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AUTO THEFT GETS A TATOO

February 27, 2002

Auto thefts are opportunistic crimes that are preventable with some minor effort and simple crime prevention measures. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has implemented various crime prevention programs to reduce and eliminate auto theft. With these programs and others, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department has reduced auto theft from 455 vehicles in 2000 to 350 in 2001, a 23% reduction.

The top ten stolen vehicles in the City of Fort Lauderdale are: 1986-1991 Toyota Camry 1994-2000 Honda Accord 1987-1999 Toyota Corolla 1989-1997 Ford Van 1989-2000 Ford F150 1997-2000 Ford Taurus 1991-2000 Ford Mustang 1992-1999 Honda Civic 1997-2000 Mitsubishi Mirage 1976-1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass

With the awarding of the Operation Right Trac grant, the police department has implemented several initatives to help you take an active role in helping to reduce auto thefts.

Operation TATTOO (Targeting Auto Theft Through Overt Operations) is a strategy that focuses on predicting and analyzing potential trends in auto theft. The efforts are also aimed at reducing auto theft of the ten most stolen vehicles in Fort Lauderdale while increasing arrests for auto theft offenses. If you live or work in the City of Fort Lauderdale and own a car in the top 10 stolen car group detailed on the left, you are eligible to receive a free steering wheel locking device. You must provide car registration and complete a form when you receive this device.

The CAT (Combat Auto Theft) decal program is yet another tool that auto owners can take advantage of free of charge. The CAT decal is a highly reflective micro glass beaded sticker that is designed to be placed in the lower left side of the rear window. By obtaining a CAT decal, the owner authorizes and gives consent to any law enforcement officer to stop the vehicle and question the driver between the hours of 1 am - 5 a.m. if the vehicle is on the road.

VIN etching is yet another strategy used to identify a car if it is stolen. If you own an older automobile, you may not have the vehicle identification number on your windows (most newer cars come etched from the factory). At a Fort Lauderdale Police Department Auto Theft Rally, you can have your vehicle VIN etched for free.

To obtain a free club for your vehicle or to get information on the next VIN Etching event, contact Detective Eddie Robinson at (954) 828-5519.

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EXTEND YOURSELF

The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department Community Support Division offers citizens a variety of tools and resources to help keep a safe community. A full curriculum of ongoing classes, programs and services are available at the Community Support Division Office, located at 1113 E. Sunrise Blvd. Following is a list of upcoming forums, ongoing training programs and services.

Addressing Identity Theft

Identity theft is on the rise. Using a variety of methods, criminals steal credit card numbers, driver's license numbers, Social Security Numbers, ATM cards and pin codes, telephone calling cards and other key pieces of individual identities. To combat this crime, the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department introduced the ID Theft Workshop in January. At the request of citizens, several workshops will be offered in March and April. At this time, a sign up sheet has been established to determine the number of sessions necessary to accomodate all interested participants. The workshop addresses identity theft and the criminals behind the violation, how victims are targeted, how criminals gain access to personal and company information. For additional information or to attend the class, call (954) 828-6428.

Hotel Motel Training

Date: March 5; Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This seminar is designed for property owners, property managers and renters alike. Topics covered include statutes, definitions, rules and regulations, keeping illegal activity out of public lodging establishments, city resources available to protect owners, property managers and renters, and more. For more information or to register, please call (954) 828-6428.

Landlord/Tenant Training

Date: March 20; Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Topics include keeping illegal activity out of your property, screening applicants, the Federal Fair Housing Act, Section 8 Housing and more. For more information or to register, please call (954) 828-6428.

License Plate Theft Prevention

The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department is distributing special screws that are created to prevent the theft of license plates. The screws are affixed with a regular screwdriver, but can only be removed with a special tool held by the Police Department. While supplies last, these tools are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are free. For more information, please call Alisa Cappuzzello, Project Director, at (954) 828-6433.

Graffiti Awareness

Date: February 26; Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Can you distinguish between artistic and gang graffiti? This training will outline the five styles of graffiti, the types of offenders, the terms and symbols used by graffiti offenders, the various methods and techniques available to citizens that can help protect neighborhoods from graffiti. Call (954) 828-6428 for more information or to register.

