COH HPD AnnualReport 2024 print : simplebooklet.com

HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT 2024 ANNUAL REPORT CONTENTS COMMAND STAFF ....................................... 5MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF .................... 6MISSION, VISION & VALUES ...................... 12HUNTSVILLE POLICE .................................13CRIME STATS ................................................14BUDGET ........................................................15COMMUNITY PROGRAMS ......................... 16OPERATIONS ...............................................20PRECINCTS ................................................... 20SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION ............22INVESTIGATIONS ........................................24ADMINISTRATIVE BUREAU .......................27PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS & TRAINING ..................................................28INTERNAL AFFAIRS ....................................30POLICE ACADEMY ......................................32POLICE SUPPORT .......................................34

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6 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTMESSAGE FROM THE CHIEFKirk Giles, Police ChiefLooking back on 2024, the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) made remarkable progress throughout the year. With forward-thinking strategies, strong community partnerships, and the unwavering dedication of sworn ofcers and civilian personnel, our department demonstrated signicant strides in enhancing public safety and deepening public engagement.Thanks to the support of Mayor Tommy Battle and our City Council, HPD received the necessary resources to deploy modern crime-ghting technologies, purchase new equipment, build facilities, and provide advanced training. These efforts helped HPD raise the bar in our mission to serve and protect.I am proud to report HPD also earned its ninth advanced accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in 2024, an achievement the department has received since 1996. This voluntary accreditation is recognized as the gold standard in national public safety, ensuring we remain accountable to the community and uphold our high standards.CRIME REDUCTION Huntsville’s population grew by 3% last year, yet HPD experienced a 3% decrease in reported offenses in crime categories across the board. There were 18 homicides, the lowest number recorded since 2020, with investigators solving 17 of these cases. This record reects the effectiveness of community-centered policing, the use of advanced crime prevention tools and technologies, and collaborative efforts between residents and local, state, and federal law enforcement. While crime statistics involve complex factors, HPD remains committed to working closely with residents and businesses, empowering them to stay informed and engaged in crime prevention.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2024 | 7NEW TECHNOLOGIES Cutting-edge technologies are giving HPD a major edge in crime detection and apprehension. These advancements have signicantly enhanced the North Alabama Multi-Agency Crime Center (NAMACC), which utilizes cellular and video forensics, digital imagery and video recovery, along with unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to ght crime and keep residents safe. These tools allow the NAMAAC team to rapidly place eyes on a suspected crime scene and guide patrol ofcers to eeing suspects who may otherwise escape. Among 2,000 uses last year, a terried victim called police to report that armed men were shooting into and attempting to break down her apartment door. Before ofcers arrived, the suspects ed by vehicle. NAMACC was able to detect the vehicle with a nearby camera and guide ofcers to apprehend the armed suspects. NAMACC has also served as a test center for drone capabilities, demonstrating its potential as a crucial public safety asset. Among 1,600 impactful ights last year, police successfully used drones to locate an autistic child, while in another potentially dangerous situation, a drone provided ofcers with advance surveillance before entering a property. This critical intelligence allows ofcers to de-escalate situations and strategically position themselves safely for potential dangers. NAMACC’s new ability to rapidly launch drones greatly increases ofcer safety. Recently, an ofcer conducting a trafc stop on I-565 was not checking in by radio. NAMACC quickly launched a drone to the scene and discovered the ofcer was in a suspect-initiated altercation on the edge of the highway. NAMACC was able to quickly dispatch a backup unit to assist the ofcer. HPD’s Body Worn Camera (BWC) program continues to evolve. Ofcers wear the latest BWCs that include enhanced video and audio quality to assist in capturing interactions with citizens and ensuring personnel are following proper procedures. Additionally, HPD has procured advanced car camera systems that allow the NAMACC team to provide real-time back-up for ofcers during their initial response to a call. License plate readers are another technology also proving to be highly effective in recovering stolen vehicles, among many other uses.Combined, these technologies are improving our ability to rapidly respond to criminal activity, better protecting citizens and enhancing our investigations.

