Volume 2, Issue 2 | February 2, 2023 | | |
CHIEF CHATTER
I want to share with you all the outcome of everyone's hard work to refresh the Mission, Vision, Values, and Motto for the Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD).
In July 2022, we sent a survey to all CMPD members for feedback on maintaining or renewing our CMPD Mission, Vision, Values, and an added “Motto.” We invited you to weigh-in and provide your thoughts for these important topics, so that any renewal was crafted by our entire organization (you!), and not just the police chief or the Executive Staff. I am very pleased that 63 staff members responded to the survey and offered great recommendations to renew these important pillars for our organization.
At the beginning of December 2022, your Executive team met for a 3-day Team Building Workshop (TBW), during which we spent the better part of a day pouring over and analyzing your recommendations. By using a combination of suggestions from our entire staff who chose to participate in the original July survey, we developed the Mission, Vision, Values, and Motto that was once again part of a new Department-wide survey for final input by the new year.
In January, the Executive Team met once more to discuss further input from the Department on this important topic. I am happy to unveil our new Mission, Vision, Values, and Motto!
Mission: The Costa Mesa Police Department is dedicated to serving the community by upholding the law and enhancing public safety with honor and respect.
Vision: The vision of the Costa Mesa Police Department is to strengthen community safety through innovative policing while inspiring a culture of collaboration and well-being.
Values:
- Professionalism: To deliver the highest level of customer service through exemplary conduct, behavior, and character.
- Integrity: Maintain the public trust through honor and ethics.
- Empathy: Exercising emotional intelligence to understand and be sensitive to others’ circumstances.
- Courage: The mental and moral strength to do the right thing in the most challenging moments.
Motto: Honored to Serve
I want to thank the whole CMPD team for your collaboration and support to craft the perfect statements that represent us as a whole.
| | | WELCOME NEW TEAM MEMBERS! | | |
Robert Josett, Police Officer
Robert was raised in the area of Saugus and Agua Dulce, CA, and graduated from Saugus High School. He has an Associate of Science in Business Administration degree from the California Coast University.
In 2013, he was hired by Montebello Police Department as a police officer and most recently was assigned to the Patrol Division as a corporal. During his career with Montebello, he has also held the positions of Field Training Officer, Arrest and Control Instructor, Taser Instructor, Rangemaster, and an Operator on the SRT (Special Response Team).
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Jason Bush, Park Ranger
Jason was raised in Riverside, CA, and graduated from La Sierra High School. He served 20 years in the United States Coast Guard where his last assignment was with the USCG Tactical Law Enforcement Team Pacific, San Diego at the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
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Kelsey Schafer, Communications Officer
Kelsey was raised in Huntington Beach, CA, and graduated from Fountain Valley High School. She graduated from Georgetown College in Kentucky with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. She was previously employed as a paralegal by Wellman and Warren.
| | | OCSA ACADEMY CLASS #255 RECRUITS | | |
Matthew Montoya, Police Recruit
Matt was raised in Yorba Linda, CA and graduated from Esperanza High School in Anaheim. He attended Santiago Canyon College and CSU San Marcos where he studied Criminal Justice. He was previously employed by Crunch Fitness as a member service representative and CM Parts as a deliverer.
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Shaun Munoz, Police Recruit
Shaun was raised in Whittier, CA, and graduated from La Serna High School. He attended Cerritos College. He was previously employed by AutoNation Toyota Cerritos as a Retail Sales Associate.
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Officer Roman Completes Field Training
In January, Officer Jonathan Roman successfully completed his Field Training Program.
Officer Roman is now patrolling the City of Costa Mesa confidently. Congratulations, sir!
Recruitment & Training
On January 7, the team conducted PAT and Oral Interviews. Several candidates are currently in the background process. The next testing date will be held on February 11.
Taser 7 training started in January, and it will be completed in February.
| | LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION | | |
On January 9, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was observed. The day is used to recognize all those in uniform – officers and deputies – that serve and protect their communities. The Costa Mesa Police Department publicly thanked their neighboring agencies for the mutual aid and partnerships, as well as all the men and women in law enforcement who work tirelessly in their assigned shifts and even through holidays to patrol and combat crime.
The Costa Mesa Police Department is lucky to serve such a supportive City and community that shows their appreciation through notes from students as well as cookies dropped off at the department from time to time. Nothing beats a smile and a wave while patrolling the city. All the support is felt throughout the year and the Costa Mesa Police Department is honored to serve.
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The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) is proud to share a story of the teamwork and lifesaving measures taken this week to save a life.
On Monday morning, January 23, Communications Supervisor Marquez took a 911 call of a baby who was in distress and choking. She calmly walked the parents through lifesaving measures and CPR while officers and Fire personnel responded to the scene. Officers and Fire personnel were immediately dispatched to the home. The two officers who responded are Officer Frankle and Officer Garcia, who got there first.
