 to the Oscar Cross Boys and make a positive impact on the community. and Girls Club in Paducah. .............................................................................................................. Officer Gretchen Morgan N became the Paducah Police Department's Community Resource Officer in 2014. Over the years, Officer Morgan has given presentations on bullying and about the dangers of social media, and general safety presentations to students and 1 adults around the city. She led many tours of the police department to educate students about what officers do on a daily basis. In July 2021, she applied for and became a """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""' School Resource Officer. Working with youth has always been one of Officer Morgan's passions so becoming COMMUNITY FUN DAY an SRO was the perfect opportunity. We want to thank Officer Morgan for her many years of hard work as the The 2021 Community Fun Day was held at Robert department's Community Resource Officer. Coleman Park. The Paducah Police Department and the Paducah Housing Authority team up to give residents that """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""` live on housing authority property the chance to connect with representatives from different community groups, TI SIMULATOR including the health department, 4-H food services, Paducah Public Library, and counseling services. It also The Police Foundation raised money to purchase a TI provides an opportunity for residents to interact with Simulator for the department in 2019. The advanced officers in a fun environment. technology allows us to train with equipment identical to what our officers carry on duty. The simulator integrates with our handguns, rifles, tasers, pepper spray, and - 1 even flashlights. Along with helping train our officers, the �. simulator is a great tool to use with our Citizens' PoliceIFw�tt Academy and community groups. It allows us to bring people into an environment where they can experience what it is like to be a police officer and see some of the split-second decisions that have to be made. In 2021, the n Youth LEAD and Leadership Paducah programs visited the „{ Paducah Police department, and participants were able to put themselves in an officer's place while being led throughA XIC14VOL+ different scenarios. 1 10 PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 TOY DRIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT After a devastating tornado swept through our region in EXPLORER POST 111 December 2021, the Paducah Police Department was proud to serve as the designated the drop-off site in The Paducah Police Department's Law Enforcement western Kentucky for First Lady Britainy Beshear's Western Exploring Program, known as Explorer Post 111, is designed Kentucky Christmas Toy Drive. Thanks to the overwhelming for young people ages 14-20 interested in a policing career. generosity of the community, and the hard work of our staff, Participants should have a strong desire to learn more about we filled a tractor -trailer and two 26 -foot U -Haul trucks with policing and be willing to make a serious commitment since toys. Along with toys, the department received more than the program meets regularly throughout the year. $31,300 in gift cards from throughout the country. Explorer Post 111 meets every Monday from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at the police department. Each week they practice and learn the fundamentals of police work from patrol tactics, radio communications, defensive tactics, and report writing. They practice these fundamentals through classroom work and practical exercises. The Explorers regularly assist in local events. They have assisted in blocking intersections at road races and helped with Halloween on Jefferson Street, holiday parades, Christmas Cops, and other events. If you know someone - = interested in participating in the Explorer program, please get in touch with Josh Bryant at jbryant@paducahky.gov or Eric Taylor at etaylor@paducahky.gov. ..............................................................................................................:................................................................................................................. : ECITIZENS' POLICE ACADEMY PROGRAM • The In 2021, the Paducah Police Department held the 25th Paducah Police class of its Citizens' Police Academy. This program is UUPanniUni LUdUlUs LHU UIUy MUU5U Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program at the City elementary schools, at St. Mary Elementary School, and at Paducah Middle School. In 2021, Officer Gretchen Morgan taught the D.A.R.E. program at McNabb, Clark, and Morgan Elementary schools as part of her assignment as a school resource officer. Officer Jarrett Woodruff taught students at St. Mary Elementary School. New in 2021, we introduced D.A.R.E. into Paducah Middle School. Officer Cassandra Ravens is assigned to PMS as part of her school resource officer assignment, and is working with administration to develop this program throughout the entire school. In 2021, 265 students were graduated from the D.A.R.E. program. We are thankful for the cooperation and partnership with both Paducah Public Schools and St. Mary School System, allowing us the opportunity to make a difference in these students' lives. The D.A.R.E. program is supported financially by the Paducah Police Department. Teaching materials and rewards are purchased each year for students. If you are interested in contributing to the D.A.R.E. effort, contact Officer Gretchen Morgan for more information. She can be reached by email at: gmorgan@oaducahky.gov. UUSiyneU iv [ALMUU UU111111Uiuiy 111UMUU1,5 wnii a yreaiUr understanding of the Paducah Police Department and its operations. Through lectures and hands-on experiences, the Citizens' Police Academy's goal is to make the course an informative and fun experience for all those involved. The Paducah Police Department conducts one session of the Citizens' Police Academy each year. This year's session was seven weeks long, with classes meeting from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday evenings at the police department. Some of the topics covered during the