Table of Contents
2010 Annual Report - PDF Version
Message from the Chief
2011 Annual Report from Blair Weyer on Vimeo.
Welcome to the Aspen Police Department's annual report. The purpose of this report is to review trends from 2010 with you and attempt to answer questions you might have regarding the department. The police department experienced its share of challenges and rewards during 2010. These experiences offered opportunities to learn and grow and have influenced the direction the department takes during 2011.
During 2010 the Aspen Police Department took a closer look at our evidence storage and processing procedures. A number of issues were raised with how we handle evidence as a department. In recognizing a need for improvement in this area, we hired an independent consultant to audit our evidence lockers and evidence processing policies. This process is addressed in more detail later in this report.
Over the last few years the department has undergone a transition in personnel. Throughout 2010 we have continued to build a fledgling group of new officers into a cohesive and responsive team. Instilling our community values and approach to policing is an evolution that takes time, especially in a profession that by nature demands strong willed individuals who are able to take control of any situation. As I mentioned in last year's report, I still believe that we are on the right track in creating a vibrant, respectful, and creative department. I am encouraged by the way in which we continue to expand our interactive and educational approach to policing in Aspen.
We continue to explore ways in which the police department and Pitkin County Sheriff's Office can continue to work together. With the transition to Sheriff Joe Disalvo I see new opportunities for deputies and officers to work together on community outreach programs. The police department seeks involvement and input from the sheriff's office on any major incident, and also assists in offering help with county incidents. While our call for service load differs, as do the nature of our calls, I believe the philosophies of both departments are in sync in demanding a creative, non-traditional, common sense approach to policing.
I also feel that an improved relationship exists with local media outlets. The police department community relations specialist position has enabled a more rapid response to media requests as well as providing for greater availability of information. It remains a priority for the police department to provide timely, accurate information, and to be as open as the law permits us. Transparency is an often overused term, however, it is fundamental to a successful relationship between the police department and our community.
This year we will continue our "listening" approach to the community, in asking or reaffirming what our community expects of us through a police specific community survey. This will provide us with direction in crafting a strategic plan for the future. I will continue to use creative and innovative policing strategies and actively engage the community to impact crime at the neighborhood level. Reiterating what I said last year, regardless of any challenges the Aspen Police Department encounters we will adapt, move forward, and remain dedicated to providing you with professional, understanding and empathetic services.
With best wishes for 2011,
Richard Pryor, Chief of Police
Back to TopAbout the Aspen PD
History
The Aspen Police Department was officially established in 1881 with the adoption of City Ordinance "No. 3 - An Ordinance Prescribing the Duties of Mayor", in which it stated "he shall be the conservator of the peace within the limits of the town, and shall be the head of the Police Department". During the silver boom years, the Aspen Police Department established a city jail, police magistrate to hear cases in police court, and maintained a detailed police docket of case dispositions. In one such case, the police docket detailed disposition as "suspended and [was] given fifteen minutes to get out of town".
Through the late 60s and into the early 1970s the Aspen Police Department acted as a traditional police agency, wearing traditional police uniforms and driving traditional police cars. In 1973 personnel changes brought new ideas that changed the face of the Aspen Police Department which can still be seen today. The department switched from Ford Torinos to Saabs, as their new patrol vehicle. And the department also dropped their appearance of "state patrol uniforms" and went on to blue jeans and cowboy hats.
Today Aspen officers occasionally wear cowboy hats; however the department still prefers dark blue jeans and non-traditional police cars. In 2003, the police department ended its relationship with Saab and implemented a fleet of Volvo XC-90 SUVs. Though the vehicle performed well, the Aspen Police Department was interested in taking an even more radical step in implementing a completely hybrid police vehicle fleet in accordance to the City of Aspen's Canary Initiative to reduce greenhouse gas footprint. In 2008, the Aspen Police Department completed their conversion to a fleet of eleven Toyota Highlander Hybrid police vehicles.
