Wednesday, December 21, 2011

BRAVERY IN ACTION

Cape officer Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association 2011 Officer of the Year

Officer David Wagoner, Cape Coral Police Department, recognized

December 20, 2011
Cape Coral Daily Breeze
Cape Coral Police Officer Officer David Wagoner has been named the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association 2011 Officer of the Year.
On Saturday April 16, at 12:41 a.m., Cape Coral Police Officer David Wagoner conducted a traffic stop on a Cadillac sedan in the 100 block of Santa Barbara Blvd North.
Officer Wagoner approached the driver's window and made contact with the driver, a 17-year-old female. He asked for and received her driver's license. Wagoner asked her male passenger if he had any ID. The male passenger, Yousel Lopez Rivera, stated that he did not have ID. Wagoner asked the female driver to get her registration and proof of insurance as he walked behind the Cadillac and approached the passenger window to obtain Rivera's information.
As soon as Wagoner got to the passenger window, Rivera shot Officer Wagoner three times at point blank range, officials said. Two of the rounds struck Wagoner's ballistic vest. The third round struck his abdomen below the vest. Wagoner was able to draw his weapon and return fire. Neither Rivera nor the female driver was hit. Wagoner was able to get his radio and notify communications as well as fellow officers that he had been shot and he was able to provide a description of the shooter and their vehicle as well as their direction of travel.
As Wagoner was calmly relaying the information over the radio and returning fire, Rivera jumped on top of the female driver and began driving away. Rivera continued driving the Cadillac while sitting on top of the original driver who was seat belted in. Rivera crashed the car into a home at 1138 Santa Barbara Blvd North.
Cape Coral Police Officers, Canine units, and the Aviation Unit searched the area for the suspect. Officers from the Fort Myers Police Department as well as deputies from the Lee County Sheriff's Office responded to assist in the search. Canine Units tracked Rivera's trail locating him hiding appropriately in a garbage can next to a home. Rivera was then taken into custody.
Officer David Wagoner distinguished himself through his actions of courage and bravery during the most intense situations a police officer can face and had the wherewithal to remain calm, return fire, and relay important suspect information over his police radio even after he was shot multiple times, officials said. Wagoner kept relaying suspect information to responding officers on-scene up to and including while he was transported to Lee Memorial Hospital.
"Officer Wagoner is a credit to himself and family, the great men and women of the Cape Coral Police Department, and our Southwest Florida Law Enforcement family. He represents everything that we have come to expect from the outstanding police professionals in Southwest Florida," a statement issued by the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association says. "It is with great pride that we honor him as our 2011 Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association Officer of the Year. Congratulations David."
Source: Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association

Monday, December 12, 2011

Uplifting story of success

From: Ken Ball [mailto:kball@hollyspringsga.us]
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 9:24 AM
To: 'Jean Moe'
Subject: RE: membership cards from SPIAA

I started my career in 1975 as a campus police officer at Georgia State University where I received my POST Certification as a police officer. A little over a year later, July 1976, I joined the Marietta Georgia Police Department. During my tenure I worked all divisions and units in the Agency except Narcotics. I rose thru the ranks of the Agency to serve as Deputy Chief of Police before my retirement in March of 2005. As a young rookie Captain in 1995 I was approached by the Chief of Police and offered the opportunity to attend the Administrative Officers Course at SPI. At the time I was just welcoming my 3rd child into the world. But I saw this opportunity as a “once in lifetime” chance to start moving toward my goals in my personal education. As I landed in Louisville Kentucky my thoughts were back home with my wife and newborn child. It was cold and snowing and I thought this was going to be a long haul. God was good to me that day and made sure I had a roommate that had his thoughts of family back home as well. Lt Charlie Hall of the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia immediately became a close friend as we began moving toward tackling SPI. The first day of class seemed like a 10 mile walk in the cold and with snow falling. In class we were introduced to Dr. Bill Walsh who rapidly became a very dynamic teacher and advisor for the next 13 weeks. Many friendships were made and many teams were forged to ensure we were all successful in graduating. As I returned home to Georgia from SPI, for the final time, I realized how important the training I received was. As well, and more importantly, I realized the networking I developed in those 13 stressful weeks was invaluable. I still call on colleagues from SPI from time to time for advice, fellowship, and even vacation spots. Both the education and networking carried me to the next level in my personal career goals. In 1998 I was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief of Police in Marietta. At this point I started to work on my Masters Degree in Public Administration. I successfully completed that degree in 2003. I then made the decision I was ready to move toward that personal goal I had for many years to serve as Sheriff or Chief. In 2004 I made a decision to run for Sheriff in the County I lived in at the time. What I consider a very successful bid for the Office of Sheriff (because I only lost the election by 1% of the vote and the incumbent had held the office longer than I lived in the County)  I attribute the success to being at SPI. When I made this decision I called on many friends who held top jobs in Police and Sheriff’s Departments, as well as Dr Walsh, for advice. After losing the election I went back to work at Marietta with a very positive outlook. I started sending out a few “feelers” for Command Staff or Chief positions. What always seemed encouraging to me was 95% of the positions had a desire, or a requirement, that candidates be a graduate of the Southern Police Institute or an equivalent. The first of 2005 I got a phone call from an elected official in Holly Springs Georgia. He asked about my interest to serve as Chief of Police and as well about my background including education. When I told him about SPI his comment was “yes we are looking for somebody that has that type education.” I sent the City my resume and the rest is history. I have served the City of Holly Springs as Chief for the last 7 years and I attribute my success in large part to the Southern Police Academy. As a matter of fact I was fortunate to have one of my Lieutenants who had a desire to attend SPI after hearing me talk about it. I had the ability to work out the financial end and he successfully graduated from SPI in 2006. I am very proud to say he is now serving another agency as Deputy Chief of Police. While you certainly don’t want to lose good people it is a GREAT feeling to help somebody else reach their personal goals and add another “top dog” in this profession who has experienced the GREAT education SPI offers. As Dr. Walsh always said “A new paradigm.”