classes are: department organization, traffic stops, DUI investigations, narcotic investigations, crime scene investigations, SWAT, Bomb Squad, and K-9. Each session has hands on activities to help the participant see first-hand what the job is like. Interested candidates for the Citizens' Police Academy must meet certain criteria: Individuals 18 years or older who live, work, or attend school in Paducah, McCracken County or the surrounding areas are eligible to apply; all applicants are subject to a criminal background check prior to acceptance. Enrollment is limited to approximately 25 students per session. There is no cost to apply or participate in the Citizens' Police Academy. PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 11 OPERATIONS DIVISION As the Mission Statement of the Paducah Police Department outlines, our goal is "to enhance the quality of life in the community by working with our partners, to fairly enforce the laws, preserve the peace, reduce fear, and provide a safe environment to the citizens and visitors that we serve." The efforts to fulfill this mission are most visible in the work of the officers assigned to the Operations Division. The primary responsibility of the Operations Division is to provide law enforcement and community service across the city. These are the officers who patrol the streets, investigate traffic collisions, perform welfare checks for concerned family members, respond to fight calls and domestic disturbances, search for missing children and adults, fill out the reports and show up when citizens call. In short, they are the public face of the Paducah Police Department. These uniformed officers responded to more than 45,000 calls for police assistance in 2021. The Day -to -Day Sixty-one officers were assigned to the Operations Division in 2021. Ten of those officers were hired in 2021 and spent the majority of the year in the 20 -week Basic Law Enforcement Academy and/or the PD's 16 -week Police Training Officer program. (Two of the 10 new officers were previously sworn and did not have to attend the academy.) As a result, 51 officers – which included ian assistant chief, E• �� four captains and six sergeants – covered the streets of Paducah and responded to calls for service from the public, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When officers report for duty each day, they are assigned geographical areas of the city to cover. They are encouraged to build relationships with the residents there, and seek input from 12 PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 them regarding problems specific to those neighborhoods. A day in the life of an officer in the Operations Division is full of unknowns. Officers respond to a variety of situations, and the public often needs their help to find solutions. Our officers receive j New specialized training to help �—=-- " them develop strong problem - solving skills and to be empathetic ® to citizens' various situations. Officers routinely encounter citizens "on the worst day of their lives," and a concerned demeanor sometimes is a vital tool. Calls for service vary from critical incidents, such as homicides or traffic accidents with injuries, to parking violations or animals in the roadway. Operations Responsibilities Along with the day-to-day responsibilities of their job, some officers of the Operations Division take on additional responsibilities as members of specialized units and teams. These specialized units include the Bomb Squad, K9, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, DARE instructors, Collision Reconstruction Team, Honor Guard, Police Training Officers and Crisis Negotiation Team. These teams allow the Paducah Police Department to provide a wide range of services and resources to the community. Dealing with Solicitors Officers here and in other cities work through a communal issue every day: solicitors and people trespassing while soliciting for money and other items. The problem has increased locally over the past several years. The Paducah Police Department has taken a joint community approach to the problem. When responding to solicitor calls, officers provide the person with a printed card, informing them of the City ordinances and state laws regarding soliciting and trespassing. But more importantly, officers attempt to identify the solicitors' needs, and the card contains information about community resources available to them. Officers balance this with the need to protect private property and keep the roadways safe for pedestrians and drivers alike. SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER In 2020, the Paducah Police Department partnered with the Paducah Public Schools system to apply for a Community - Oriented Police Services grant to establish a School Resource Officer program. After being awarded the grant, three officers were selected to work in the schools: Officer Gretchen Morgan, Officer Eric Abbott and Officer Cassandra Ravens. Each officer brought with them a history of service and a passion for working with youth. Officer Abbott is stationed at Paducah Tilghman High School; Officer Ravens at Paducah Middle School; and McNabb, Morgan, and Clark Elementary Schools all share Officer Morgan. A day in the life of a School Resource Officer begins 30 minutes before students arrive. The school's security is a primary focus, and the officers walk the halls to check for any safety issues. As the students arrive at school, the officers are present in the hallways to greet them. The officers interact with the students and start their day off with kind words or a "high -five." Building relationships with the students is at the heart of the SRO's job. Throughout the day, officers patrol the halls to ensure the buildings are secure. Between classes, the officers again are in the hallways to interact with students and make sure they SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SRO MIDDLE SCHOOL SRO HIGH SCHOOL SRO GRETCHEN MORGAN CASSANDRA RAVENS ERIC ABBOTT safely arrive at their next class. During classes, officers make appearances to talk to students about their daily activities and what it is like to be a police officer. In 2021, Officers Abbott, Morgan, and Ravens also participated