WPD Annual Report 2015

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WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT Contents

ANNUAL REPORT 2 Letter From The Chief
3 Command Staff
2015 4 Mission Statement and Core Values
5 Organizational Chart
6 Patrol Districts
7 Internal Divisions
14 Specialized Units
19 Community Services
22 Year In Review
23 Crime Statistics
26 Strategic Plan
27 Looking Ahead To 2016

1500 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 | 304-234-3661

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WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT An Annual Report
Message From The Chief
Chief of Police
Shawn Schwertfeger Welcome to the Wheeling Police Department’s 2015 Annual Report. As I
approach my fourth year as the 54th Chief of Police in the City of Wheeling,
2 it remains a privilege to serve in that capacity.
As I reflect on the accomplishments of the men and women of the Wheeling
Police Department, we have made great strides towards achieving our
strategic goals while being guided by our Mission Statement and Core
Values. We are quickly becoming that model agency in the State of West
Virginia and in our region. Each day, we become more professional, more
functional, more efficient and more service oriented.
This year, 2015, was a difficult year at the WPD and as professional law
enforcement officer in general. Locally, the WPD sustained a 13% reduction
in the sworn work force, saw recruitment numbers drop making it difficult to
backfill the vacancies that exist and endured a national trend of unfavorable
perception of police officers.
The Wheeling Police Department has persevered through these turbulent
times. In 2015, Wheeling Police Officers received a substantial pay increase,
increased the number of civilian support staff to include volunteer staff,
continued and enhanced a very successful Citizens Police Academy,
and continued to increase training opportunities for WPD employees. We
began new programs such as implementing an Autism Checklist to assist
in locating children who may wander, a Less-Lethal Weapons system, new
Tasers, Body Cameras, achieved a False-Alarm Ordinance, and began a
transition to all wheel drive fleet vehicles.
We continued to recognize the outstanding work of our employees by
implementing an Officer of the Quarter and Officer of the Year program, with
Corporal Jonathan Stipetich being named our first ever Officer of the Year.
In fact the men and women of the Wheeling Police Department deserve
great credit in keeping crime at bay as reflected in our crime statistics.
This, not simply by solid enforcement efforts, patrols and investigations,
but through investing in our neighborhoods, understanding their role in our
community and embracing opportunities to develop ambassadors for the
Wheeling Police Department.
Thank you for your continued support of the Wheeling Police Department
and we look forward to serving the citizens and visitors of Wheeling in 2016.

Shawn Schwertfeger
Wheeling Police Department

Wheeling Police Department

COMMAND STAFF

WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT
WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT

Deputy Chief Special Operations Commander
Martin Kimball Lt. Phil Redford

WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT

East District Commander North District Commander South District Commander
Lt. Mike Anderson Lt. Ken Prager Lt. Rob Marriner

WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT
WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT

Investigations Commander Delta Shift Commander O. P. S. Fleet/Training Coordinator
Sgt. Gregg McKenzie Sgt. Sheldon Lacava Sgt. William Nolan Jr. Sgt. William Noice

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WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT

The Wheeling Police Department is committed
to enhancing the quality of life in and around the
community by:

• Building partnerships that will provide a safe and secure
community through proactive and impartial enforcement

• Honoring and enforcing the codified ordinances of the city of
Wheeling, the code of the state of West Virginia and the United
States Constitution

• Maintaining a focus on fighting crime and the fear of crime
• Continuing to strive to become the model law enforcement

agency in the state of West Virginia

CORE VALUES

INTEGRITY
LOYALTY
PROFESSIONALISM
COURAGE
RESPECT
ACCOUNTABILITY
TEAMWORK
LEADERSHIP

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WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Chief Of Police

Administrative Office of Professional Standards
Assistance Sergeant

Deputy Chief Special Operations Prevention Resource Investigations Drug Task Force
Patrol Operations Officers Commander Commander
Commander Sergeant
Commander Lieutenant Sergeants (4) Sergeant
Officers (1) Officers (2)
Sergeants (1)
SWAT Team Highway Safety Officers (3)
Crisis Negotiation Civilians (1)
Traffic Division
Team Records/Reports Officers (2)
Civilians (2)
North District South District East District Delta Shift Training Division
Commander Commander Commander Commander Marine Unit Sergeants (1)
Lieutenant Lieutenant Lieutenant
Sergeant Dive Team Neighborhood
Assistant Volunteers
Sergeants (3) Sergeants (3) Sergeants (3) Officers (1)
Corporals (3) Corporals (3) Corporals (3) K-9 (1) Civilians (20)
Officers (9) Officers (9) Officers (9)
Civilian Intake
K-9 (1) K-9 (1) K-9 (1) Civilians (4)

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PATROL DISTRICTS

SOUTH DISTRICT
31 Downtown, Center Wheeling, East Wheeling
32 South Wheeling, Mozart

EAST DISTRICT
41 Fulton, Woodsdale, Oglebay
42 Dimmydale, Elm Grove, Hil-Dar, Marwin

NORTH DISTRICT
51 Wheeling Island, North Wheeling
52 Warwood, North Park

52

51 41
42
31
32

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PATROL DIVISION Task Force recovering contraband. The National Center
for Missing and Exploited Children also provides cyber
The Patrol Division is the backbone of the Wheeling tips for investigation in the Wheeling area. The Wheeling
Police Department. It is the most visible part of the Police Department currently dedicates one full time
department that the citizens of Wheeling see. It is the detective to the task force.
duty of the Wheeling Police Department to complete its As of the end of 2015, the ICAC efforts in West Virginia
mission of protecting the citizens of Wheeling in the most has tracked the following statistics since March 2006:
efficient and effective way possible. • 3,040 reactive and proactive complaints have been filed
The Patrol Division consists of four (4) shifts-Alpha, involving sexual exploitation of children in West Virginia
Bravo, Charlie and Delta. Alpha, Bravo and Charlie shifts • 1,074 individuals have been arrested as a result of
are assigned to work eight (8) hours, which rotate on a investigations
four (4) week schedule. Delta shift works a steady eight • 263 children have been identified as victims of sexual
(8) hour night turn shift. The patrol division also has exploitation with images by offenders in West Virginia
four (5) K-9 Handlers, four are assigned to the Alpha, • 3,044 subpoenas / court orders and 1,345 search
Bravo, Charlie and Delta patrol shifts. The fifth K-9 is the warrants have been served through investigations
explosives detection K-9 and he is assigned to the Traffic • 3,025 training sessions have been provided to law
Division working the day turn hours when all schools and enforcement officers, prosecutors and social workers in
businesses are open. West Virginia
Our patrol vehicles are equipped with Motorola Radios, • 2,988 Internet safety presentations and public
Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs), GPS, Radar and most awareness events to 184,523 attendees
cruisers have an in-car video recording system. Qualified
Patrol Officers also have at their disposal a less lethal
shotgun and a patrol rifle. The City of Wheeling is divided
into three patrol districts that are patrolled 24 hours a
day, covering a patrol area of 14 square miles.

INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION THE OHIO VALLEY DRUG TASK
FORCE
The investigations division consists of four (4)
investigators and one (1) supervisor. All investigators The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force investigates drug and
have gone to Raleigh, NC, and have been trained in violent crimes in the Ohio Valley area. Originally started
“Evidence Collection.” This is a forty (40) hour training in 1989 with three officers from the Wheeling Police
class. The investigators have also been through the John Department working part time on drug investigations, at
E. Reid training for “Interview and Interrogation.” This is a that time it was called The Wheeling Drug Unit. In the mid
thirty (32) hour training class. 1990’s an Ohio County Sheriff’s Deputy was added and
The investigations division follows up on calls that require the name was changed to The Wheeling-Ohio County
more than an initial report. The investigators are tasked Drug Unit. The task force has since evolved and now
with interviewing suspects, victims and witnesses as consists of three Wheeling Police Officers, one Ohio
well as obtaining surveillance video and any forensic County Sheriff’s Deputy, and one Trooper from the West
evidence. Virginia State Police. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force is
The investigations division has a certified polygraph housed in the Wheeling Drug Enforcement Administration
examiner as well as a Cyber-Investigation/Online Social Office where the task force and DEA work together and
Media/FBI-CART ImageScan investigator. utilizes state of the art equipment to investigate drug
crimes in the Ohio County Area.
INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST Ohio County has been designated an Appalachia HIDTA
CHILDREN (ICAC) County (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) which brings
additional funding to the area. The task force is also a
The Wheeling Police Department is an affiliate with the partner with JAG (Justice Assistance Grant) and has
West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task been for the past 23 years. JAG assists with purchasing
Force (WVICAC). The task force participates in actively equipment and partial salaries for a Wheeling Police
pursuing perpetrators involved with internet crimes Department Officer and an Ohio County Sheriff’s Deputy.
against children as well as investigating crimes reported The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force works closely with
by individuals. The Wheeling Police Department has been The United States Attorney’s Office, The Ohio County
involved in numerous search warrants with the WVICAC Prosecutors Office, and other federal, state and local
law enforcement organizations in West Virginia, Ohio and
Pennsylvania.

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OFFICE OF 2015 OPS STATISTICS
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
2015 and 2014 OPS STATISTICAL COMPARISONS
The Office of Professional Standards (OPS) was created 2015 STATISTICS
in September, 2012 by Wheeling Police Chief R. S. Total Number of Calls for Police Service – 23,046
Schwertfeger. The Office of Professional Standards Total Number of Arrests – 834 Subjects, these arrests
has oversight on all citizen complaints to ensure that represent just over 3% of the total calls for police service.
a complete and thorough investigation is conducted 2014 STATISTICS
regarding complaints filed against Wheeling Police Total Number of Calls for Police Service – 26,242
Officers. The Wheeling Police Department appreciates Total Number of Arrests – 1,103 Subjects, these arrests
that the citizens we serve are willing to come forward to represent just over 4% of the total calls for police service.
express concerns about police conduct. The citizens In comparing 2015 to 2014, the calls for police service
that the Wheeling Police Department serves should dropped by 3,196 calls. This represents a 12% reduction
be assured that the Office of Professional Standards in calls for police service.
takes all complaints against department members In comparing total arrests for both years there was a
seriously and every case is investigated thoroughly and reduction of 269 arrests between 2014 and 2015. This
is handled in compliance with established laws and represents a reduction of just over 24% fewer arrests
internal policies. for calendar year 2015. The reduction in the number of
arrests can be attributed to the reduction of the WPD
Because internal investigations records are considered Staffing level by 11 sworn officers in 2015.
confidential by the State of WV and the policies of the 2015 OPS STATISTICS
Wheeling Police Department, the Office of Professional Total Number of 2015 OPS Complaints: 31
Standards cannot provide information regarding the Total Number of 2014 OPS Complaints: 48
investigation or its outcome. Regardless of the outcome, This is a reduction of 17 complaints, which equates
every complaint investigation creates an opportunity for to a 35% reduction in comparing calendar year 2015
the officer and the Wheeling Police Department to make to 2014. This reduction in the number of complaints can
adjustments which hopefully will improve relationships be attributed to the reduction of our staffing level by 11
with the citizens we serve. sworn officers in 2015.
Of these 31 complaints there were four (4) Internal
The Office of Professional Standards is administered by Investigations and twenty seven (27) Performance
Sgt. William Nolan Jr. Sgt. Nolan is the first investigator Reviews.
appointed to the OPS and he has served the Wheeling
Police Department for 23 years in the Patrol Division 31
prior to his OPS appointment. The Office of Professional
Standards can be reached at 304-234-6406, Monday 2015
through Friday, 8AM to 4 PM. Or if a citizen has a
complaint to file in person, they may come to the
Wheeling Police Department and obtain a copy of the
Citizen Complaint Form and fill it out and submit the
form for investigation.

OPS COMPLAINTS

60
50
40
30
20

10 48

0 2014

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4 INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS

Two of these Internal Investigations resulted in Exonerated (50%) findings. For the other two
Internal Investigations the findings were one each for Sustained (25%) and Not Sustained (25%)
for the all of our officers who were the subject of these Internal Investigations.

27 PERFORMANCE REVIEWS

Of the 27 Performance Reviews, twelve were not accepted for further investigation by the OPS
after reviewing the initial facts obtained. There were fifteen Performance Reviews investigated by
myself and the assigned Shift Supervisors. The 12 Performance Reviews that were not accepted
accounted for 44% of the total recorded Performance Reviews. The other fifteen that were
investigated accounted for 56% of the Performance Reviews. There are a couple of Performance
Reviews that have not been completed to provide proper final statistics for this subject.

2014 AND 2015 COMPARISON

In comparing Internal Investigations from calendar years 2015 with 2014, there has Been a
reduction of nine Internal Investigations that were conducted. 2014 saw thirteen investigations
being conducted wherein 2015 saw a total of four investigations. This is a drop of 9 investigations
since 2014, which represents a 69% reduction in the number of Internal Investigations that were
conducted by the OPS in calendar year 2015. Part of this reduction can be attributed to the lower
staffing levels. Also, there were several Performance Reviews that could have been classified as
Internal Investigations during 2015.