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POLICE, FORT LAUDERDALE H.S.
CELEBRATE COMMENCEMENT
OF FIRST TEEN POLICE ACADEMY

The first 25 students to take part in the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Teen Police Academy graduated recently after a four-month training program conducted with Fort Lauderdale High School students participating in the Criminal Justice Program.

Students attended classes three times a week at the Community Support Division of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. In addition to classroom lectures, students had the opportunity to meet and interact with police officers, sergeants and other police personnel from different areas of the agency. The Teen Police Academy curriculum, developed in partnership with the police department and school officials, featured a variety of hands-on demonstrations and covered a wide range of law enforcement topics including drug enforcement, special investigations, communications, and crime analysis. In addition to building a stronger relationship between youth and the police, the academy served as a tool to encourage students to consider a career in law enforcement. Plans for additional academies are being discussed.

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES

The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department has positions available for non-certified and certified detention officers. Both positions consist of maintaining order and supervising the activities of prisoners in a medium security detention facility. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of a Detention Supervisor according to established security procedures and departmental regulations. The salary for a Certified Detention Officer starts at $33,841.60 annually, and offers liberal fringe benefits. The salary for a Non-Certified Detention Officer starts at $31,387.20 annually and offers liberal fringe benefits.

A Certified Detention Officer must be a United States citizen, be at least 19 years of age, be a high school graduate or possess a high school equivalency diploma from a recognized issuing agency, be of good character and never have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, and be certified as a Corrections Officer in the State of Florida.

A Non-Certified Detention Officer must be a United States citizen, be at least 19 years of age, be a high school graduate or possess a high school equivalency diploma from a recognized issuing agency, and be of good character and never have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. Applications for both positions may be obtained from the City of Fort Lauderdale Personnel Department located on the 3rd floor of City Hall, 100 N. Andrews Ave. or downloaded from the City’s website.

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POLICE PARTNER WITH HAITIAN LAW ENFORCEMENT

The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department and the Haitian Law Enforcement Association have formed a partnership for the purpose of increasing outreach efforts in the Haitian community.

The association, formed to promote and enhance the law enforcement needs of the Haitian community and to assist in advancing the needs of present and future law enforcement officers of Haitian descent within the tri-county area, will co-host regular meetings with the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department. These meetings are designed to offer attendees a great opportunity to voice issues and concerns while forming a stronger community and partnership with the Police Department. In addition, valuable information about City services and employment opportunities are presented. A Haitian Town Hall meeting is scheduled for February 26 at the Community Support Division.

Yves La Fontant, association president and a police officer with Florida International University, established the partnership by joining with other Haitian-Americans in Law Enforcement. The first meeting, co-hosted by the City of Surfside, was held in late January with community leaders, newly appointed County Court Judge The Honorable Fred Seraphin who is of Haitian descent, Florida City Police Chief Marc Elias, City of Fort Lauderdale Police Sergeant Harvey Jacques and Community Relations Specialist Junia Jeantilus. Various initiatives were discussed that would bring education as well as outreach for the local Haitian community.

Currently, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department has two Creole speaking police officers, one detention officer and a Community Relations Specialist on staff who work directly with the Haitian community. Jeantilus was appointed to sit on the association’s board as a civilian member and will assist in recruiting efforts of Haitian-Americans interested in careers in law enforcement. The Association partnership is in addition to the Haitian Partnership Project already in existence with the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department. For additional information call, Junia Jeantilus at 828-6441.

"I feel the forming of this organization is a long time coming,” said Jeantilus. “There is a need for more Haitians in law enforcement. I am sure there are a lot of qualified Haitians. Our job will be to go out and find them.”

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BEHIND THE BADGE

Police Vice Squad Call Closing Time At Three Nuisance Establishments

The prevalence of prostitution, pornography, and illicit adult entertainment establishments continue to plague communities across the country. But the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Vice Unit is dedicated to addressing all facets of these problems that impact the quality of life in our community. In the last three months, Vice Unit operations have forced the doors to close at three nuisance establishments that served as fronts for prostitution.

"An Angel's Touch", located at 1815 East Commercial Blvd., had its grand opening during the week of November 12 and was advertising in the sports section of several local publications offering "beautiful female staff" to assist with body shampoos and body rubs. After a weeklong investigation, undercover vice detectives were able to document offers of prostitution from the staff. The operation resulted in three arrests for prostitution. Further arrests are anticipated.

