Moments of Truth

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The Scottsdale Police Department implemented the Moments of Truth philosophy within our department viewing each citizen contact as an opportunity to win the respect, trust and support of the community. Recognizing the community is the first line of defense against crime and the most essential component in preventing it, moments of truth contacts will reinforce the community’s resolve to help us develop safer neighborhoods through community partnerships and participation.

A community’s willingness to cooperate is born out of the level of trust, respect and support they have for their police. All police personnel can leverage public support, trust and respect by embracing and promoting enhanced customer service or “moments of truth” in policing. 

  

November 2011

  • Cold case investigation tenacity

The Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) continues to pursue cases and leads involving missing persons and homicides until solved, no matter what amount of time has elapsed. Detective Lockerby has been working a case involving missing person case from the late 1970’s which was recently reclassified as a homicide. The tough task of notifying the family of the change in status and opening up old wounds amongst family members fell upon Detective Lockerby. Please see the comments and letter below regarding the actions of Detective Lockerby, his diligent work efforts, and care/comfort provided to victims after thirty plus years. We are proud of your tireless efforts to clear some of the oldest cases that still haunt the Scottsdale Police Department.

Respectfully Submitted,
Lt. Todd Larson #553
      
Persons Crimes Section -
Hugh, My brother Randy gave me your email address. I'm Doug's sister, living in Colorado. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My whole family appreciates what you've done and are continuing to do for us. I thought I'd share the email I sent out tonight to family and friends. 
With respect and deep appreciation, Connie Davis

I'm writing this tonight with tears in my eyes, a heavy heart, and thinking about the 34 years, 3 months, and 27 days of prayers. Today my loving parents, two brothers, and sister received word that Doug's remains had been found. Dennis called me this evening with details. The detective told Dennis and Randy that the DNA samples that had recently been taken from both of them and Mom and Dad were a positive match.  Doug's remains were discovered in a wash near the Scottsdale Rd. and Pinnacle Peak areas. After years of heartache, wondering if we'd ever get an answer, tonight we got one. But yet, it continues to cause more questions that have never been answered. Why? God, why? Maybe in the big scheme of life it was better we didn't have details. Who could be responsible for the tragic loss of a loving son, brother and wonderful young man? What happened? Why? It has been so hard all these years not knowing.
 
God, you know he's been in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers all these years. We've cried until we thought there would be no more tears. We've prayed for peace of mind, we've prayed hoping there had been no suffering or pain, we've prayed for strength, courage to cope, healing of our hearts, and quiet remembrances amongst ourselves. Never wanting to burden other people with our loss, we've kept Doug as a quiet memory, remembering him with nothing but love.
 
Jesus you are the healer. You have the answers. So it is You we continue to trust and lean on. We placed Doug in your loving arms 34 years ago...knowing we couldn't help him, but You were holding him close.  Justice may or may not be served, but God, you are the ultimate judge.
Love your big sister who loves you forever.  

  • A letter to Chief Rodbell

On October 11, 2011, Phoenix Police Department's Fugitive Apprehension Impact Detail detectives responded to an apartment complex in the City of Scottsdale following an anonymous tip that a fugitive showcased on America's Most Wanted and wanted for a double homicide in Los Angeles, was living with his girlfriend at that address. Some Phoenix Police detectives were the first to respond and notified the Scottsdale Police Department dispatcher of their presence and purpose. They then made contact with management and maintenance at the complex. Information on the residence showed that tenant was supposed to be the sole person living there.

A white male was seen entering the apartment after being admitted by a black male. This happened rather quickly and a positive identification was not able to be made on the black male. A short time later the white male left the apartment, by himself, and then drove out of the parking structure. One Phoenix detective and Scottsdale patrol units contacted this subject and it was ascertained that fugitive was in one of the apartments. A Phoenix Sergeant formulated a plan to surround and call out the subjects. This tactic was met with success and two black males were called out of the apartment and detained. The second male to exit was positively identified as the homicide suspect.

The following Scottsdale Police Department Officers responded to assist in securing the inner perimeter and in joining the arrest team: Sergeant Lewis, K9 Officer Kerby, Officer Garcia, Officer Fellows, Officer Thornton, Officer Safsten, and Officer Callies. The listed Scottsdale officers demonstrated the level of professionalism and cooperation that all professional police departments strive for. Their unquestioning willingness to provide support in our investigation was an unwavering example of dedication to duty and the protection of the citizens of the greater Phoenix area.

Sincerely, JOSEPH G. YAHNER, Acting Police Chief

  • D3 Officers help female robbery victim

On 11/5/11, Officers Brian Reynolds and Milne responded to a strong armed robbery involving a 79 year old female victim. During the incident she had her purse pulled off her shoulder and was pushed into a wall. To make matters worse she was all alone due to having to admit her husband into the hospital that same day. Once the initial investigation was completed both Officers Reynolds and Milne went about helping the woman cancel her credit cards and arranged to help her get a new license. Over the next two shifts they stopped by to make sure she was doing OK and to check to see if she needed anything. While it would have been within policy to take the report and move on, these two officers remembered what it means to be Scottsdale Police Officers and no doubt left a lasting impression on one of our residents.

Submitted by Sgt. John Zobel #611

October 2011

  • Remembering Julee

    A moment of sorrow…
    On August 25, 2011 Officer Julee Patterson passed away after a courageous fight with cancer. Julee was a member of the Scottsdale Police Department’s family and it saddened us all. Thankfully, the death of a current employee is a rare event for us. We are very fortunate that in the department’s history we have had only one Line of Duty Death and only a few others have suddenly passed away as a result of accidents or medical conditions. Julee’s passing however, was different from most others.  