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8 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTSTATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIESConstruction began last spring on the new Crime Scene and Evidence Warehouse Complex. The facility will feature a 14,000-square-foot building designed to support HPD’s crime scene investigation team, including dedicated labs, ofce spaces, evidence processing areas and vehicle processing bays. Additionally, the complex will house a 13,500-square-foot, climate-controlled storage facility specically for vehicles and evidence. Expected to be completed by early summer, the complex will signicantly improve evidence processing efciency and case management while maintaining high standards of evidence integrity.Last fall, our department celebrated a milestone with the completion of the exterior portion of Huntsville’s state-of-the-art Public Safety Training Academy. This 58,000-square-foot facility will prepare both police ofcers and our reghter partners to handle complex situations with condence and expertise. An exciting development on the horizon is the dedicated K9 training area at the Academy, which will further enhance our capabilities in critical operations. The completion of these facilities marks a transformative step for our department, ensuring we uphold the excellence our community expects.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2024 | 9RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING HPD remains dedicated to recruiting and training top-tier ofcer and civilian personnel to support a diverse workforce in public safety. We actively participate in job fairs, visit schools and universities, host open houses for interested candidates and offer tness training for potential cadets. Training is key to HPD’s success. The Academy offers training clinics well beyond Alabama’s mandated hours, providing ofcers with elective-style learning opportunities. Our ofcers complete more than the state-required 40 hours of annual training, ensuring they stay ahead of evolving challenges.Our Community Outreach Unit continues to work with the homeless and unsheltered population, equipping ofcers with the necessary skills to handle mental health-related incidents. HPD now has eight certied mental health ofcers, further strengthening our ability to respond to these situations effectively. HPD’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) has been instrumental in assisting ofcers who routinely handle crisis calls involving people with a mental health condition. About 90% of uniformed ofcers are now trained in techniques designed to provide intervention strategies and connect people in need with healthcare systems instead of taking them to jail. Since including CIT training as part of the academy curriculum several years ago, HPD is nearing its goal to have 100% of uniformed ofcers skilled in these techniques. ANNUAL REPORT 2024 | 9

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ANNUAL REPORT 2024 | 11Chief Kirk GilesPUBLIC OUTREACH HPD’s commitment to safety and collaboration thrives through community engagement. In 2024, HPD partnered with Parks & Recreation to host the popular Halloween and Haunted House Extravaganza at The Orion Amphitheater. We also participated in numerous neighborhood block parties, back-to-school bashes, Precinct family fun nights, the Mayor’s Bike Ride, public safety forums, Community Watch events and the Citizen Observer Program, where citizens can take a front seat with an ofcer during their shift. Additionally, HPD worked closely with the Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council to strengthen community ties and address safety concerns. When ofcers noticed an uptick in car break-ins, HPD launched the “Lock, Secure, Protect” initiative to educate the public on preventing these crimes. Additionally, after the City Council enhanced its distraction-free driving ordinance, HPD worked alongside Council Member David Little to inform the public of the new regulations, ensuring safer streets.Each of these initiatives strengthens HPD’s connection with the community, fostering meaningful interactions that reinforce our shared commitment to public safety.A NEW YEAR - 2025As we look ahead, HPD remains committed to strengthening its collaboration with the community. The achievements of our dedicated team, both sworn ofcers and civilian staff, reect the high standards we uphold daily. It is an honor to lead such a passionate and capable group. I am excited for what 2025 holds and am condent that with a shared sense of purpose, we will continue to achieve great things together.