In general, the modern Aspen Police Department is dedicated to community policing, employing highly skilled, well-educated professionals who use practical, effective, compassionate policing strategies, and providing a safe and healthy environment.
Back to TopDepartment Photo
Back (Left to Right): Bill Linn, Ryan Turner, Marcin Debski, Leon Murray, Rick Magnuson, Chip Seamans, Tina Schairer, Dorian Emery, Michele McClinton, Linda Consuegra
Middle (Left to Right): Walter Chi, Ian MacAyeal, Charlie Martin, Adam Loudon, David Rosselot, Richard Pryor, David Thompson, Kathy Tolle, Vanessa Olson, David Paschal
Front (Left to Right): Kirk Wheatley, Mike Tracey, Dan Davis, Cathleen Treacy, Jason Boston, Casey Ward, Forrest Barnett, Rob Fabrocini, Chance Williams, Gregg Cole, Bobby Schafer
Not pictured: Terry Leitch, Jeff Fain, Gretchen Born, Blair Weyer
Back to TopOrganizational Chart
Back to TopState of 2010
New Hires
Dave Rosselot (1/8/10)
Marcin Debski (5/6/10)
Jason Boston (5/13/10)
Charlie Martin (9/14/10)
Blair Weyer (12/20/10)
Promotions
Ryan Turner to Police Officer I from Community Safety Officer
Vanessa Olson to Police Officer I from Community Safety Officer
Greggory Cole to Police Officer II
David Thompson to Police Officer II
Chance Williams to Police Officer II
Forrest Barnett to Police Officer II
Casey Ward to Police Officer II
Kirk Wheatley to Police Officer III
Awards
Kirk Wheatley - MADD Outstanding Dedication to DUI Enforcement Recognition
Greggory Cole - MADD Outstanding Dedication to DUI Enforcement Recognition
Tina Schairer - MADD Outstanding School Resource Officer
Back to TopCommunity Support Groups
The Aspen Police Department takes pride in building relationships with various community resources. Every day, officers come into contact with numerous community members, some of which require services and attention beyond the capacity of the police department. The Aspen Police Department participates in the following community organizations in an effort to connect community members with the services they need.
- Case Management Team: A multi-agency approach to working with special cases in the community. The mission of this group is to prevent people from falling between the cracks of traditional services, limit duplication of services, and coordinate effective help for those in need. Members of this team include: Valley Information and Assistance, Pitkin County Health and Human Services, Youth and Family Services, Aspen Valley Hospital, Pitkin County Senior Service, Alpine Legal Services, and The Right Door. Various other agencies are involved when their services are in need.
- Pitkin County Homeless Coalition Team: The goal of this group is to develop housing solutions to assist indigent members of the Aspen community. One way the police department contributes to this team is by providing support for the homeless shelter at St Mary's church and the Pitkin County Health and Human Services day center when needed.
- Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign: The Aspen Police Department partners with Response and Aspen Counseling to bring preventive education to the community on the topics of sexual assault awareness, teen dating violence, domestic violence, bullying, internet crimes, and more. Classes and seminars are offered in both the community and schools.
- Victim Task Force: The Victim Task Force is comprised of professionals and community members that have come together in an effort to improve the community's response to domestic violence and sexual assault. The goals of the task force are to facilitate education and public awareness, pinpoint gaps in services, identify multidisciplinary training opportunities, and develop protocols and procedures that enable agencies to work together and build resources for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Child Protection Team: This team is a collaboration among Pitkin County Health and Human Services, as well as other youth organizations throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. This team works together to assist families with accessing services and providing resources for troubled youth.
Back to TopCrime Statistics
The Aspen Police Department continues to compile crime statistics annually in order to express the calls-for-service, case report, and arrests made within the City of Aspen.
- Calls-for-service - Occurrences of the public contacting the police department for assistance, or a police officer initiating contact with the public. This number expresses each encounter a police officer has with the community and what they do in the course of their duties.
- Case reports - Case reports are calls-for-service that require a more than an initial response to a call. They often involve an investigation, which sometimes leads to the arrest of a suspect based on specific offenses.
