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CANYON CORRIDOR CONNECTION 2016 | 11
with the neighborhoods, schools and businesses. The best measure of
success, and we are seeing and experiencing it now, is when the people
who live, work and play in the area have a true sense of safety and
accomplishment. We’ll sustain that sense of safety and reduction in
crime by staying in contact with the people who live in the area. Our
constant communication will allow us to address any concerns that
people might have as those concerns appear.
Q QCrime: How are the police, the prosecutor’s office and neighborhood services partnering
to create long-term sustainable solutions to ongoing crime problems
with prostitution, transients and/or children having access to open/vacant buildings in the
VIP (Violence Impact Project) and the NSI (Neighborhood Safety Initiative) areas?
A AThe partnerships have always been in place. The key is to keep the lines
of communication wide-open. By constantly talking, we stay aware of
neighborhood concerns. We are then able to deal with those concerns
collectively, bringing all of our resources together in our problem-solving
efforts
Q QRefugees: How is the Cactus Park Precinct handling refugees and the language barrier?
A ACactus Park Precinct, working with our Community Relations Bureau
(as well as the whole department), participates in our various department
advisory boards. The advisory boards are made up of various groups that
meet with the police department and engage in conversations allowing
those particular groups to better understand the police department and
(more importantly) for us to better understand them.
Q QPublic/Private Partnerships: What value do you place
on public/private partnerships working together to support community neighborhood
safety and revitalization efforts?
A AI place a very high value on public/private partnerships. The success
of our VIP is an excellent example of such a partnership. All of us
working together for a common goal has always been the key to
success.
Q QRevitalization: How do you see your office involved with the community revitalization
efforts and tangible support for organizations and businesses?
A AI see my office continuing the already established partnerships in
the revitalization efforts. Hopefully, as the efforts grow, I expect our
participation to grow as well.
Q QCanyon Corridor: How often do you visit the Canyon Corridor Community and Grand
Canyon University?
What stands out the most?
A AI visit the corridor or GCU on an almost daily basis. I believe this
particular partnership is important enough that my presence is
warranted on a regular basis. I want the stakeholders to know the
level of importance placed on Canyon Corridor and Grand Canyon
University are the highest, because what is at stake is critical to the
success of so much and so many.
Q QImpact: What else do you think Grand Canyon University could do to make a positive impact
in the neighborhoods?
A AGCU is doing it now. They’ve stated their commitment and have
followed through on every one of their promises. They are leading the
way for the transformation of the whole area.
Q QBackground: In your 35 1/2 years of PPD service, what has been your most memorable
position and tour of duty?
A AIn my 35.5 years with the police department, the things that stand
out the most have been the friendships that I have made over the
years. I’ve been fortunate to have held a multitude of assignments
and have worked on some significant projects/cases over the years.
The successes of those projects/cases stand out, but it was working
alongside some of the most dedicated professionals that was the
biggest thrill and most significant. During my high school years, I
lived in Maryvale. I attended and graduated from Trevor G. Browne
High School, so I’m a west-sider at heart.
Q QAny final thoughts?
A AAs I wrap up my career (I retire in less than one year), I reflect on
the dreams I had as a young kid. I either wanted to play second base
for the New York Yankees or to be a police officer. Since the Yankees
never called, I can honestly say I’ve lived my childhood dreams to
their fullest. The Phoenix Police Department has afforded me the
opportunity to make a positive change in people’s lives and I believe
I’ve been able to do that. Along the way, I am proud to have been
awarded the two highest medals you can receive as a Phoenix Police
Officer, The Medal of Valor and The Medal of Merit.
My wife, Michele, is a radiation oncologist with Mayo Clinic and the vice
dean of Mayo Medical School, which opens its Arizona campus in 2017.
My son James is finishing his second year at the University of Texas Law
School. Christina is a graduating senior from Santa Clara University and
Jordan is finishing up his freshman year at Arizona State University –
Barrett The Honors College.
Educat ion
Located in the northwest section of the city, Cactus Park
is approximately 30 square miles with a population of over
188,000 residents. The precinct is divided into squad areas
designated as 91, 92, and 93. Our station consists of 195 highly
trained patrol officers, 20 reserve officers, 23 supervisors, 5
lieutenants, and 5 civilian employees. The precinct provides
patrol coverage for the Cactus Park community, 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. In 2012, approximately 101,193 calls
were responded to within Cactus Park Precinct boundaries.
Our philosophy revolves around community policing with a
problem-solving approach that incorporates our officers, the
citizens we serve, and the business community. Together, we
firmly believe that we can improve and enhance the quality of
life and protection for all of our citizens in Cactus Park.
I encourage you to please take a moment and browse our
website, which holds many features such as the precinct map,
monthly newsletter, Community Action Officer information
and how to get in touch with us. Thanks for visiting.
Sign up to receive the Cactus Park Precinct Newsletter
and other event announcements:
Welcome to Cactus Park Precinct Located at 12220 N. 30th Ave
Phoenix, Arizona, 85029, Direct Line: 602-495-5009