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CANYON CORRIDOR CONNECTION 2016
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Police Department website and click on the
Community Outreach tab.
Q Q
Community Based Policing: In light of situations around
the country, what is the Phoenix Police Department doing
to better develop community relations?
A A
To earn the trust of those we serve, we
must behave in a procedurally just manner.
It is critical that we treat everyone who
we encounter with dignity, respect and
professionalism. We must treat every call that
we respond to and every citizen encountered
that we have as the most important call
and most important contact of the day. You
can’t practice Community Based Policing
without being compassionate, empathetic and
genuine.
In addition, the department is fully
committed to engaging in civil discourse that
breaks down barriers and allows for greater
growth and understanding. This goes back to
the demystification of the law enforcement
profession and the department, as I alluded to
earlier. It’s important that we seize upon every
opportunity that we have to foster dialogue
and establish relationships. It’s amazing how
much can be accomplished over a cup of
coffee or a shared meal.
The department has also established 12
unique Citizen Advisory Boards designed to
enhance communication and create a climate
of trust with the Police Department. These
boards are as follows: African-American,
Arab, Asian/Pacific Islander, Cross Disability,
Faith-Based, Hispanic, Jewish, LGBT, Muslim,
Native American, Refugee and Sikh. These
boards meet at least quarterly and we bring
them all together for a large summit annually.
Q Q
Crime: 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 A
Just as it is critical that we work cooperatively
with our community partners, it is imperative
that we work closely with our internal
city partners to effectively mitigate those
crime and quality of life issues that lead
to community degradation. The Police
Department, City Prosecutor’s Office,
Neighborhood Services Department and
many other city departments use a variety
of strategies and programs to address crime,
blight and overall community sustainability.
We use a best practices approach that is
predicated upon information and resource
sharing to conduct targeted enforcement
operations, improve the overall condition
of neighborhoods and strengthen the sense
of community. We do this while engaging
residents and neighborhood leadership in the
process, thereby ensuring that the city and
community are working toward common
goals.
Q Q
Refugees: How is the police department handling
refugees and the language barrier? Refugee Safety
Initiative? (Many community folks have asked for more
outreach on this.)
A A
It’s exciting to see the melting pot that
Phoenix has become. We have one of the
fastest growing refugee populations in the
country and the Phoenix Police Department
takes an active role in assisting with the
assimilation process for those refugees who
call our city home. We have an excellent
relationship with many resettlement
organizations, such as the International
Rescue Committee, Catholic Charities
Community Services and Refugee Focus. This
relationship has allowed us to provide training
to our officers, while also providing training
to new refugee arrivals so that they better
understand our laws and customs. In 2015,
the department took the progressive step of
establishing a Refugee Advisory Board, which
has allowed for greatly enhanced dialogue and
interaction.
Q Q
Public/Private Partnerships: What value do you place on
public/private partnerships working together to support
community neighborhood safety and revitalization
efforts?
A A
Public/private partnerships are crucial if we
are to create sustainable communities with
a stable economic and social foundation.
Since safety and security are key elements
of economic development, law enforcement
plays a vital role in the revitalization process.
We support block watches and neighborhood
associations that strive to reduce crime
and improve the quality of life in their
communities. We are eager to engage in
unique collaborations that benefit our city and
its residents.
Q Q
Canyon Corridor: In your most recent visit to the Canyon
Corridor Community, what stands out the most?
A A
It’s hard not to notice the incredible growth
of Grand Canyon University. What was
once a fairly diminutive college tucked
away on the north side of Camelback Road,
has now become a powerful figure in the
redevelopment of West Phoenix. The growth
of the university is breathtaking and the
Grand Canyon University Arena is quickly
establishing itself as a marquee location for
sports and entertainment alike.
Q Q
Impact: What else do you think Grand Canyon University
could do to make a positive impact in the neighborhoods?
A A
I would encourage Grand Canyon University
to keep doing what it’s doing. GCU is a
committed partner in the renewal and
revitalization of our community and their
footprint extends far beyond the stunning
campus on West Camelback Road. The new
Grand Canyon University Golf Course at
59th Avenue and Indian School, which had
its grand opening earlier this year, is a real
gem in the heart of Maryvale. The GCU Hotel
at 27th Avenue and Camelback is absolutely
beautiful. The support of organizations such
as the Maryvale Revitalization Corporation,
which promotes and facilitates the
revitalization of the Maryvale community,
speaks to GCU’s ongoing commitment to
Phoenix and its residents. These are just a
few examples of what makes Grand Canyon
University so special.
Q Q
Background: In your 25 years of PPD service, what has
been your most memorable position and tour of duty?
(Do I understand you used to live in Maryvale? Or, was
that a “tall-tale?”)
A A
In May, I will celebrate 26 remarkable years
with the Phoenix Police Department. I
have been fortunate to work in a number of
different assignments, but the most rewarding
position I have been blessed to hold was as
the commander of the Maryvale-Estrella
Mountain Precinct. That assignment was so
special because of the people who live and
work in the Maryvale, Estrella and Laveen
Villages. The human, physical and intellectual
capital in those communities is nothing
short of remarkable, as is the work ethic and
insatiable desire to make a difference. I was
energized every day that I came to work,
because I knew that the Department and
the community were one. The friendships I
formed during my tenure there continue today
and will last long after I leave the department.
Q Q
Any Final Thoughts?
A A
I don’t want to sound like a broken record,
but I would like to remind everyone that we
are in this together. This is our community
and we are limited only by our vision and
intestinal fortitude. Yoko Ono was once
quoted as saying, “A dream you dream alone
is only a dream. A dream you dream together
is reality.” There is no goal that is too grand
so long as we commit to working together to
achieve it.