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12 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTMISSION, VISION & VALUES MISSIONThe Huntsville Police Department serves our community by protecting life, liberty and property. We defend the constitutional rights of all people with compassion, fairness, integrity and professionalism. VISION The Huntsville Police Department provides the highest quality police services to our citizens, and partners with our community to identify and resolve problems. We will evaluate and improve our efforts to enhance public safety and improve the quality of life for all people in Huntsville. We fulll this vision by being efcient and rm in our pursuit of justice, tempered with empathy, compassion, and a conscientious respect for the diverse community we serve. We execute our duties in an impartial, ethical and professional manner. We never stray from our values. VALUES These core values serve as the foundation for the facets of the Huntsville Police Department: Professionalism Integrity Courage Knowledge Compassion Accountability12 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

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ANNUAL REPORT 2024 | 13HUNTSVILLE POLICE 2024The Huntsville Police Department provides a full range of police services to the City’s numerous diverse neighborhoods, cultures, residents and businesses. In 2024, HPD had 465 sworn ofcers and 201 support and civilian personnel.Led by the Chief of Police and Command Staff, HPD operates through its Operations, Investigations and Administrative divisions to deliver modern, community-focused policing. These divisions work together to meet the needs of Huntsville’s growing population by employing innovative strategies and best practices.HPD is committed to enhancing public safety, preventing crime and improving quality of life through evidence-based approaches and active community engagement. By fostering collaboration among ofcers, city workers, residents, business owners and other stakeholders, HPD emphasizes problem-solving as a core strategy to address crime and disorder. This approach includes taking responsibility for community well-being and building lasting partnerships. Using strategic and tactical analysis, HPD identies crime patterns, focuses on repeat offenders and implements targeted solutions.Through this commitment to innovation and collaboration, HPD has strengthened the bond between law enforcement and the community. This dynamic partnership not only reduces crime but also fosters trust and creates a safer, more connected community for all who live, work, and visit Huntsville.

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16 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY PROGRAMSThe philosophy of the Huntsville Police Department is to work as one unit with the public and be a trusted partner. Ofcers uphold the highest standards of professionalism while engaging residents and businesses through various programs and initiatives. By actively engaging with residents and taking the time to understand their concerns, HPD works to identify potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach allows the department to address the root causes of problems, foster trust, and build stronger connections within the community.HPD’s community programs address everyday concerns, such as preventing vandalism by improving lighting or trimming overgrown shrubs, enhancing security with cameras or the Security Camera Share Program and addressing issues like drug activity, domestic violence, mental health and homelessness. Drawing on specialized training and resources, HPD collaborates with residents and businesses to nd practical solutions. While they may not have all the answers, building partnerships is key to resolving challenges together.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2024 | 17COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICERS (CRO) Each precinct assigns two CROs as liaisons to the community. Understanding that not every concern requires a 911 call, CROs act as the precinct’s primary point of contact, offering guidance on issues and trends affecting residents. They educate homeowners and businesses on how to protect their property and neighborhoods. In addition, CROs serve in various roles, including ombudsmen, counselors, advisors, mediators, public speakers, and problem solvers.SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO) SROs work closely with students in Huntsville City Schools, focusing on creating a safe environment that allows children to focus on their education. By building trust and serving as mentors, SROs encourage positive relationships and help students develop a strong foundation for making responsible life choices.CO-RESPONDER PROGRAM In 2021, HPD initiated a co-responder program with WellStone Health to address the growing number of mental health-related calls for service. The program is funded to include two full-time mental health professionals with master’s degrees who accompany Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certied ofcers during crisis calls. The initiative aims to enhance response efforts and guide individuals away from incarceration, connecting them instead with appropriate mental health resources.CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY & SENIOR CRIME PREVENTION ACADEMY Through these two popular community-based programs, citizens enroll in free classes to become more safety aware and better understand police operations. Participants learn best practices in crime prevention and how to avoid becoming victims of fraud. Learn more online about the Citizens Police Academy and Senior Crime Academy. COMMUNITY WATCH & CRIMESTOPPERS These long-standing programs engage the community in helping keep the public safe. Community Watch participants take shifts monitoring their neighborhoods to spot potential safety concerns, while Crimestoppers encourages the public to provide information that can aid in solving crimes.RIDE ALONG WITH A POLICE OFFICER Citizens may sign up to ride along with a police ofcer on duty. It’s an excellent way to gain a new perspective on what ofcers experience on a daily basis. Community continued on next page >>>

