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2005 Public Safety Annual Report 2005 Public Safety Department Annual Report Village of North Palm Beach Department of Public Safety 2005 Annual Report FIRE (� 0_- �.� RESCUE Ill 10 i g � a Chief Jimmy Knight U~'l:.R~r If~tf: This report vas prepared by the Village of North Palm Beach Department of Public Safety to provide an overview o('the ac- tivities in the ~~illage duri-tg 20(15. 'this report is not inclusive or all activities but highlights the initiatives and activities per- formed by members of the Deparunent of Public Safety that have made a si~.~nilicant impact for the residents in the Village of North Pahu Beach_ Department command staff personnel will ahvays be available to discuss in detail any concerns that arc not addressed in this report. i~~lission Statement We, ilte \orth Palm Reach Public Safety Department, are com- mitted to proyidin~~ the highest quality of public safety services by maintaining respect litr indi~ idea) rights and human dignity and by empowering our members and the community to work in partnership ~yith the ~~oal of improrin~; the quality of life ~~ ithin our community. Transitional Issues: In \oyember 200-1. C'hiefJinunv Kni~~ht was hired to serve as the Director of Public Safety oyerseein~~ both Police Services and Firc Rescue in the ~-i11a~~eol~North Palm Reach. Chiei'Knight has brought to the Village progressive Public Safety sere ice spannin~~ over 27 years with a balance of adminis- U~ative, inccsti~iati~e and tactual field command experience. An assessment of both the adminisu•ative and operational poli- ciesand `.:Dais of the Department u:ts immediately conducted. 't'he Depnruneiu of Public Safety org,ant/allanal SIrUCltlfe tyaS realigned Stith greater emphasis on accountability. Pau'ol shifts were adjusted eliminating the practice of "scheduled" overtime. ~tininunn sta(7ing procedures ~ti•ere established Ibr bath Police and fire Rescue services. A realignment ofduties and responsi- bilities achieved autonomy liet~~~een the respective professional disciplines. "Che Palm Beach County Level of Service requirement was achieved chu~ing, this period almost twa years earlier than re- quired, throu~~h partnerships' with Palm Beach Gardens and County Fire. level of Seri ice has brought wish it "Automatic Aid" with our partnered accncies, interopcrability on an 10U y~IHi radio system and emergency medical dispatch (EMD). The tiorth Sub-Station project has progressed with land acquisi- tion adjacent to the 13enjatuin School property. Request for pro- posals tRFP) to identify contractors have been published and Federal grant applications submitted. This project should see ground breaking in Tate 20oG. Community Involvement: The Village of North Palm Beach Department of Public Safety believes strongly in working closely with the community in order to ascertain and meet their needs. The Department has identified all existing neighborhood groups and worked diligently to form neighborhood associations where there were none. To date, one hundred and three (103) homeowner and Neighborhood Watch associations throughout the Village have been formed and a liaison with them has been created. The Department maintains a list of all meeting dates and has created a policy requiring department personnel to attend all neighborhood meetings. In addition to attending neighborhood meetings, the Department has been involved in numerous community-based programs. The Department has also been involved with all Village schools both private and public by attending PTA/PTO meetings, D.A.R.E. graduations and other school functions. The below list of community review, it is just a few of the Beach. CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS: BEACON LIGHT: The North Palm Department of Public Safety offers our residents the Emergency Beacon Light. The Emergency Beacon Aids Emergency Response Personnel in locating your home. The light is a standard 60 watts bulb that blinks when activated. BICYCLES DONATED TO NEEDY CHILDREN: The North Palm Beach Department of Public Safety collects unwanted bicycles that will be then donated to needy children. The bikes are presented to children whose families cannot afford to purchase a bike for their