COTATI POLICE
DEPARTMENT
2022 ANNUAL
REPORT
203 W. SIERRA AVE, COTATI, CA
NON-EMERGENCY 707-792-4611
The 2022 Cotati Police Department Annual Report is
herein presented for your review. I thank you for taking time to read this report. I hold in high regard the opinions and input of Cotati’s citizen’s and business owners.
This report is a snapshot of some of the great work done by the men and women of the Department. It also provides insight into some of the continuing challenges we face as a police department in the coming years. Members of the Cotati Police Department respect all individuals and will continue to be inclusive as we move the department forward always striving for equity and improvement.
I am humbled to have been chosen to lead this agency, and I can assure you that our passion and commitment to the citizens, the city, and the police department is our top priority. Together we will continue to move the organization ahead, building on our existing foundation and the community partnerships we have established over the years. With the reputations and responsibilities of police departments changing on a daily basis, it is important for us to harness the support of the community and do all we can to maintain our reputation as a highly respected law enforcement agency.
Policing our city is everyone’s responsibility so we urge the citizens of Cotati to stay vigilant, because you are the eyes and ears of the community. Be proactive about your own personal safety, look out for your neighbor, and be aware of what’s going on in your community. Informed, alert citizens play a critical role in keeping our community safe, so “If You See Something, Say Something.” The best way to share your vigilance is by calling our business line at 707-792-4611.
Developing and maintaining community partnerships is the cornerstone of our system of policing here in Cotati, so I want to thank all of you who have worked alongside us to keep our city safe. I am very proud of our police department and what we have accomplished, and I look forward to continued successes and achievements. The Cotati Police Department will continue to become a progressive department looking for unconventional ways to build trust and legitimacy in our City.
Our objective is to provide contemporary police services which promotes safe and secure neighborhoods, parks, roadways, and recreation/shopping/commercial areas visited by all.
As we move ahead in 2023, we will continue our focus on 1) being fair in processes, 2) being transparent in actions, 3) providing opportunities to hear from our community, and 4) being impartial in decision making.
We will continue our community policing philosophy through personal outreach to stakeholders to remain proactive in reducing crime, increasing traffic safety, enhancing citizen and business engagement and overall wellbeing of the City. We will continue our focus of training on employee health and wellness, effective ways to engage people who are in mental health crisis, continue understanding implicit bias and enhance de-escalation tactics through equipment and training.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
Welcome to the Cotati Police Department, I am honored to be your Chief of Police.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PANDEMIC.......................................................................................................................... 1 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART............................................................................................... 2 CRIME ANALYSIS & REVIEW........................................................................................... 3 CALLS FOR SERVICE 2019-2022................................................................................. 3 COTATI ARREST STATISTICS 2019-2022................................................................... 4 COTATI NIBRS "PERSON" CRIME STATISTIC 2022................................................... 5 POLICE POLICIES........................................................................................................... 16 HI-LO SIREN DRILL......................................................................................................... 15 COTATI NIBRS "PROPERTY" CRIME STATISTICS 2022............................................ 6 COTATI NIBRS "OTHER" CRIME STATISTICS 2022................................................... 7 COTATI CITATIONS 2022............................................................................................. 8 CITIZEN COMPLAINTS................................................................................................ 9-10 SPECIALIZED ASSISTANCE FOR EVERYONE (SAFE) TEAM............................... 11-13 RACIAL & IDENTITY PROFILING ACT (RIPA).............................................................. 14 DEA PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKEBACK...................................................................... 15 TRAINING......................................................................................................................... 17 RECRUIT TRAINING OFFICERS.................................................................................... 18 USE OF FORCE.......................................................................................................... 19-21 NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICER MEETINGS....................................................................... 23 PATROL .......................................................................................................................... 25 ANIMAL CONTROL ........................................................................................................ 26 DISPATCH ....................................................................................................................... 27 MADD AWARD................................................................................................................. 28 TRAFFIC OFFICER........................................................................................................... 29 K9 TEAM .......................................................................................................................... 28 CADETS & VOLUNTEERS............................................................................................... 29 PARTNERSHIPS.............................................................................................................. 30 COMMUNITY OUTREACH............................................................................................... 30 COMMUNITY INFORMATION.......................................................................................... 31 SHERMAN BLOCK SUPERVISORY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (SBSLI)..................... 16 AUTOMATED LICENSE 27 READER (ALPR) TECHNOLOGY..................................... 18 ASSEMBLY BILL 481...................................................................................................... 22 ELECTRIC VEHICLE FLEET........................................................................................... 24 DETECTIVE...................................................................................................................... 27 RETIREMENT................................................................................................................... 32 AWARD OF MERIT..................................................................................................... 33-34 COMMENDATION....................................................................................................... 35-37
COTATI EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE AWARD AND OFFICER OF THE YEAR FOR SONOMA COUNTY.......................................................................................................... 37 In 2022 the Pandemic continued to be a challenge for the Police Department’s normal operations. Thankfully the COVID 19 virus did diminish during the year of 2022 allowing the police department to reestablish community outreach and activities. As always, we remained working 24/7 answering 911 calls, responding to calls for service and we continued daily patrols.
