Charleston Police Department

Community Policing Initiatives

2016
 CPD Mission Statement

The Charleston Police Department, in partnership with the

community, will strive to provide
the best customer service to our
citizenry by implementing 21st
Century policing efforts toward
law enforcement strategies,
community policing, and
education; while respecting
individual rights, human dignity, and community values.

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A message from the desk of Chief Brent Webster...

Greetings,

Im Brent Webster, Chief of Police for the

Charleston Police Department. Wow, what a year
for the Charleston Police Department as well as the
City of Charleston! As I reflect, quotes by Stephen
Covey and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
come to mind.

Are we busy, or are we effective? This Stephen Covey quote is one

that challenges me daily in deciding what community policing
strategies should be deployed to effectively serve you. Doing things just
for the sake of looking busy is quite often counter productive and a
waste of time and money. Much time and effort is put into under-
standing different perspectives for maximized effectiveness.

When Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, Lifes most urgent
question: What are you doing to help others?, that question seems to
serve as the base of my police departments existence. We want to
serve ALL segments of the community while respecting human dignity.

With that being said, thank you for allowing us to serve you!

Brent L. Webster

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Deputy Chief and Bureau Chiefs

The below members of the Chiefs staff supervise the deployment of the community policing
initiatives depicted in this document.

Deputy Chief of Police: Maj. Jason Beckett

Phone: (304)348-6460 w (304)389-2019 c
Maj. Beckett was appointed Deputy Chief of Police in April 2009. He is
#2 in the chain of command and supervises the bureau chiefs. Maj.
Becketts office is located on the 3rd floor in Charleston City Hall.

Investigative Services Bureau Chief: Capt. Eric Johnson

Phone: (304)348-6460 w (304)561-7955 c
Capt. Johnson directly supervises the commanders of the Criminal
Investigations Division, Drug Enforcement Division (MDENT), and the
Special Enforcement Division. Capt. Johnsons office is located on the
mezzanine floor in Charleston City Hall.

Uniform Services Bureau Chief: Lt. Mark Abbott

Phone: (304)348-6460 w (304)419-1593 c
Lt. Abbott supervises each Shift Commander(4) of the Patrol Division.
Officers in the Patrol Division were dispatched to approximately 60,000
calls for service during 2015. Lt. Abbotts office is located on the mez-
zanine floor in Charleston City Hall.

Community Policing Bureau Chief: Lt. Tony Hazellet

Phone: (304)348-6470 w (304)389-2524 c
Lt. Hazellet supervises the commanders of the Public Services Division,
Bicycle Division, and Traffic Division. His office is located in the
Roosevelt Center on Charlestons East End.

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Public Services Division

Commander: Sgt. Paul Perdue

Phone: (304)348-6470 w (304)205-2858 c
Sgt. Perdue is the supervising commander for the CPD Walking Patrol
Officers, the CPD Prevention Resource Officers, the CPD Humane
Officers, and the Neighborhood Assistance Officers.

The following community policing strategies/initiatives are provided by the Public Services
Division:
Neighborhood Watch: The Public Services Division organizes and
participates in neighborhood watch groups (23+) throughout the
city. The purpose of the Neighborhood Watch program is to create
an alert neighborhood by using simple crime prevention methods.
The program works through mutual aidneighbors watching the
property of other neighbors. The meetings are also a great
opportunity to build relationships within a community and to learn
crime prevention methods from law enforcement.

Prevention Resource Officers: Charleston PD has three prevention

resource officers at Stonewall Middle School, Capital High School, and GW High School.
This is their sole assignment. They are tasked with school safety, education of students,
mentoring students, child advocacy, law enforcement to include traffic duties, building
security, community outreach, and have become valuable liaisons between the police
department and students and faculty.

Cpl. S. Loftis Cpl. R. Brown Cpl. G. Daniels

Stonewall Jackson Middle Capital High School George Washington High School
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 Citizens Police Academy: The department offers an eleven week program called the
Citizens Police Academy. Each week, a different law
enforcement topic is presented with classroom and hands-
on instruction by police officers. This academy is offered
free of charge to Charleston and surrounding residents and
business owners. Participants also have the opportunity for
a ride along with a police officer and observe a S.W.A.T. and
K-9 presentation.

National Night Out On Crime- Annually in August, the

Charleston Police Department re-dedicates its efforts to
strengthen police/community relations with cookouts,
parades, and carnivals. The goal is to meet as many citizens
face to face as possible.