youngster. BICYCLE REGISTRATION: This program involves juveniles and adults registering their bicycles with the Village of North Palm Beach Department of Public Safety, via the bicycle serial number, to assist Officers in reducing the number of bicycles stolen and to help identify stolen bicycles. A sticker, with a corresponding based initiatives along with a bri programs currently in place here number, is placed on the bicycle that will identify the owner. CASH FOR YOUR CLASS: North Palm Beach Department of Public Safety recycles empty ink jet and laser printer cartridges for cash which is then donated to North Palm Beach Elementary School. C.A.T. Program: The "Combat Auto Theft" program is utilized to fight back against auto theft. Upon registration with proof of vehicle ownership and drivers license, the vehicle owner signs a consent form authorizing North Palm Beach Police Officers to conduct a traffic stop on their vehicle if their vehicle is being operated between the hours of 1:OOam and 5:OOam. A yellow C.A.T. sticker is placed on the owner's rear windshield notifying Officers of participation in this program. of description is provided for in the Village of North Palm C'!-I .I.I'llO?~I~a~rOSI:NIOIt`~ I'lu)(iltntil: I hu Uupnrununt eulluut. cull phones, ++hich arc then passed out w senior citiirm thmugh- out the area tar emrr:;unuv usu. C'Itl\1L !'ltl:A'I~:;si~l I!)?~ (Y)Iy1\~Lt'sil C1" i\11 1 f11(i~: I rained I'uhlic tialcty Ucpart- ntettt OIl Irr11 Cltntlltel el'In1C pl'C\'CttUun mrel- ittg. iu cctmnuntitics and discuss what pruh- lrm. Wray hr occurring and +~`ays to help one anotltrr uumhat uritnu. I hix is an upon tlia- lo~~ur hrta'ecn all parties invohud tintling so- Itttirms to issues. t\t'l.UR1~.R 1'ItOGIZM~I_~I"his program is for individuals but+vuun the ages of 1=) to 12;, l hr participants +vill he inU'oduuud to the many facets ol• I;-+r cnloruumcnt anti ummguncy sur- vicuti. l hu I:~plorurs +vork hand and hand ++ith OIliucts and uasist in the cunnnunity policin~~ philosophy. This program is diructrd to+vards individuals +rhu arc inturustctl in law cnli,rru- munt and +vant to learn about the rusponsihili- tius untailud. I:auh I":xplurur mull moat curtain rcyuiruntrnts hrloru hrin~, arcr{ttrtl into the program. (it ,N I .C )('Kti: North Palm Brach I)cpurt- ntrnl ol` I'lIhI1C S;IIrIV rnCltltl'a~'rS sale ~~lln ac,ragc in home, to pruvunt the likulihootl of u'uciu auuidcnts. !\ loukin~ tluviru. +rhun in- aallctl un a lirvarm ant) suuurud h+~• a kuv or oomhinuUon lock. pruvcnts the gun 1•rom being tlisuhar~~ud +vithuut lira rcnuwin~~ the tlcvicu. Kurth Palm Beach 1'uliuu I)upartntrnt hands out I Itl:1: gun Icx:ks to anyone o+vning a gun. OI'I~-It.-~V"IlON C'lltl.l :Opuratian ('hill is a pr~- gram in utn.junutiun with ? I;luvun and the Kurth I'ulm 13uuuh IhparUnunt of Public tiat4ty. >\urth Palm 13rauh 1'ulicu O17iuurs hands out I IZI 1: "tilurpuu" coupons to thusu uhildrun +vuarutg those hiuvrlc hulntutzl S~\l~l~.ll'.A~':'\KINI~:~~ I'ltO(iK~AM: We hustud suvural spousal ~ulvly r\+varunuss I'ro- ~~rams li,r c,ur rr.itlrnt, ++hirh inrlutlyd topics un sex ollcntlcrs, inturnut sality, crime u'rnd and hurricane preparation. tit:( l'Itl 11' ~liK\'I Y~; - IIO'\[I::\NI) 13t1~1- Nlati: tipcuially u-uincd Village of Kurth Palm 13cuch I)upartntunt ufl'uhlie Salcty OIlirurs alter ti•uu rusiduntial and husinuss security sur- +uv~ to lu„rn the uhanuu ufa hruak-in to your rr,idcncr or bu.inusa. O1'tiuurs +vill provide important tips un dour lurk., alarm systrnt~, lighting, luntlseulting, and other uruus that nary help prcecm huuum- in~ ;t +'Ietlnt. titl~q~.11":It C.1~91' I'r\R'I~II'IC.~CI~ION: Our O17icurs visit sununur ruttps tlu•uu~.;huut our conununity. C'hildren are taught about tiU•an4~- ur I T,mgur. ~) 111•:mrrgunuy Culls. 