RESPONSE TO RESISTANCE FORMS

During 2015 there were a total of 834 persons arrested by Wheeling Police Officers. As a result
of these 834 arrests some sort of force was used during these arrest incidents, to which 57
Response to Resistance Forms were submitted by officers who had to use force on person(s) that
they were dealing with for various reasons. The 57 Response to Resistance Forms account for
about 7% of the 834 arrested person(s) who were subjected to some sort of force by the officers
using force on a subject.
Of these 57 forms, there were a total of 60 people and 1 Pit bull Dog (Vicious Dog at Large Call)
that were subjected to some type of force being used by our officers during an incident. There
were also 3 incidents where force was used on multiple subjects. There were also multiple Felony
and Misdemeanor charges filed against the 60 people who were dealt with. Also, two Response
to Resistance Forms resulted in actual OPS complaints.
Of these 57 incidents, 4 resulted in No Charges being filed against the person subjected to the
force, which account for 7% of the Response to Resistance Forms. There were 8 incidents that
involved a Mental Hygiene order being filed as a result of using force, which is 14% of the 57
total forms filed with the OPS office. Two mental Hygiene incidents resulted in additional criminal
charges being filed against the subject of the force being used. The other 45 forms submitted
accounted for 78% of the 57 reported Use of Force incidents.
Race statistics broken down for the 2015 Response to Resistance Forms submitted. Of the 60
people who were subjected to some sort of force by our officers, males outnumbered females by
a ratio of 3:1.

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RESPONSE TO RESISTANCE

White Males accounted for 29 forms or 48% of the forms filed.
Black Males accounted for 16 forms or 26% of the forms filed.
Black Females accounted for 5 forms or 8% of the forms filed.
White Females accounted for 10 forms or 16% of the forms filed.
A Pit bull dog accounted for 1 form or less than 1% of the forms filed

COMPARISON OF 2015, 2014 AND 2013

There has been a steady increase in the number of Response to Resistance Forms being submitted by
our officers for using some type of force on a person. The first full year of keeping records of the number
of Response to Resistance Forms was 2013 and records have been maintained each year since. Listed
below is the total number of forms submitted for each year over the past three years:
2013 47 Forms
2014 49 Forms, which represents just over a 8% increase compared to 2013
2015 57 Forms which represents an increase of 8 forms or a 16% increase compared to 2014.
In comparing 2015 to 2013 there has been an increase of 10 forms which represents an increase of 21%
over in the reporting of force being used by officers the last two years.

MOTOR VEHICLE PURSUITS must complete a minimum of in-service or
continuing education hours to remain certified as
The OPS office started keeping records of Motor an active Law Enforcement Officer. These training
Vehicle Pursuits (MVPs) in 2014, wherein there requirements vary depending the officer’s rank
were ten (10) MVPs. For calendar year 2015 there and certain job duties. Supervisors have more
were nine (9) MVPs that our officers engaged in. training requirements to meet than patrol officers,
This drop of one (1) MVP represents a 10 % in the and instructors must also maintain certification in
reported MVPs, comparing 2015 to 2014. their particular discipline. Training management
is achieved through a state wide resource known
TRAINING DIVISION as the Law Enforcement Professional Standards
Information System (LEPSIS). All aspects of an
The Training Division is located within the Staff officers training and employment status’ are
Services department and administered by the tracked with this system even if an officer comes
Training Coordinator, Sgt. William Noice. The from another WV agency. In addition to managing
Training Coordinator keeps up to date on changes past training, the Training Coordinator tries to
to officer training requirements per Legislative Rule bring relevant, quality training to the local area
149-2 and ensures each officer meets or exceeds to keep officer current on changes in tactics,
those training requirements each fiscal year. techniques and procedures. Budgets, scheduling,
Each officer of the Wheeling Police Department travel and training equipment needs or supplies
10 are also handled within this office.

