Huntsville Police Department Annual Report 2022 : simplebooklet.com

2022 ANNUAL REPORT CONTENTSMESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR .......................................... 4ELECTED OFFICIALS ......................................................... 5MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF ............................................ 6COMMAND STAFF .............................................................. 7MISSION, VISION &VALUES ............................................. 8HUNTSVILLE POLICE ........................................................ 9CRIME STATS ..................................................................... 10BUDGET .............................................................................. 11COMMUNITY PROGRAMS ................................................ 12OPERATIONS ...................................................................... 16PRECINCTS ........................................................................ 17SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION ..................................... 18INVESTIGATIONS................................................................ 20ADMINISTRATIVE BUREAU ............................................... 22PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS & TRAINING .................... 24INTERNAL AFFAIRS .......................................................... 26POLICE ACADEMY ............................................................. 28POLICE SUPPORT ............................................................... 30

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 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTTommy BattleMayor of Huntsville MESSAGE FROM THE MAYORThe Huntsville Police Department’s Annual Report provides an excellent opportunity to commend the 700 men and women who serve in various public safety roles in support of our community. They continue a longstanding tradition of service through dedication to the department’s mission and core values — to protect life, liberty, property and defend the constitutional rights of all people with compassion, fairness, integrity and professionalism. It is these values that guided our police force each and every day with open hearts and open minds, demonstrating an enduring commitment to security and safety. As you read through the 2022 report, you will see that Huntsville remains one of the safest cities in America. Our police department is innovative and leading in eorts to modernize law enforcement that works for and with our residents. I am proud that Huntsville police provided the model for the state’s mental health crisis intervention program. They also set the standard for collaboration and shared resources with other law enforcement agencies. As mayor, I prioritize safety and quality of life in Huntsville, and that means providing full support for the Huntsville Police Department. I remain grateful to our oicers for their dedication and commitment and for the dierence they are making in Huntsville, the Star of Alabama.

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 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTMESSAGE FROM THE CHIEFAs the City of Huntsville’s newly appointed Chief of Police, I am grateful to Mayor Tommy Battle, City Administration and the City Council for their confidence in me and our outstanding team of oicers and civilian personnel. With this honor, my 45-year career has come full circle. I am humbled and blessed to serve and lead the brave and exemplary men and women of the Huntsville Police Department.In 2022, Huntsville was ranked the best place to live in the United States by the U.S. News & World Report. The year before, census numbers confirmed Huntsville is the largest city in the state. A desirable quality of life, which includes public safety, are two reasons why our popularity is soaring.Even with our rapid growth, the Huntsville Police Department has kept crime low by modernizing crime detection, suspect apprehension and prosecution. Simply stated, we remain committed to providing exceptional service to all citizens.Throughout my four-decade career with the Huntsville Police Department, I’ve seen many positive changes within our department as well as policies and procedures related to community policing. This evolution will continue. A police oicer’s role is more than enforcing the law; oicers show compassion, empathy and respect to help your fellow community members. Like you, I want what’s best for Huntsville because it’s my home, too.As your Chief, I pledge to provide the best training and resources for our employees to eectively do their jobs and grow in their roles as public servants. We will continue to recruit and retain a diverse department that mirrors the community we serve. I want to personally thank each of you, our citizens, for your ongoing support of our police oicers and civilian personnel. Chief Kirk Giles Police Chief

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 | 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, integrityand 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 eorts to enhance public safety and improve the quality of life for all people in Huntsville. We fulfill this vision by being eicient and firm 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 Accountability | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

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ANNUAL REPORT  | HUNTSVILLE POLICE 2022The Huntsville Police Department provides a full range of police services to the City’s numerous diverse neighborhoods, cultures, residents and businesses. In 2022, HPD maintained approximately 500 sworn oicers and 200 civilian employees. Led by the Chief of Police and Command Sta, law enforcement operations are conducted by the Operations, Investigations and Administrative divisions that work together to provide Huntsville’s growing community with the nation’s most modern police services and best practices, particularly focused on community partnership programs.Through this structure, HPD is committed to providing excellent police service to every citizen, business owner and visitor. We strive to increase safety, improve quality of life and prevent crime through a myriad of collaborative, engaged and evidence-based policing strategies. We focus on problem-solving as a principal strategy for addressing crime and disorder. This requires taking ownership of a community as a police oicer, city worker, social service agent, outreach worker, resident, businessperson and property owner. HPD takes pride in advancing and encouraging innovative strategies to prevent crime. We utilize strategic and tactical analysis to focus our eorts on patterns of crime involving specific locations, repeat victims and habitual oenders. More importantly, the problem-solving philosophy has contributed to a strong, cohesive and team-oriented bond between law enforcement and the community. This dynamic partnership helps to decrease crime and improve the quality of life for all.