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18 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTRANGER PROGRAM The Ranger Program offers local youth an in-depth perspective on the various roles within law enforcement. These immersive experiences provide young individuals, including those who may be at risk, with the chance to explore a different side of policing. This exposure not only fosters personal growth but may also inspire future career paths in law enforcement, helping to shape a positive and promising future.HOMELESS LIAISON HPD plays an active role in the Continuum of Care partnership, a collaborative initiative led by the City of Huntsville’s Community Development ofce. This program is dedicated to supporting unsheltered residents by connecting them with caseworkers who assist in addressing a range of essential needs, including housing, healthcare, employment and other critical services. Through this partnership, HPD helps ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the comprehensive support they need to improve their quality of life and work toward long-term stability. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION HPD is dedicated to listening to the public and keeping the community informed through its website, social media, public meetings, programs and activities. Media inquiries are managed by a Public Information Ofcer and a City of Huntsville Communication Specialist. For more details, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/Police.HUNTSVILLE POLICE CITIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL (HPCAC) This citizen-led group offers a public perspective on law enforcement policies and procedures. Appointed by the Mayor and City Council, the 13-member council consists of diverse community leaders who advise the police on topics such as diversity, recruitment, training, and discipline. The group hosts public meetings where residents can engage directly with ofcers and HPCAC members. These sessions provide opportunities for the police to gain a deeper understanding of the community’s complex social dynamics and build mutual trust. For more details, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/HPCAC.Community continued >>>

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20 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTOPERATIONS The architecture of Huntsville Police Operations is one of specialization and crime prevention through environmental design. While police are bound by a “one team” mission, specialized roles are distributed among divisions to maximize efciency and expertise. In today’s world, one size does not t all. Across Police Operations, ofcers use strategic and tactical analysis to focus local crime-ghting efforts on patterns of crime involving specic locations, repeat victims and habitual offenders. This intelligence, data and problem-solving approach has contributed to a team-oriented partnership between law enforcement and the community to decrease crime and improve quality of life.At the root of this philosophy are uniformed ofcers on the street who answer daily calls for service from people in need. Assigned to one of the City’s three precincts, patrol ofcers become familiar with the neighborhoods and establishments within their geographic area. Their visibility and connectivity with the public is of prime importance in police operations. PRECINCTSPatrol ofcers are assigned to one of HPD’s three precincts. Each precinct has a Commander who oversees operations to ensure community policing occurs within their specied district. Together, Commanders are able to provide the Police Chief with a broad view of Huntsville’s needs. This structure allows each segment of the community to be well known by police and receive equal attention.Huntsville is geographically divided into three precinct commands, each with a standalone station as its primary base of operations. A precinct consists of a Captain, Community Resource Ofcers, Lieutenants, Sergeants and patrol personnel who provide 24/7 coverage.NORTH PRECINCT Capt. Tony McElyea 4014 N. Memorial Parkway Huntsville, AL 35810256-746-4111SOUTH PRECINCT Capt. Chris Riley 7900 Bailey Cove Road SE Huntsville, AL 35802256-213-4500WEST PRECINCT Capt. Timothy Clardy Jr. 2110 Clinton Avenue W. Huntsville, AL 35802256-427-5461