Safety City: A program for 3rd Grade students in which police officers discuss various
topics of safety to include bike safety, pedestrian safety, fire safety, gun safety, stranger
danger, and calling 911. The children also have the opportunity to go through our Fire
Safety House with simulated smoke and ride go-carts on our simulated city streets. The
program is also open to Girl Scout Troops, Cub Scout Packs, and other childrens
organizations by appointment.

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 School Safety Talks: The Public Services Division is involved in safety talks at preschools,
elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and vocational schools in Charleston
and throughout Kanawha County. These talks focus on drug prevention, conflict
resolution, bullying, and safety issues.

Neighborhood Assistance Officers: The Public Services Division organizes and supervises
the NAO program. The NAO program is a volunteer
organization which was established in 1991. Graduates of
the CPA may apply to be a NAO. Once a NAO they receive a
uniform and equipment. Their primary purpose is the
assistance of police officers and they are particularly
effective in the area of traffic assistance. These volunteers
are not armed, but do receive training in reporting
suspicious activity, radio procedures, defensive driving, and
traffic control.

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 Senior Talks: The Public Services Division participates in senior safety talks throughout the
city. The senior community tends to be a target for crime especially in the areas of fraud
and larceny.

Drug Take Back: The Public Services Division works with the DEA for two drug take back
initiatives per year. This is a chance for the public to turn in unused or expired prescription
medications.

CPD Walking Patrols: The walking patrols provide our citizens with what best can be
described as old school policing. Simply being on foot greatly optimizes the positive
interactions between citizens and our officers. Where these officers are dispatched to
work depends on crime analysis or simple request from community leaders.

Active Shooter Presentations: The Public Services Division along with Training Division
provide active shooter presentations to Charleston businesses and churches. We also
assisted in training and the implementation of the ALICE program in Kanawha County
Schools to ensure the safety of our students.

Health Fairs and Community Events: The Public

Services Division participates in health fairs and
community events in an effort to provide education to
the public on safety and crime prevention.

Station Tours and City Hall Tours: The Public Services

Division provides tours for various childrens groups
such as Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts to educate them on
the workings of our department and city. These tours
often result in the children earning a badge.

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 CPD Junior Police and Leadership Academy: The Public Services Division conducted its
first ever junior academy to Charleston youth. Leadership, teamwork, paying attention to
detail, and discipline were just some of the positive attributes the cadets learned while at
the academy. This initial academy was an astounding success.

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WV Starbase Academy 2.0: The Charleston Police Department is collaborating with the WV
Air National Guard to conduct the WV Starbase Academy 2.0. This program engages middle
school aged kids and teaches them forensics and evidence collection. The second half of this
program includes mentoring by Charleston Police Officers as well as Airmen of the WV Air
National Guard.

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Chaplain/Executive Projects for the Chiefs Office

Commander: Sgt. Doug Paxton

Phone: (304)348-6460 w (304)389-2829 c
Chaplain Paxton promotes strategies and initiatives for positive personal
health for both internal and external customer service.
Chaplain Paxtons office is on the Mezzanine floor of City Hall.

Defending Childhood Initiative-Handle With Care: Touted by President Obama as a

community policing best practice that should be replicated by law enforcement across the
country, Handle With Care provides teachers and counselors with an understanding of
perspectives that allows them to provide the best response to children whove witnessed
violence. Sometimes daily, Charleston police officers notify school counselors if a
particular student may need relief from routine school activities.

Chaplain Paxton also provides weekly mentoring/leadership training for at risk children
helping them understand that theyre responsible for their choices.
Chaplain Paxton also teaches the following:
First impression
Chivalry
Attention to detail
Giving
Public speaking
Self accountability
Conflict resolution

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Office of Strategic Planning

CPD Strategic Planning Officer: Cpl. Errol Randle

Phone: (304)348-0509 w (304)389-3895 c

Cpl. Randle is responsible for developing initiatives and

strategies that promote positive Police/Community relations.

The following community policing strategies/initiative are the responsibility of the Office of
Strategic Planning:

CPD Youth Enrichment Initiative- In partnership with the HOPE

Community Development Corporation, the Charleston Police
Department provided $25,000 of its asset forfeiture account for
purchasing necessary equipment for Midget League Football
players. During the football season, the football coaches allow
CPD Prevention Resource Officers to teach conflict resolution,
discuss good decision making, and reward good sportsmanship.
Those monies that were once being used to destroy the
community are now being used to build it back up.

CPD Celebration of Black History- Annually, in celebration of Black History, the Charleston
Police Department honors five individuals for their dedicated service to the Charleston
community. Each honoree receives the prestigious Harvey L. Bush Charlestons Finest
Award.

