2013 Police/Fire Academies Challenge

At the conclusion of the PD and Fire Academies we hold a PD/FD Challenge.  The two academies are split into teams and compete by doing tasks typically performed by the other department.  We also take the opportunity to poke fun of the stereotypes of each profession (hence the donuts and X-Box games).  This is a good way to build teamwork and comradery. 

Chief Frank Milstead speaking at the MCAO Press Conference

Bomb Squad PSA

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport PSA

CRIME STATS - FEBRUARY

The following are the top 5 calls for service and arrests for each patrol district -- 2/01/2013 through 2/28/2013.

DOBSON		CENTRAL
Call Type	Frequency	Call Type	Frequency
Subjects Disturbing	373	Subjects Disturbing	352
Check Welfare	252	Check Welfare	299
Other Agency Assist	180	Other Agency Assist	221
Loud Music/Noise	172	Suspicious Activity	172
Suspicious Activity	167	Loud Music/Noise	157
Arrests	Frequency	Arrests	Frequency
Homicide	1	Robbery	2
Robbery	9	Aggravated Assault	8
Aggravated Assault	8	Breaking & Entering	4
Breaking & Entering	5	Theft	52
heft	53	Alcohol/DUI	47
GTA	3	Other Assaults	32
Alcohol/DUI	58	Disorderly Conduct	22
Other Assaults	32	Drugs	41
Disorderly Conduct	12	Fiscal/Forgery	20
Drugs	53	Loitering/Runaway	16
Fiscal/Forgery	11	Sex Offenses	7
Loitering/Runaway	12	Vandalism	17
Sex Offenses	4	All Other	236
Vandalism	22
All Other	127
TOTAL	410	TOTAL	504

RED MOUNTAIN		SUPERSTITION
Call Type	Frequency	Call Type	Frequency
Check Welfare	367	Check Welfare	276
Subjects Disturbing	308	Subjects Disturbing	233
Other Agency Assist	195	Burglary Alarm	204
Burglary Alarm	187	Other Agency Assist	196
Loud Music/Noise	182	Suspicious Activity	170
Arrests	Frequency	Arrests	Frequency
Robbery	2	Aggravated Assault	3
Aggravated Assault	9	Breaking & Entering	3
Breaking & Entering	6	Theft	69
Theft	60	GTA	2
GTA	1	Alcohol/DUI	38
Alcohol/DUI	58	Other Assaults	32
Other Assaults	39	Disorderly Conduct	11
Disorderly Conduct	24	Drugs	30
Drugs	72	Fiscal/Forgery	7
Fiscal/Forgery	11	Loitering/Runaway	6
Loitering/Runaway	17	Sex Offenses	1
Sex Offenses	5	Vandalism	14
Vandalism	22	All Other	66
All Other	129
TOTAL	455	TOTAL	282

Get To Know...

Through this feature you will get to know a bit about the men and women who work for the Mesa Police Department.

Sgt. Mark Njaa is in the spotlight this month. He is our Rangemaster and is responsible for the daily operations of the Firearms Range and training. We recently asked him the following:


Q:  What do you do when you aren't working?
A:  My life revolves around my family. I've been married for 27 years, father of three children and grandfather to one.

Q:  Where did you work before joining Mesa PD?
A:  I  owned a small coffee business. I discovered that sales didn't bring the kind of excitement and involvement I seem to enjoy.

Q:  What music is on your iPod/mp3 player?
A:  iPod? I don't have one. I had an 8-track player in my first car; I still like the old school rock and roll.

Q:  What is your favorite meal?
A:  Steak, potatoes, with no vegetables.

Q:  What is your favorite movie or TV show?
A:  I'm a big fan of anything on Discovery and History channels, but "The Walking Dead" is a guilty pleasure.

Q:  If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would you go and why?
A:  Ocean fishing in a remote Mexico location. I like to get away and completely forget about everything. I enjoy sitting in a lawn chair watching the sun set where the most stressful decision is which lure to use. 

Q:  What sound do you love?
A:  The call of a bugling Elk.

Q:  If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
A:  Relax. I'm driven to do the right thing, but I could soften the delivery.


Watch for future installments of the "Get To Know..." feature!

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

If you will be traveling during the week of Spring Break, take a few safety precautions:

Before You Leave:

• Let a trusted neighbor know your itinerary and leave them a phone number to contact you if something happens. Ask them, or a family member, to pick up your mail and newspapers while you are gone.
• Make sure the doors and windows to your home are closed and locked. 
• Remove all exterior "hidden" house keys. Burglars know all the hiding places.
• Make a record of your credit/debit card numbers and keep it in a safe place.
• Use timers for lights and radios inside your home to make your home appear occupied.
• If traveling by vehicle, have it serviced by a reputable mechanic.

While You Are Gone:

•  Never carry large amounts of cash. If you carry cash, separate it and carry it in several pockets.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Always check the interior of your vehicle before entering.
• Never let your gas tank get below one-fourth full.
• Use well-traveled roads; avoid shortcuts.
• Keep your doors locked and windows up at all times.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers.
• Don't advertise your travel plans to strangers, even to make light conversation.
• Always park in well-lighted areas.
• Keep your valuables out of sight, preferably locked in the trunk.

More crime prevention information can be found here.

Applications for Police Officer Recruit Will Be Accepted Beginning March 8

The Mesa Police Department will be accepting applications for Police Officer Recruit starting March 8th, 2013.  The application process will be a first come first serve basis and will close after receiving 400 applications. Last time applications were taken, we received over 400 the first day. After a pre-screen of applications invitations will be sent out for a physical agility test on April 22nd, 2013.  If you pass the physical agility test you will be invited to a written test. Apply online here. Click on Career Opportunities.

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

Spring Break is just around the corner for school children! If you have a child who will be home alone during
the week of Spring Break, please find productive activities to keep your child safe and out of harm's way when you are not home. Perhaps a neighbor or relative would be able to watch your child. If that is not possible, remind your child daily to follow your guidelines regarding opening the door, answering the phone, cooking, etc.

If you are home during the week, there are many great things around Mesa that you can do with your child,
including museums, movies, picnics at your local park, etc.

If you see children doing things that could be dangerous to them or others (such as playing in a park or in the
street unattended; climbing on roofs, buildings or homes; playing on vacant property; playing with matches; throwing rocks at homes, vehicles or people; etc.), please call the police at 480-644-2211, option 2. We want this to be a safe and enjoyable Spring Break for everyone.

For information on how to keep your child safe when you are not home, please visit
www.mesaaz.gov/police/literature/default.aspx.

Officer Bernau 2 days after surgery

Our Motor Officer Jamie Bernau, whom was struck by an inattentive driver on Feb. 16th, is 2 days out of surgery to repair his broken Pelvis. He wants to thank you all for the kind words and to let you know he will be back in the fight soon.