The Kent Police Department is offering a Community Police Academy class on six Wednesdays, starting March 31st and ending May 5^th, 2010.   The Academy offers participants an excellent opportunity to learn more about the daily operations of the police department and its role in the community.

The classes will be from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with an officer available for a question and answer session 30 minutes prior to the start of class. The academy will be held at the Police and Fire Training Center, 24611 116^th Ave SE in Kent. There is also a Saturday session, which will include tours of the City of Kent Corrections Facility and our dispatch operations at Valley Communications Center.

The 6-week curriculum includes topics such as officer recruitment and hiring, traffic enforcement, patrol functions, detectives and criminal investigations, SWAT, use of force policy, community education and the Neighborhood Response Team.  K-9 officers will demonstrate their K-9 partner’s abilities.  All questions will be answered.

Academy classes are taught by veteran police officers and supervisors. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with the Chief of Police and staff members. They are encouraged to ask questions and express ideas and concerns to police employees.

The academy is open to any adult (18+), living, working, or interested in the City of Kent and its police department.  There is no cost for attending.

Applications and information are available online at http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/police/ or call the Community Education Unit at 253-856-5838.

“This is an excellent opportunity for residents to gain insight into the day to day operations of the police department” said Sergeant Dina Paganucci. “We enjoy being able to interact with the community and answer any questions they have.”

Today the Kent Police Department issued notices of two sex offenders who have registered to live in downtown Kent.

Notice 1 – Jeremy Ross Baxley (Clark Avenue North)

Notice 2 – Brandon Cole Reed (Crest Avenue South)

In addition, they offered these educational and safety tips:

Level 2 and Level 3 offenders are posted on the state website at www.icrimewatch.net/washington.php

Level 1 offenders (least likely to reoffend) that are Homeless/Transient are also posted on the website.

YOU can search, register to receive email alerts etc. on this public website. It does NOT give the exact address of the offender, but you can search a radius area near your home, a school, work etc.

NOTE:  This information is a matter of public record.

Along with this week’s crime stats, the Kent Police Department cautions Kent residents to protect their vehicle and belongings. In particular, car prowlers are looking for these items:

• GPS units and holders
• Laptops, iPods, cell phones and other electronics
• Sports equipment and shopping bags
• Mail and money

Kent PD suggests that you park in well lit areas, lock doors, close windows and remove all valuables from your vehicle.

If you are the victim of a car prowl or see something suspicious, call 911. For more information, visit http://kentpoliceceu.com

City of Kent Police Department reported crime stats for the week of February 2 – 8, 2010.  Included in the stats are vehicle prowls, vehicle thefts, residential burglaries and commercial burglaries.

The report also includes crime prevention tips. In this week’s stats, readers are reminded how to identify a suspect:

“A key element to crime prevention is identifying a suspect. Here are some items the police department would utilize if you are witness to criminal activity: Male/Female, Height, Weight, Distinguishing features, Eye color, Skin color, Clothing, Birth marks, Accent in voice, Direction of individual, and any other details you can remember.”

Wednesday, February 3, 2010, Kent, Washington–Today Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke gave her annual State of the City Address at the February Kent Chamber membership luncheon. With a packed room at the ShoWare Center, Mayor Cooke revisited 2009.

“This past year was challenging, not just for this city, but for all governments, large and small,” Mayor Cooke said. “Kent, like all cities, worked under a tightening budget.”

She is, however, optimistic about three things:  1) that 2009 is over; 2) the economy appears to be recovering; and 3) flood season is ending. She recounted a number of the city’s 2009 highs and lows, including:

1)  The popularity of ShoWare Center which brought 350,000 guests through its doors in 2009, including 60,000 guests who saw Disney on Ice at the new sports arena

2)  The implementation of the new CodeRED system which allows the city to make 60,000 emergency contacts per hour via phone, email and text message

3)  The four labor unions taking voluntary pay cuts to avoid staff reductions and to help the city save more than $1 million in 2009 spending

4)  2.8%, or $2.2 million, drop in revenue

5)  8.1%, or $1.5 million, drop in sales tax revenue

6)  Elimination of 56 positions within the city, about half of which resulted in layoffs. Other vacant positions were not filled.

