“Serving with Honor”


In 2011, the Avondale Police Department, comprised of 115 sworn police officers and 53 professional staff, exceeded its goal to reduce the crime rate in the city. The crime rate dropped 7% due in part to the full implementation of the Community Action Team (CAT) funded by a federal grant to target crime in neighborhoods. Some examples of the actions taken by the CAT include:


c The identification and apprehension of a major copper theft organization responsible for stealing copper from residential, businesses and park facilities. This resulted in seven arrests of suspects responsible for several thousand pounds of stolen copper.


c The arrest of 13 suspects responsible for hundreds of car burglaries in the northern part of Avondale and other West Valley cities. The crime rate dropped significantly in the area after these arrests.


c CAT assisted detectives in Avondale and other jurisdictions by arresting over 100 suspects for sexual assault, violent crimes, thefts and burglaries on cases actively worked by detectives.


Avondale PD participated in a number of community events to enhance crime prevention efforts including its on-going partnership with Crime Fee Multi Housing program where 16 new apartment complexes received training to screen renters to reduce the crime rate. Two VIN Etch programs were offered so residents could have their vehicle identification numbers etched into various parts of their vehicles to prevent thefts and expedite the identification and recovery of stolen vehicle parts. The department’s Community Services Bureau also provided classes to Avondale students to prevent bullying and “sexting” and to address the dangers of texting while driving. In addition, the Avondale Police Department hosted its ninth annual Shop With a Cop event and a Christmas event at the Cashion Community Center for more than 100 children living in the area.


The Criminal Investigations Bureau staffed the Special Victim’s Unit (SVU) at the Southwest Family Advocacy Center. SVU investigated 117 cases of child abuse, child molestation and sexual assaults to juveniles and adults.


10 2011 City of Avondale Annual Report


Avondale PD entered into a partnership with Community Bridges to open a facility serving the entire West Valley where people with drug and alcohol disorders can receive immediate treatment to assist in their recovery and provide life skills to become more productive members of the community. This helped reduce the overall crime rate by reducing the number of people who committed crimes in order to maintain their habit.


Several promotions took place at the department including three new lieutenants and three new sergeants all of whom were filled by officers from within the department. Lieutenants competed with candidates from other departments outside Avondale and they performed professionally. The department’s internal affairs policy was reviewed and modified based on recommendations from a committee with representation from several areas of the department. All supervisory staff have been trained on the new policy. Labor and management successfully negotiated their first contract addressing pay, benefits and working conditions.


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