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 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY PROGRAMSThe philosophy of the Huntsville Police Department is to work as one unit with the public and be a trusted partner. Oicers strive to do this through a host of citizen programs and initiatives and by holding themselves accountable to the highest standards of professionalism through each interaction with residents and businesses. By working proactively and consistently to better understand community needs, police can help prevent criminal activity and be a public ally. HPD’s community initiatives are designed to help residents find solutions to everyday concerns. Are cars parked on the street where they may be easy targets for vandals? Perhaps shrubs are too high around windows or there is poor lighting at night. How might security cameras benefit an area or participation in HPD’s Camera Share program? Are neighbors concerned about illegal drug activity, domestic abuse, mental health or homelessness? Police draw on a wealth of knowledge and resources with mission-specific training and knowledge to address these public needs. While law enforcement will never possess all the answers, partnering with residents and businesses through programs and activities is paramount in developing a team approach to resolving challenges.

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ANNUAL REPORT  | COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICERS (CRO) Each precinct designates two CROs to serve as community liaisons. The CROs recognize not every issue fits into a 911 call, and as the precinct’s “go-to” person, oicers serve as a sounding board on issues and trends impacting residents. CROs educate homeowners and businesses on ways they can keep their property and neighborhoods safe. They serve as ombudsmen, counselors, advisors, mediators, public speakers and general problem solvers. SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO) SROs directly liaise with students at Huntsville City Schools. Their primary task is to make children feel safe so they may concentrate on learning. SROs are in a unique position to forge trusting relationships with students and serve as mentors to instill a healthy respect for making good life choices. CO-RESPONDER PROGRAM In 2021, HPD initiated a co-responder program with WellStone Health to address the increasing number of mental health-related calls for service. Funding for the collaboration provides two full-time, master’s degree-level mental health professionals to accompany Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certified police oicers on crisis calls. The goal is to improve response and provide alternatives that divert citizens away from jail and toward mental health resources.CITIZENS 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 Academy and Senior Crime Academy. COMMUNITY WATCH & CRIMESTOPPERS These long-standing programs engage the community in helping keep the public safe. Community Watch members take turns surveying their neighborhoods to help identify potential safety issues, and Crimestoppers asks the public for information to help solve crimes. RIDE ALONG WITH A POLICE OFFICER Citizens may sign up to ride along with a police oicer on duty. It’s an excellent way to gain a new perspective on what oicers experience on a daily basis. Community continued on next page >>>

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 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTRANGER PROGRAM Through the Ranger Program and summer camp opportunities, area youth receive an insider’s look at law enforcement’s many roles. These immersive experiences allow youth, some of whom may be at risk, to see a new side of policing—one that may ultimately lead to a better life and possibly a career in law enforcement. HOMELESS LIAISON HPD is an active participant in the Continuum of Care partnership, led by the City of Huntsville’s Community Development oice, to connect unsheltered residents with caseworkers who will facilitate assistance with housing, health care, employment and other critical needs. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION HPD remains committed to listening to the public and keeping the community informed through its website, social media pages, public meetings, programs and activities. A Public Information Oicer responds to media inquiries. For more information, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/Police.HUNTSVILLE POLICE CITIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL (HPCAC) This citizen-led group brings a public perspective to law enforcement’s policies and procedures. Appointed by the Mayor and City Council, the 13-member council features a diverse mix of community leaders who advise police on a variety of topics, including diversity, recruitment, training and discipline. The group holds public meetings where residents can discuss issues directly with oicers and HPCAC members. These gatherings will provide opportunities for police to better understand the complex social fabric of the community and foster mutual trust.Community continued >>>

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 | 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 eiciency and expertise. In today’s world, one size does not fit all. Across Police Operations, oicers use strategic and tactical analysis to focus local crime-fighting eorts on patterns of crime involving specific locations, repeat victims and habitual oenders. 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 oicers on the street who answer daily calls for service from people in need. Assigned to one of the City’s three precincts, patrol oicers 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 oicers are assigned to one of HPD’s three precincts. Each precinct has a Commander who oversees operations to ensure community policing occurs within their specified 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 Oicers, Lieutenants, Sergeants and patrol personnel who provide 24/7 coverage.NORTH PRECINCT Capt. Jesse Sumlin 4014 N. Memorial Parkway Huntsville, AL 35810(256) 746-4111SOUTH PRECINCT Capt. Jerry King 7900 Bailey Cove Road SE Huntsville, AL 35802(256) 213-4500WEST PRECINCT Capt. Michael Johnson 2110 Clinton Avenue W. Huntsville, AL 35802(256) 427-7225