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22 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTSPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION Special Operations supports police patrol by developing specialized tactics and training personnel to handle unusual law enforcement situations. They assist Captains with selective trafc enforcement, trafc control, accident investigation and public vehicle regulation enforcement. They further collaborate with other agencies concerning special events and potential catastrophic situations. The specic functions of Special Operations are as follows. TRAFFIC SERVICESThese units are responsible for trafc enforcement to include crash reporting, emergency weather response, police escorts and driving under the inuence (DUI). Trafc Services works closely with departments across the City to prioritize roadway safety initiatives with regard to road construction, signalization changes and school safety zones. They manage parades, festivals, races, special events, and more. Trafc-related fatalities remain a leading global cause of accidental death, and ofcers focus on high crash locations and areas with multiple fatalities or serious injuries. If a particular need or issue arises, ofcers are trained to evaluate, educate and enforce trafc safety laws. PUBLIC SAFETY AIDESCivilian employees work with Trafc Services to provide general supervision and support for children and pedestrians at designated crossing points, primarily during school drop-off and pick-up times. Public Safety Aides also assist the police department with trafc control during special events, where the safe crossing of pedestrians at designated crossing points is required.BIKE UNIT Ofcers are assigned to urban areas where they easily interact with the public and can see and hear what is happening on the street. Bike Unit provides a reassuring presence during special events and an enhanced level of accessibility f or the public. Like patrol cars, bikes are equipped with ashing lights, sirens, a rst-aid kit and other equipment needed to detain a suspect, write a case report or issue a citation. CRISIS NEGOTIATION RESPONSE TEAMTrained to peacefully resolve emergency situations, the Crisis Negotiation Response Team (CNRT) assists the department in responding to critical incidents. The team deploys crisis negotiators who are highly trained in the techniques of interpersonal communication and negotiating safe resolutions. Personnel work with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team on calls that involve heavy arrests, hostage-takers or barricaded suspects. For situations involving suicidal persons, the team draws on resources from the Crisis Intervention Team and Co-Responder program. Focused on saving lives and reducing risks, these teams are a valuable