in numerous school activities. When the elementary schools had back -to -school night, Officer Morgan set up a meet -and -greet station to allow parents and students a chance to meet her. Officer Ravens has participated in "house" parties, pep rallies, and field trips at the middle school. Officer Abbott has been a guest speaker in criminal justice classes and assisted with athletic classes. The officers also provided security at football games, basketball games, school dances, and field trips. In December, officers Morgan and Ravens had students write letters to Santa, and, with financial assistance from the Police Foundation of Paducah/McCracken County, worked to grant some students' Christmas wishes. The officers delivered the gifts to the students during winter break. The event was a great success and helped grow the relationship between the students and the officers. As the School Resource Officer program continues to develop, more projects like Letters to Santa will be implemented. Upcoming programs planned include a Junior Police Academy, assisting with food programs that feed students throughout the summer, back -to -school clothes distribution, and a fall break activity camp. PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2020 13 CRIME REPORT As in years past, the Paducah Police Department submitted information about crimes occurring in the City in 2021 to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for analysis. The department is one of more than 15,000 agencies across the nation that participate in the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program, which is intended to produce reliable statistics for use in law enforcement and is made available annually in a publication called the Uniform Crime Report (UCR). This report helps criminal justice professionals and practitioners monitor crime trends and aids in developing responses to changing criminal activity. The UCR divides crimes into Part I and Part II crimes. Part I crimes are considered the most serious offenses: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, auto theft and arson The Paducah Police Department submits data on Part I crimes to the FBI monthly, which includes information about clearance of the case and the age, sex, and race of the arrested person. Part 11 crimes are generally considered less serious than Part I offenses, and only data related to arrests are submitted to the FBI for those. Notable reductions in Part I offenses from 2020 include burglaries, which were down 49 percent, and thefts, which were down 35 percent. The City saw increases in reported forcible rapes (up 14 from the previous year) and auto thefts (up 13 from the previous year). There has been much uncertainty about how a worldwide pandemic would affect long-term crime statistics. Analysis of 2021 data has generally shown that crime reports in Paducah have remained steady with 2020, and Paducah has maintained an overall 16 percent reduction in reported crime from 2019. PART 1 CRIMES 2019 2020 2021 CH]NGE MURDER 1 3 4 ...................................................... . RAPE 23 ... ... .._......_...................._ 21 35 ROBBERY23 32 9 11 FRAUD ..................................__._........_ ASSAULT 42 ............................AGGRAVATED 53 58 EMBEZZLEMENT ..........................................................................................................................................BURGLARY 117 125 76 STOLEN PROPERTY(BUY/REC) ................................................................................................................................................................... LARCENY -THEFT 1,067 745 710 . .................................. __ AUTO THEFT ....................................................... 64 81 94 WEAPON OFFENSES ARSON 8 77 6 PROSTITUTION/VICE PART 2 CRIMES 2019 2020 2021 CHANGE NEGLIGENT MANSLAUGHTER 10 ......................................._. 0 0 .......... OTHER ASSAULTS 629 545 565 * 20 FORGERY/COUNTERFEITING 5o 32 46 14 FRAUD 246 174 168 4 6 EMBEZZLEMENT 7 2 0 42 STOLEN PROPERTY(BUY/REC) 33 41 23 i 18 VANDALISM 328 337 255 82 WEAPON OFFENSES 33 30 46 i 16 PROSTITUTION/VICE 4 2 o a 2 SEX OFFENSES 55 64 73 9 DRUG VIOLATIONS 706 650 1,113 463 DOMESTIC OFFENSES 93 64 79 15 14 PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 A word about "Rankings" In recent years there have been publications characterizing Paducah as one of the most "dangerous" places in Kentucky to live. While these reports cite accurately reported raw data, the analysis is incomplete and can be misleading to the unknowing reader. It is important to remember that the UCR only represents reported crime and is not an exhaustive determination of all crimes occurring within a specific geographical area. Many Part II crimes can go unreported, while Part I Crimes tend to have a very high reporting rate. While the reported numbers are critical to analyzing criminal activity, it is imperative to understand that proper interpretation of crime data involves an analysis of many other variables within a given jurisdiction. These variables include population size, economic factors, judicial policies, and the size/strength of the police agency within the jurisdiction. As such, the FBI discourages the use of "ranking" localities against one another based solely on crime datasets alone, as this practice can create misleading perceptions about the crime problem, or lack thereof, within a given jurisdiction. ("Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics: Their Proper Use" FBI, 2017). The Paducah Police Department remains committed to working with the community and our partners to reduce crime and ensure Paducah remains a safe and enjoyable city in which to live, work, and visit. ................................................................................................. What steps can you take to help reduce crime in our community? Be a good neighbor! - Get to know your neighbors and be knowledgeable about what is going on in your neighborhood. You are the best source about what the needs and problems in your neighborhood because you live there. With this knowledge, you help the police take care of your community by connecting people to the