13icyulu tiuloty, and arbor thunus that unuhlu our chil- drun to hr sale anti to protect them li-om harm. "Cl I1~: 01.1113" (i1V1~.;1\1~'AYS: In rtaponsu to 21n :IIV;t hit\'Ing im aunt C1'Intr pt'uhlcnl, lhr 1'uhlic tialcty f)upurununt +vill provide'`"1'hc Club" givra+~~ays to u++'nurs ol`~chirlr,, in the target uru;t, that are uwnw•s of unu ul` the "fOI' 11) stolen cchiclcs in our ucnnuv. " I"hu Club" i~ an anti-auto thcl`t dc~ iuc that lucks the stcrrin~~ +a-heel dutcrring of(cndurs from attumptin~s to steal a vuhiclc. I I(I:~p~\titi I'IZO(iKt\-\1: VillaLC of North I'ulm 13uauh 1)rttarUttunt ut`Puhlic tiali;ty "Nu frespassing" suns are placed un huiltiings in visible locations authorising Oli'irrts to act as u~cuts for the huildint~ c,+vnurs untl aivinz= UI'- ticurs the authority to ruyuust a parson(s) to vacutu the premises. OIl'iurrs must atlvisu the puru,n(s) that lailuru to (uavu the area nt;ty result in arrest. I hr ou'nrr, prior to hiring pro- vitiutl u-uspuss si~~ns for his huildin~.;, must sign an ulliduvit giving uonsunt li,r OIliuur, to art as un agent. V.1.N. 1 I CI IIN(i: "I his program is an anti-auto crime initiative +vhuru the vuhiulu idunti!'iua- tion numhur is utrhud iron +;u•iuus {lams uf` the vchirlu such as all +vindu+vs anti door:. I his •~~ill ussia Ofticcrs in identil~ing vehicle parts that may hu stolen and~or pl;tuutl unto anothm vehicle. This pru~~rum may also help dutur vc- hiulu parts theft and auto thulis in ~~rrn:ral as the purpruator Wray ohsurvc the V.I.V. num- hurs displayutl thruu~:hout the vuhiulu untl ulnu,su not to steal the vuhiulr. \VOkKI:IZ~ ON \\~':\'1011 (\1'.O.\\',): this pro- gram cncuuragus the many cmpluycus of the Village to remain vizilant autl inunutliatuly rupuri all upiciuus activity to la++ unGtruc- ntunt. lhr pru4~rant is a uoopurativu ul'lort hu- tw•uun the Ucpartmcnt of'1'uhliu ~ufcty and the oihcr rntitius ++•ithin the Villaur to prevent crime and assist with duality of lilt issues. Crime Initiatives: The Department has made a tremendous impact on the amount of crime in the Village of North Palm Beach during calendar year 2005. Due to the efforts of our hard working Officers and in partnership with the community, crime has been reduced by 19.1% compared to 2004. This is especially significant as the areas to our South (Lake Park) and West (Palm Beach Gardens) posted an increase in crime of 26.2% and 16.7% respectively according to the Semi-Annual UCR report. The Village of North Palm Beach Public Safety Department works hard at identifying and effectively responding to criminal activity within the Village. This is evidenced by the excellent results we have obtained during this period. The following are graphs reflecting the impact on crime in the Village. Burglaries -The burglaries in the Village have been reduced by 8.9% in year 2005 compared to that of 2004 from 101 to 92 incidents. The clearance rate for this crime has increased from 3.9% to 25.0% during this same time period. 2005 BURGLARIES TOTAL CLEARED BURGLARY-BUSINESS 32 3 BURGLARY-RESIDENCE 60 20 Grand Total 92 23 2004 BURGLARIES_ TOTAL CLEARED BURGLARY-BUSINESS 32 0 BURGLARY-RESIDENCE 69 4 Grand Total 101 4 25.0% Larcenies -The larcenies in the Village have been reduced by 21.1 % in year 2005 compared to that of 2004 from 249 to 189 incidents. The clearance rate for this crime has increased from 6.0% to 11.1% during this same time period. 2005 2004 LARCENIES THEFT-GRAND TOTAL 81 CLEARED 7 THEFT-PETIT 108 14 Grand Total 189 21 Robbery -The robberies in the Robberies were not as prevalen decreased slightly in year 2005. 2005 ROBBERIES BUSINESS TOTAL 4 CLEARED 1 BANK 1 RESIDENTIAL 1 1 OTHER 6 Grand Total 12 2 LARCENIES THEFT-GRAND TOTAL 114 CLEARED 5 THEFT-PETIT 135 10 Grand Total 249 15 11.1% 3.9% ~ 6.0% ~ Village were reduced by only one incident however Bank t as years past. Clearance rates for this crime category 2004 ROBBERIES BUSINESS TOTAL 2 CLEARED BANK 3 1 RESIDENTIAL 1 OTHER 7 2 Grand Total 13 3 16.6% 23.1 Auto Crimes -The auto crimes (auto theft, burglary conveyance) in the Village have been reduced by 27.5% in year 2005 compared to that of 2004 from 120 to 87 incidents. The clearance rate for this crime has increased from 10.0% to 17.2% during this same time period. 2005 AUTO CRIMES TOTAL CLEARED MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 31 7 BURGLARY CONVEYANCE 56 8 Grand Total 87 15 17.2% 2004 AUTO CRIMES TOTAL CLEARED MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 32 7 BURGLARY CONVEYANCE 88 5 Grand Total 120 12 Crime Clearances in the Village have increased by 114% from that of the previous year. 20.8% of the overall crime incidents were cleared in 2005 compared to 9.7% in year 2004. The Village crime clearance rate exceeds that of both the Palm Beach County and State of Florida average. 