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ANNUAL REPORT 2024 | 23tool in reducing violent acts against innocent victims. They also aim to save the lives of people who suffer from depression, mental illness or have temporarily lost the ability to process a traumatic moment in their life.INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAMThe Incident Response Team (IRT) is prepared for large-scale incidents such as disaster response, protecting property during natural weather events and civil disturbances. IRT is well trained in non-lethal tactics and resourced to manage safe perimeters around any major event. A team of paramedics from Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc. (HEMSI) is assigned to the unit. SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team includes highly skilled ofcers who have been selected, trained and equipped to resolve high-risk tactical situations. These ofcers train in serving felony warrants, hostage and barricaded subjects, active shooter and hostile situations, covert and undercover tactical operations and personal protection details. Their primary function is addressing and eliminating special threat circumstances. Ongoing specialty training and exibility are key for the team to keep pace with a rapidly changing society.HAZARDOUS DEVICESHazardous Devices responds to and investigates explosive-related matters for a 10-county area in North Alabama. The team’s expertise includes bomb threats, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), incendiary devices (IIDs), hoax devices, illegal use of explosives, misuse of explosives, and found military, consumer, or commercial explosives and pyrotechnics. The unit is also tasked with preventing the criminal misuse of explosives and other dangerous substances. Their quick diagnostic ability is bolstered by collaboration with the Alcohol Tobacco Firearms (ATF) and FBI Hazardous Devices School’s training facility located on Redstone Arsenal. K-9 UNITCertied through the U.S. Police Canine Association (USPCA), the K-9 Unit is one of the oldest in the country. The unit has eight cross-trained patrol/narcotics teams and two explosive detector dog teams to assist patrol ofcers in conducting building and narcotic searches, tracking lost individuals and eeing offenders. The two explosive K-9 teams sweep for hazardous devices at special events and respond to calls for suspicious packages or items. HONOR GUARD The Honor Guard provides the department with a ceremonial team to render honors, preserve tradition and instill pride. The unit represents the department in formal ceremonies such as funerals, parades and retirements. They also appear at numerous annual events such as police academy graduations, the Fallen Ofcer Memorial Ceremony, 9/11 commemoration, National Police Week in Washington, D.C., and the Alabama State FOP Vigil. Most importantly, unit members also honor and stand watch over law enforcement ofcers who made the ultimate sacrice.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2024 | 25NORTH ALABAMA MULTI-AGENCY CRIME CENTER The North Alabama Multi-Agency Crime Center (NAMACC) provides HPD with information to address policing issues that are strategic, operational, tactical and/or administrative in nature. NAMACC partners with police to ensure that criminal incident information is available to other law enforcement agencies, and it works with investigators in other units and outside agencies to provide efcient, effective policing. External agencies include the ATF, FBI, Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), Alabama Air National Guard, Madison County Sheriff’s Ofce and Madison, Gurley and Athens police departments.NAMACC uses cellular forensics, threat assessment, digital imaging and video recovery technologies to help prevent and solve crimes. Digital forensics aid Major Crimes Unit investigators in solving death investigations. The NAMACC Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Team (sUAS) operates and maintains 34 highly capable aircraft, including multiple specialized aircraft for SWAT and nighttime operations. The team includes 34 FAA-licensed pilots.NORTH ALABAMA DRUG TASK FORCE Led by HPD, the North Alabama Drug Task Force (NADTF) comprises a multijurisdictional drug-ghting effort. Participating agencies include the Madison County Sheriff’s Ofce, Madison Police Department and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The task force further assists federal investigations with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Service.Since 2019, the unit has worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Ofce to federally prosecute opiate dealers and gather intelligence on heroin/ fentanyl drug trafcking organizations. In 2021, NADTF saw a signicant increase in the seizure of heroin and fentanyl in our area compared to the previous year, with fentanyl seizures doubling year-over-year. NADTF will continue to disrupt organizations that distribute heroin and/or fentanyl. Investigations into accidental overdose calls can help locate dealers who sold drugs to victims. ANTI-CRIME TEAMThe Anti-Crime Team (ACT) assists investigative and patrol ofcers in preventing criminal activity. This includes fugitive apprehension and disruption of street-level crime and gang activity. In 2021, the team worked with NAMACC and other investigative units to foil multiple street-level narcotics operations. JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCE HPD is an active member of the Homeland Security/FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The task force’s mission is to prevent acts of terrorism before they occur and quickly respond to suspected terrorist acts by identifying and arresting those responsible. The HPD/JTTF investigator works with the public to probe potential terrorist activities. The investigator also works with Alabama Fusion Center, which is just one in a national network of centers that collect data to counter domestic and international terrorism. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONCriminal Investigation Department (CID) conducts a broad spectrum of criminal investigations including deaths, sexual assault, armed robbery, burglaries, fraud, cyber crimes and general theft. Once a crime report is submitted to the Investigations Bureau, a network of skilled investigators from multiple units and agencies will use advanced technological resources to solve the case. Joint task forces have become an important part of this effort, particularly in ghting drugs and other organized criminal activities.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2024 | 27ADMINISTRATIVE BUREAUThe demanding and difcult work by police ofcers would not be possible without the efforts of hundreds of civilian employees who manage the department’s administrative affairs. Responsible for essential support functions, they ensure HPD operates smoothly by managing tasks ranging from 911 dispatch and ngerprinting to evidence collection, records management, tech support, alarm systems and eet maintenance. Each unit is vital in enabling police ofcers to perform their duties efciently and safely. To empower its civilian workforce, HPD makes signicant investments in cutting-edge software and hardware, ensuring access to the most advanced tools for delivering these critical services.911 DISPATCH/COMMUNICATIONS 911 dispatchers and communications operators play a vital role in Huntsville’s law enforcement operations as frontline responders. Based at the Huntsville/Madison County 911 Center, they handle hundreds of thousands of emergency and non-emergency calls annually with professionalism and composure. Utilizing advanced software platforms, they provide critical support to ofcers in the eld.EVIDENCE This division demands exceptional professionalism and meticulous record-keeping to manage, catalog and maintain evidence for investigations. Civilian staff handle the receipt, processing, storage and security of all in-custody property and evidence. Additionally, technicians transport evidence from cleared cases for approved destruction. RECORDS Accident and criminal incident reports are sent to civilian employees in records management. Clerks maintain police records, reports, logs, case les, and other departmental documentation and materials. Reports must be readily available for victims and law enforcement for timely due process. IDENTIFICATION Fingerprint identication is one of HPD’s most important tools in solving crimes and identifying individuals. Identication employees work with the Biometric Automated Fingerprint Identication System (AFIS), which assists examiners in identifying subjects in a matter of minutes. FLEET Hundreds of vehicles are required to support routine police operations. Fleet employees work to keep these police vehicles in safe condition and on the road. They also coordinate repairs, recalls and install new vehicle technology. ALARM UNIT The Alarm Unit registers companies and users. The program enables police to mitigate false alarm calls for service and quickly reach property owners when an activation occurs.“Civilian personnel are the backbone of public safety, providing essential support to the community during difcult times and ensuring the department operates seamlessly and effectively.”