resources they need. Be aware! - This can mean awareness of possible criminal activity and reporting it, but it also means you should think about ways you can reduce the likelihood you will become a victim of crime. For example, how can you prevent thefts from vehicles and thefts of vehicles? In most cases, you can avoid becoming a victim by locking your car, taking your valuables out, and not leaving your keys inside the vehicle. COLLISIONS In 2021, there were 1791 collisions reported in the City of Paducah. This number is a slight increase (9 percent) from 2020, but not surprising given the increase in road usage compared to pandemic time frame levels. It is important to note that collisions are still down (8 percent) from pre -pandemic 2019 numbers. Collisions involving injuries were up in 2021 compared to 2020 (24 percent) but were lower (9 percent) than 2019 levels. Fatalities (5) were also up over 2020 numbers (3) but less than in 2019 (6). Collisions involving commercial vehicles showed a significant rise in 2021 (45 percent) over 2019 and 2020 numbers. Officers investigating a crash are required to report human factors, if present, that contributed to a collision. In 2021, inattention continued to be the leading reported contributing factor for collisions within the City, accounting for nearly 17 percent of all crashes. Failing to yield the right of way (8 percent) and following too closely (5 percent) were the next two leading human factors contributing to collisions. Areas in the City with the highest density of collisions were intersections with the highest traffic volume. These include the area of Hinkleville Road and 1-24, Lone Oak Road and 1-24, Lone Oak Road and Jackson Street, and Irvin Cobb Drive and Wayne Sullivan. The Paducah Police Department remains committed to reducing collisions in 2022 by evaluating INATTENTION �19 %N OF COLLISIONS the "3 Es"—Environment, Enforcement and Education. Often, environmental elements (such as a work zone or an engineering issue) can be addressed to reduce collisions. In these cases, the department has and will continue to work with our partners at the State and local levels to achieve solutions. Secondly, there is an enforcement component to reducing collisions. We've all seen drivers slow down and drive more responsibly in the presence of a police car. While the police cannot be everywhere at all times, enforcement does play an integral part in reducing collisions. Finally, education is critical to reducing collisions. Often, drivers are unaware of traffic hazards or road conditions on our roadways. Using signage, various media access points, and personal interactions, the department will continue to educate our community and those who pass through it about potential issues that could affect their travel. N PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 15 SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION While the "backbone" of the department is the Operations Division, the personnel in the Support Services Division serve the City by performing a variety of essential law enforcement tasks that are accomplished efficiently by having dedicated resources. The Support Services Division is made up of the General Investigations Unit, the Drug Unit, and the Records and Evidence Unit. Two specialized units, Digital Forensics and Polygraph, also fall within the sphere of the Division. Due to the specialized nature of the job, detectives receive training beyond the annual 40 -hour in-service requirement. This year, detectives received specific training on crime scene photography and fingerprinting. This training enables detectives to better document crime scenes and secure evidence, which helps identify and prosecute offenders. General Investigations Unit The General Investigations Unit is responsible for investigating major crimes against persons and property, which often require significant follow-up or additional investigation. These crimes include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, major thefts and burglaries, and internet- based offenses. The GIU consists of five detectives and one sergeant, supervised by the captain of the Support Services Division. In 2021, the Unit investigated 238 cases, achieving a clearance rate of 70 percent, which is well above the national average. Detectives executed 101 search warrants, were called out after normal hours 71 times, and conducted 11 pre-employment background investigations. 16 PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 Drug Unit The Drug Unit is responsible for detecting and preventing drug and drug-related crimes. The Unit includes three detectives and one sergeant, supervised by the captain of the Support Services Division. In 2021, the Drug Unit investigated 144 criminal cases and conducted five pre-employment background investigations. Detectives made 78 arrests and, as of the close of the year, had 47 pending indictments. The Unit executed 58 search warrants and seized more than $71,000 in currency related to the trafficking of illegal drugs. Focus Area: Fentanyl The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has determined the leading cause of overdose deaths is the rising use of fentanyl. The drug, which has legitimate medical uses in treating severe or chronic pain in patients, is a synthetic opiate 100 times more potent than morphine. Illegal fentanyl is most frequently manufactured in other countries and mixed with other illicit drugs to increase their potency. While some users are aware of and seek drugs that contain fentanyl, others are often unaware that the illegal drugs they are purchasing contain fentanyl. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has estimated that as little as 2mg of fentanyl can be lethal for the consumer. Due to the lack of controls and the variance in the manufacturing process used by illegal drug producers, the DEA has determined pills laced with fentanyl often contain anywhere from .2mg-5mg. Therefore, the risk of death is significantly increased when fentanyl is mixed with any other drug. The Paducah Police Department Drug Unit remains committed to working with our local and federal partners to identify, arrest, and prosecute anyone involved in selling drugs containing fentanyl. Digital Forensics Unit The Digital Forensics Unit is the regional leader when it comes to the examination and analysis of digital evidence. In addition to performing services for the Paducah Police Department, the Unit also examined evidences for 23 federal, state, and local agencies in 2021. The Digital •� Forensics Unit is staffed by three part-time examiners and a unit supervisor. All unit members work as + an examiner in addition 19 to their regular duties. In O 2021, the Unit performed 334 examinations of digital evidence from various INCREASEsources, associated with 195 IN DIGITAL different cases. This number significantly increased over EVIDENCEthe previous year when EXAMS the Unit conducted 280 examinations. Since most crimes have some digital component, having the Digital Forensics Unit is an incredible asset in helping to move investigations forward expeditiously. Due to the highly technical nature of the position, examiners must undergo specialized training to perform their duties. In addition to attending several vendor -specific training sessions and obtaining certifications, examiners also attended several weeks of training through the United States Secret Service (USSS) National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI) in Hoover, AL. This training gave examiners the skills required to perform high-tech investigations. It also provided the specialized equipment and software necessary to examine cell phones, computers, and other forms of digital media. Polygraph Unit Detective Nathan Jaimet serves as the department's polygrapher and has continued to be a great asset to our department and agencies throughout the region. In 2021, Det. Jaimet conducted a total of 53 polygraph examinations. Of these, 34 were for pre-employment purposes, and 19 were related to criminal investigations. Thirteen of the exams were conducted for other state and local agencies in our region. Due to the special knowledge required to perform polygraphs, Kentucky requires 24 hours of yearly continuing education for examiners. Det. Jaimet exceeded this requirement by obtaining 48 hours of continuing education in 2021. Det. Jaimet attended the American Polygraph Association (APA) Annual Seminar in Austin, TX, which provided him with training and networking opportunities with other examiners across the nation. Records and Evidence The Records Unit is responsible for greeting visitors to the lobby of the Police Department, maintaining records created by the Police Department, fulfilling open records requests, and preparing case files for prosecutors to use in court. The Records Unit is staffed by two records clerks, who are supervised by the records manager. The Unit processed more than 1750 Open Records requests in 2021, a significant increase over the 1380 requests processed in 2020. The Evidence Unit is responsible for the secure storage of evidence and property at the department. The Unit is made up of two evidence technicians supervised by the records manager. In 2021, the Unit maintained more than 13,000 items in evidence and stored more than 3,300 items of new evidence. Since space is limited, Evidence personnel worked closely with the courts to return, destroy, or otherwise dispose of more than 2,400 items for the year. In addition to storing physical evidence and property, the Evidence Unit also is responsible for managing the storage and retention of the ever-growing amount of in -car and body -worn camera video footage that officers amass on the street. The Unit fulfilled more than 600 video requests during the year from the court, other law enforcement agencies and or Open Records Requests. This process can be a time-consuming task, and videos often require redaction to comply with State laws. PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 17 911 COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES DIVISION When you call for help, the voice on the other end of the line is a telecommunicator from the Paducah Police Department's 911 Communications Services Division. This Division serves the citizens of Paducah and McCracken County 24 hours a day, seven days a week, operating as the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for all 911 calls originating in McCracken County. The Center dispatches calls for service not only for the Paducah Police Department but also for the Paducah Fire Department, the McCracken County Sheriff's Department, Emergency Management, the Animal Warden, and multiple volunteer fire departments. The Center is staffed by 15 telecommunicators, four supervisors, one Senior Administrative Assistant, 90 percent of all emergency calls in 15 seconds or less. The 911 Communications Services Division far exceeded this standard in 2021 by answering 98 percent of all emergency calls in 10 seconds or less. By answering 911 calls quicker, telecommunicators can get the appropriate services one Emergency Communications Systems Administrator, one Assistant Manager, and one Manager. The Division handled 146,803 emergency and non- emergency telephone calls in 2021, which was on pace with the previous year. average of 16 calls per hour. Perhaps one of the most outstanding achievements of the Division last year was the excellent Grade of Service achieved by the telecommunicators. The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) has established standards that reflect the best practices of PSAPs across the nation. One of these standards requires telecommunicators to answer dispatched to an emergency sooner. In addition to receiving and making phone calls, the Division dispatched nearly 83,000 calls for service in 2021. This number is down from the previous year by approximately 4 percent. About 92 percent of these dispatched calls were police -related, while the remaining were for fire, emergency management, or animal warden services. Telecom municators have special access to the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Law Information Network of Kentucky (LINK) to aid law enforcement in performing their duties. These systems are communication networks and databases This call load is equivalent to answering an that house sensitive information, such as stolen articles, wanted persons, missing