7)  Expansion of Kent Station with the GRCC expansion

8)  1,677 Kent Parks volunteers

9)  4,000 volunteer hours spent removing graffiti

10)  Annexing Panther Lake to occur July 1, 2010, making Kent the sixth largest city in the state

In addition to these items, Mayor Cooke reviewed the 2010 budget, stating that public safety remains the city’s #1 priority. The 2010 budget is 5.6% less than the 2009 budget and it includes $1 million to be set aside for emergencies like potential flooding.

“Things are looking a lot better economically,” she added.

A topic of major concern was, of course, the flood risk of the Howard Hanson Dam. Once predicted at a 1 in 4 chance of flooding, the flood risk has dropped to 1 in 33. While this is a positive step, Mayor Cooke said, a permanent fix is not available for three to five years.

“Any kind of delay is simply unacceptable,” she added. “Until that dam is fixed, it is going to haunt us.”

To help control potential flooding, the city raised levies by three feet, successfully completing the task before the beginning of flood season last fall. In addition, Mayor Cooke thanked the community, business leaders and service groups for helping to spread the word about potential flood risks as well as helping one another fill sand bags and helping seniors and the disabled prepare for a flood.

Mayor Cooke singled out a number of city staff and community and business leaders for their support of the Kent community. She thanked them for their tireless service and for making Kent the great place that it is. One person instrumental in the city’s survival of a difficult year was Chief Administrative Officer John Hodgsen.

“John Hodgsen is an outstanding leader and worker in the city,” Mayor Cooke said.

The overall mood of the meeting was positive and Mayor Cooke left the audience with some new things to watch for:  a redesigned website, taking the inbox newsletter to an email format, and the second annual International Festival, set for June 26, and the Kent Refugee and Immigrant Forum.

“It’s 2010 and I’m smiling,” Mayor Cooke said.

The event was presented by the Kent Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by Allied Waste and co-sponsored by Kent Downtown Partnership. The program was taped to be shown on Kent TV21 at a later date.

January 9, 2010

KPD Update

I haven’t done a column in a while; since before Officer Brenton was murdered in Seattle, which of course was followed by the murder of four Lakewood officers and then the death of Deputy Mundell in Pierce County.  I have avoided writing anything about the events of the last two months because I don’t have anything profound or illuminating to say, and anything less would be trite.  To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln, any attempt to say something intelligent is “far above our poor power to add or detract.”  Now that we have entered the new (and hopefully quieter) year, I won’t attempt to be profound but I will share a few related comments and reflections.

In 24 years in law enforcement I have never seen anything quite like this.  Officer deaths occur, but are infrequent.  Not only the frequency and scope, but the acts themselves are overwhelming.  The attacks were not just on the officers, or the department, or the profession, but on the community.  The cold-blooded murder of Officers Brenton, Richards, Griswold, Owens, and Renninger was an attack on civilized society, and it crossed a line.  The astounding outpouring of emotion and support that followed, up to and including the response to the death of Deputy Mundell was in part because of that attack on society itself.  It is jarring and upsetting and shakes our collective beliefs.

In the past two months, we have seen public reaction which has occasionally included calls for some sort of action to “solve” this problem.  Some of these ideas are worth exploring and discussing, but we really should not attach them to the loss of these officers.  Banning guns, having more guns, reducing or increasing mental health treatment, making more laws – none of these, by themselves, will solve the problem.  In our society, the interplay between personal rights and public safety is just too complex, and there are no simple answers.

Here in Kent, we received countless cards and flowers at the department, and almost every officer has a story about someone here in Kent approaching them in a store or on a call, saying how much they appreciate their department and feel the loss of the officers.  We are all deeply appreciative of the support of those we serve.

After the past two months and attending too many funerals, I can offer only three observations that, I hope, will help us find some context.