PANDEMIC
1 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
PSA
Katie Huldermann
Chief Michael
Parish
Lieutenant
VACANT
Sergeant
Paul Goodin
Sergeant
B Gallo
Sergeant
Tyler Wardle
Corporal
Brian Deaton
K9
Remo
Corporal
VACANT
DISPATCH
Kirsten Ott
Cristina
Montoya
Renee Harris
Michael Callen
Adrien McGoon
Kristen Abbott
OFFICERS
Ryan Reinke
Jerry Cunningham
Ryan Sullivan
Casey Perry
Kai Parker
Res. Officer -
Michael Iturbe
VACANT
VACANT
Volunteers/
Cadets
2 Detective
Anthony Garber
CRIME ANALYSIS & REVIEW
3 COTATI ARREST STATISTICS
2019-2022
4 COTATI TOTAL NIBRS "PERSON" CRIME
STATISTICS 2022
5 In 2022, California fully transitioned from the old Uniform Crime Report (UCR) to the newer National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). The new data categories makes comparing against prior years data no feasible in several areas. Therefore, the City is reporting only 2022 crime data in this years' annual report. In 2022, the City had 530 crimes reported in the NIBRS system.
COTATI NIBRS "PROPERTY" CRIME
STATISTICS 2022
6 COTATI NIBRS "OTHER" CRIME
STATISTICS 2022
7 CITATIONS
2022
8 In 2022, the City issued 1,288 traffic citations, broken down by type in the following chart:
In 2022, the Police Department received a total of 9 complaints out of a total of 10,411 events (0.09%). The total logged events do not include numerous other interactions with the department, such as daily information interactions, citizen business at the Dispatch counter, etc.The police department receives complaints through a variety of sources, including the official complaint form, city website, emails, telephone, and in-person. For every complaint received, the Police Department investigates the allegations. The following are the sources of the complaints the calendar years since 2021 (sources of complaints in prior years were not tracked):
CITIZEN COMPLAINTS
9 The process begins with a Sergeant (who is not part of the citizen contact) reviewing the complaint, reviewing all available materials (such as police reports, dispatch recordings, body worn camera, etc.), followed by interviews of the complainant and any involved police staff. The Cotati Police Department was the first agency in Sonoma County to implement a full deployment of body worn cameras on all of our officers, which has greatly assisted in the review of complaints or other events.
For the purposes of this report, the complaints have been grouped in two ways: by outcome after investigation and by category of initial allegation. Of the 9 complaints received in 2022, the categories of initial allegations are as follows (including prior years):
Source of Complaints
In-Person
"Blue" Form
Webform
Email
Telephone
2021 2022
0 0
1 1
3 1
5 3
5 0
10 9
Initial Allegation
Conduct Unbecoming
Procedural
Use of Force
Not related to Police
2021 2022
1 6
0 0
9 0
6 3
7 2020
6 2
0 2
10 0
9 Outcome after Investigation
Procedural: This category of typically involves complaints of unfair parking enforcement, contesting traffic tickets, failure of the officer to act, etc.
Category of Allegation
The definitions of the terms used are as indicated below. Not all terms are used this year due to the nature of the complaints received.
Under Review: The allegation is still under investigation.
Sustained: A true finding supported by facts, generally results in officer discipline and/or re-training.
Not Sustained: Facts revealed do not substantiate the allegation.
Withdrawn/Closed: Case was closed as matter was withdrawn by the complainant or complainant was unresponsive to attempts to contact.
Exonerated: Allegation is true but actions were lawful.
Conduct Unbecoming: This category of allegation is a complaint of rude or discourteous behavior of the officer.
Use of Force: This category of allegation is a complaint regarding the officer use of force.
Not related to Police: This category of allegation involves a complaint that is unrelated to the Cotati Police Department.
10 Unfounded: Not true. Actions alleged did not occur.
In 2022, none of the 9 complaints led to sustained allegations.
In the 2021 annual report, 1 allegation was still under review at the time of the annual report. A citizen complained of rude and discourteous behavior against an officer, which ultimately resulted in sustained allegations of rude and discourteous behavior and poor decision making, which is indicated in the chart of Complaint Outcomes for 2021.
SPECIALIZED ASSISTANCE FOR
EVERYONE (SAFE) TEAM
11 The SAFE Team provides three main services to the community
1. Response to issues relating to mental health, addiction and homelessness
2. Non-emergency response for people in need
3. Proactive and continued community outreach
Cotati and Rohnert Park have partnered to provide a mobile mental health crisis response team for our cities. At the end of 2022 Cotati and Rohnert Park added Sonoma State University to our partnership creating a unique, if not first, team of municipal cities to combine special assistance response with a university. For 2023 the SAFE Team will be available for a twenty-four-hour response every day. Our SAFE team is modeled after the successful Cahoots program in Eugene Oregon, which consists of a mental health professional/resource advocate and medic (nurse, paramedic or EMT).