10.0% Arrest Statistics The Department has made a total of 302 arrests in year 2005 compared to 250 arrests for the same period last year. This is a 20.8% increase in arrests during this time frame. Traffrc Safety: One of the primary objectives for the Department is to provide safe streets to the Village's residents. This is accomplished through aggressive traffic enforcement, the use of deterrents and by educating the drivers in our Village. To achieve accident reduction and increase safety compliance, our crime analysts monitor the time and location of traffic crashes in order to target specific areas or intersections for enforcement and educational programs. The Village has hosted and participated in several traffic enforcement "blitzes" through the cooperative efforts of N.A.M.A.C. These traffic blitzes target "problematic" roadways and/or intersections with saturation enforcement with the hopes of educating the motoring public. The Village also participated in several DUI checkpoints and seat belt education/enforcement campaigns. Traffic Citation Issuance in 2005 is up by 85.4% from that of the previous year. During this period 4,718 traffic citations were issued compared to 2,545 issued in year 2004. It is the policy and belief of your current Administration that "safety" not revenue will always drive our enforcement initiatives. FIKE IzescuE The Fire Rescue Division went through a number of changes in 2005. in Fact, the name Fire Rescue is itself a change. The Public Safety Depart- ment had functioned far years under three Divisions: Police, Fire and EMIS. Ina ^iove to reorganize the Department, Fire and EMS were merged into Fire Rescue. This merger brings the department in line with the operational methods of the mode171 (ire service. In order to provide a higher level of service to the residents and guests of the ~%illage, the Fire Resoue Division now stag's athree-person Atlvancecl Life Support Engine and a two-person Advanced t_ife Support Ambulance as the dully lllllllmnln. rIl1S allO~vs a five-person sta11'ta respond to alt emergencies and, if the ambulance is transporting a patient to the hospital (they u~ansport all Basic Life Sup- port and Advanced Life Support patients) the Engine is still available to respond to a second call for help. 'Phis merger also brought a realignment of our chain of command. "i~he Fire Chief heads this merged Division and the former ER~iS Nianager is now titled as the Assistant lire Chief. The "team Leaders have been re- designated as Fire Rescue lieutenants. 'these are more accurate descrip- tions of their job responsibilities anti align their job titles with the other area departments. All afthese changes work hand-in-hand with the Countywide fire Level of'Se-~~ice Standard. Near year's end an agreement was signed between the Village, Palm Beach Gardens and Palm Beach County establishing boundaries for automatic aid antl included provisions far cunimon dis- patch through Palm Beach County. ~~Vhat this means on a day-to-day basis is more efficient use of the employees' time. Along with emergency response, Fire Rescue personnel have responsibilities tier (ire inspec- tions, pre-tire planning, public education and training. In 2005, fire in- spections increased by 147°ro and u•ainins; hours increased SO°~b while re- sponsetime to emergencies decreased by 22 seconds. Not everything has changed. Volunteers are still an integral part of the operation. [n 200, eighteen volunteers provided over 2600 hours of sta- tion time and still managed to assist ~~ith the Annual Safety Fair, Holiday Boat Parade. Fourth of July, 1-leritage Day and other activities too nu- nlt'rOUS t0 1nCntlOn. 