First, one of our Kent Sergeants, right after the Lakewood shootings, was meeting with his group of officers and of course, lengthy discussion of the incident and our opinions followed.  This Sergeant is a top-notch police instructor, SWAT officer, and expert in officer safety.  Rather than focus only on caution and staying safe, he ended his briefing by assigning the officers a very specific mission:  pair up, go to a coffee shop, and talk to our residents.  They want to talk to us as much as we need to talk with them.  It’s easy for us to underestimate just how many truly good people there are all around us, but these tragic events brought that all out and made it abundantly clear.

Second, another observation was that the funerals for each of these officers, while formal and ceremonial and respectful, focused not on their heroism and their sacrifice, but rather on their humanity.  Each funeral highlighted their families and funny stories about their jobs.  There was no deification of anyone, only highlights of real people who had real experiences and faults.  They were human beings who loved their jobs and did the best they could.  Police officers are not good at drawing attention to themselves, and the basic humanity of each officer was what I really understood.

One of the most salient observations for me was that in every instance, the families of these fallen officers did not engage in any kind of blame, anger, or hostility.  It would be understandable if all of us wanted to focus on those who committed these acts, but the fact is, they weren’t even part of the discussion at the memorials.  Each funeral was about celebrating good people who lived worthwhile lives.  There was no recrimination or self-pity.  The funerals and memorials were not sad at all; they were recognition of people who lost their lives too soon, doing what they loved.

Finally, I came away thinking about the strong message that came from the children of Officer Greg Richards, who started his career right here at the Kent Police Department.  Their message was simple.  Greg was a good dad, and the best way to honor him, and each of the officers who gave their lives, is be a better mom or dad.  Be a better sister or brother, a better son or daughter.  Be a better friend.

Have a great week!
-Steve

From the City of Kent:

Kent, Wash. – January 4, 2010 – Kent Fire Investigators have made an arrest following an early morning porch fire which took place on January 1, at 5:46 AM in the 23700 block of 98 Ave. S.

The fire was the result of fireworks, and possibly a liquid accelerant, which were ignited on the porch of the home following a dispute between the female resident and an adult male, who was arrested in Bellevue without incident on Sunday. Damage was limited to the porch and no one was injured.

The man is currently in the Kent Jail awaiting a hearing where he will be charged with Arson in the first degree.

From the Seattle T-Birds

T-BIRDS FANS RAISE IN EXCESS OF $23,000 FOR LAKEWOOD POLICE INDEPENDENT GUILD

Kent, December 9, 2009 - The Seattle Thunderbirds are pleased to announce their fans have raised in excess of $23,000 for the Lakewood Police Independent Guild through two separate fundraising events.

The T-Birds held a 12-hour sale from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today where they donated 100% of all revenue from tickets purchased online to the game against the Tri- City Americans on Friday, December 11, to the Guild. The T-Birds generated $13,212 in ticket sales today that will be donated to the Guild.

At the game against the Everett Silvertips on Saturday, December 5, the Lakewood Police Independent Guild raised over $10,000 in donations from T-Bird fans to support the children of the four slain Lakewood police officers.

“We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from our fans for the families of the Lakewood officers,” said T-Birds Director of Public & Media Relations Ian Henry. “They really stepped up and showed their support of this great cause.”

The T-Birds partnered with the City of Kent, the Kent Police Department, ShoWare Center and radio stations Q-Country 102.9 FM (KNBQ) and Funky Monkey 104.9 FM (KFNK) to during the 12-hour sale.

The game against the Americans on Friday is at 7:35 p.m. at ShoWare Center.

On Tues., Dec. 8 and Wed., Dec. 9, Kitsap, Pierce and King County Papa Johns Pizza Stores will donate 100% of their profits to the families of the four slain Lakewood police officers who died tragically last Sunday. Delivery or Carryout. Visit Papa Johns on the web to order online.

T-BIRDS AND PARTNERS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR LAKEWOOD POLICE INDEPENDENT GUILD THROUGH ONLINE TICKETS SALES TO DECEMBER 11 GAME

Kent, December 3, 2009 - The Seattle Thunderbirds have partnered with the City of Kent, the Kent Police Department, ShoWare Center and radio stations Q-Country 102.9 FM (KNBQ) and Funky Monkey 104.9 FM (KFNK) to raise funds for the Lakewood Police Independent Guild.