There is a wide variety of training opportunities professional law enforcement officers, this notion
available to make better, smarter, well rounded is far from the truth. While the academy program is
officers, much of which is accomplished “in- important in training a new officer, working in the
house.” The Wheeling Police Department has a field with a seasoned officer is equally important.
cadre of instructors able to teach or certify other The Field Training Officer (FTO) Program becomes
agencies or officers. Some of those topics include an essential training period for all police recruits.
defensive tactics, firearms, Taser, police bicycle The Field Training Officer (FTO) Program is
operator and radar/laser operator to list a few. Each designed to provide pre/post academy training
of the Wheeling Police Department instructors have that will develop the police recruit into a highly
prior personal experiences in a subject matter or trained and positively motivated Wheeling
have shown a passion and dedication to improving Police officer, capable of meeting or exceeding
the quality of training of officers who serve the City department standards of performance. The success
of Wheeling. of the FTO program relies upon the expertise,
professionalism, and dedication of the 15 Wheeling
FIREARMS DIVISION Police Department Field Training Officers. The FTO
Program lasts between 12 – 16 weeks depending
The Wheeling Police Department Firearms training on officer experience and is administered by Sgt.
section currently has (3) three firearms instructors Ulrich Utt under the command of Lt. Phil Redford.
assigned to it. The firearms instructors conduct
bi-annual weapons qualifications and training STAFF SERVICES DIVISION
with the weapons organic to the department.
This includes pistols, patrol rifles, scoped rifles, The Wheeling Police Department Staff Services
shotguns and less lethal shotguns. Weapons Division is comprised of three civilian staff. The
qualifications are done twice a year, once during civilian staff is responsible for all administrative
daylight hours and once during low light hours. In duties within the agency.
addition to the qualifications, training is done not Karen Grimes is the administrative assistant to
only on how to use the weapons, BUT when to use the Chief of Police. As the administrate assistance
them. The following items are examples of some to the Chief, she provides managerial support
firearms training conducted by the Wheeling Police to the position of Chief of Police by overseeing
Department: programs and services, researching projects and
• Bi-annual weapons qualification materials, and serving as the first point of contact
• Force on force training with the public for those seeking out the Chief of
• Decision shooting (shoot-don’t shoot) Police. Ms. Grimes generally perform duties which
• Shooting on the move help the Chief’s Office run smoothly and works
• Shooting in low light environments with others to make sure that the office functions
• Clearing weapons malfunctions better. Additionally, Ms. Grimes keeps the Chief’s
• Incapacitation techniques (working through an injury) appointment schedule, monitor and maintain the
• Safe weapons handling in crowds or around each other budget, prepare payroll, and essentially fill the role
• Weapon retention techniques of an information and communications manager.
• Traffic stop techniques Ms. Grimes has held this position since 1975.
• Building search techniques Roberta Thompson is an administrate assistant
• Department Use of Force Policy review responsible for IN-Synch monthly reporting, which
In addition to the firearms training and is the records management program utilized by
qualifications, the department range time has also the Wheeling Police Department. Ms. Thompson
focused on tactical medicine, CPR and first aid. also serves as a liaison to the State of West Virginia
for IBRS, which is all the statistical crime data
FIELD TRAINING OFFICER collected by the FBI. On a daily/weekly basis,
PROGRAM (FTO) she does a reconciliation of call logs and person
files to keep all information up to date for officers.
Many people who have never served in law Additionally Ms. Thompson assists officers with
enforcement believe that once a police officer various secretarial needs and serves as a back-up
graduates from the training academy he/she is a for other in-office civilian personnel.
trained police officer ready to work the streets. As
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Carolyn Davis is an administrative assistant THE NORTHERN REGIONAL
responsible for data entry such as, citations, HIGHWAY SAFETY OFFICE
warrants and DVPs, into the in-synch records
management system. Ms. Davis also distributes The Northern Regional Highway Safety Office is
incident and crash reports at the request located within the Wheeling Police Department
of insurance companies and individuals. In and is administered by Melissa Taylor. The
addition she maintains the current warrant list Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) is
and the DUI information packets for officers on the lead agency for West Virginia’s participation
patrol. in federally mandated and funded highway
safety improvement measures. The purpose of
CIVILIAN INTAKE GHSP is to encourage, promote, and support
safety throughout West Virginia. The state is
In 2015, the Wheeling Police Department saw split into eight traffic safety programs that
the addition of four civilian positions. The cover all fifty-five counties. The base of these
Civilian Intake position was created in an effort operations are located in the population centers
to free a supervisor to patrol the streets and of Beckley, Bluefield, Charleston, Clarksburg,
therefore enhance our patrol and supervisory Huntington, Parkersburg, Martinsburg, and
efforts. The civilian intake personnel work the Wheeling.
front desk area, which in the past was always Each Region has a designated coordinator
staffed by a patrol supervisor. to develop and implement the measures that
The following are some of the tasks performed their regions require to lower the total crashes,
by the Civilian Intake Personnel: injuries, and fatalities on the roadways in West
• Monitors the front desk area and the video Virginia. The Northern Regional Highway Safety
Office is responsible for Region 4 encompassing
cameras Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Wetzel, and Tyler
• Answers the phone, directing calls or counties. The Highway Safety fiscal year for
2015 started October 1, 2012 and ended
answering any general questions September 30, 2013.
• Serves as a receptionist to anyone who
1 Metro Valley Highway Safety Program
comes to the police department 2 Safe Traffic Operations Program
• Monitors the police radio and answers calls 3 Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Highway Safety Program
4 Northern Regional Highway Safety Office
from officers in the field 5 West Virginia High Tech Corridor Highway Safety Program
• Checks for warrants and other information 6 Eastern Panhandle Community Traffic Safety Program
7 Southern Regional Highway Safety Program
at the request of the officers 8 WV Coalfields Highway Safety Program
• Assists with maintenance and filing

of warrants, family protective orders,
trespassing notices and other records filed
and stored at the front desk
• Assists in ensuring that items stored at the
front desk such as drug test kits, forms
used by officers and civilian personnel and
other items remain fully stocked.
• Assists command staff, officers and
administrative personnel as needed.

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2015 HIGHWAY SAFETY The Wheeling Police Department is involved in
AWARDS BANQUET numerous WV GHSP initiatives including:
• DUI Enforcement Patrols
In March of 2016, the Northern Regional • DUI Checkpoints
Highway Safety Office, Mothers Against Drunk • Click It or Ticket
Driving (MADD) Wheeling Chapter, and Straub • Target Red
Automotive will partner together to host the • Underage Drinking
Highway Safety Awards Banquet. Several • Child Passenger Safety
Wheeling Police Department officers will be • School Safety Programs
honored for their commitment and dedication to • Motorcycle Safety
keeping our roadways safe in 2015. • Speed Enforcement
Wheeling PD Target Red Award for
OUTSTANDING EFFORTS IN PROMOTING 2015 Wheeling PD Highway Safety Highlights
HIGHWAY SAFETY THROUGH RED LIGHT • Click It or Ticket
ENFORCEMENT
Ptlm. Andrew Adams 27% decrease in seatbelt citations from FY 14
Distinguished Service Award for OUTSTANDING • Speed Enforcement
EFFORTS IN PROMOTING HIGHWAY SAFETY
THROUGH SPEED ENFORCEMENT 85% decrease in speeding citations from FY 14
Sgt. Jeff Griffith • Target Red Enforcement
Occupant Protection Award for OUTSTANDING
EFFORTS IN PROMOTING HIGHWAY SAFETY 27% decrease in stop sign / red light citations
THROUGH SEATBELT ENFORCEMENT from FY 14
Sgt. Jeff Griffith • DUI Enforcement
DUI Enforcement Awards for OUTSTANDING 6% decrease in DUI arrests from FY 14
EFFORTS IN PROMOTING HIGHWAY SAFETY • Distracted Driving Enforcement
THROUGH DUI ENFORCEMENT 19% increase in distracted driving citations
Pfc. Rob Safreed from FY 14
• Installed 172 child safety seats in FY 15
• Hosted the Northern Regional Highway
Safety Awards at Straub Nissan

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SPECIALIZED UNITS

SWAT

The Wheeling Police Department Special Weapons and
Tactics (SWAT) team was formed in 2002 as a part time
tactical team. The team is made up of 14 officers from
various sections within the department. All team members
complete an initial 40 hour basic SWAT school presented
by a reputable training organization and recognized
by NTOA (National Tactical Officers Association. After
successful completion of SWAT School the team trains for
varying missions on a monthly basis. Each team member
has received special training in using tools, equipment
and tactics beyond that of a patrol officer assigned to
a beat. The SWAT team reports directly to the Chief or
Deputy Chief of Police, but can be requested by any
supervisor of the Wheeling Police Department or another
law enforcement agency. Some duties assigned to the
SWAT team are:

• Service of search/arrest warrants on individuals
believed to be armed

• Resolution of armed and/or barricaded subjects
• Operating in hazardous environments such as

meth labs
• Vertical high rope operations/ rappel entries
• Active shooter resolution
• Hostage recovery operations
• Special detail security operations
• Surveillance and reconnaissance operations
• Mutual aid to another agencies tactical team

K-9

In 2003 the Wheeling Police Department K-9 Division
was formed. The first two K-9s were Narcotic/Patrol
German Shepherds, Freddie and Alf.