Calls-for-Service
In 2010 total calls for service decreased slightly to 19,429 while citizen calls for assistance to the police department increased to 15,481, from 19,824 and 14,361 respectively. Officer initiated traffic stops in Aspen, which constitute a large portion of officer initiated calls-for-service, decreased. Of the nearly 4000 traffic stops officers conducted only 1 out of 10 resulted in a citation being issued in 2010. The overall number of traffic stops has likely declined due to a change in the dynamic of the department. During 2009 more new officers were being trained and traffic stops are one way they are able to practice the procedures and customer service skills expected by the department. The Aspen Police Department also placed more emphasis on foot patrol during 2010 in an effort to increase visibility and improve relationships within the community.
Cases
Overall, the Aspen Police Department witnessed a return to more "normal" trends in case reports during 2010. The total number of case reports for the year was 1,732. Crimes against persons and crimes against property increased slightly over 2010 reflecting an economy that is slowly returning to normal levels. An increase in these numbers is likely due to do more people visiting and patronizing businesses within the city. Although the police department does not like to see an increase in these rates, it may be an indication of a recovering economy.
The Aspen Police Department will continue to take a proactive approach to crime prevention within the community over the next year, and invites citizens and visitors to offer suggestions or express concerns about crime in their community. Please visit
www.AspenPolice.com to voice your opinion. View the full
2010 Annual Summary of Activities and Actions (Crimes Statistics) online, or see the appendix of this document.
Back to TopPatrol Division
In 2010 the patrol division was made up of 26 officers, including four sergeants, two detectives, and one School Resource Officer. Patrol officers are responsible for responding to a variety of public safety and law enforcement calls-for-service. Of those calls for service, approximately 1,300 cases were investigated by patrol officers.
The patrol division is highly involved in proactive measures to prevent crime within the community. Officers communicate regularly with local businesses in an effort to foster mutually beneficial relationships with owners and employees. Officers can often be seen downtown on a weekend talking to bouncers and bar tenders or patrolling the mall on foot. High visibility and accessibility of officers helps maintain the policing style the public has come to know and respect in Aspen. Patrol officers also take part in many of the community events that are organized by the Community Safety Division, as well as events like the Hope Center fundraiser hockey game. The patrol officers also participated in an "officer exchange" with Vail police during 2010.
Patrol Vehicles
The Aspen Police Department broke new ground in 2009 by implementing a completely hybrid police vehicle fleet as part of the
City of Aspen's Canary Initiative to reduce greenhouse emissions. During 2010 the police department was able to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 10.4%, more than doubling their goal. The department's 11 vehicle fleet of Toyota Highlander Hybrids, and Toyota Prius, contributed directly to this significant drop in greenhouse gas emissions.
The hybrid fleet consists of four unmarked and seven marked vehicles, each of which has a full complement of police equipment, including lights, siren, in-car camera, radio, and laptop. Most of the equipment was transferred directly from our previous Volvo patrol vehicles. So far the hybrids have been very successful and we have had no serious complaints from officers. The chart on the right depicts how many gallons of gas the Aspen Police Department consumes each year, the blue line representing the department's downward trend.
Back to TopTrainings
In 2009, the Aspen Police Department continued to provide training and educational opportunities for its staff in accordance with their vision statement by, "taking pride in employing highly skilled, well-educated professionals who use practical, effective, and compassionate policing strategies."