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28 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT“Continuous training is key to our success as a law enforcement agency. We focus on developing critical thinking and ensuring our ofcers are equipped with the latest tools and techniques to serve our community effectively.”CAPTAIN JONATHAN WAREPROFESSIONAL STANDARDS & TRAINING The Huntsville Police Department strives to upholds the highest professional standards in law enforcement, earning annual accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). By exceeding state and national requirements, HPD ensures ofcers are well-trained to meet the diverse needs of a socially and economically varied community. In 2021, HPD established the Professional Standards and Training Division to unify Internal Affairs, the Ofce of Accreditation and the Police Academy. This integration creates a streamlined approach to policy enforcement, training accountability and adherence to departmental directives. With advanced training facilities, the division provides instruction to local ofcers and law enforcement professionals from across the country.While Alabama mandates 12 hours of annual training per ofcer, HPD requires at least 24 hours, with most ofcers completing 40 to 100 hours or more each year. Training is delivered in a collegiate format, offering electives for personal and professional growth.A key focus in 2021 was equipping ofcers to handle complex mental health crises. Through Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), ofcers learn to identify mental health emergencies and employ de-escalation techniques to resolve situations peacefully. Additional courses include bias awareness, decision-making and advanced communication skills, ensuring comprehensive approach to public safety.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2024 | 29OFFICE OF ACCREDITATION HPD is annually accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). To attain accredited status, a law enforcement agency must meet nationally recognized standards, or best practices, in eight law enforcement areas: Role, Responsibilities and Relationships with Other Agencies; Organization, Management and Administration; Personnel Structure; Personnel Process; Operations and Support; Trafc Operations; Prisoner- and Court-Related Activities; and Auxiliary and Technical Services. CALEA accreditation demonstrates that a law enforcement agency meets the highest standards of professional excellence.The Ofce of Accreditation is responsible for reviewing policies and procedures to conrm they align with CALEA’s internationally accepted standards to ensure the department is a successful, well-managed, transparent and community-focused law enforcement agency. Written directives, or HPD procedures, can be found on the City’s website. They explain the policies that HPD’s sworn and civilian employees follow daily. Written directives are regularly updated to ensure compliance with CALEA standards.

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30 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTINTERNAL AFFAIRS Internal Affairs (IA) conducts reviews and analysis of HPD operations supporting standards development, training and disciplinary systems of the department. Supervisors and commanders at every level within the department are responsible for the professional conduct of employees in the performance of their duties. IA supports their hiring, policy development, training, and disciplinary decisions through records reviews, trend analysis, and detailed review or investigation of specic law enforcement actions. IA provides objective analysis that recognizes and preserves the rights of both the public and employees.Comprehensive background checks and polygraph tests on potential HPD employees, ensuring only the most qualied individuals are selected. Staffed by highly trained professionals, IA specializes in pre-employment screenings and criminal-specic testing, offering its services not only to HPD but also to other law enforcement agencies across North Alabama and Southern Tennessee.IA initiates reviews through random sampling of service calls, at the request of the chain of command, or in response to citizen-led complaints. The public has direct access to IA through phone, email, or in-person meetings for any questions or concerns.In 2024, IA received and fully investigated 130 citizen complaints. IA uses all available resources to thoroughly investigate the conduct of parties involved in the subject incident, including witness statements and audio/video recordings. Results of those reviews are provided to the chain of command for disposition and communication of the results to the involved citizen. Summary of Citizen Complaint Case ndingsProper Conduct 106Improper Conduct 17Insuicient Evidence 5Pending 2*Numbers represent an incident. A complaint may include multiple ofcers on a single incident. Citizen Complaints 130