SAFE works proactively to address low level issues and provides preventative outreach to help ensure individuals don’t end up needing a higher level of care. SAFE can identify shelter options for the homeless, mental health services for people in crisis, connect people with resources to address addiction and provide health care that does not meet the threshold of an ambulance response.
When SAFE is not responding to calls-for-service they conduct outreach to the homeless, including evaluating their condition and providing shelter and counseling information.
SAFE is intended to benefit everyone by keeping police officers, firefighters and paramedics available for appropriate emergencies.
If you observe someone experiencing
mental health issues or homelessness
you can contact SAFE by calling 707-
792-4611 for non-emergencies or 911
for emergencies.
0 Since the inception in November 2021 through December 2022, the SAFE Team has responded to 205 Calls-for Service in Cotati. These calls break down into the following general categories:
Call Types
Counseling Requests
Death Notifications
Public Assists
Suicidal Subject
Welfare Checks
2022
4 159
8 34
0 Wound Care
Total 205
Initiated By
Dispatch
Flag Down
Self-initiated
2022
198
5 2
Total 205
12 Examples of SAFE Team success stories in Cotati
The SAFE team dispatched to a call where a resident was fleeing from her abusive boyfriend and seeking emergency housing. The SAFE team was able to help her by obtaining shelter and provided her with substance abuse program resources. The woman has now moved into a safe house and is sober.
The SAFE team dispatched to a call where a young man was suffering a mental breakdown, posting on social media that he was going to commit suicide. The SAFE team talked to the young man and learned that he was hearing voices which were telling him to harm himself. The SAFE Team took him to the hospital to get evaluated and obtain resources. The SAFE team navigator followed up with the young man and he is now on medication and talking to a therapist.
The SAFE team dispatched to a call where man has been having burst of anger that resulted in him harming himself. The man was checked out by medics, and the SAFE team spoke with the subject about his quality of life and what moving forward would look like. The SAFE team transported him to a hospital and helped instill purpose by speaking with him about his passions, empathizing with the man who felt like he didn’t care if he died and reminded him that he mattered. He agreed to mental health counseling.
This woman has been a part of the foster system and is currently living in a hotel but usually is unhoused. The woman has been through some traumas including death of parents, fiancé, and best friend. She also has been on life support before due to car wreck. Due to intense trauma, the woman deals with unwanted and intrusive suicidal thoughts that presented on the night of the SAFE call. The team listened and encouraged her empathetically and transported the woman on a voluntary 5150 hold to memorial Santa Rosa. She stated she felt more comfortable riding with the SAFE team to the hospital, rather than with the police.
Arrived on scene and spoke with the mother of a child who became very angry earlier in the night and shoved her twice. Her child was refusing medication but took emergency medication as soon as he knew the SAFE team was on the way. The child was laying calmly on the living room floor with a blanket when the SAFE team walked in the house, but became very upset, shouting that nobody loves him, and everybody thinks he's a joke. The child is on the Autism spectrum and has a hard time making friends. The mother was trying to get connected with services, but COVID has hindered her success. The mother has tried various activities with her child, but he has yet to show an interest in any of the activities. The child calmed down and agreed to go to bed and take his medication and get counseling. The SAFE team Navigator reached out to the mother to give her resources that will help her with her son.
A resident believed that the neighbors stole his items that he left in a common yard a day after the interaction. The SAFE team offered to mediate a conversation between the resident and his neighbors, but the man declined. The resident reported that he is borderline schizophrenic. The man asked for a ride to Catholic Charites to get support with getting a case manager/ disability worker to file his restraining order against his neighbors. The SAFE team transported the man to Catholic Charities and offered resources through PPSC and the SAFE team navigator. 13
RACIAL AND IDENTITY PROFILING
ACT (RIPA)
14 The Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) was formed as part of AB953 (Weber, 2016).
The Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board (RIPA Board) is a diverse group of members that represent the public, law enforcement and educators.
The goal of the RIPA Board is to strengthen law enforcement-community relations in California through collaboration, transparency, and accountability. The California Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of the Attorney General, has the primary oversight of the RIPA Board.
One of the responsibilities of the RIPA Board has been to develop the stop-data collection process. On July 1, 2018, the eight largest police agencies in California began collecting stop data and reporting the information to the DOJ.
The bill requires an agency that employs between one and 334 peace officers to issue its first annual report to DOJ by April 1, 2023. (All police agencies in Sonoma County, including the Cotati Police Department, are in this category).
For transparency, the Cotati Police Department decided to collect RIPA data before the scheduled mandate. Our Police Department is a member of a Public Safety consortium.
Members of the consortium include the Sonoma Sheriff’s Department, cities of Cotati, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, and Windsor (Sonoma and Windsor contract services with Sheriff’s Department).
Collectively, the consortium agencies started collecting RIPA data using patrol cars mobile computers and smart phones on July 1, 2021. The data is collected by the consortium and transmitted to the DOJ daily for review and quality control.This data set then becomes the single “point of truth” for validated data statewide.