Today the Wheeling Police Department has five K-9s:
Bella, Kenni, Declan, Jericho and Ammo. Four of the
K-9s are Narcotic/Patrol, which means they are trained
to: detect narcotics, track fleeing suspects, building
searches, and officer protection. The illegal narcotics
that the K-9s are trained to detect are: Marijuana,
Cocaine, Heroin, and MDMA.

In the beginning of 2015 the K-9 Division only had
three K-9s. Due to the growing illegal drug problem, the
Wheeling Police Department added two additional K-9s,
Jericho and Ammo.

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MOUNTAIN BIKE UNIT

The Wheeling Police Department Mountain Bike Unit
currently has one officer assigned on a part time basis.
This officer patrolled the East Wheeling, Wheeling
Island, and Business District on bicycle. In this
capacity, he answered calls for service, report calls,
and traffic related incidents. Additionally, he served as a
department liaison, attending various community events
and child safety talks.

The department currently has a fleet of 10 Police
Mountain Bikes. Several bikes are positioned
throughout the city at the satellite offices. These bikes
can be deployed by bicycle certified officers during the
course of their normal duty. Additionally, the bicycles
are utilized for special events, road races, and directed
patrols in high crime / drug activity areas.

Any officer that requests bicycle duty must attend a
40 hour Basic Police Mountain Bike Course, where
they received certification through the International
Police Mountain Bike Association. This class consisted
of basic slow speed riding skills, urban riding, stair
assents and descents, officer safety, tactics, and
firearms. After successful graduation from this course,
the officers are certified to utilize a police mountain
bike. Officers attending this course have stated that it
was one of the most difficult classes they have taken.

In 2015, Cpl. Josh Sanders attended an IPMBA Police
Mountain Bike Instructor training course in Ohio. The
Mountain Bike Unit also received new uniforms in
2015. There are a total of XX officers trained as certified
bicycle officers.

CRASH CRISIS NEGOTIATIONS
RECONSTRUCTION UNIT TEAM (C.N.T.)

In addition to normal Patrol duties, the Wheeling Police The C.N.T. is comprised of eight members of the Wheeling
Department’s Crash Reconstruction Team responds to Police Department. The members of the C.N.T. are from
all life-threatening or fatal vehicle crashes in the city of both Uniform and Non-uniform divisions. In July of 2013 five
Wheeling. The Ohio County Sheriff’s Office also requests members of the C.N.T. obtained their certification as Crisis
the Wheeling PD CRT to respond with the OCSO to life- Negotiators after attending an F.B.I. Basic Crisis Negotiations
threatening crashes that occur all over Ohio County. The course in Morgantown, WV.
four (4) Wheeling PD CRT Officers are certified traffic
crash re-constructionist through the Institute of Police and The C.N.T. is activated in instances where hostages have
Technology Management (IPTM). This training involves been taken, a subject is barricaded or for suicidal subjects.
two separate levels of advanced traffic crash training which The C.N.T. also works hand in hand with the SWAT Team and
takes place over several weeks. The team in under the is utilized on all SWAT activations should the need for the
command of Sgt. Micah Zinn. In 2015, the Wheeling PD C.N.T. arise. The C.N.T. is under the command of Detective
CRT was requested four (4) times for vehicle crashes in Sgt. Matt Taylor.
Wheeling, and six (6) times for vehicle crashes outside of
the city limits. 15

DIVE TEAM

The Wheeling Area Underwater Special Tactics Team
was founded in 2012 and consists of a total of 25
members from the Wheeling Police Department,
Wheeling Fire Department and the Ohio County Sheriff’s
Office. The team is governed by an executive committee
consisting of the Chiefs of each agency involved and the
Ohio County EMA Director and is under the command of
Lt. Phil Redford of the Wheeling Police Department.
The team is in the process of completing their advanced
training which consists of the following:

• Basic Open Water Diving
• Advanced Open Water Diving
• Public Safety Diving I
• Dry Suit Diving
• Full Face Mask Diving

All classes sanctioned through Public Safety Diving
Association and Diver Rescue International. The team
practices monthly to work on new skills and techniques.
The following are some of the functions that can be
performed by the team:

• Perform disaster related assistance when requested
• Perform underwater search and recovery missions

involving victims, evidence and other property
• Investigate underwater crime scenes and all

associated scenes in the immediate area to include
scene evaluation, search, recovery of evidence, and
proper documentation and court presentation of
such scene analysis
• Investigate drowning and diving accidents
• Investigate boating accidents
• Perform certain search and recovery missions for
non-evidentiary property
• Cooperate in any mutual aid
• Perform other waterborne missions as approved by
the Dive Team chain of command

The dive team was activated a total of 6 times during
2015. The missions included searching for a gun in the
Ohio River which was used in a homicide in Pittsburgh,
recovering a safe taken in a burglary, searching for
a vehicle that had crashed in the river, as well as
other evidence and body recoveries. The team is also
activated to work specific water related events on the
river as a safety precaution.

16

MARINE PATROL CRITICAL INCIDENT
STRESS DEBRIEFING
The Wheeling Police Department Marine Unit enables the TEAM
Wheeling Police to patrol the 7+ miles of the Ohio River
that lies in the city limits. This program is geared toward It is important for our police department to have a mental
enforcing the Water Safety Regulations of the State Of health component for the health of our first responders.
WV and US Coast Guard. In the event of a critical incident, or the accumulation
of multiple events, it is important for our department to
Officers of the WPD receive training provided by the establish and employ safeguards for the emotional health
WV DNR. The course focuses on boater safety rules, and wellbeing of our officers.
enforcement priorities, tactical boating and boat
operations. The CISD Team currently consists of two mental health
professionals, Mrs. Heather Lewis and Sgt. Donald Miller.
The boat has been utilized in the apprehension of The debriefings are scheduled within a 24 to 72 hour
suspects who have attempted to evade capture by window of the event and are held at Bridge Street Middle
jumping in the river as well as victim recovery. The Marine School. Employee Assistance Programs are often utilized
Unit works in conjunction with the Dive Team in evidence on a reactionary basis, long after the initial stress inducing
recovery and maritime investigations. The boat has been event. A multitude of emotional health issues, such as
used for Safety patrol duties at river front festivals and anxiety, depression or post- traumatic stress may have
during holidays where boat traffic is a concern. the opportunity to manifest if left unchecked. The Critical
The Marine Unit allows the Wheeling Police Department Incident Stress Debriefing is meant to be a safeguard to
to provide services in a previously unreachable area protect and provide support services to those officers
of our jurisdiction increasing public safety and safety involved within a specific traumatic incident at work.
awareness with a high visibility program.
The Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team is not
BACKGROUND AND investigative agents for the police department. The CISD
RECRUITMENT TEAM was utilized approximately 3 times throughout 2015 by
members of the Wheeling Police Department.
In 2013, Chief Schwertfeger implemented the Background
and Recruitment Team to assist the department with 17
conducting extensive background investigations on new
police applicants and to actively recruit for new officer
candidates. The Background and Recruitment Team is
currently made up of 8 Officers under the direction of
Special Operations Commander, Lt. Phil Redford. The
Background and Recruitment Team conducts extensive
background investigations on police applicants who are
in the hiring process for the Wheeling Police Department.
The Background and Recruitment Team contacts
references, prior and current employers, conducts
criminal history checks, and more to ensure all police
applicants meet the strict standards, and core values of
the Wheeling Police Department.

