Police Assessment

A main focus for the past year in West Valley City government has been evaluating and retooling certain aspects of our police department.  Since hiring Chief Russo at the end of last year the City Council has taken particular interest in following not only the changes and improvements to the department, but also how the police department has begun to more successfully integrate with the greater West Valley City community. Below is a summary sheet of findings and action items that the Chief discusses during his monthly community meetings:

ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT & NEEDS

FINDING: A SOLID FOUNDATION EXISTS BUT IMPROVEMENTS ARE REQUIRED

Action:

• Ensure responsible and appropriate polices; update where necessary.
• Implement administrative accountability and enforce when required.
• Develop an environment of operational focus, alignment, and follow –thru.
• Build, implement, and monitor effort with strategic view.

 

FINDING: DEPARTMENTAL STRENGTH AND EXCELLENCE

Action:

• Competence and motivated staff.
• Empowerment and engagement within.
• Look for opportunities to recognize and reward successes.

 

FINDING: ORGANIZATIONAL REALIGNMENT AND STRUCTURAL REFORM

Action:

• Look for opportunities to improve efficiencies and effectiveness.
• Align resources and effort.
   

FINDING: NEED FOR NEW LEADERSHIP AND MORE EFFECTIVE SUPERVISION

Action:

• Establish and follow a progressive vision and clear mission
• Establish accountability at all levels
• Leadership Development
• Command Support

 

FINDING: BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN INTERNAL AFFAIRS AND THE DISCIPLINE PROCESS

Action:

• Consistency
• Fairness
• Timeliness
• Disciplinary Matrix
• Standardize case investigation and documentation
• Thoroughness
• Openness
• Impartiality
• Case assessment and assignment

 

 

FINDING: LEADERSHIP NEEDED IN INVESTIGATIONS

Action:

• Accountability
• Inspection
• Coordination and Liaison
• Assessments, follow up, and closure.

FINDING: PUBLIC IMAGE, CONFIDENCE & TRUST

Action:

• Proactive and positive media engagement
• Openness
• Recruiting
• Public Accountability

• Responsiveness to community concerns/problems
• Building Trust & Confidence – Internal & External

FINDING: CHALLENGES IN NARCOTIC INVESTIGATIONS

Action:

• Accountability
• Integrity
• Supervisory guidance
• Inspection
• Operational tactics and guidelines

FINDING: INTELLIGENCE-LED POLICING

Action:

• Intelligence Development and reporting
• COMPSTAT
• Action Assessment and feedback

FINDING: POLICIES AND PROCEDURES NEED IMPROVEMENT

Action:

• CALEA Commitment

High Profile Police Investigation

I have received several inquires regarding the murder-suicide incident in Washington state and the involvement of the West Valley City Police. There are few words to describe these tragic and shocking events. West Valley City police will continue to be diligent and cooperative within their respective roles and efforts of this case. Below is the official city response:



Response to the Devastating Circumstances at the Joshua Powell Residence

The West Valley City Police Department has been in contact with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, State of Washington and is aware of the devastating explosion and subsequent fire at the residence of Joshua Powell in the City of Graham. It is our understanding that Joshua Powell and his two sons, Braden and Charles, perished as a result of this horrific incident. The West Valley City Police Department is deeply saddened by this tragic event and extends their deepest condolences to all those impacted by this loss.

Joshua Powell was a person of interest in the disappearance of his wife, Susan Cox Powell, in December of 2009 from West Valley City, Utah. Susan was also the mother of their two children,Braden and Charles. Because Joshua Powell was a person of interest in the disappearance of his wife, a team of investigators from the West Valley City Police Department has been sent to the State of Washington. The team of investigators will meet with Washington authorities to determine if their investigation will aid the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Susan Cox Powell.

The West Valley City Police Department will continue its investigation into the disappearance of Susan Cox Powell, who is still missing. Due to the fact that the investigation remains active, the normal and customary protocols of confidentiality will remain in effect. As such, no additional details into the investigation of Susan’s disappearance can be released at this time. The West Valley City Police Department will release pertinent information into this investigation at the appropriate time and under the proper circumstances.

Police Involvement

Just wanted to take a minute a acknowledge the good work that members of the police department in addition to their regular important duties. They are constantly invovled in a good cause and recently I was able to participate in giving and receiving awards based upon the community involvement of our police force.

Recently acting for the Mayor at a City Council meeting I was able to recognize and present police and community partners for their efforts in the 2009 Giving tree program. Officers with help from the business community helped to organize the program of acquiring holiday gifts for underprivileged children. This past years giving tree was successful in helping a record number of families and all invovled should be proud of their contribution. Also acting as Mayor Pro Tem I represented West Valley City at an awards dinner hosted by the Utah Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. At this dinner West Valley City was recognized with an award for the servicemen and women that serve in the armed forces and that are also employed by West Valley City. We have had a number of distinguished employees serve our country with honor and we applaud their efforts. West Valley was also nominated for the Secretary of Defense employer support freedom award. Next week the police will serve and clean tables at the West Valley Sizzler to raise money for the Cops for Kids program. This Dinner event will occur Wednesday the 21st from 4:00-9:00 pm.