HI-LO SIREN DRILL
All Sonoma County Law Enforcement Agencies
use “Hi-lo” sirens for emergency evacuations. HiLo sirens have a distinct European emergency vehicle sound. When you Hear the Hi-Lo it’s Time
to Go. We will only use Hi-Lo sirens for
emergency evacuations. On August 31st 2022
the Cotati Police Department, Sonoma State
University Police Department and Rohnert Park
of Department of Public Safety conducted a
coordinated Hi-Lo Siren evacuation drill. In 2023
we will conduct another evacuation Hi-Lo Drill. To
see which evacuation zone you live in, go to the
City website (www.cotaticity.org) and click on the
Police page.
DEA PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKEBACK
The Cotati Police Department hosts Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA) prescription
drug takeback events. In 2022 we hosted two (2)
drug takebacks; the first on April 30, 2022, and
the second on October 29, 2022. Proper
disposal of prescription drugs makes your home
a safer place and it also benefits our
environment. Keeping old medication in the
house or throwing medications away in the
garbage may be dangerous and lead to tragic
accidents - as they can end up in the mouths of
children or household pets. Many people also
flush expired or unused medications down the
toilet or drain, resulting in these drugs ending up
in our lakes, streams, and water supplies.
The Cotai Police Department also has a bin in
our public access lobby where you can dispose of prescription pills throughout the year.
Please remove pills from their containers and bag them up so there is plenty of room for all to dispose of their unwanted and expired medications.
15 16
POLICE POLICIES
Our department policy manual is available on the City Website. The California Legislature continues to enact laws that direct law enforcement to continue to update polices to reflect nation-leading best practices. Our policies were amended in 2022 ensuring our compliance with current law. As we move into 2023, additions and addendums will be made in our policy manual. Whenever there are changes to our policy, we republish the manual and repost it on our City Website.
Sherman Block Supervisory
Leadership Institute (SBSLI)
In 2022 Cotati Police Sergeant Paul Goodin graduated from SBSLI. (SBSLI) is a program designed to stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law enforcement front-line supervisors. Designed and implemented in 1988 through the efforts of California law enforcement professionals and top educators and trainers, the SBSLI is an intense program based on experiential learning techniques. Students are challenged to learn new ways to resolve issues through group and individual work.
The curriculum takes students through an analysis of management (planning, organizing, directing, etc.) and leadership (inspiring, challenging, developing, etc.) and how each discipline compliments the other. The course progresses from self-evaluation to interpersonal evaluation, to organizational relationships.
During the program, a typical successful student develops the ability to:
Correlate the relationship between personal
and organizational principles and values.
Exercise greater leadership in personal and
professional activities
Increase personal influence with individuals
and groups to accomplish organizational
goals.
Analyze issues from multiple perspectives.
Develop increased self-confidence and
confidence in the ability of others.
Provide support and development for peers
and subordinates.
Recognize and address areas for personal
improvement.
Effectively integrate management skills and
leadership qualities
Police Sergeant Paul Goodin and his SLI class, number 491
TRAINING
17 The Cotati Police Department is certified by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). Sergeant Paul Goodin is our training manager assigned to keep our department in compliance with POST. Some POST training is mandated, such as perishable skills. However, the Cotati Police Department routinely trains beyond POST mandates with our police officers, police dispatchers and civilian staff. POST also conducts audits on all certified law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with training and hiring standards. Our police department continues to remain in POST compliance.
During 2022, the following training(s) were attended or completed by Officers: Bias and racial profiling, Force options simulator, strategic communication(including de-escalation), Vehicle racing/ Modifications (Sideshow training), Supervisory course, LGBTQ Community awareness (train the trainer), Internal affairs Investigation training, Human Trafficking, Use Of Force, Criminal Investigation (ICI CORE), Field Training Officer, Interview and interrogation, Critical incident response, Elder/ Dependent Adult Abuse.
Dispatchers completed: Suicidal Callers in Crisis training, CA Public Records Training, Cultural diversity, Active Shooter training for dispatchers, Advanced CTO Training.
Officers and Dispatchers are required to complete 24 hours of Continuing Professional Training (CPT) during the determined training cycle as prescribed by POST. Additionally, Full time Officers are required to complete 16 hours (as a part of or in addition to the 24 hours of CPT) of Perishable skills training such as arrest and control, firearms, emergency vehicle operation course, use of force, strategic communication (including de-escalation training).
We have trained our new detective in property and evidence management.
A Police Corporal successfully completed the Robert Pressley Institute of Criminal Investigation Core Course to aid in the small agency mutual aid team.
RECRUIT TRAINING OFFICER
18 The Cotati Police Department is proud to have
Sergeant Tyler Wardle assigned as a Recruit
Training Officer (RTO) at the Santa Rosa Junior
College’s Public Safety Training Center (Regional
Police Academy). Sergeant Wardle is cadre at the
Academy assisting full-time faculty and instructors
to provide our future law enforcement officers with
the knowledge and skills to better serve and protect
California communities.
AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE
READER (ALPR) TECHNOLOGY
Since 2021 the Cotati Police Department has deployed ALPR investigative technology. The department currently has three patrol vehicles outfitted with ALPR technology. The police department received funding for the ALPR’s through the State Homeland Security Grant totaling approximately $60,000. The purpose of the ALPR’s is to identify lost or stolen vehicles/license plates or to help locate a vehicle involved in various crimes. In 2022 the police department had 12 successful recoveries of stolen vehicles. Our officers also use the ALPR system for investigations and for public safety by adding wanted and dangerous associated vehicles into the system. Due to the rampant on-going “sideshow” issues in the Bay Area, Cotati Officers, utilizing the ALPR vehicle will respond to the “Sideshow” location and automatically log potential participants in the illegal activity. Instead of immediately chasing the suspect vehicles, and inherently creating risk of life and/or property as well as the potential for use of force, the collection of data is often used later to safely serve a warrant to impound the vehicle used in the illegal activity. 19 USE OF FORCE
In 2022, the Cotati Police Department experienced zero (0) URSUS (California Department of Justice Use of Force Incident Reporting database) reportable use of force.
1. An incident that involves the shooting of a civilian by a peace officer.
2. An incident that involves the shooting of a peace officer by a civilian.
3. An incident in which the use of force by a peace officer against a civilian result in serious bodily injury or death.
4. An incident in which the use of force by a civilian against a peace officer results in serious bodily injury or death.
Nevertheless, in Cotati, we have adopted a far more expansive definition of use of force (UOF), including any incident beyond simple handcuffing. Reportable UOF events in Cotati include the display of force (such as unholstering any type of police tool, including taser, pepper spray, or firearm). In 2022 all UOF incidents were tracked using police record management software system. When UOF occurs, officers record their incident using a checklist, which lists which officers were present (including mutual aid officers), what tool was used (i.e. Taser, control hold), whether officers or suspects received injuries and why force was used. When supervisors review the arrest/incident reports it is flagged for UOF.
Sergeants read the report narrative, review the UOF module and view the officers Body Worn Camera. As Chief of Police, I also review each UOF for any policy violations or an opportunity to consider alternate equipment, techniques, or training in the future to reduce or avoid the use of force.
URSUS Criteria
Congratulations to Officer Sullivan who
received his “10851” pin! 10851 is the
California Vehicle Code for Vehicle Theft.
This award is sponsored by CHP and the
California State Automobile Association.
Officers are eligible for this award based
on criteria which relate to recovering
stolen vehicles and arrests made of
subjects associated with the stolen
vehicles. By being proactive and with
some assistance of the Automated
License Plate Reader (ALPR) equipped
patrol vehicles, Officer Sullivan has
recovered 12 stolen vehicles from March
to December of 2022, 5 of which were
occupied and arrests were made. Chief
Parish recently had the pleasure of
presenting Officer Sullivan with this award!
20 Total Events for 2022: 10,411
Events that resulted in arrests: 395
Use of Force Instances: 29
Total events that result in arrest: 3.8%
Total events that result in Use of Force: 0.28%
Use of Force Breakdown:
Although there were 29 UOF events in 2022, many UOF events include the use of multiple tools/techniques, resulting in more tools/techniques used than UOF events. 2022 Use of Force Summary:
Tool/Technique Used
Baton/Impact Weapon
Bean Bag Shotgun
BOLA Wrap
Control Hold/Defensive Technique
Firearm Discharge
Times Used
0 0
22 1
0 Firearm Displayed
K-9
Pepper Spray
Taser Discharge
Taser Displayed
12 8
2 0
0 WRAP 3
Total 48
21 Baton/Impact Weapon: Use of a baton on an uncooperative subject to gain compliance.
Bean Bag Shotgun: An AB 481 tool that ejects bean bags from a shotgun; in certain circumstances is used in lieu of a Taser or firearm.
BOLA Wrap: A tool that ejects a weighted rope that wraps around and restrains an uncooperative subject; in certain circumstances is used in lieu of a Taser or firearm.
Control Hold: Controlling someone who is not doing what they are being instructed to do.
Defensive Techniques: Defending yourself against someone who is actively attacking the Officer.
Firearm Discharged: Firearm discharged during event.
Firearm Displayed: Firearm removed from holster.
K-9: Police dog used search, or hold/apprehend an uncooperative subject.
Pepper Spray: Use or pepper spray on an uncooperative subject in certain circumstances in lieu of another tool, such as Taser or impact weapon.
Taser Discharged: Taser Darts Launched or Taser Contacting an uncooperative subject, in lieu of impact tools or firearm.
Taser Displayed: Taser Removed from holster.
WRAP: A safe restraint system, designed to protect uncooperative subjects and officers.
Use of Force by Reason:
Affecting or incident to Arrest: 23
Combative/uncooperative 5150 Subject: 1
Outside Agency Assist: 1
Other: 4
(No arrest: Building Searches/Possible Weapon Reported, etc.) ASSEMBLY BILL 481
22 This bill requires a law enforcement agency to obtain approval of the applicable governing body, by adoption of a military equipment use policy by ordinance at a regular meeting prior to the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment, as defined.
In 2022 the Cotati City Council approved an ordinance to direct our police department on the use, deployment, and policy for Military Equipment. The Council approved the use and possession of our Command Van and Bean Bag Shotguns.