The members of the Background and Recruitment team
also attend various job fairs and college fairs to recruit
new officers. Cpl. Jason Martin is the team leader and
was very active in the creation of a new recruitment
brochure. The team will be working on an interactive
recruitment video in the upcoming year

2015 PRO AWARDS

Sgt. Tom Howard received a
2015 Special Recognition Award
from the West Virginia Division of Justice
and Community Services.
Sgt. Howard also received a
Police Officer of the Year Award
from the local chapter of the Sons of the
American Revolution Organization.
Sgt. John Schultz received a
2015 Special Recognition Award
from the West Virginia Division of Justice
and Community Services.

Sgt. Donald Miller Sgt. John Schultz
Prevention Resource Officer Prevention Resource Officer
Bridge Street Middle School Wheeling Middle School
Sgt. Bill Criswell Pfc. R.J. Faldowski
Prevention Resource Officer College Liaison Officer
Warwood Middle School West Virginia Northern
Sgt. Tom Howard Community College
Prevention Resource Officer
Triadelphia Middle School

PREVENTION RESOURCE OFFICERS (PRO)

Prevention Resource Officers address numerous issues student behaviors to promote safety and to preserve
in regards to safety within their respective schools. PRO the learning process. Officers also build a healthy and
Officers review, update and improve, where possible, respectful relationship with all students. PRO Officers
the existing school’s emergency response plans. Safety, are prepared to move forward with criminal complaints
Education and Mentoring are our main goals. upon adults who have endangered children through
offenses of abuse or neglect. Officers are also prepared
PRO Officers teach an array of non-traditional education to assist in addressing status offenses such as truancy.
lesson plans to students in the class room. Officers teach Officers collaborate with numerous outside agencies and
approved curriculum such as Drug Prevention, Conflict organizations to promote delinquency prevention.
Resolution, Internet Safety, Being Responsible with
Electronic Communications and other approved topics. PRO Officers can address those sensitive student issues
which expand beyond the scope of the school’s authority.
PRO Officers address numerous student behaviors. In Prevention Resource Officers can move with the full weight
addition to confronting dangerous or criminal behavior and force of state authority and address those student
at school, officers confront disruptive and inappropriate issues regarding abuse, neglect or other criminal activity.

18

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Throughout the year, the officers from the Wheeling Police National Night out was again a successful year where
Department participate in numerous community outreach everyone from the Wheeling area can come out and learn
programs, such as Safety Town and the National Night Out and experience some form of Law enforcement, from K9 to
Against Crime. 2015 was the 30th year for Safety Town and dive team and everything in between. National Night Out,
we were proud to celebrate. When “Ms. Beth” and Wheeling which is held on the first Tuesday in August, was in its 9th
Hospital approached the Wheeling Police 30 years ago, year here in Wheeling. With continued help from the NNO
it was without hesitation or question they agreed to help. committee, who are members of the community, it is proof
Since then several WPD officers have stepped up to be that the “community truly are the police and the police
the Safety Town Officer. This year officer Josh and Officer are the community.” Both programs are great examples of
Bill created invaluable relationships with the children and building partnerships that will provide a safe and secure
teens in our community, helping to bridge the gap between community through proactive and impartial enforcement
community and police.

CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY

The Citizen Police Academy is an 11 week program
intended to foster relationships with the citizens of
Wheeling in order to provide them with a working
knowledge of the policies and limitations of the Wheeling
Police Department. This program helps to increase the
trust and confidence of our citizens in our ability to provide
effective public safety, and creates better understanding
between the citizens of Wheeling and the Wheeling Police
Department through education. The Wheeling Police
Department conducted one Citizen Police Academy Class
during the fall of 2015. There were a total of 15 graduates
in this class. The Wheeling Police Department plans on
having two CPA classes during 2016 and will be working
to implement a Junior Citizens Police Academy for those
between the ages of 14 and 18.

After graduating from the Citizen Police Academy,
participants can join the CPA-AA (Citizens Police Academy
Alumni Association). The CPA-AA is a non-profit group that
supports the efforts of the Wheeling Police Department
and the Citizens Police Academy. The group has over 175
members and they meet monthly.

SATELLITE OFFICES

In 2014, the Wheeling Police Department opened three
satellite offices throughout the city of Wheeling. The
offices are located in the Warwood Shopping Plaza, the
Wheeling Park White Palace and a house located at 38th
and Jacob Street in South Wheeling. The offices are fully
equipped with desks, department computers and all the
necessary paperwork for officers to complete their work.
The purpose the WPD Satellite Office is to offer the patrol
officer an area to complete their work while staying on
their beat. The officers are also utilized for community
meetings, community outreach, interviews or meeting with
complainants.

19

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANT NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
VOLUNTEERS (NAV) PROGRAMS

The Wheeling Police Department Neighborhood Assistant The Neighborhood Watch Program is a crime prevention
Volunteers consists of 20 uniformed volunteers who program that enlists active participants of residents
are all graduates of the Citizen Police Academy. After in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime,
graduation from the CPA and upon being accepted to the solve problems, and improve the quality of life in the
NAV Program, the volunteers received an additional 40 area in which they live. The Wheeling Police Department
hours of training. These volunteers assist officers in the facilitates these programs by holding community meetings,
field as well as perform administrative duties in the office. special events, and providing educational training and
The following are some of the functions performed by the communications.
Neighborhood Assistant Volunteers:
Neighborhood Watch participants are also encouraged to
Uniform Patrol (assisting officers on accidents, disabled take part in programs such as the Citizen Police Academy
motorists, non-criminal incidents) and the National Night Out Against Crime, which is held on
the first Tuesday in August.
• Handicapped Parking Citations (85% increase in
citations issued) The following Neighborhood Watch meetings are held
throughout the city of Wheeling:
• Sweeper Parking Violations
• Traffic Direction (accident scenes, special events, • East Wheeling
First Monday of the month – Cpl. Josh Sanders
road closures)
• Special Events (patrol, traffic direction, command • Warwood
Second Thursday of the month – Officer Doug
post) Sommerville
• Front Desk (answer phone, provide information, data
• South Wheeling
entry, and assist officers) Fourth Tuesday of the month – Lt. Rob Marriner
• Non-Criminal Fingerprinting (background checks,
• Elm Grove
employment, etc.) Third Wednesday of the month – Pfc. Ryan Ferrell
• Vacation Residence Checks (monitor homes for
• Wheeling Island
residents while on vacation Fourth Tuesday of the month – Cpl. Ulrich Utt
• Data Entry
• Woodsdale
In 2015, the Wheeling Police Department NAV Unit saw Third Tuesday of the month – Sgt. Kevin Kettler
the addition of 5 members, bringing the ranks from
15 up to 20 uniformed members. Throughout 2015,
the Neighborhood Assistant Volunteers volunteered a
total of 2,800 hours of their time to the Wheeling Police
Department. On a national average, this is equal to
$60,000 in man hours, which is almost the salary of two
officers. The amount of hours dedicated to the Wheeling
Police Department by the NAV rivals departments with
four times as many volunteers.