To that end, Aspen Police staff members attended approximately 3,207 hours of training, for a total cost of $69,211. Due to reductions in budget, a majority of training was limited to in-state courses. Training included traditional police certifications and specialized education. Staff attended over 40 different courses, including some of the following:
- Verbal Judo
- Meth Lab
- CACP (Colorado Association of Chief's of Police) Conference
- Winter Driving
- Legal Issues
- PTO (Police Training Officer) Model
- Reid Interview Techniques
- SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Seminar
- Power Point for Public Safety
- Advance Forensics
- Leadership Training
- Active Shooter
- Police Liability
- Resource Officer's Conference
- IACP (International Association of Chief's of Police) Conference
- Level 1 Accident Training
- COVA (Colorado Organization for Victims Assistance) Conference
- NIBRS (National Incident Based reporting System) Training
- Child Sexual Abuse Forensic Interview
- Crime Scene Search and Evidence Preservation
- Ethics Training
- CORA Training (Colorado Open Records Act)
Back to TopDetective's Office
The detective's office acts as a resource for patrol officers in their daily activities by providing advice, evidence processing skills, and equipment as needed. At the beginning of 2010 Walter Chi was assigned to a detective position joining Ian MacAyeal. New to this assignment, both Chi and MacAyeal spent much of the year acquiring increased levels of education and training necessary to carry out their duties. Training was received on major case investigations, property room management, technology evidence, and many more. The detectives also conducted in-house trainings for officers. Their trainings focused on basic crime scene processing, fingerprinting skills, drugged drink investigation procedures, and sexual assault investigation procedures. Detectives deal with a wide variety of cases on a regular basis. Some of the more prominent cases in 2010 included drug offenses, missing persons, check fraud, sexual assault cases, and more.
Evidence
Media reports in 2009 brought into question some of the departments policies and procedures related to the documentation and handling of evidence. In recognizing a need for improvement, the Aspen Police Department hired Professional Police Consulting, LLC during 2010 to perform an external audit of the department's policy and procedure manual and evidence processing procedures. You can view the reports from these audits on the
Aspen Police website.
The audit of the department's policy and procedures manual resulted in numerous recommendations meant to help unify policies and procedures, eliminate redundancy, reflect recent case law rulings, and help achieve accreditation with the Colorado Association of Chief's of Police. The audit of evidence processing procedures consisted of a random inspection of 172 different items including currency, narcotics, firearms, and other evidence. The auditor felt the evidence room was neat and orderly, and that the inventory checked was well organized and easy to retrieve. There were 10 comments and four "best practices" recommendations made to the Aspen Police Department to improve accuracy and security of evidence and property.
Throughout 2010 police department staff have continued to make necessary improvements in policy, training, and accountability regarding evidence collection, processing, storage, and dissemination.
Back to TopAspen Schools
The Aspen Police Department considers its interactions with youth a priority. The police department assigns a school resource officer to the Aspen School District to assist with safety issues, criminal reporting, teaching classes, and fostering relationships with students. Interaction with students early on is one way that the department seeks to proactively prevent criminal activities. Officer Tina Schairer has served as the department's school resource officer since September 2009, filling a role that is an institution within the Aspen School District.
Highlights from 2010:
- Cyber safety class for 4th and 5th graders
- Cyber bully awareness for freshmen
- Mock DUI, pre-prom alcohol awareness
- Participation in ex-ed trips
- Bike Rodeo
- Halloween safety education program
- Safe Chicks, self-defense and awareness for high school girls
Goals for 2011:
- Adopt-a-cop for kindergartners
- "Boundaries" training for sophomores
- Bear education
- Alcohol awareness programs
Back to TopCommunity Safety Division
The Community Safety Division consists of four Community Safety Officers (CSOs) who perform a variety of public safety functions for the City of Aspen. Due to budget cuts, this division had a reduction in staff of one employee in May of 2010. The goal of the Community Safety Division is to ensure a safe environment for those who live, work, and recreate in Aspen. CSOs engage in community safety education, special event management, coordination of the Bear Aware campaign, enforcement of trash ordinances, and respond to various calls-for-service.
Calls-for-Service
The Community Safety Division responds to calls-for-service including traffic accidents, domestic animal issues, wildlife intrusions, as well as medical and fire related calls. CSOs serve as first responders, providing vital life-saving skills. In addition to these duties, they assist with lost and found property calls, safety hazards, code violations, alarms, and a multitude of citizen inquiries.