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32 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTPOLICE ACADEMY The Police Academy coordinates and delivers high quality, cost-effective training to HPD personnel, recruits and outside law enforcement agencies. The Academy’s public safety training facility on Triana Boulevard provides dedicated classrooms, a simulation room, defensive tactics gym and an audio/visual space for Academy trainers to deliver rigorous educational and physical courses. The goal is to prepare ofcers for handling the evolving demands of the position. This includes a focus on learning law and civil rights; community collaboration; diversity, equity and inclusion; police policies, procedures and operations; rst-aid emergency assistance; de-escalation techniques, apprehension and arrest; weapons handling; communication; negotiation; criminal psychology; stress and non-stress training; and physical tness. The Police Academy hosts a variety of multi-agency training, as does the Huntsville Firearms Training Facility in collaboration with the FBI-Birmingham Division. The rearms facility on Wall Triana Highway offers 14,000 square feet of indoor training as well as seven outdoor sites on 40 acres, including a 40-lane outdoor ring range, 270-degree all-purpose range and 600-yard rie range. Agencies can also deploy nonlethal ammunition to prepare for real-life scenarios.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2024 | 33STUDENT INTERNSHIPS Each summer, HPD hosts student interns from regional colleges and universities. The program allows students who are interested in law enforcement to ride with ofcers on patrol and learn more about their daily responsibilities. RECRUITMENTThe Huntsville Police Department uses a variety of strategies to attract and recruit top-tier candidates. Ofcers and Recruiters Kevin Becatti and Hayden McMahon utilized social media, digital advertisements, open houses, training sessions and school visits to reach potential candidates. The selection process for police ofcers is detailed, intricate and lengthy. Once potential candidates pass the physical agility/ability test, it takes about six months before they receive an offer of acceptance to the Police Academy. In 2024, 16 ofcers graduated from the Police Academy and the department hired seven lateral ofcers from outside law enforcement agencies. The lateral ofcers hired from outside Alabama attended a refresher Academy hosted by the state. With these hires, HPD increased manpower while maintaining high standards for new ofcers. Diversity plays a signicant role in HPD’s ability to represent the community, solve problems and bring cultural perspectives to various scenarios. HPD is increasingly becoming more representative of the community it serves. To that end, the recruitment team works closely with numerous multicultural organizations, the Hispanic/Latino Advisory Council and historically Black colleges and universities to identify potential candidates. Learn more at JoinHuntsvillePD.com.ANNUAL REPORT 2024 | 33

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ANNUAL REPORT 2024 | 35“Law enforcement professionals confront unique challenges, demanding strength both mentally and physically. Our mission is to support them by offering the education, tools and resources needed to overcome these hurdles, while prioritizing their well-being and fostering a commitment to success.”DEPUTY CHIEF SCOTT HUDSONand mentally healthy. These resources include physical tness initiatives, a chaplaincy program, certied and licensed counseling, a Peer Support Team, Employee Assistance Program and nancial advising. While some of these programs are available only for the employees, many are also open to family members. The Peer Support program provides an opportunity for employees to receive emotional and tangible support through times of personal or professional crisis and to help address potential difculties. The program allows colleagues who understand the realities of the job and its stresses to condentially assist ofcers who are struggling mentally, emotionally or spiritually.

COH HPD AnnualReport 2024 print

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