20

HONOR GUARD LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL

The Wheeling Police Honor Guard consists of 11 The Wheeling Police Honor Guard consists of 11
department members, tasked with providing ceremonial department members, tasked with providing ceremonial
presentations at department events such as retirement presentations at department events such as retirement
ceremonies, award ceremonies, and other City of ceremonies, award ceremonies, and other City of Wheeling
Wheeling functions. functions.

In addition to providing these presentations, the Honor In addition to providing these presentations, the Honor
Guard is also tasked with providing services at the Guard is also tasked with providing services at the funerals
funerals of deceased active duty and retired department of deceased active duty and retired department members.
members. The Honor Guard serves as pallbearers and The Honor Guard serves as pallbearers and executes
executes 21 gun salutes at these funerals, as well as 21 gun salutes at these funerals, as well as other law
other law enforcement memorial activities. The services of enforcement memorial activities. The services of the Honor
the Honor Guard are extended to other law enforcement Guard are extended to other law enforcement agencies in
agencies in the area as well. the area as well.

In 2015, the Wheeling Police Honor Guard provided In 2015, the Wheeling Police Honor Guard provided
ceremonial services at a total of 14 events. Nine of which ceremonial services at a total of 14 events. Nine of which
were presentation of colors at events such as the State of were presentation of colors at events such as the State of
the City Address, the annual Law Enforcement Memorial, the City Address, the annual Law Enforcement Memorial,
hosted at Wheeling Heritage Port, and the WV Chiefs of hosted at Wheeling Heritage Port, and the WV Chiefs of
Police Association Convention. The Honor Guard also Police Association Convention. The Honor Guard also
provided services at the funerals of five retired members provided services at the funerals of five retired members of
of the Wheeling Police Department. the Wheeling Police Department.

WHEELING POLICE
DEPARTMENT FALLEN

Ptlm. Joseph P. Brady
End of Watch | Sept 27, 1868

Ptlm. Joseph Glenn
End of Watch | Jan 17, 1888

Ptlm. Salavia C. “Lafe” Bowen
End of Watch | Dec 26, 1902

Ptlm. Henry Carl Seamon
End of Watch | Feb 26, 1917

Ptlm. Herman Henry Bartels
End of Watch | May 3, 1922

Ptlm. Ray Melvin Lazear
End of Watch | Jan 12, 1925

Ptlm. Charles Ulrich “Bud” Brunhaus
End of Watch | Jan 20, 1926

Ptlm. James Robert Wolfe
End of Watch | Jan 31, 1931

Ptlm. James Reiter Bailey
End of Watch | Oct 11, 1971

21

2015 DEPARTMENT HONOREES

2015 RETIREMENTS 01/24/15 2015 COMMENDATIONS
Sgt. Frank Kuca 08/04/15 Sgt. Gust Kepreos
Lt. Shaun Flanegin Sgt. Shaldon Lacava
Sgt. Ken Prager
2015 NEW HIRES 02/09/15 Sgt. Rick Roxby
Gerald Mitchell 02/17/15 Cpl. Russ Campbell
William Castilow 03/25/15 Cpl. Craig Howard
Ryan Moore 06/22/15 Cpl. Jason Martin & Keeni
Brian Hails - Rehire 06/30/15 Cpl. John Stipetich
Nikki Anderson - Rehire 07/02/15 Cpl. William Ward
Adam Stewart - Rehire 11/16/15 Ptlm. Andrew Adams
Kevin Davis Ptlm. Rachel Boyer
Ptlm. Sean Brantley
2015 PROMOTIONS Ptlm. Erick Burke
Lieutenant Ptlm. Bryan Hails
Ken Prager Ptlm. Trevor Hayes
Ptlm. Matt Hronek
Sergeants Ptlm. Garrett Pugh
Rick Robbins Detective Brandi Alderman
Ulrich Utt Detective Rob Safreed
CHIEFS EAGLE AWARD
Corporals Cpl. Jason Martin
Dan Finger Cpl. Josh Sanders
Jason Martin Cpl. Jonathan Stipetich
Kyle Mull Ptlm. Erick Burke
Pfc. Andy Covington
Police Officer First Class Detective Brandi Alderman
Rachel Boyer OFFICER OF THE QUARTER
Erick Burke 1st Quarter Pfc. Erick Burke
Trevor Hayes 2nd Quarter Sgt. Dave Gittings
Dan Holmes 3rd Quarter Cpl. Jon Stipetich
Matt Hronek 4th Quarter Sgt. Bill Noice
Jason Hupp OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Garrett Pugh Cpl. Jon Stipetich
Brent Ruby DEPARTMENT AWARDS
Bryan Wilson 2015 Highway Safety Top Agency Award
DUI Enforcement
MEDAL OF MERIT
Sgt. Dave Gittings
Sgt. Jeff Griffith
Ptlm. Rachel Boyer

LIFESAVING
Sgt. Gust Kepreos
Sgt. John Schultz
Ptlm. Erick Burke

22

CRIME STATISTICS

The National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) Virginia in reporting all required crime data The Wheeling
and the West Virginia Incident Based Reporting System Police Department continues to monitor the upward
(WV-IBR) collect information on each single incident and downward crime trends to help shape a strategic
and arrest within 22 crime categories composed of plan for moving forward. PRO Officers can address
46 offense types known as Group A offenses. Group those sensitive student issues which expand beyond
A offenses require an extensive amount of crime data the scope of the school’s authority. Prevention Resource
collection. Group B offenses are also recorded but only Officers can move with the full weight and force of state
collect arrest data for the offenses. The Wheeling Police authority and address those student issues regarding
Department is in compliance with the state of West abuse, neglect or other criminal activity.