The T-Birds will donate 100% of ticket revenue from online ticket sales between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, to the game against the Tri- City Americans on Friday, December 11, to the Guild.

“We are looking forward to supporting the Guild and encourage our fans to let family and friends know about this worthwhile fundraising event,” said T-Birds owner and general manager Russ Farwell. “We hope it is an overwhelming success and we sell out the ShoWare Center, raising as much money as possible for the family of these fallen heroes.”

“We could not undertake this fundraiser without the help of the City of Kent, the Kent Police Department, ShoWare Center and Q-Country and the Funky Monkey. We were all completely shocked by what happened in Lakewood and hope to help as best we can.”

Q-Country and Funky Monkey will be providing air time to run commercials promoting this fundraiser.

“Words cannot express our grief for the families and friends of the four fallen Lakewood Police Officers,” said Shellie Hart, Program Director for KNBQ and KFNK. “Hopefully our actions will as we reach out to our audiences for their thoughts, prayers and support.”

The T-Birds will have a very identifiable graphic at the top of their home page on Wednesday, December 9, that fans will be able to click on to purchase tickets to the game against the Americans.

Here are the crime stats from the Kent Police Department for the week of 10/27 – 11/02/09, along with helpful crime prevention tips!

• The cold weather in the morning brings those opportunistic vehicle prowlers and thieves. NEVER leave your car running and unattended in the morning. We have seen cars stolen out of driveways as the bad guy is lurking and waiting for you to leave your car while it warms up.

• The cold weather in the morning also brings holiday shopping. Remove all shopping bags from your vehicle every time you park. Or, if you can’t remove them completely, conceal them in your trunk before you get to your final destination.

• The cold weather also brings darkness earlier. All of us are heading to our cars at the end of a busy work day and it is already dark outside. Make sure you have your car keys in your hand before heading out the door towards your car. Walk with co-workers if possible. Trust your “gut” feeling. If something feels funny, go back inside and ask for someone to walk you to your car. Move your car to a closer parking spot sometime during the day. And, remember to drive carefully out there with your eyes open for pedestrians!

• Copper wire and pipes have been getting stolen lately. If you spot a suspicious vehicle parked on the side of your street, document all the information you can on the vehicle and the people associated and call 911. Don’t just assume they are there to do work. And, if you notice street lights out suddenly that were functioning, document it and call 911. Thieves are taking wire out of light poles, electrical boxes, and more in front of neighbors and passing cars. Keep your eyes and ears open!

Here are Kent PD’s crime stats for the week of 10/20 – 10/26. Thanks to Sara Wood from Kent PD for providing these!

Crime Stats – 10/20 – 10/26

Follow the Kent PD on Twitter

City of Kent eAlert

Kent, Wash. – October 27, 2009 – Officer David Beerbower, has been selected as the Washington’s Most Wanted – Officer of the Month for October. The show, hosted by David Rose seeks the public’s assistance in identifying and locating Washington’s most wanted fugitives. Each month the show staff reviews various incidents involving law enforcement personnel across the state, whose hard work leads to the capture and prosecution of Washington’s most dangerous criminals.

To read the full story, visit Kent PD online.

In other King County business yesterday, the King County Council adopted an agreement to relocate county inmates should flooding of the Green River require evacuation of the Maleng Regional Justice Center in downtown Kent. Inmates would be moved temporarily to detention facilities in Pierce and Kitsap Counties.

Here is the text of the county’s press release, issued October 26, 2009 by Larry Gossett:

Council Adopts Agreements to Relocate County Inmates in Case of Emergency

Pierce, Kitsap Counties to house inmates if flooding forces evacuation of the Maleng Regional Justice Center.

The possibility that water released from behind the storm-damaged, federal Howard Hanson Dam could flood the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) in Kent has the Metropolitan King County Council acting to protect the inmates housed in the facility. The Council gave its approval today to two separate interlocal agreements with Pierce and Kitsap Counties to house inmates from the Regional Justice Center in their detention facilities.