Julee was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year ago. She chose to be open about her condition.  We all watched and prayed as Julee underwent treatment. We saw her come and go from work as she fought past the medical hurdles she encountered. News of Julee’s prognosis was sometimes grim. Other times it was encouraging and we began to think that maybe, just maybe, she would win her fight. All along, she endeavored to maintain a positive attitude. Ultimately, Julee succumbed to her illness. She is at rest now. She will be missed.   

A moment of pride…  
Julee had many friends in the organization. Over the past year, we witnessed an out pouring of support for her. Hundreds of us walked or ran during “Julee’s Run”, a fund raiser organized by POSA, to help pay some of the medical expenses and provide Julee a little extra money to spend on things she would enjoy. It was an impressive event and a huge success. As Julee’s condition worsened, many of us saw her close friends rally to support her and her family members who were tirelessly helping to care for her. What many people did not see was what happened behind the scenes. 

Quietly, Julee shared her last wish with Chief Rodbell. She wanted to be buried in uniform. Out of respect for our organization, Julee asked permission. Out of respect for Julee, that privilege was granted. It was earned. As the time got nearer, PCIS personnel and Peer Support began a closer vigil.  Funeral preparations were coordinated between the family, close friends, two different funeral homes, and the Honor Guard. Our Service Support Unit personnel ordered special American flags and a flag case for the flag that would be presented to the family. They also purchased a complete new uniform, boots, and even a new Stetson. A collage of pictures from Julee’s Run was made to be displayed at Julee’s services. The Explorers made plans to help. And, multiple other people worked together on other details to ensure we would be ready when the time came.   
In the end, Julee received very dignified services. Although it was very sad, it should also serve as a moment of pride for all of us. We should be proud of the support Julee was shown before her passing.  We should be proud of all the people who worked behind the scenes to ensure we fulfilled Julee’s last wish. And, we should be proud of the way so many people rallied to help Julee’s family both before and after her passing. The gratitude the family showed, and the comments they have made about our compassion and dedication to ensuring Julee was treated with the utmost respect were touching. 

A moment of truth…
Although we are all saddened by Julee’s passing, it should serve as a reminder to all of us that the men and women of the Scottsdale Police Department are not just co-workers. We are a family who care about each other. For that, we are fortunate. For that, we can all be proud. And, it is a moment of truth in which we can all find comfort.   

Respectfully submitted,
Lt. Todd Muilenberg
Honor Guard Commander

  • Officer helps regain stolen bicycle

    I wanted to bring to light a situation I was involved in on September 23rd, 2011 with Sergeant Tom Kane. As Sergeant Kane and I were eating at the hospital, a male hospital worker approached our table and asked to sit with us. This male went on to explain that he was the victim of an armed robbery in Phoenix in which his bicycle was taken from him on July 4, 2011. The victim further explained that he had since located his bicycle at a Pawn Shop along THomas Road, but has had difficulty receiving assistance from the Phoenix Police Department in getting his bicycle back.
     
    As the conversation continued, Sergeant Kane asked the man several questions and noted his responses. Sergeant Kane’s experience in such matters was clearly evident as he spoke with him.  After speaking with the victim for approximately 10 minutes, Sergeant Kane told him he would go to the EZ Money Pawn Shop at the beginning of his next shift to see if he could be of assistance in the return of his bicycle. Sergeant Kane obtained the man’s contact information and the two parted ways.
     
    At that point, I was not only impressed with Sergeant Kane’s knowledge and the compassion he showed for the victim, I was also impressed with Sergeant Kane’s plan to make the situation a training opportunity for a member of his squad. That night I learned Sergeant Kane had been mentoring Officer Chris Rose regarding the relationship between the police department and the various pawn shops in the city, including the pawn shop laws, ordinances and common practices. Because of this, Sergeant Kane planned to bring Officer Rose with him when he went to the pawn shop at the beginning of his next shift.
     

    I returned to work at 2100 hours on Friday, September 23rd; 4½ hours after Sergeant Kane. As I walked past Sergeant Kane’s office, I noticed a bicycle identical to the one described placed inside.  I later learned that Sergeant Kane and Officer Rose not only retrieved the bicycle from the pawn shop at the beginning of their shift, they did so in a way that the pawn shop owner insisted on the immediate return of the bicycle to the victim without requesting a hearing.
     
    I was present at the hospital at 0000 hours on September 24th when Sergeant Kane returned the bicycle to the man.  As Sergeant Kane walked the bicycle toward the hospital’s dining area, several members of the hospital stopped and commented that the bicycle Sergeant Kane was pushing must be “Red’s,” as he had been talking about the return of his bicycle all day.  When Sergeant Kane met with him inside the hospital’s dining room and returned the bicycle the man was so overcome with joy that he began smiling from ear to ear and gave Sergeant Kane a bear hug. It was clear that the bicycle was very important to the victim, and I later learned why. The man said he was previously overweight and suffered from diabetes; however, by riding his bicycle, he was able to lose 70 pounds and mitigate the effects of the diabetes. It was clear that the bicycle Sergeant Kane returned to him was more than just a mode of transportation; it was the mechanism that turned his life around. 
     
    It would have been easy for Sergeant Kane to pass the buck back to the Phoenix Police Department and continue eating his lunch. It would have been easy to shrug off the man’s plight as the mere loss of a bicycle. But Sergeant Kane jumped right in without hesitation and personally handled the situation quicker than I would have thought possible. Sergeant Kane should be commended for his compassion, dedication to mentoring and exemplary customer service.
     
    Submitted by Patrick Regan

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