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 | 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 traic enforcement, traic control, accident investigation and public vehicle regulation enforcement. They further collaborate with other agencies concerning special events and potential catastrophic situations. The specific functions of Special Operations are as follows. TRAFFIC SERVICESThese units are responsible for traic enforcement to include crash reporting, emergency weather response, police escorts and driving under the influence (DUI). Traic 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, COVID-19 testing sites and more. Traic-related fatalities remain a leading global cause of accidental death, and oicers focus on high crash locations and areas with multiple fatalities or serious injuries. If a particular need or issue arises, oicers are trained to evaluate, educate and enforce traic safety laws. PUBLIC SAFETY AIDESCivilian employees work with Traic Services to provide general supervision and support for children and pedestrians at designated crossing points, primarily during school drop-o and pick-up times. Public Safety Aides also assist the police department with traic control during special events, where the safe crossing of pedestrians at designated crossing points is required.BIKE UNIT Oicers 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 for the public. Like patrol cars, bikes are equipped with flashing lights, sirens, a first-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, hostag-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 tool in reducing violent acts against innocent victims. They also aim to save the

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ANNUAL REPORT  | lives of people who suer 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 nonlethal 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 oicers who have been selected, trained and equipped to resolve high-risk tactical situations. These oicers 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 flexibility 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 UNITCertified 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 oicers in conducting building and narcotic searches, tracking lost individuals and fleeing oenders. 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 Oicer 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 oicers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

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ANNUAL REPORT  | NORTH 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 eicient, eective policing. External agencies include the ATF, FBI, Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), Alabama Air National Guard, Madison County Sheri’s Oice 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. Video forensics help Major Crimes Unit investigators solve death investigations. The NAMACC Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Team (sUAS) operates and maintains 19 highly capable aircraft, including three specialized aircraft for SWAT and nighttime operations. The team includes 29 FAA-licensed pilots. NORTH ALABAMA DRUG TASK FORCE Led by HPD, the North Alabama Drug Task Force (NADTF) comprises a multijurisdictional drug-fighting eort. Participating agencies include the Madison County Sheri’s Oice, Madison Police Department and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The task force further assists federal investigations with the 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 oice to federally prosecute opiate dealers and gather intelligence on heroin/fentanyl drug traicking organizations. In 2021, NADTF saw a significant 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 oicers 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 eort, particularly in fighting drugs and other organized criminal activities.

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ANNUAL REPORT  | ADMINISTRATIVE BUREAUThe demanding and diicult work by police oicers would not be possible without the eorts of hundreds of civilian employees who manage the department’s administrative aairs. Tasked with supporting roles, they keep HPD up and running by handling everything from 911 dispatch calls to fingerprinting, evidence collection, records management, tech support, alarm systems and fleet maintenance. Each unit plays a critical role in supporting police oicers’ abilities to perform their jobs reliably and safely. HPD invests heavily in new software and hardware so civilian employees have the most advanced technology to provide these services.911 DISPATCH/COMMUNICATIONS A crucial component in police operations, 911 dispatch and communications operators are Huntsville’s frontline responders in law enforcement. They calmly and professionally respond to hundreds of thousands of emergency and non-emergency calls for help each year. Working out of the Huntsville/Madison County 911 Center, these first responders work on multiple software platforms to assist oicers in the field. EVIDENCE This division requires a high level of professionalism and recordation to manage, catalog and maintain evidence to be used in the investigative process. Civilian employees receive, process, store and secure all in-custody property and evidence. Technicians also transport evidence approved for destruction from cleared cases. RECORDS Accident and criminal incident reports are sent to civilian employees in records management. Clerks maintain police records, reports, logs, case files, and other departmental documentation and materials. Reports must be readily available for victims and law enforcement for timely due process. IDENTIFICATION Fingerprint identification is one of HPD’s most important tools in solving crimes and identifying individuals. Identification employees work with the Biometric Automated Fingerprint Identification 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.“HPD civilian personnel are the backbone of public safety. They help guide members of the public through some of their most diicult moments and keep our department running eiciently and eectively. ” DEPUTY CHIEF SCOTT HUDSON