I will always be a “cheerleader” for the Southern Police Institute and I am available if I can ever be of service to SPI, the Staff, or fellow Graduates. Congratulations to all who have been and to all those who will go! Please feel free to call on me anytime I can help or be of service in Georgia.

Chief Ken Ball
Holly Springs Police Department
770-345-5055

Friday, December 9, 2011

Job opportunity 4


                                                Division of Capitol Police     Accredited Agency Seal
Commonwealth of Virginia
www.dcp.virginia.gov
 

DCP EMERGENCY COORDINATOR II #CP095
(Working Title: Communications Supervisor)

The Division of Capitol Police, a Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission accredited agency is seeking candidates for the position of Communications Supervisor, Pay Band 4. The position reports directly to the Emergency Preparedness Commander and is assigned to the Washington Building, 1100 Bank Street, 2nd Floor, Richmond, VA, 23219. The Capitol Police is a Legislative Branch agency responsible for full-service law enforcement and security services for the Virginia State Capitol Complex and assigned properties in Richmond, Virginia; protective services for the Governor and Virginia’s First Family while they are in-residence at the Executive Mansion; dignitary protective services for the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, the Justices of Virginia’s Supreme Court, and members of the Virginia Legislature; court security for the Supreme Court of Virginia and Virginia Court of Appeals; and special event assignments and security details throughout the Commonwealth.  Services are delivered through vehicle patrol, bicycle patrol, foot patrol, static posts, traffic law enforcement, traffic crash investigations, criminal investigations, dignitary protection, and crowd control for various events.

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:
Full-time non-sworn position with state benefits.  Anticipated hire date – February 2012

DUTIES:     
Supervise the daily police communications operation to provide maximum efficiency and effectiveness on all shifts.  Monitors daily emergency police communications center and dispatching calls for service to Police Officers. Position assists with answering of incoming emergency/non-emergency calls and dispatches Police Officers promptly and efficiently.  Position will supervise and operate department’s VCIN/NCIC system.  Assist employees and citizens by providing excellent customer service. Prepare work schedules, coordinate vacations and other leave request to ensure minimum staffing on duty at all times (24 hour scheduling), i.e., serve as backup for shifts as needed. Maintains record management system to ensure compliance with policy and procedure. Ensure project management and implementation of the emergency notification system within the Capitol District.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Extensive knowledge of and experience in emergency services (police, fire and rescue) dispatching. Working knowledge of radio codes and voice communications systems; knowledge of statute enforcement; safety and security concepts, office practices and procedures. Demonstrated skill in the use of communication equipment, alarm systems and security camera equipment. Ability to operate a personal computer using current software packages, to include Microsoft Office; to maintain automated databases, and produce automated reports; ability to work shift work.  Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks; to supervise, train and direct staff. Demonstrated ability to follow and give oral and written instructions, to perform tactfully, courteously and proficiently in emergency and stressful situations and make sound decisions using all available information. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to ensure compliance with policies, rules and regulations. Strong communication and management skills are required. Must be a United States citizen or have been a lawful resident of the United States for the past ten years to apply for VCIN certification.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND FINGERPRINT-BASED CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK REQUIRED; ALSO REQUIRED MEDICAL AND DRUG TESTING.

QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED:
Graduation from high school or equivalent. Education and/or experience preferred in public administration, business administration, emergency management or criminal justice related fields. Must be able to obtain NCIC/VCIN certification, and complete DCJS Dispatcher and General Instructor training. Emergency dispatching experience in a public service oriented organization preferred.

PAY BAND RANGE:

$31,352 - $64,347

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m., December 23, 2011.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Completed applications for employment must be submitted online to the Virginia Jobs website at https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov/applicants/jsp/shared/Welcome_css.jsp. Copies of two recent performance evaluations must be submitted and may be mailed to Division of Capitol Police, P.O. Box 1138, Richmond, VA 23218

Job opportunity 3



Division of Capitol Police      Accredited Agency Seal
Commonwealth of Virginia
 

CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER #CP087
(Working Title: Police Officer)

The Capitol Police is a Legislative Branch agency responsible for full-service law enforcement and security services for the Virginia State Capitol Complex and assigned properties in Richmond, Virginia; protective services for the Governor and Virginia’s First Family while they are in-residence at the Executive Mansion; dignitary protective services for the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, the Justices of Virginia’s Supreme Court, and members of the Virginia Legislature; court security for the Supreme Court of Virginia and Virginia Court of Appeals; and special event assignments and security details throughout the Commonwealth.  Services are delivered through vehicle patrol, bicycle patrol, foot patrol, static posts, traffic law enforcement, traffic crash investigations, criminal investigations, dignitary protection, and crowd control for various events.