2005 Fire Rescue Calls for Service h ~ Structure Fire ^ Vehicle Fire ^ Other Fire ^ False Alarm ^ Smoke Scare ^ Vehicle Crash ^ Medical ^ Hazardous Materia Special Events and Natural Disaster(s): This "Year End" report would not be complete without mentioning those events that had the greatest impact on both Departmental and Village resources during calendar year 2005. We again experienced firsthand the wrath of "mother nature" with the arrival of hurricanes Katrina and Wilma. On Tuesday August 23~d Tropical Storm #12 /Hurricane Katrina came upon the Florida east coast very rapidly and necessitated swift and deliberate action. The Public Safety Department immediately began preparations in accordance with the established Village of North Palm Beach, 2005/2006 Hurricane Plan. Subsequent to the initial Watch and through the storms progression to Hurricane status, all Village Departments worked in collaboration in preparing both personnel and Village assets for the impending storm. All established Protocols were followed with one major incident. The Generator "switching panel" at Public Safety exploded and caught fire upon the scheduled "Load" test. The damage was catastrophic and the power to the building was completely disrupted. The battery back-up supply provided for dispatch and 911 service for approximately 90 minutes. All emergency and administrative telephone lines along with dispatch had to be rerouted to Palm Beach Gardens until power could be restored to the building. The storm exhibited uncharacteristic patterns with the most severe weather being on the southeast quadrant of the storm. The storm's projected path was to be westerly with a slight northern movement with landfall near the Broward /Palm Beach County line. As we know the storm came ashore at points just south of this projection and moved west southwest. This change in direction and location of the severe weather made for a relatively uneventful incident here in North Palm Beach. On Saturday October 22"d a Hurricane Watch was issued for Hurricane Wilma, and the Public Safety Department, once again immediately began preparations in accordance with the Village of North Palm Beach 2005/2006 Hurricane Plan. Emergency personnel were brought into headquarters to ride the storm out in the Village. Immediately following the storm's passage, Public Safety personnel participated with other Village employees in an Initial Damage Assessment and clearance of debris from Village roads, both of which were completed before nightfall. The E.O.C. remained operational and adequate personnel remained on duty to provide extra security during the curfew that had been established, in addition to handling normal police, fire and emergency medical service duties and until power was completely restored in the Village. Three curfew arrests were made and Fire/Rescue ran a total of 73 calls during the period between October 23~d and 31St. Summary: The Village of North Palm Beach Public Safety Department has made a tremendous impact in the Village of North Palm Beach during this reporting year (2005). The Crime Analysis process utilized by the Department has proven to be an effective tool in addressing crime issues. Although areas surrounding the Village have posted crime rate increases during this period, your Department of Public Safety has reduced crime by 19.1 % in the Village compared to last year. This is being accomplished utilizing the same number of officers and personnel as last year. These Officers now work harder, smarter, and have taken ownership in their assigned communities. The Village's Fire Rescue Division remains one of the best outfitted and staffed agencies within Palm Beach County. All Fire Rescue personnel have attained the necessary Federal NIMS/ICS certifications almost a year earlier than required. The Fire Rescue Division was awarded the RFSI Life Safety Achievement Award during 2005. The professional commitment exhibited by both our career and volunteer Firefighters is second to none. Response times continue to be well below the County's acceptable "response time" which is currently eight (8) minutes. In fact, the Village's Fire Rescue response time average is just four minutes and twenty-three seconds (4.23) almost half the time! A big reason for the successes we have experienced in the Village is our partnerships with the communities that have developed during this year. Through this partnership, we meet on a regular basis, determine the community needs, and provide an effective response to community issues. This is just a beginning of a long-term relationship the Department of Public Safety hopes to have with Village residents. We look forward to continually providing highly effective and professional public safety services to the residents of the Village of North Palm Beach.