In 2022 Our Command Van was deployed for Mutual Aid Investigations in the Cities of Healdsburg and Sebastopol.
In 2022 we had zero (0) deployments of the Bean Bag Shotguns.
NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICER MEETINGS
Cotati Police Officers hosted two Neighborhood Officer meetings for each of the neighborhood areas in 2022. Cotati is comprised of six (6) areas (beats), which are coincident with evacuation zones. Maps of both beats and evacuation zones are available for view on the Police page of our City Website. An individual officer is assigned to each of the six areas and their phone numbers and emails are available to citizens and business owners to ask questions and make requests. Officers rotate annually to allow officers to better learn the areas and for residents and businesses to better know our officers. We invite you to attend one of our meetings.
23 ELECTRIC VEHICLE FLEET
The Cotati Police Department was the first law enforcement agency in the North Bay area, and one of the first in the nation, to deploy a fully upfitted and badged electric police car.
Our electric vehicle is performing great, and we plan to eventually have a 100% electric police car fleet for Cotati.
24 PATROL
25 Our sworn police staff are here 24/7 hours a day to keep our community safe. The list of things that officers do on a daily basis is long, including the following summary of the main things our officers do to enhance the quality of life in Cotati.
Protect life and property through the enforcement of laws & regulations; Proactively patrols assigned areas
Conduct traffic and parking enforcement
Respond to calls for police service
Conduct preliminary & follow-up criminal and traffic investigations Conduct interviews
Prepare written reports and field notes of investigations and patrol activities Arrest and process criminals
Testify in court
Emergency duties required during adverse weather conditions Exercise sound judgment in determining when to use force and to what degree Operate a law enforcement vehicle under emergency conditions day or night Comprehend legal documents including citations, affidavits, warrants and other documents.
Command emergency
personnel at accident
emergencies and
disasters
Active Community
Oriented Policing
Self-initiate traffic
and/or criminal
investigations
Supplement animal
control
Perform bar and
business checks
ANIMAL CONTROL
26 All of our sworn personnel are designated as animal control officers. Our police officers respond to calls for service regarding both domestic and wild animals. The City of Cotati Administrative Services Department is responsible for dog licensing for our City. Please license your dogs so that we can better serve you and your pet if they get loose or have other issues. Cotati contracts with Rohnert Park Animal Services for sheltering our animals.
DISPATCH
The Cotati Police Department employs six (6)
Police Dispatcher/Clerks. Our police dispatch is
a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)
receiving all 911 calls for law enforcement, fire,
and medical emergencies for both the City of
Cotati and the Sonoma State University (SSU)
campus (we have a dispatch contract with SSU
Police Department). In addition to 911 calls-forservice, our dispatchers answer regular police business call for our City and SSU, and
dispatch the SAFE team for the City and now
SSU. Our dispatchers are also clerks who
process police records, Public Records Request
and other administrative duties. Our lobby is
open to the public 24 hours per day, 7 days per
week.
27 DETECTIVE
Our police department has been
functioning without a Detective for
several years. With the passing of
Measure S, an on-going 1%
General Fund sales tax and the
reorganization of the police
department, we now has a
detective who is the custodian of
evidence and our dedicated
investigator.
In 2022 Sergeant Tyler Wardle received his
fourth Mothers Against Drunk Driving MADD
award. The Sergeant had the most DUI arrest
in the previous year (19 arrests) out of all
Cotati Officers
MADD changed the criteria for the Drunk
Driving Enforcement Award from a threshold
of 25 DUI arrests for a small agency to the
individual officer with the highest number of
arrests.
During the COVID pandemic, there were fewer cars on the road. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) recognized that because of a decreased volume of vehicle traffic, that fewer drunk driving arrests would occur.
MADD AWARD
K9 TEAM
We are fortunate to have Corporal Brian
Deaton and his partner REMO as our K9
Team. REMO is a dual-purpose trained Police
K9 for the apprehension of violent offenders
and the detection of Cocaine, Heroin and
Methamphetamine. More recently, due to the
prevalence of fentanyl on the streets, REMO
is no longer used for drug detection due to the
risk of serious harm or death to the K9.We
also make our K9 Team available for mutual
aid, when requested by our law enforcement
partner agencies. REMO was procured
through the Sean’s K9’s grant program.
28 TRAFFIC OFFICER
Officer Ryan Reinke is our full-time Traffic
Officer. Officer Reinke completed Motor
Officer training in 2020. His primary duty is
traffic enforcement, concentrating on driving
behavior that causes accidents such as
speeding and distracted driving. Officer
Reinke is also assigned to traffic accident
investigations. If you have a traffic
complaint or request, please go to the
Police page of the City website to submit
your concerns.