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 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT“Ongoing training is vital to our success as a law enforcement agency. We understand the importance of critical thinking and making certain oicers are skilled in modern law enforcement methods. Those we serve deserve nothing less.”LIEUTENANT TESS HUGHES PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS & TRAINING Huntsville Police Department strives to maintain the highest professional standards in law enforcement. Annually accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), the department goes above and beyond state and national requirements to make certain police are well-trained to handle the needs and demands of a socially and economically diverse community. HPD formed the Professional Standards and Training Division in 2021 to bring Internal Aairs, the Oice of Accreditation and Police Academy under one division. This consolidation provides a cohesive approach in the instruction and enforcement of departmental policies and written directives, and helps to ensure clear direction and training accountability. With the benefit of state-of-the-art training facilities, the division instructs other law enforcement in the metro area as well as from across the country. While the State of Alabama requires 12 hours of annual training for each oicer, HPD provides oicers with a minimum of 24 hours of new training each year. Through a collegiate setting, oicers can choose to take additional electives to grow personally and professionally in their career. Most oicers participate in 40 hours of training, and many receive 100 hours or more on an annual basis. A training focus in 2021 centered on handling the most diicult cases for people with mental health issues. Through Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), oicers are trained to recognize when a person is in a mental health crisis and how to peacefully resolve the situation. Training includes de-escalation techniques and courses on bias and decision-making.

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ANNUAL REPORT  | OFFICE OF ACCREDITATION Huntsville Police Department 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; Traic 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 Oice of Accreditation is responsible for reviewing policies and procedures to confirm 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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 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTINTERNAL AFFAIRS Internal Aairs (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 specific law enforcement actions. IA provides objective analysis that recognizes and preserves the rights of both the public and employees.Critical to the professionalism of the department is a rigorous review of all candidates for hire. IA conducts background investigations and polygraphs on prospective HPD employees, ensuring only the most qualified individuals are hired. Staed by highly trained individuals, IA specializes in pre-employment screening and criminal-specific testing. This service is provided not only to HPD, but also to other law enforcement agencies in North Alabama and Southern Tennessee. Reviews are initiated by IA through random sampling of calls for service, at the request of the chain-of-command, and in response to citizen-filed complaints. Members of the public with questions or concerns have direct access to IA via phone, email, or in-person meetings.In 2022, IA received and fully investigated 165 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 findings*Proper Conduct 132Improper Conduct 27Insuicient Evidence 3Pending 0*Numbers represent an incident. A complaint may include multiple incidents by a single oicer.

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 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTPOLICE ACADEMY The Police Academy coordinates and delivers high quality, cost-eective 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 oicers 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; first-aid emergency assistance; de-escalation techniques, apprehension and arrest; weapons handling; communication; negotiation; criminal psychology; stress and non-stress training; and physical fitness. The Police Academy hosts a variety of multiagency training, as did the Huntsville Firearms Training Facility, in partnership with the FBI-Birmingham Division. The firearms facility on Wall Triana Highway oers 14,000 square feet of indoor training as well as seven outdoor sites on 40 acres, including a 40-lane outdoor firing range, 270-degree all-purpose range and 600-yard rifle range. Agencies can also deploy nonlethal ammunition to prepare for real-life scenarios.

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ANNUAL REPORT  | STUDENT 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 oicers on patrol and learn more about their daily responsibilities. RECRUITMENTThe Huntsville Police Department uses multiple tools to attract and recruit the finest individuals. Oicer and Recruiter Paul Nordan leveraged social media, digital advertisements. open houses, training sessions and school visits to reach potential candidates. The selection process for police oicers is detailed, intricate and lengthy. Once potential candidates pass the physical agility/ability test, it takes about six months before they receive an oer of acceptance to the Police Academy. In 2022, 19 oicers graduated from the Police Academy and the department hired lateral oicers from outside law enforcement agencies. The lateral oicers hired from outside Alabama attended a refresher Academy hosted by the state. With these hires, HPD increased manpower while maintaining high standards for new oicers. Diversity plays a significant 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 Join HPD.com.ANNUAL REPORT  | 

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 | HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENTPOLICE SUPPORTThe Huntsville Police Department recognizes the often-demanding and stressful roles placed on its sworn oicers and civilian workers. If an employee feels unwell, they will likely not be able to handle the complex interactions the day might bring. With support from the Mayor and City Council, HPD is continuing to provide resources and new programs to monitor and support the physical and mental health of its employees. The Huntsville Police Department regularly explores new assistance options to provide employees and their families with the resources needed to keep them physically and mentally healthy. These resources include physical fitness initiatives, a chaplaincy program, certified and licensed counseling, a Peer Support Team, Employee Assistance Program and financial advising. While some of these programs are available only for the employees, many are also open to family members.

Huntsville Police Department Annual Report 2022

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