Partnering for Public Safety
The Community Safety Division proactively partners with city departments, schools, and local organizations to provide Aspen residents the resources and education necessary to ensure the safety of the community. Coordination with these organizations allows the department to identify public safety issues and formulate solutions that are beneficial for the community.
A number of events are hosted annually by the Community Safety Division including the Bike Rodeo, Community Bike Auction, and Picnic in the Park series. These events are designed to create interactions among the community as a whole with a special focus on children. The Community Safety Division also partners with the engineering and streets departments to evaluate pedestrian, bike path, and vehicular safety improvements throughout the city.
Special Events
The ability to attract tourism is central to the livelihood of a resort community. Aspen sponsors countless special events throughout the year to encourage the public to patronize at local businesses, enjoy the outdoors, and experience the Aspen culture. The Community Safety Division plays an important role in maintaining safe environments during special events such as the Fourth of July, New Years Eve, Winterskol, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and the Buddy Run. These events require considerable management from a public safety standpoint.
Bear Aware and Trash Enforcement Campaigns
The past year brought about important changes to the City of Aspen's refuse collection requirements. In previous years the Community Safety Division spent extensive time and resources dealing with human-bear conflicts. In an effort to proactively combat this issue, Community Safety Officers spent much of 2010 advocating for and carrying out improved refuse collection standards within the City of Aspen.
Community outreach was key during the Bear Aware campaign. The Community Safety Division implemented outreach that encompassed radio, television, web, and print media to educate the public about bears and trash intrusions. CSOs also worked closely with the Division of Wildlife, property managers, and homeowners to develop improved refuse collection options. Community support of this campaign lead to the implementation of a new ordinance that will help to manage and improve the human-bear interaction within the City of Aspen.
Community Safety Officers, and a seasonal wildlife enforcement officer, are responsible for upholding wildlife ordinances and responding to any and all bear activity. In 2010 the department responded to 351 bear calls-for-service, down considerably from 713 calls in 2009. The public can learn more about the city's wildlife ordinances at
www.AspenBears.com and are welcome to call the Bear Hotline (970-429-1768) with questions.
Back to TopAdministrative Division
The administrative division is comprised of two customer service officers and one administrative supervisor. The front office staff provides the following services to the public:
- Lost and found property reports
- VIN inspections
- Alarm applications
- Bike and ski registration
- Dog tags
- Logo sales
- Abandoned vehicle sale
- General safety and law enforcement information
Internally, the administrative office coordinates officer assistance for walk-in complaints, manages human resource tasks, processes financial and budgetary paperwork, organizes evidence management, orders equipment and supplies for patrol staff, supports the community relations specialist with press questions, assists with crowd control during special events, offers secretarial services, and maintains office supplies.
Back to TopRecords
The Aspen Police Records Specialist is responsible for the maintenance, distribution, dissemination and eventual destruction of all police records in accordance with Colorado State Statutes and police department policy. This includes distribution of records to the district attorney as well as responding to many requests from the general public.
The State of Colorado has mandated that by January of 2012 all police agencies must report their crime statistics using the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS/COIBRS). The department recently received approval through the state to directly upload this report information using our Spillman records management system. The Aspen Police Department is the first "Spillman" agency in the state of Colorado to accomplish this goal.
Back to TopCommunity Relations
The community relations specialist position was implemented in July 2008. This position was created to improve communication with the community, eliminate misconceptions, and create constructive, community-wide relationships. The community relations specialist acts as the public outreach coordinator, web content manager, and public information officer.