persons, vehicle registration information, and operator license information. On an average day, telecommunicators perform more than 800 queries through these systems. In 2021, the Division received more than 758,000 returns in response to these queries, forwarding pertinent information to officers in the field to take the appropriate action. OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS The Office of Professional Standards is responsible for department training, accreditation, special events, Homeland Security issues, maintaining use of force documentation, and internal affairs complaints. In 2021, the Office of Professional Standards also handled grant administration and the management of several projects. Training A robust training curriculum is crucial to developing new and seasoned officers, and comprehensive training helps decrease complaints and reduce liability, while also building job knowledge and officers' confidence. Each officer in Kentucky is required to attend a 40 -hour in-service training every year to remain certified through the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC). The Paducah Police Department believes in training above the minimum standard and conducts in-house training to increase officer proficiency and professionalism. In 2021, officers attended training related to firearms, policy, legal updates, less lethal equipment, mobile field force operations, unified tactics, court preparation and testimony, harassment and discrimination, vehicle operations, de-escalation, use of force, and emergency medical procedures. Accreditation The Paducah Police Department is accredited by the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP). The department was first accredited in 2004 and has maintained its accreditation through an evaluation every four years since. KACP accreditation means that the department complies with industry best practices related to training, policy, and procedure. The department will be up for its fifth accreditation in July 2023. Special Events and Intelligence Liaison The City of Paducah hosts a wide variety of special events every year, and in an average year, it is not uncommon to have more than 100 different events. The Office of Professional Standards reviews event permit applications to ensure best practices regarding traffic, safety, and security. The Office of Professional Standards also serves as the intelligence liaison between the Paducah Police Department and Kentucky Intelligence Fusion Center. In addition to this, members serve on several committees, such as the Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) and the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). These committees share information and plan for natural and manufactured disasters. Complaints The Office of Professional Standards maintains the complaint files for the Paducah Police Department. This office reviews complaints and often is assigned to investigate them. In 2021, there were 20 complaints against officers. These complaints ranged from equipment damage to conduct unbecoming. Eleven were internal complaints, meaning department members — usually another officer or a supervisor — generated them. External complaints from someone in the public made up the remaining nine of the 20 total complaints. Out of the 20 complaints, 13 were sustained. Six were unfounded or exonerated, meaning the officer was found to be innocent of the allegations. One complaint was not sustained, meaning there was not sufficient evidence that proved or disproved the allegation. The 13 sustained complaints resulted in disciplinary actions based on the infraction, the officer's intent, and their years of service or rank. It may be understandable for a newer officer to make a procedural mistake, whereas a seasoned officer or supervisor may be expected to have known better. These are all parameters that make up the department's discipline philosophy. The 13 sustained complaints resulted in one officer receiving verbal counseling, six officers receiving Employee Improvement Notices, one officer receiving a Written Reprimand, one officer being suspended without pay, one officer resigning from a specialized unit, and one resigning from the department. Two of the above officers also were provided with an Employee Improvement Plan. Response to Resistance In addition to complaint records, the Office of Professional Standards also maintains the department's response to resistance reports. These document force used by an officer that is greater than normal handcuffing. This level of force includes the pointing of a weapon or the use of less -lethal equipment. In 2021, officers responded to 46,460 calls for service. Fifty- four incidents involved the use of force by officers. Eighteen of the 54 incidents involved a subject under the influence of drugs or alcohol or experiencing a mental health issue. Eight of the 54 subjects were armed with a weapon ranging from scissors and knives to firearms. When looking at this data, less than 0.1% of interactions with the Paducah Police Department resulted in a use of force greater than handcuffing. A detailed look at the force used indicated that a firearm was pointed 12 times at a suspect. A K-9 was utilized to apprehend a subject twice. A strike categorized as hard empty hand was utilized in two incidents. A Taser was deployed six times. Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper spray) was used twice. In most of the incidents (30), soft empty hand was the control method used. The officer using their strength to place a subject's hands behind their back would be an example of soft empty hand. Officers received a minor injury six times during these incidents, and a suspect received a minor injury seven times. A minor injury generally consists of a cut, scratches, or bruising. There were no major injuries that resulted from a use of force incident. Additionally, each subject is medically cleared by a medical professional after any Taser deployment. A demographical breakdown indicates that 28 subjects were African American and 26 were Caucasian. A majority of the subjects, 44, were male, with ten subjects being female. PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 19 SPECIALIZED UNITS The department's Special Units consist of K-9 teams, Bomb Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), Collision Reconstruction Team (CRT), and the Honor Guard. These teams require an additional commitment to training and a willingness to be available for recall 24 hours a day and seven days a week. These teams are a part-time commitment, meaning the officers work these assignments in addition to their regularly assigned duties, except for our K-9 teams. K9 TEAMS Our K-9 teams are full-time positions, and the officers selected for this assignment traveled to Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Indiana, to select their K -9s. The K-9 and the handlers spend a lot of time together, and each K-9 lives with its handler. The handler is responsible for the routine care of the K-9 and for taking them to veterinary and dental visits. We have three K9 teams assigned to different shifts within our Operations Division: Officer AJ Parrish and r.\ ? K-9 Don; Officer Will Hendrickson and K-9 Joker; and our newest addition in January 2021, Officer Ben Anthony and K-9 Bary. The K-9 teams were busy in 2021. In addition to their regular patrol duties, they conducted 214 narcotics, building, and area searches. They met with community members often and provided K-9 demonstrations for more than 800 people. Their seizures resulted in dangerous drugs and weapons being taken off the street. Officer Parrish and Don's two most memorable accomplishments in 2021 were a seizure of 1,000 fentanyl pills and a successful track and apprehension of an escapee from a local halfway house. Officer Hendrickson and Joker's most memorable accomplishment involved a traffic stop on the interstate. With the assistance of K-9 Joker, 3.5 ounces of methamphetamine, a handgun, and cash were seized. Officer Anthony and Bary's most memorable accomplishment occurred while assisting another agency, when K-9 Bary located a backpack containing three pounds of marijuana that a fleeing suspect had hidden. 20 PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 BOMB SQUAD The Paducah Police Department Bomb Squad handles incidents involving explosive devices. Each Bomb Squad technician completes an arduous six-week training at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Hazardous Devices School (HDS) at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Once certified by the FBI, each technician undergoes a recertification process every three years. The Bomb Squad has four technicians: Sgt. Matt Hopp, Officer Blake Quinn, Det. Danny Slack, and Det. Casey Steenbergen. Det. Steenbergen is the newest member of the Bomb Squad, chosen to join the team in March 2021. In November 2021, Det. Slack was graduated from HDS and now is a fully certified technician. The Paducah Police Department's Bomb Squad is one of five in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and it serves the state's 13 western -most counties. In 2021, they responded to 13 incidents. These incidents consisted of unique items, such as a World War II -era hand grenade, a large cache of commercial explosives, and a Civil War cannonball. SWAT The Paducah Police Department's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team is a team of officers who receive specialized tactical training and equipment. SWAT team members are called out to assist during dangerous situations involving a threat to public safety, which would otherwise exceed the capabilities of traditional law enforcement first responders. The team received more 200 hours of specialized training and was called out twice in 2021. CNT The Paducah Police Department's Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) works with other specialized units to safely resolve dangerous situations involving barricaded subjects and hostage situations. They accomplish this through effective communication, and gathering and analyzing background and intelligence information. Additionally, CNT members train to be able to compile psychological profiles and develop threat assessments based on dynamic situations. This information can be crucial to a successful resolution of a volatile situation. CNT did not have any call -outs in 2021. The team focused on internal training, cross -training with other specialized units, and updating procedures throughout the year. One such update included the development of a wireless option to communicate with a barricaded subject. CRT The Paducah Police Department's Collision Reconstruction Team (CRT) responds to major collisions that result in death or serious injury. CRT members have extensive training in physics and mathematics. They use specialized equipment to help document and determine contributing factors that may have caused the collision. CRT also assists detectives in documenting major crime scenes. The team has four current members: Sgt. Eric Taylor, Officer Josh Bryant, Officer Tyson Riley, and Officer Logan Barrow. Officer Travis Counts left the team in 2021 after many years of service. In 2021, CRT was activated seven times. HONOR GUARD The Paducah Police Department's Honor Guard members honor fallen law enforcement officers by participating in and helping prepare for funeral services. They also participate in large-scale community events. In 2021, they participated in several of these types of events. The Honor Guard presented the colors at a ceremony honoring former Mayor and FBI Agent Albert Jones and dedicating Albert Jones Park in his memory. Members also presented the colors at the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) during a Basic Law Enforcement Academy graduation ceremony. They placed flags on fallen Paducah Police officers' graves during Peace Officer Memorial Week. Several members assisted with the funeral of a Graves County Deputy Jailer, who was killed during the December 2021 tornado in Mayfield, KY. Members joined with the Paducah Fire Department's Honor Guard to once again lead the City's Christmas Parade. In addition to these events, two Honor Guard members traveled to Washington, D.C., during National Peace Officer Memorial week. They assisted Supporting Heroes by escorting fallen officers' family members. Participating in this event was a tremendous