“We have a responsibility to protect the people serving their time in the MRJC, as well as those who work there and the public,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett, the sponsor of the ordinance. “These agreements ensure that if we do have to relocate inmates, they will be placed in secure facilities outside of the flood zone.”

The detention facility at the MRJC can house up to 1,300 felony and misdemeanor inmates. In the event of flooding, up to 200 of those inmates would be transferred to the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in Seattle. The adopted agreements augment the capacity of the KCCF by allowing for the transfer of 168 to Pierce County detention centers and 114 inmates to Kitsap County.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been working on interim repairs to the Howard Hanson Dam since last January’s record rain, when sinkholes and rapid seepage of water were discovered in an earthen abutment next to the structure. The Army Corps is working to control that seepage through construction of a “grout curtain,” which consists of a concrete-like substance being injected into the earthen material to slow the flow of water.

Due to the weakened nature of the dam, the Army Corps is limiting the storage capacity of the reservoir until the repair can be tested next spring. If the Green River overtops its banks and floods the valley, the County has projected that the MRJC could be under up to 4 feet of water, forcing the evacuation of County staff and the inmates housed in the facility.

Yesterday The Seattle Times endorsed Mayor Suzette Cooke in the Cooke vs. Berrios mayor’s race in the upcoming election, citing her experience and track record as just two of the reasons Kent residents should give her their vote next month.

The editorial column begins, “Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke has earned the Times endorsement with her leadership during her tenure, including reducing crime and empowering neighborhoods. As mayor and former state lawmaker, she is best position her to respond to the risk of flooding caused by the damaged Howard Hanson dam…”

Click here to read the complete column as published on The Seattle Times’ website.

October 14, 2009

Kent Police Department Update

The economy, H1N1 flu, reduced government and family budgets… the news just keeps getting a little more stressful and a little more urgent as we go into winter. Overarching all of these here in the Green River Valley is the topic of an increased risk of flooding. You have probably read a great deal about why there is an increased risk, what we can do about it, and what we are already doing about it. I just wanted to take a few minutes to add context to potential flooding and what we at the police department are doing.

The Army Corps of Engineers, the agency responsible for maintenance of the Howard Hanson Dam, has warned of an increased risk due to structural problems within the dam.  These issues may take a few years to repair. Basically, the dam cannot hold back as much water during heavy winter rain and snow-melting events, which means more water will flow down the Green River. More water increases the risk of overtopping or breaching existing levees.

The first thing we need to be aware of, in terms of the big picture, is the key phrase from the Corps:  “increased” risk.  That means increased, not inevitable. I have found that some people are acting as if flooding is a certainty, and like the weather, it is not at all certain. If a specific set of meteorological circumstances line up, yes we could have flooding. It is more likely than it used to be, but it is not inevitable.

Another factor to keep in mind is that much of the information we are getting comes from the Corps, King County, and local government. I would point out that everyone has incentive to focus on the possibility of flooding rather than the possibility it may stay dry. No one wants to be in a position to hear “I told you so”, and each level of government is trying mightily to balance prudent, reasonable preparation and readiness with a message that does not cause people to overreact.

Finally, we need to understand the significant differences in a possible flood event here compared to what we have seen in other areas of the country. The Red River in Grand Forks, North Dakota flooded several years ago. The topography around that river is as flat as a pancake, and when the waters rose, they flowed for a long distance in each direction. Also, the river there flows north, and upriver it was still frozen from the long winter and precluded the water from draining.

If you look at the aftermath of an incident on a completely different scale in New Orleans, that city is essentially a big bowl and is actually below sea level. Once the levees were breached, the bowl filled up and there was nowhere for the water to go except by pumping it out.

In this area, there are very significant differences. The area of increased risk is essentially a long, relatively narrow valley, and we can expect that any extra water would drain into the Puget Sound, leading to flooding for days, not weeks or months. Infrastructure and communications around the affected area would remain intact. Those are big differences.