Communication Programs
The community relations specialist is responsible for implementing existing outreach programs and developing new campaigns. The following list outlines the department's current communications practices:
- Print, radio, and web advertisement
- Web Content Management
- Customer Satisfaction Surveys
- Online Clipping Service
- Message of the Month Campaign
- Bear Aware Campaign
- Letters to the Editor
- Press Releases
- Interviews with Reporters
- Social Media on Facebook & Twitter
Goals
In the realm of public outreach, there is always room for improvement. The Aspen Police Department and community relations specialist plan to continue current communications programs, while revising and improving the following areas:
- Plan and implement a community-wide assessment
- Revise and improve "Message of the Month" campaign
- Increase involvement in Pitkin County Public Information Officers Group
- Improve coordination of crime prevention efforts with local businesses
- Enhance Chief of Police visibility
- Expand collection of department stock photos
Public Information Officer Incidents
During 2010 the Aspen Police Department dealt with a variety of incidents. Most notable were the ongoing court hearings from the 2009 Charlie Sheen Christmas arrest and the George Aldrich missing person case. Both cases drew significant local, state, and national press exposure.
Back to TopBudget
General
The Aspen Police Department operating budget for 2010 is $3,489,950. Of this, approximately 90% is allocated to personnel costs. The department's funding comes from the City of Aspen's general fund, and there are no special taxing districts to fund special projects. In the event that any city department does not use all of their allocated funding, 50% of the surplus is placed in a discretionary spending account for that department. They can use this money to fund special projects that may not have otherwise been possible. This system was created to discourage wasteful spending and challenge departments to find cost-effective solutions as well as savings for their needs. Over the last ten years the department has accumulated $370,000 in this account, and is currently considering how those funds can best be used to enhance services for the community.
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
City of Aspen's General Fund Budget | $23,714,690 | $21,921,440 | $20,533,730 |
Aspen Police Department Budget | $3,852,600 | $3,489,950 | $3,649,660 |
Personnel Costs | $3,356,620 | $3,139,810 | $3,284,210 |
Supplies Budget | $222,370 | $83,410 | $88,680 |
Training Budget | $56,040 | $56,040 | $61,650 |
Services Budget | $217,570 | $210,690 | $215,120 |
Back to TopWhat's ahead for 2011
The Aspen Police Department's main goal for 2011 is to implement the new "Lexipol" policy manual system. Designed around key risk management topics, this system will bring about a standardized policy format that is easily updated when case law or procedures change. This system is also supported by CIRSA, the city's insurer, and will help the department maintain best practices in their policing approach. An additional benefit of adopting this system is the opportunity for accreditation through the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police.
Administrative goals:
- Implement policy manual system.
- Present a business case and plan to transition to the new public safety IT network, "ComNet."
- Creation of a tiered Community Safety Officer position that will allow for promotions based on the achievement of certain certifications and/or qualifications.
- Internal audit of random pieces of stored evidence as a follow up component to the external audit that was completed during 2010. An internal audit will ensure the department has followed through with the recommendations from Professional Police Consulting, LLC.
- Improve accuracy of information on lost and found cases and improve return rates of found property. This will be achieved by conducting an internal audit of the department's lost and found inventory and reporting methods.
Operational goals:
- Transition to a voiceless dispatching system and mobile reporting forms. This technology would provide officers increased autonomy and access to information from mobile locations. They would have the ability to initiate and manage calls-for-service with decreased reliance on third party services.
- Continued focus on adapting newly hired officers to the type of policing the Aspen community expects. This will be accomplished by increasing officer visibility and face-to-face interaction within the community.
- Cross training on evidence processing, labeling, and storage procedures.
- Improve pedestrian safety on Main Street.
Strategic Plan
A continued long term goal of the department is the creation of a strategic plan. The first step in this process will be a community assessment that looks at what community members feel the priorities of the police department should be, and what direction they should take for the future.
Areas of interest for the strategic plan:
- Community vision
- Succession planning
- Community relationships
- Communications
- Technology
Back to TopClosing
In summary, we would like to stress our philosophical commitment explained in the beginning of this report, that policing is committed to community needs. A police department must earn the support, trust, and respect of its community. To that end, we reiterate our commitment to ensuring members of our department listen to the needs of the community through face to face contact and meaningful relationship building.
The Aspen Police Department is here to serve its community and visitors to the area. We hope the information in this report has been useful and interesting. Please let us know if you have suggestions for the improvement of this document. General comments can be shared on our website,
www.AspenPolice.com, or by calling (970)920-5400.