29 CADETS AND VOLUNTEERS
The police department has both Cadets and
Volunteers, providing them with an opportunity
to assist our department and learn about career
opportunities in law enforcement. Our cadets
are typically high school students who help with
mutual aid for parades and other events in
Sonoma County, including the Butter and Eggs
Festival, the Apple Blossom Festival, and our
own Kids Day Parade and Festival. Cadets also
go on ride-a longs with officers, attend in house
trainings and criminal justice field trips. Our
volunteers help with daily duties at the police
department such as maintaining the inventory
of police equipment and supplies. Often our
cadets and volunteers become police officers,
deputy sheriffs and public safety dispatchers.
PARTNERSHIPS
The Cotati Police Department has a strong relationship with the Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District, Sonoma State University Police Department and the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety. Together, through teamwork, mutual aid, and allied training, we make all of our jurisdictions a safer place to live and improve the quality of life for our residents and businesses.
30 COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has limited the amount of in-person outreach events that we held. However, we did host Coffee with a Cop events while observing masking requirements and social distancing. We resumed National Night Out at La Plaza Park in 2021 and held it again in 2022, after pausing it for 2020. At National Night Out, we provide the community with free dinner and partnered with our Recreation Department to show Paw Patrol.
We also continued our Annual Holiday Toy Drive, partnering with the Rohnert Park/Cotati Rotary and Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District to collect, wrap and deliver many toys to children throughout the Cotati area.
31 COMMUNITY INFORMATION
I also want to take this opportunity to invite you to follow us on one or more of our social media platforms. Our police department has a robust public information presence to better engage with our residents and to be accessible to our community where they are. In addition to the police page of the City website, and regular pieces in the Cotati Connection newsletter, we use Facebook (now with over 5,100 “friends,”) Instagram (now with over 2,800 followers) and Nixle for time sensitive and emergency information. We encourage you sign up for Nixle alerts by downloading the Everbridge application on the Google or iOS app stores, or by texting your zip code to 888777.
RETIREMENT
In 2022, we congratulated Community Services Officer (CSO) Carrie Peoples for here thirtythree (33) years of service to the City of Cotati Police Department. Carrie began her career in Cotati as a 911 Dispatcher/record clerk and eventually became a CSO. As our CSO Carrie oversaw Animal Control, evidence, crime scene investigations, parking enforcement and more. During Carrie’s career at the Cotati Police Department, she received multiple commendations and awards for her commitment to City of Cotati and its residents. Happy retirement Carrie.
32 Corporal Brian Deaton
Corporal Brian Deaton volunteered to be one of our Mutual Aid Investigation Team members.
The Team is comprised of the Cotati Police Department, Sonoma State University Police Department, Healdsburg Police Department, Sebastopol Police Department and the Cloverdale Police Department respond together to investigate serious crime in our respective jurisdictions.
On July 26, 2019, the City of Cotati experienced its first homicide since 1995. The homicide which occurred in the “Bird Section” of Cotati was extremely violent involving a firearm as the weapon.
This murder was alleged to be committed by Joseph Rossi who had an ongoing feud with his neighbor Patrick Leonard. Leonard was shot 8 times with a handgun.
Brian responded to the call-for-service with multiple officers securing the crime scene and accepted the responsibility as the lead officer for this homicide investigation.
Brian partnered with the Sonoma County District Attorney Office personnel and mutual aid officers during this lengthy investigation.
As the lead investigator, Brian interviewed all known and later identified witnesses, canvassed the crime scene, reviewed Body Worn Camera footage, examined physical evidence, attended the autopsy collecting forensic evidence, and presented the District Attorney’s Office with an outstanding prosecutable case.
Because of the Pandemic this murder trial was postponed until 2022.
As the lead investigator Brian attended the entire jury trial of Joseph Rossi providing testimony for the jury and information to the prosecution. A Second-Degree Murder conviction and firearm enhancement penalty were secured and justice for Patrick Leonard and his family was achieved.
Rossi’s sentencing is pending.
Brian’s commitment to the City of Cotati was demonstrated by his willingness to accept this complicated investigation with limited experience and training. Brian left his “comfort zone” without hesitation. The outcome was justice.
AWARD OF MERIT
33 AWARD OF MERIT
Sergeant B. Gallo
Officer Ryan Reinke
Dispatcher/Clerk Cristina Montoya
On June 22, 2022, neighbors on El Rancho Drive reported seeing a woman who had injuries to her face pleading for help. The woman and her boyfriend, who is a repeat domestic violence offender both reside on El Rancho Drive
Upon receiving the call, Dispatcher Montoya disseminated critical information and requested assistance from allied law enforcement agencies as well as medical response.
Sergeant Gallo and Officer Reinke arrived on scene in a timely manner making contact with the boyfriend from outside the home. Gallo and Reinke soon learned that the boyfriend, who was intoxicated and agitated, would not exit the home and they had visual contact of the woman who was now also in the house.
Gallo and Reinke set up a perimeter on the home and led a coordinated response with Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety and Sonoma State University Police officers. The boyfriend continued to not follow commands to exit the home so officers could check on the women’s welfare.
Officers began negotiations with the boyfriend with a focus on the woman’s welfare.
In coordinated effort, officers used less-lethal force (Taser) when the boyfriend exited his home holding a golfclub and threating officers.
The boyfriend was arrested and booked into jail for multiple felonies to include domestic violence. His bail was set at $500,000.