This type of call always involves some level of panic, any parent would agree. Officer Garcia was met by the mother outside the residence before he walked into the home to find a 1-year-old choking and exhibiting signs of distress. Officer Garcia sprang into action, took the baby, and performed back blows until the baby spit out food and began breathing. As this was happening, Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue and Officer Frankle had arrived to assist. Officer Garcia ran outside and placed the baby on the gurney for transport to a local children’s hospital out of an abundance of caution, to make sure the baby was okay. The baby was quickly transported with his father and Officer Frankle drove the mother to the hospital. Officer Garcia’s quick action saved a life. Officer Frankle’s calming presence and swift action did not go unnoticed. Thanks to them and our Fire partners, the baby is now okay.
CMPD wants to thank their partners at Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue for their quick arrival and outstanding assistance at the scene and during transport.
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UAS Team Assists with Fire Call
On January 12, CMPD's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Team, assisted on a call of a fire at the 2100 block of Newport Boulevard. The drone was utilized for overall footage of the fire and to ascertain any other hot spots on the neighboring building.
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Gang Unit Arrests Vandalism Suspect
On Oct. 31, 2022, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) officers were dispatched to the 3000 block of Killybrooke, near Baker Street, reference a vandalism. When officers arrived, they found that the Poderosas mural, a local landmark that commemorates Latina heritage, was vandalized with white supremacy language. The mural is well known in the community and spans over 70 feet of a block wall and honors immigrant Latina women. The mural was created in October 2020 by an all women crew and was led by artist Alicia Rojas.
Individuals in the area observed the suspect vandalizing the Poderosas mural by spray painting a hate crime message on the mural. Witnesses reported the crime and also provided video of the incident to CMPD.
During the investigation, Daniel Alec Hotte, 27, Dana Point, was identified as the vandalism suspect. Shortly thereafter, CMPD Gang Investigators checked numerous locations in Orange County and Riverside County, but Hotte could not be located. Investigators then learned Hotte had a pending court date on Monday, January 30.
That Monday morning, Hotte was located at the Harbor Justice Center and arrested. Hotte was then booked at CMPD Jail on an outstanding warrant, vandalism, and hate crime.
The Orange County District Attorney's Office filed charges on January 31.
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Suspect Rearrested on Assault with Firearm Charges
In August of 2022, CMPD patrol officers and Gang Unit Investigators investigated a gun involved incident. An arrest was made at the time and the suspect bailed out of jail. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office filed charges and a judge issued an arrest warrant for the suspect’s arrest in late December.
On January 3, Gang Unit Investigators located the suspect, Genaro Ramses Aguayo, 18, Costa Mesa, in the 700 block of Hamilton Street. They safely arrested Aguayo and booked him at the CMPD Jail. The arrest warrant charged Aguayo with charges of assault with a firearm, displaying a firearm in a threatening manner and illegal possession of a loaded firearm in public.
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Traffic Stop by SIU & K9
On January 4, K9 Bodi assisted the SIU team with a traffic stop. During a search of the vehicle, K9 Bodi with his handler, Officer Maridakis, located over 50 pounds of methamphetamine.
SIU followed up with a search at the suspect’s home and located an additional 150 pounds of methamphetamine.
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Rainbow Fentanyl Seized and Two Arrested
On January 24, a Costa Mesa police officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a vehicle code violation, but the driver refused to yield and subsequently led officers on a slow-speed pursuit through the east side of Costa Mesa.
During the pursuit, three bags of narcotics were tossed out of the fleeing vehicle. The vehicle finally stopped in Newport Beach. With the assistance of the Newport Beach Police Department, officers conducted a high-risk car stop and arrested both subjects. Officers safely recovered the three bags of discarded narcotics and discovered they contained approximately 30,000 multi-colored fentanyl pills. Both arrestees were booked at the CMPD jail for felony evading and possession for sale of fentanyl.
CMPD appreciates the assistance of the Newport Beach Police Department for the back-up. We’re all here to get these dangerous drugs out of our communities.
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CSI Training
On January 26, CSI Supervisor Lindsey Olson attended a training for CSI supervisors of multiple Orange County agencies including Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Fountain Valley, Brea, Huntington Beach, Tustin, Westminster, and the Orange County Crime Lab.
The refresher training was hosted by the Huntington Beach Police Department's High-Tech Crime Unit and addressed how to properly collect, package, and store electronic evidence.
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Sgt. Miles and Officer Rosado's Last Ride
In late January, the Traffic Safety Bureau (TSB) honored Sgt. Dan Miles and Motor Officer Erik Rosado with a last ride before transferring out of the Bureau and into Patrol Operations.
Sgt. Miles has served a total of 12 years in TSB, from 2002 to 2009 as a motor officer, and then from 2018 to 2023 as a sergeant. Sgt. Miles managed traffic safety operations including OTS-funded programs like DUI and Driver's License checkpoints, as well as OC Fair, Chargers Training Camp, Walk to School, bike rodeos, and other special events. He is also well known for his wealth of traffic safety knowledge.