GROUP A OFFENSES 2013 2014 2015

ARSON 1 4 1
ASSAULT
BRIBERY 617 590 548
BURGLARY
FORGERY 0 0 0
VANDALISM
DRUG 215 184 210
EMBEZZLEMENT
EXTORTION 33 23 25
FRAUD
GAMBLING 283 240 260
MURDER
KIDNAPPING 229 237 201
LARCENY
MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 9 7 4
PORNOGRAPHY
PROSTITUTION 0 0 0
ROBBERY
FORCIBLE SEX OFFENSE 93 67 100
NON-FORCIBLE SEX OFFENSE
STOLEN PROPERTY 0 0 0
WEAPON
TOTALS 1 0 2

3 0 3

483 536 484

31 44 44

2 4 2

5 3 1

25 17 35

23 22 29

0 0 1

11 14 11

22 26 21

2, 086 2,018 1,982

GROUP A OFFENSES

23

GROUP A OFFENSES

Group A offenses noted an 2% decrease in total numbers, while Group B offenses reflected a 9% decrease. The majority of
Group A offenses were reported as trending down from 2014. Highlights include:
• 7% decrease in assaults
• 15% decrease in drug offenses
• 9% decrease in larceny
• 19% decrease in weapons offenses
Burglaries, frauds, and robberies increased slightly.
The significant reductions in Group A offenses are reflective of a variety of reasons:
• Proactive patrol by Wheeling Police Officers
• Directed Patrols and Special Operations
• Geo-policing and the police district concept
As the Wheeling Police Department continues to move forward, our goals will be to continue to make significant impacts on
Group A offenses while paying close attention to the quality of life issues that may surface in our city.

GROUP B OFFENSES 2013 2014 2015

BAD CHECK 3 5 8
VAGRANCY
DISORDERLY 13 5 15
DUI 64 40 26
DRUNKENNESS 192 105 69
FAMILY OFFENSE
LIQUOR 194 144 88
TRESPASSING 0 0 0
ALL OTHER 55 32 33
TOTAL
29 24 25

1, 672 1,350 1,283

2,193 1,705 1,547

GROUP B OFFENSES

GROUP B OFFENSES

The specific categories in Group B offenses remained fairly constant in 2015. There was a 200% increase in vagrancy calls.
The majority of other categories continue to reflect a decrease. There was a 36% decrease in the number of DUI charges
from 105 to 69 in 2015.
24

TRAFFIC CITATIONS 2013 2014 2015

TRAFFIC 4,027 3,369 2,455
CRIMINAL 507 486 313
WARNINGS 473 151 309

4500 2013 2014 2015
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000

500
0

The Wheeling Police Department had a 27% decrease in traffic citations issued during 2015. The data also represents a
36% decrease in criminal citations issued compared to 2014. There was however a 105% increase in the total number of
traffic warnings that were issued during 2015.

CALLS FOR SERVICE 2013 2014 2015

TOTAL 28,679 26,242 23,046

CASES 2013 2014 2015

TOTAL 3,218 2,998 2,906

3250
3200
3150
3050
3000
2950
2900
2850
2800
2750

2013 2014 2015

In 2015, the Detective Division of the Wheeling Police Department investigated 2,906 new cases. Although they are still
investigating cases from prior years, there was 3% decrease in new cases from 2014. This data represents a 9% decrease
in new cases investigated over the past two years.

25

STRATEGIC PLAN

The Wheeling Police Department continues to implement the Strategic Planning process to guide
the police department’s organizational goals and the actions needed to achieve those goals. The
strategic plan aides in guiding the budgeting process through several years, prioritizes training needs,
and sets the tone for the direction of the agency. Departmental goals and directions have been
identified through command staff meetings and internal/External assessments. The elements of the
strategic planning process have been prioritized into (5) strategic directives:
1. Reduce Crime and Enhance Public Safety
2. Enhance Community Outreach
3. Increase Efficiency
4. Emergency Preparedness
5. Occupational Safety and Wellness
The strategic directives are implemented by a series of objectives, initiatives, and performance
measures. The Wheeling Police Department was able to complete several objectives during 2015:
• False Alarm Program
• Civilian Intake Position
• Increased Training
• Autism Checklist
• Less Lethal
• Body Cameras
• Officer of the Quarter / Year
• ALICE Training / Active Shooter
• Drivers Training Team
• Acquisition / New duty Firearms
• Acquisition / Upgrade of New Tasers
Looking ahead to 2016, the Wheeling Police Department will continue to implement the strategic
planning process and focus on new objectives within the strategic directives.

26

2016 STRATEGIC DIRECTIVES

WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT STRATEGIC PLAN 2016

1. Reduce Crime and the Enhance Public Safety Priority
4
• Crime Free Multi-Housing Program 2
1
• Transport Van
1
• Expand Traffic Unit (P-4) --
3
• Reduce motor vehicle accidents within the city by 20% during 2016 3

• Identify location and causation factors

• Enforcement blitz

• Education campaign

• Enhance traffic unit

• Reduction in crime/ Quality of Life issues in Downtown/Market Street

• Initiative) Creation of a Business Coalition

• Initiative) Enforcement Operations

• Reduction in Panhandling

• Enhancement of Vicious Dog Ordinance/Program

2. Enhance Community Outreach Priority

• Crisis Intervention Training 1

• Social Media for WPD 4

• Neighborhood Resource Unit 4

• Creation and Implementation of a Police Explorer Program 2

3. Increase Efficiency Priority

• False Alarm Program 1

• Crime Analyst 4

• Public Information Officer 4

• New Police Department Facility 3

• Specialized Vehicles (SWAT, CNT) 2

• Reduction in number of outstanding warrants held by WPD 2

• Tow/ Impound protocol and facilities 4

• Online Reporting Program 3

4. Emergency Preparedness Priority
2
• Regional Command Vehicle Operations 1

• Police Firing Range/Training Facility 4
3
• Drivers Training Team (COMPLETED) 1

• Explosive Ordinance Team

• Creation of a CIVIL DISTURBANCE UNIT

• Critical Incident Training Enhancement

• Quarterly “Tabletop Exercises” that involve local businesses and

multiple facets of the WPD Emergency Response

5. Occupational Safety and Wellness Priority
2
• Wellness Program 1

• Internal Facility/ Security 5
4
• Initiative) Window film upgrades

• Initiative)New door in work area

• Initiative) Issued identification for VISITORS

• Initiative) Improvements to work area

• Police Chaplain Program

• Acquisition of Gas Masks

27

THANK YOU WHEELING POLICE DEPARTMENT

Moose Lodge ANNUAL REPORT
Ohio County Schools
MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) 2015
Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association
WTRF

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