The Division of Capitol Police is seeking certified applicants for positions of Capitol Police Officer, Pay Band 4.  Positions will be assigned to Uniformed Operations, Washington Building, 1100 Bank Street, 2nd Floor, Richmond, VA 23219.

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:

Full-time sworn positions with state benefits.

DUTIES:     
Protection of Government officials, legislators, employees, and citizens through the enforcement of state laws and the compliance with policies and procedures through patrols in the Division’s statutory jurisdiction and the maintaining of stationary police posts in assigned properties. Duties include: affecting an arrest, testifying in court; safely operating a law enforcement vehicle, interviewing individuals, performing searches of people and property, reading and comprehending a variety of legal and administrative documents. Applicants will receive life and health insurance benefits, will earn sick and vacation leave; enhanced law enforcement retirement; career development program.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Candidates must be 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen. Valid drivers license; high school diploma or G.E.D. Must be able to pass a physical and psychological examination; no felony or misdemeanor convictions; subject to random drug screening. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with a diverse population. Ability to utilize a personal computer using current software programs. Candidates must be certified as a Law Enforcement Officer.  BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND FINGERPRINT-BASED CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK REQUIRED; ALSO REQUIRED MEDICAL, DRUG AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING.


QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED:
Prior experience in police or related law enforcement work. Graduation from an accredited college or university with applicable coursework in government, business, criminal justice or a related field. Military experience is also preferred.
PAY BAND RANGE:
$31,352 - $64,347

STARTING SALARY:

Starting salary will be determined based on years of service and work experience performing law enforcement duties and responsibilities.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m., January 6, 2012.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Completed applications for employment must be submitted online to the Virginia Jobs website at https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov/applicants/jsp/shared/Welcome_css.jsp.

Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply.
“Reasonable Accommodations” are provided for applicants with disabilities. AA/EOE/ADA

Job opportunity 3



Division of Capitol Police      Accredited Agency Seal
Commonwealth of Virginia
 

CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER #CP087
(Working Title: Police Officer)

The Capitol Police is a Legislative Branch agency responsible for full-service law enforcement and security services for the Virginia State Capitol Complex and assigned properties in Richmond, Virginia; protective services for the Governor and Virginia’s First Family while they are in-residence at the Executive Mansion; dignitary protective services for the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, the Justices of Virginia’s Supreme Court, and members of the Virginia Legislature; court security for the Supreme Court of Virginia and Virginia Court of Appeals; and special event assignments and security details throughout the Commonwealth.  Services are delivered through vehicle patrol, bicycle patrol, foot patrol, static posts, traffic law enforcement, traffic crash investigations, criminal investigations, dignitary protection, and crowd control for various events.

The Division of Capitol Police is seeking certified applicants for positions of Capitol Police Officer, Pay Band 4.  Positions will be assigned to Uniformed Operations, Washington Building, 1100 Bank Street, 2nd Floor, Richmond, VA 23219.

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:

Full-time sworn positions with state benefits.

DUTIES:     
Protection of Government officials, legislators, employees, and citizens through the enforcement of state laws and the compliance with policies and procedures through patrols in the Division’s statutory jurisdiction and the maintaining of stationary police posts in assigned properties. Duties include: affecting an arrest, testifying in court; safely operating a law enforcement vehicle, interviewing individuals, performing searches of people and property, reading and comprehending a variety of legal and administrative documents. Applicants will receive life and health insurance benefits, will earn sick and vacation leave; enhanced law enforcement retirement; career development program.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Candidates must be 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen. Valid drivers license; high school diploma or G.E.D. Must be able to pass a physical and psychological examination; no felony or misdemeanor convictions; subject to random drug screening. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with a diverse population. Ability to utilize a personal computer using current software programs. Candidates must be certified as a Law Enforcement Officer.  BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND FINGERPRINT-BASED CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK REQUIRED; ALSO REQUIRED MEDICAL, DRUG AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING.


QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED:
Prior experience in police or related law enforcement work. Graduation from an accredited college or university with applicable coursework in government, business, criminal justice or a related field. Military experience is also preferred.
PAY BAND RANGE:
$31,352 - $64,347

STARTING SALARY:

Starting salary will be determined based on years of service and work experience performing law enforcement duties and responsibilities.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m., January 6, 2012.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Completed applications for employment must be submitted online to the Virginia Jobs website at https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov/applicants/jsp/shared/Welcome_css.jsp.

Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply.
“Reasonable Accommodations” are provided for applicants with disabilities. AA/EOE/ADA