Officer Erik Rosado was part of the TSB team for nine years. He was a Traffic FTO and motor instructor who was instrumental in training new officers and facilitating quarterly motor training for the last two years.
| | HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS | | |
On January 11, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Chief Lawrence and Sergeant Al Lopez attended a film screening for “Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic at Vanguard University of Southern California. Sgt. Lopez is a subject matter expert in human trafficking and was part of the discussion panel. The film was powerful, and the discussion was educational and highlighted the hidden pandemic of “sextortion” and the serious dangers of online predators.
CMPD posted this on social media and reminded everyone that human trafficking occurs within our own communities, and it is important to be aware, stay vigilant, and report trafficking; if you see something, say something.
The department would like to acknowledge and thank Vanguard University, the Global Center for Women and Justice, Dr. Sandie Morgan, and the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign for their partnership and dedication to combat human trafficking.
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On January 18, Fountain Valley patrol officers were proactively looking for stolen vehicles in their city. Officers located four Kia and Hyundai vehicles that were cold plated stolen vehicles. OCATT was then contacted to request assistance in the case. A total of six OCATT investigators, including Officer Ranck, and one sergeant responded.
Later that day, a man and a woman were located, sitting in one of the stolen vehicles parked in a near a hotel in Fountain Valley. Costa Mesa PD K9’s along with Fountain Valley detectives detained both subjects without incident. The subjects were associated with a room at the site of the arrest. After a search warrant was served for the room, officers found various articles from car burglaries from Northern California. During the investigation, a fifth stolen vehicle was located.
This crew was also removing catalytic converters. One Kia had the entire converter removed. A forcibly removed converter was also found in one of the vehicles. Both arrestees were booked at OCJ.
OCATT thanked Costa Mesa K9 Unit Officers McMorris and Maridakis for their assistance. Due to limited resources from Fountain Valley Police due to the length of time of the operation, the success of this operation is a direct result of the assistance provided by CMPD’s K9 Unit.
This is an excellent example of agencies working together to solve a crime and recover property, in this instance, for several victims.
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Officer Robert Hanson
Congratulations to Officer Rob Hanson on his well-deserved retirement after 21 years of dedicated and outstanding service! Officer Hanson retired in January.
In May 2002, Hanson joined the City of Costa Mesa Police Department as a recruit and in January 2003, he started as a full-time police officer assigned to Patrol. While in Patrol, Hanson volunteered and accepted an assignment to conduct a monthly graffiti vandalism tracking report indicating the types of incidents and the cost incurred by the City to remove the graffiti. His tenacity to pursue graffiti and gang involved incidents resulted in the arrests of several suspects for graffiti vandalism.
In March 2007, Hanson transferred to the Investigative Services Bureau with assignments in Gang Enforcement, Property Crimes, and Crimes Against Persons. He shared his expertise by providing training to local community groups and parent groups on criminal gangs and also provided expert testimony in gang cases. Hanson coordinated and prepared a Directed Enforcement Action Plan for patrol officers and assisted with a successful operation which included multiple probation/parole searches at the residences of local criminal gang participants.
In January 2018, Hanson transferred back to Patrol and continued to provide great leadership in the department as a Field Training Officer and by infusing his wide range of knowledge from his investigative experience into his position as a patrol officer.
Sir, thank you for your commitment and dedication to the community and our team. We wish you good health and all the best in your retirement and success in your future endeavors.
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In honor of two former CMPD team members that passed away in January
By: Sgt. Carlos Diaz
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Professional Staff Commander, Dick Greer
Commander Greer was born in 1943 and was hired by the City of Costa Mesa as a Budget and Research officer in 1974.
In 1990, he transferred to the police department where he became the first Professional Staff Commander until his retirement in 2001.
A year later, he returned to the police department to oversee the remodel and expansion of the police department facility, which he enjoyed very much. Cmdr. Greer enjoyed golfing as well as bike riding and logged over 20,000 miles. In January, Cmdr. Greer passed away.
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Lieutenant Gary Webster
Lt. Webster, born in 1945, was hired by the Costa Mesa Police Department in 1967 as a Patrol Man. Lt. Webster was one of the first narcotic officers at the department and shortly after he promoted to Sergeant.
As a sergeant, he returned to patrol and later supervised the Narcotics Unit. From the Narcotics Unit, he promoted to Lieutenant and remained an area commander in Patrol until his retirement in 1995. Lt. Webster enjoyed sailing. He passed away in January.
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On January 6, CMPD team members attended the funeral service for Riverside County Sheriff's Department Deputy Isaiah Cordero, who was 32 years old when he was gunned down and killed in the line of duty.
Our team was there to pay their respects and offer their thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and department.
In the span of days, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department suffered another line of duty loss on January 13, when Deputy Calhoun was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call.
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On Saturday, January 14, CMPD attended Deputy Darnell Calhoun’s funeral to support his family, our law enforcement family, and to honor Deputy Calhoun’s legacy of service.
CMPD continues to keep both families and the department in their thoughts and prayers.
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