honor for our department. PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 21 OUR VETERANS r � -* _0�� Our veterans are proud to have served their country before coming home to serve their community as law enforcement officers. Some of them are still serving in the National Guard or Reserves. Captain Joe Hayes, U.S. Marine Corps, 1996-2002 Captain Chris Baxter, Navy, 2000-2005 Captain Troy Turner, Navy, 1993-1995 Captain Nathan Antonites, Army Reserves, 2005-2012 Sergeant Matt Hopp, Navy, 2002-2006 Officer Travis Counts, Navy, 1993-2001 Officer Keith Thuline, Army, 1985-2008 Officer Blake Quinn, Army, 2001-2009 Officer A.J. Parrish, Army National Guard, 2011-2018 Officer Matt Jones, Army, 1992-2012 Officer Lucas Stone, Air Force, 2006-2012 Officer Danny Kimball, Army National Guard, 1995 -Present Detective Kevin Wilson, Air Force, 1992-2013 Officer Eric Abbott, Army, 2008 -Present Officer Will Hendrickson, Army National Guard, 2005-PresE Officer Matt Strohmeier, Army National Guard, 2012-Preser Officer Brandon Cupp, Marine Corps, 2012-2016 Officer Adam Brown, Army, 2007 -Present Officer Matt York, Army Reserve, 2007-2015 Officer Noah Willett, U.S. Marine Corps, 2014-2019 Officer Jamie Euteneier, Army, 2013-2020 Officer Michael Vowell, Army National Guard, 2007-2009 Officer James Whitworth, Army National Guard, 2012-2020 Officer Thomas Shiels, Army; Army National Guard, 2015-P Officer Carlos Cordero, Army, 2013-2020 Officer Jackson McCormick, Army National Guard, 2018 -Pi RECRUITING MILITARY PERSONNEL We are always interested in recruiting people who have military experience. If you are (or know of) someone who is close to separating from full-time military service and interested in policing, contact our recruiting team at: JoinPPD@paducahky.gov. We make every effort to provide special test dates/times to accommodate those military personnel who may not otherwise be able to test with us. These arrangements are made on a case by case basis. If you find yourself in this situation, please let us know and we will try to make arrangements so you can meet our testing obligations. 22 PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 2021 THE GARY L. REESE AWARD The Gary L. Reese Award was named after retired Assistant Chief Gary Reese and was created to acknowledge an employee for their Outstanding Leadership and Distinguished Career Service to the Paducah Police Department. Leadership does not require a promotion or fancy title, a gold badge, or stripes on a sleeve. Senior Administrative Assistant Robin Newberry has been an outstanding leader at the Paducah Police Department for nearly 25 years. So far, throughout her career, she has worked with seven different Police Chiefs and numerous Assistant Chiefs and has been a part of hiring nearly 200 police officers. Robin is the longest -tenured employee at the police department, and she has been present through many changes. Her adaptability, vast knowledge, and relationship -building ability have guided her throughout her career. Each year, Robin takes the lead in helping put our budget together for the following year. Her extensive knowledge of the budget is vital in ensuring we meet deadlines and that nothing gets missed. She manages media relations for the police department and has helped "raise" numerous new reporters. Robin is always on the lookout for a story about something to shine a positive light on the police department. Her years of experience with the media are a precious asset, guiding us through the good and bad times. Robin's greatest gift to the police department is her genuine care for others, which drives her to facilitate department events. She has put together a Christmas dinner for years, often preparing much of the food. She helps with our employee appreciation events and always makes sure we register for the Christmas Parade. A cake and her famous punch accompany nearly every promotional pinning ceremony. While also making sure she has something for the spouse or significant other because she understands that being a police officer involves the whole family. Robin always puts others before herself; that is what leaders do. PADUCAH POLICE ANNUAL REPORT 202123 JK*VA=S• OFFICER LOGAN BARROW 1Is • Each year, the Chief of Police has the difficult task of selecting one employee nominated by their peers whose performance rose above all others during the previous year. For 2021, that employee was Officer Logan Barrow. In his nomination of Officer Barrow, fellow Officer Will Hendrickson said, "In the midst of a pandemic, civil unrest, and the day-to-day stressors a police officer typically deals with, Officer Barrow has gone above and beyond his call for duty." He said, "With only three years of service as a police officer, Officer Barrow has displayed a confidence and competence in policing that is normally only seen in veteran officers." Officer Barrow joined the Paducah Police Department in 2019, and from there, he hit the ground running. Officer Barrow was awarded the Governor's Safety Award for Impaired Driving in 2020 and placed first in his division with 49 total arrests. 2021 was no different, and he again had the most DUI arrests in the department and was again awarded the Governor's Safety Award. It is common for a police officer to find a niche. Something they excel at and enjoy doing. Officer Barrow quickly found that ridding the city of felony drugs was what he wanted to focus on the most. He made 200 criminal arrests in 2021, with 97 being felony drug arrests. Officer Barrow has seized fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other illicit substances. Officer Barrow wants to be the best and continues to demonstrate that every shift. Beyond his work focusing on felony drug arrests, Officer Barrow identified and recovered six stolen vehicles, multiple registration plates, and other items. He made 63 warrant arrests in 2021 in addition to his felony drug arrests. He has worked countless hours on the interstate with the Kentucky Highway Safety Grant, totaling 573 traffic stops. Officer Hendrickson said, "Officer Barrow is a leader on shift and a genuine human being that we all enjoy working with every day. Officer Barrow deserves to be 2021 Employee of the Year."