The woman was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for great bodily injury.
This rescue of a domestic violence victim and an arrest of a violent suspect without injuring him is commendable and deserving of an Award of Merit.
34 COMMENDATION
Detective Anthony Garber
On July 12, 2022, A frantic resident on Arthur Street in Cotati reported via 9-1-1 that a woman was being “mauled” by a dog in front of a residence on Arthur Street.
Understanding the serious nature of this call-for-service Detective Garber immediately responded, arriving on scene within minutes. The dog (a Pitbull) was still mauling the woman when Detective Garber arrived. Garber used caution and without regard for his own safety, grabbed the dog by the collar and removed it off of the women and secured the dog in his patrol car.
Garber’s rescue of this woman saved her from further injury by this vicious dog. I commended Garber for his fast response, bravery, and professionalism.
COMMENDATION
Sergeant B Gallo
Detective Anthony Garber
Police Dispatcher Michael Callen
On August 17, 2022, at approximately 1725 hours Dispatcher Callen received a 9-1-1 call from the Bird Section of Cotati. The caller was cryptic stating that he had an unwanted person in his home. Callen questioned the caller and soon realized that it was possibly a drug overdose and not an intruder so he immediately dispatched police officers, Rancho Adobe Fire District (RAFD) and ambulance personnel.
As officers were responding to the home, Callen had the 9-1-1 caller exit the home to meet the officers as they arrived so he could provide the location of the downed person and answer officers questions.
Detective Garber and Sergeant Gallo immediately entered the home and found a man lying on a bathroom floor who was unconscious and not breathing and surrounded by illegal drug paraphernalia.
Knowing that this was a drug overdose Garber administered Naloxone (Narcan) which did not revive the man. Gallo provided first aid by giving the downed man chest compressions.
Garber administered a second dose of Naloxone. For approximately four (4) minutes both Gallo and Garber continued chest compressions until RAFD and ambulance personnel arrived.
35 Ultimately the downed man survived the overdose. If not for the immediate recognition by Callen that this was a medical emergency and the first aid administered by Gallo and Garber, the downed man would have more likely than not survived.
COMMENDATION
Officer Ryan Reinke
Dispatcher Cristina Montoya
Dispatcher Adrien McGoon
Sergeant Tyler Wardle
On November 7, 2022, Camille Markovich was reported missing by family members. Camille who was traveling to Oregon by car was overdue. Camille’s family explained that she lives both in Napa County and has a second Salem Oregon residence. The family called the California Highway Patrol and Oregon State Police inquiring if either agency had contacted Camille during their patrols. Neither of these agencies had contact with Camille and the family was directed to report her missing to the jurisdiction she was last seen. Camille was last seen on the evening of November 6th at her employers. Camille works in the City of Cotati, so the family called Cotati Police Dispatch.
Police Dispatchers Cristina Montoya and Adrien McGoon were on duty to receive this missing person information dispatching it to Officer Ryan Reinke. Reinke learned that Camille had last used her credit card in Eureka. Dispatchers assisted with the investigation by arranging a location “ping” on Camille’s cellular phone, entering her in the missing person databases for both California and Oregon, creating a missing person flyer to be distributed and sent a be-on-the-lookout for Camille to multiple Oregon and California law enforcement agencies.
The cellular phone last ping was from a tower located in rural Humboldt County. There were no further phone pings indicating that the phone had a dead battery. During Reinke’s investigation Humboldt County Sheriff deputies and California Highway Patrol officers informed Reinke that a severe snowstorm was occurring in Northern California. Talking with family members Reinke discovered that Camille was possibly taking rural roads connecting to Highway 199 on her way to Oregon which would take her through Siskiyou County. Reinke worked with the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department to search for Camille.
At the end of Reinke’s patrol day shift he briefed Sergeant Wardle of the missing person case. Wardle kept in communication with Siskiyou County deputies during his night shift and Reinke returned the following day shift. Ultimately Siskiyou County deputies improvised by having a civilian with a snowmobile check the rural road that Camille was believed to traveling. Camille was located on the rural road with her car “stuck” in the snow and her cellular phone battery was dead. Camille was transported to a safe location where she could contact her family.
36 All Cotati Police personnel that participated in the rescue of this young woman are to be commended for their professionalism, dedication and commitment to public service and safety.
COTATI EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE
AWARD AND SONOMA COUNTY
OFFICER OF THE YEAR
For Officer Reinke’s lead on this missing persons investigation he was received the City of Cotati’s Employee Excellence Award. Employees from different departments were nominated as well. After the Department Heads reviewed all nominees, Officer Reinke was selected for going above and beyond leading to Camille’s rescue.
37 Cotati Police Officer Ryan Reinke received recognition as Sonoma County’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2023 for an investigation in 2022 that led to the rescue of a woman who was reported as missing.
Officer Reinke was a unanimous pick by the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs’ Association as the Officer of the Year. A perpetual plaque commemorating Officer Reinke’s recognition will be on display at the Cotati Police Department lobby for one year. Come to our building and check out the plaque!