We are planning for contingencies such as patrolling areas evacuated for flood risk, helping to guard perimeters of evacuated areas, and working with federal, state, county and adjoining agencies to jointly develop emergency response. Our Emergency Management Manager, Dominic Marzano, is working very hard to bring all of our emergency services together.

I don’t say any of this to minimize the risk or so that people will reduce their preparation or concern.  I only offer it as some context as we move into the wetter winter season. Always being ready for emergencies, including flooding, is the right thing to do all the time in this area. One of the best resources is the “3 Days 3 Ways” website at www.3days3ways.org.

Our entire region faces potential earthquakes, floods, and lahars. In other areas of the country, it is tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, wildfires, hurricanes, or tsunamis. Being prepared and making sure your family can get along for several days is just the right thing to do – not just this year.
Have a great week!
-Steve

From Sara Wood, Kent PD

Here are the crime stats from 9/15 – 9/21/09. Don’t forget to review the tips and post these for employees and residents!

Kent’s CodeRED Emergency Notification System Operational

Residents and Businesses Urged to Enter Contact Information into Online Database

KENT, Wash. – September 23, 2009 – The City of Kent announces its new “reverse 9-1-1” emergency notification system is now operational.  Residents and business owners within Kent’s city limits are urged to enter their contact information online at www.kentCodeRED.com.

Called “CodeRED”, the system gives City officials the ability to deliver urgent pre-recorded telephone, cell phone, email or text messages to targeted areas, or the entire community, at a rate of up to 60,000 per hour.

Kent’s Emergency Manager, Dominic Marzano said the system is a great way to notify residents during emergencies.  “It will be especially useful should we have flooding this winter.”

Messages could be sent for emergencies including hazardous material spills, illness outbreaks or other urgent situations such as a missing person.

All messages will begin with “This is an emergency CodeRED message from the City of Kent.” If a phone is not answered, the system will try again, up to three times, leaving a message on the final attempt.

Marzano said the system is capable of sending messages in a text format to hearing- impaired individual’s using TTY/TDD equipment.  “It also allows the ability to record more than one message to accommodate multiple languages.”

Marzano cautioned that the system is only as good as the database supporting it. “While CodeRED begins with an existing database of telephone numbers, no one should automatically assume his or her phone number is included. “If your information is not in the database, you will not be contacted.”

The following individuals are urged to add their information to the database.

• All businesses
• Residents with unlisted phone numbers
• Residents who have changed their phone number or address within the last year
• Residents who use a cellular phone as their primary phone
• Residents who have recently moved, but kept the same listed or unlisted phone number
• Residents who wish to receive text and/or email messages in addition to telephone calls

• Residents who receive their phone service over the Internet

CodeRED is a geographically-based notification system, which means street addresses are needed to select which phone numbers will receive emergency notification calls in a specific emergency.  An associated street address is needed for cell phone numbers.

Requested information includes first and last name, street address (physical address—no PO boxes), city, state, zip code, primary phone numbers and additional phone numbers and email address (optional). Residents and businesses may also choose to receive text or email messages about emergencies, in addition to telephone calls.

CodeRED gives those who want to be included an easy and secure method for doing so, and the information will only be used for emergency notification purposes. Residents and businesses may also opt out of the system entirely if they so choose.

Those without Internet access may contact Kent Emergency Management at 253-856-4440, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to request a registration form by mail.

Provided by Michelle Witham, City of Kent, 253-856-5709

From Sara Wood of the Kent Police Department:

Kent PD Crime Stats, week of 9/8 – 9/14/09

Of important note…

Kent Police arrested three individuals associated with metal theft from commercial properties. Stolen property was also recovered!

We continue to see smash/grab burglaries to businesses. Suspects are breaking glass windows and doors! While police do their job and review video to track down suspects, make sure you do your job!

1) Secure your business.

2) Review your cash handling practices.

3) If you have a surveillance system please ensure it is working.

4) Do a rock survey of your property and remove all objects that can be used to throw through a window to gain access.

5) Last, but certainly not least, keep your eyes and ears open for suspicious people, vehicles and activity. Remember, if it feels “funny” or “weird”, it probably is. This is usually the time to call 9-1-1 to report all that you can about the situation.