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 Project Safe and Secure- A collaborative effort between the
Charleston Police Department and the Charleston Fire Department to
promote home safety and security. The police department
distributed free door/window alarms while the fire department
distributed free smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors.

C.A.R.E. Coalition: The Charleston Police Department and the Call to Action for Racial
Equality coalition have agreed to have direct dialogue to combat racism with an eight
pronged approach. The approaches are as follows:
Implementation of body cameras

Anti-racism training (1 day for officers)

Roll call presentations (various)

Annual awards ceremony

Youth advisory council (18-25 yoa)

Publish arrest demographics monthly

De-escalation training (RITE training)

Second chance opportunities

Pay It ForwardCharleston- Last year the Charleston Police Department led the charge
promoting random acts of kindness by distributing parking tickets. Instead of the green
envelopes containing a summons for a fine to be paid, free food coupons were inside along
with a note from the department letting our citizens know we feel its a privilege to Protect
and Serve Charleston.

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 Project West Invest- By having police officers living in neighborhoods of challenge, Project
West Invest provides the most important catalyst for achieving positive change in a
community...safety. In 2015, two police officers joined Charlestons West Side family by
purchasing homes and becoming neighborhood cornerstones. In 2016, phase II of Project
West Invest went into full effect during which owner occupied neighbors of the police
officers within their unit block received a gift of up to $2,500 for exterior upgrade to their
homes.

The Beloved Community...

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 R.E.S.E.T.- The Charleston Police Department is proud to announce a working relationship
with clergy in the Charleston area called RESET. RESET is an acronym for Restoring
ruptured relationships, Establishing connections, Strengthening alliances, Empowering
leadership, and Transforming our community. Not only does RESET allow for direct
communications with community leaders, but it also provides our department with checks
and balances for effective policing.

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CPD Grandma Unit: The Charleston Police Department Grandma Unit (aka G-Unit) is armed
with the most powerful resource that we have...love. These dedicated ladies, who were
recruited from the YWCA Shanklin Center, have already proven their weight in gold by giving
away free hugs filled with the kind of love only a grandma could give. A special thanks to Best
Electric (Meredith Thomas, owner) who is our community partner in this program and Mrs.
Kyla Nichols who is the Program Director and the Shanklin Center.

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CPD Bicycle Division

Commander: Sgt. David Payne

Phone: (304)348-6470 w (304)550-7069 c
Sgt. Paynes office is located in the Roosevelt Center

Special events patrols- Due to the high maneuverability of their bicycles, bicycle officers
are the perfect asset for patrolling large crowds such as those at the Civic Center or at a
parade. Not being inside a police cruiser also allows them to travel just about anywhere.
Personal contacts with citizens are always the goal as bicycle officers to promote
opportunities to meet our citizens, listen to complaints/concerns, or answer questions.

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 Bicycle Safety Rodeo The number one goal of this initiative is to promote safe and
responsible bicycle riding for Charlestons #1 asset...our children.
Bicycle helmets are distributed at no cost to either the child or
parent/guardian. Other safety topics
include how to call 911, how to cross a busy
street, stranger danger, and gun safety.

The Bicycle Unit is located at the Roosevelt Center located in Charlestons East End.

CPD Traffic Division

Commander: Sgt. Mark Kinder

Phone: (304)348-6470 w (304)553-3250
Sgt. Kinder supervises six officers assigned to the Traffic Division. He is
also the CPD Highway Safety Coordinator.

Child safety seat distribution- To ensure safety of our smallest

passengers, officers in the Traffic Division will provide safety seats to any
family in need without cost. Officers will also inspect the installation of
any safety seat upon request.
Broken Promise This is an awareness campaign presented to high
school students in which a simulated DUI caused crash is illustrated.
Students have a chance to see the unique perspectives of the first responders, trauma
service workers, funeral home services, and parents of deceased victims.
High School Seat Belt Challenge High school students are reminded of the importance of
wearing seatbelts while either driving or being a passenger in a vehicle. Students sign a
pledge to wear their seatbelts.
The Traffic Division is located in the Roosevelt Center located in Charlestons East End.