A longtime eyesore known as "Live Peep Show" located at 930 State Road 84 finally closed its doors after being in business for nearly two decades. The Vice Unit maintained continuous pressure on the business over the years and made numerous arrests of their staff for prostitution, lewdness and assignation. Due to changes in zoning within the past ten years, similar type of adult business is prohibited from establishing at this location.

Originally opened as the "Dreamland Ballroom" back in 1983, the “Strip" and most recently renamed "Cats Meow II", led to more than 35 arrests for prostitution and lewdness and the end of a longtime nemesis. The Vice unit uses a comprehensive investigative method, combined with statutes and ordinances to arrest and prosecute criminals. The well-known practice of using undercover police officers is only one. “Our most important partnership involves members of the community taking a stand against illegal activities,” said Vice Sergeant Gary G. Daughenbaugh. “Our most important weapon in this fight is a concerned citizen reporting suspicious activities for investigation. Information provided in this manner is valuable and has led to numerous search warrants, arrests and prosecutions of major offenders.”

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LIFESAVING AWARD
MARCH 2002

POLICE OFFICER RECRUIT JASON WOOD

On December 7, 2001, you were assigned to ride with Detective Ed Robinson while you were waiting to attend the next police academy training session at the Broward Criminal Justice Institute. During a lunch break at a local restaurant, Detective Robinson began to choke on a large piece of meat. The meat was lodged in his throat, he was unable to speak and was unable to force the meat down his throat. Detective Robinson stood up and held his hands to his throat, the universal signal that he was choking.

You reacted immediately and successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on him, dislodging the meat and restoring Detective Robinson’s ability to breathe.

Your swift reaction to an obvious emergency situation emphasizes your ability to react calmly and professionally. Not only is Detective Robinson extremely grateful to you, but your actions also reflect the highest credit upon you. You are to be commended for a job well done.

Bruce G. Roberts
Chief of Police

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OFFICER OF THE MONTH
MARCH 2002

OFFICER DAVID CORTES

On October 4, 2001, a Yellow Cab driver was robbed at knifepoint. The culprit had fled in the area of Croissant Park and eluded the detection of searching K-9 officers.

Approximately thirty minutes later, a Friendly Checker cab driver was the victim of an attempted robbery in the Stranahan area. The two descriptions were similar. You quickly established a perimeter and broadcast a BOLO for the suspects. You noticed another Yellow Cab in the area and stopped the driver. You alerted him to the recent robberies and he provided you with the address he was dispatched to and he continued on his way. Moments later you stopped two more cabs and discovered they had been dispatched to the same address as the previous Yellow Cab driver.

Within minutes, you located and stopped the Yellow Cab and its fare, who fit the description of the Friendly Checker attempted robbery. The Friendly Checker driver responded to the scene and positively identified the fare as the culprit. The Yellow Cab driver from the Croissant Park robbery also responded to the scene and positively identified the fare as the culprit. He was taken into custody.

Your initiative in alerting the other cab drivers in the area to the criminal activity directly and your attentiveness, resulted in the apprehension of the culprit responsible for multiple robberies. You are to be commended on a job well done.

Bruce G. Roberts
Chief of Police

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HONORABLE MENTION
MARCH 2002

OFFICER DERRICK BARTLETT

On November 23, 2001, you responded as a back-up to a burglary of a vehicle that had just occurred. While enroute, you observed a subject, later identified as Alex Anestor, who matched the description of the culprit. You stopped Anestor and began your investigation. Anestor had in his possession a PDA, cell phone, power cord and a Leatherman tool. Anestor told you the PDA was a “phone number thing,” leading you to believe it was not his. The primary officer on the vehicle responded to your location with the victim, who positively identified Anestor as the culprit.

Not stopping with the one burglary, you located the owners of the PDA and the cell phone. Both had been the victims of unreported vehicle burglaries in the area.

Anestor was ultimately charged with three counts of burglary and possession of stolen property and one count of prowling.

Your attention to detail, powers of deduction and desire to go that extra step during this investigation, brings credit to yourself and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. You are to be commended for a job well done.

Bruce G. Roberts
Chief of Police

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