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Patrol Division
A-Shift Commander: B-Shift Commander:
Lt. Kevin Smailes Lt. Randy Sampson
Phone: (304)348-6829 Phone: (304)348-6829

C-Shift Commander: D-Shift Commander:

Lt. John Harrison Lt. Brian Griggs
Phone: (304)348-6829 Phone: (304)348-6829

Foot patrols- During each shift, Patrol Division officers are encouraged to walk in both
residential and business districts in their beat. The face to face interaction with citizens
are what our officers want to achieve open communications.
Extra patrols- Extra Patrols allow citizens to receive a more heightened level of crime
prevention. For instance, if a homeowner of Charleston goes out of town, patrol officers
can make multiple checks of that persons residence until the homeowner returns.
Request for extra patrols can be made by contacting the CPD Records Division at (304)
348-6428.
CPD K-9 Unit presentations: These presentations are always a hit with the elementary
aged student. At the conclusion, many students aspire to become a CPD K-9 officer.
CPD Hero Visits: At various times throughout the year, CPD officers are honored to visit
young heroes battling illness in our local hospitals. After visiting these heroes and gaining
strength and inspiration, the CPD officers are then at maximum strength to Protect and
Serve.

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Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT)
Drug Enforcement Division Commander: Lt. Michael Chapman
Phone: (304)348-6814
The Metro Drug Unit, comprised of detectives from Charleston PD,
Dunbar PD, Nitro PD, South Charleston PD, St. Albans PD, and the
Kanawha County Sheriffs office, investigates mid to upper level drug
investigations. The detectives within take pride in making sure the
community knows the latest drug trends.

DECP- MDENT is currently participating in an initiative titled Drug Endangered Children

Program. The goal of this program is to ensure the safety of children that have been
exposed to felony drug activity. If during a felony drug investigation it has been
determined that a child has been exposed, investigators notify Child Protective Services for
follow up assessments.
Drug Identification Presentations- Investigators with MDENT address citizens regularly to
educate about the latest trends, teach illicit drug identification, and identify early warning
signs of drug abuse. Since drug abuse can affect anyone regardless of age, investigators
have multiple approaches to teach this subject member defending their age.

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West Side 360-Second Chance Program (DMI)

West Side 360 Coordinator: (Ret.) Capt. Kim Mitchell

Phone: (304)348-6460
After retiring from the Charleston Police Department with 30 years of
outstanding service, Capt. Mitchell returned to the department in an
independent contractor role as the West Side 360 coordinator.

West Side 360 Formerly know as Drug Market Intervention,

West Side 360 is one of Charleston Police Departments holistic
approaches to issues plaguing neighborhoods such as crime,
poor housing, and lack of resources. Strategic coordination of
efforts are being established to improve the quality of life by
way of education, achieving safe communities, and revitalizing
neighborhoods.

Notable CPD Achievements 2016

2015 Jerry A. Jones Officer of the Year- The Charleston

Police Department is proud to announce that Cpl. Jesse
Redden is the 2015 recipient of the Jerry A. Jones
Officer of the Year Award. Cpl. Reddens dedication to
serving others, work ethic, and professionalism are just
a few of her positive attributes that contributed to her
receiving this award. Furthermore, Cpl. Redden is
making CPD history and breaking barriers as the first
female officer ever to receive this prestigious award.

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 RITE De-escalation training: All members of the
Charleston Police Department have received
de-escalation training for career survival. Having
tools to keep us even keeled for better
communications and problem solving
Police/Community Cooperation: Charleston citizens continued cooperating with police
detectives is at an all time high. The passing of important investigative information is the
key to solving crime and prosecuting the offenders. This is a direct result of trust.
Coffee with a Cop: In partnership with the Charleston Area Alliance, officers of the
Charleston Police Department met informally with
Charleston residents to hear their complaints,
concerns, and/or at-a-boys. This is just one of many
efforts of engagement that the police department
takes very seriously to learn.
Community Engagement Meetings: Charleston Police Officers are highly engaged with
churches, civic development groups, businesses, educators, and everyday citizens to help
them understand different perspectives as well as to feel the pulse. Having the ability to
listen gives the officers perspectives on how issues are perceived by citizens as well as
provides the department an opportunity to problem solve and network.

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L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Diversion Program ); Charleston, West Virginia:
The Charleston Police Department L.E.A.D. program began in October 2014 with a warrant
sweep which coordinated numerous Law Enforcement Agencies and Prestera Mental Health
Center. The plan was for law enforcement to serve offender warrants or offer treatment
services to low level offenders as a case diversion.
Upon making contact with a person with an active warrant for their arrest, the
officers would contact Dana L. Petroff, Director of Addiction Services, with the names/
phone numbers. Ms. Petroff would then determine if the client was an appropriate
diversion referral, and schedule either an intake for a medication assisted program or a
detox referral.
At the end of 2016, The Charleston LEAD program had served 116 clients with only 5
re-arrests. This program is considered extremely successful as the goal of the program is
to reduce low level re-offenders of crime and make the community safer.

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 2016 memories

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 Gentlemen,
Thank you for your service...

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Notes

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