PBPD Annual Report 2019PISMO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT
A N A T I O N A L L Y
A C C R E D I T E D
L A W
E N F O R C E M E N T
A G E N C Y
02 | Chief’s Welcome
03 | Highlights
04 | Goals
05 | Operations Division
06 | Special Assignments
07 | Support Services Division
CONTENTS
08 | Communications & Records
09 | Recognitions
10 | Citizen Volunteer Program
11 | Statistics
12 | Staying Connected
13 | Community Involvement
Police Officer’s Memorial
CHIEF’S WELCOME
I am pleased to present the 2019 annual report for the Pismo Beach Police
Department. It seems like we were just bringing out the 2018 report when time came
again to report on the accomplishments and progress made by your police
department. As with most annual reports, this is just a glimpse of the year ’s
developments and we always welcome questions, clarification, or additional
information when requested. I hope you enjoy the following report and what you find
inside.
The year started off with the planning and ceremony of life for Sergeant Trevor
Blevins. As you may remember from the 2018 annual report, Sgt. Blevins
succumbed to injuries sustained in a tragic off duty accident on December 30, 2018.
2019 started with every member of the department assisting tirelessly to plan,
procure, decorate and participate in a memorial service which included full honors. I
would have never thought my pride for this agency could be greater than normal but,
the men and women of the Pismo Beach Police Department, yet again, found a way
to amaze and impress with their strength, professionalism, and compassion for
everyone and each other during such a difficult time.
The staff continued to design goals in 2019 that encompassed internal change,
external connection, and overall performance. We feel this approach keeps us
moving in a direction that promotes our professionalism by evaluating our processes,
developing new efficient procedures, and then getting out in the community where we can make the most positive impact
possible. We focused on internal methods that over the years needed updating. These ranged from personnel
evaluations to reporting procedures to enhance data acquisition and improve officers down time. While not flashy, the
numerous internal changes were utilized immediately after authorizing and improved efficiency in the department which
hopefully translated to better service in the community.
To increase our engagement and connectivity with the community, I am proud to say we finally caught up to the new
millennium and can now be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! We formally launched our platform in the fall of
2019 and it was great. I’m grateful for the staff who understands the age of social media and can speak that language.
Please find us, friend us, and spread the word. Please bear with us as we try and remember to message information
beyond emergency level status and show our other side.
In addition, we upgraded our department app which is still available on the applicable app store to your devices. This
allowed us to continue to enhance our MyCop Program which allows residents to connect with their Zone officer directly.
We also started advertising and accepting emails of interest for the new Pismo Beach Police Department Chief ’s Advisory
Committee. The representatives on the Chief ’s Advisory Committee were chosen from each of the MyCop Zones to
incorporate the committee into the MyCop Program and gain representation city -wide. We will report its launch and
achievements in the next annual report though it was formed at the end of this one.
2019 was an interesting year that kept us busy from the first day. We continued to recruit for open positions, hire some
positions, promote a few folks, train for all positions and job tasks, and culminated the year with the retirement of a caree r
long Pismo Beach Police Officer. I invite you to the back of this report to read a brief biography of Commander Tom
Portz who began his career in Pismo Beach and worked his full professional life here.
These are just a few of the highlights from 2019 and there is much more in the following pages. I hope you take a
moment and enjoy a brief look at how 2019 shaped up for your police department. As always, do not hesitate to contact
us at any time for any information. Please do not forget that “Brief the Chief” is going into its 6th year and occurs every
first Monday of the month from 5pm to 7pm on a first come first served basis. This is just another opportunity to connect
with me and discuss any topic.
Chief Jake Miller
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 2
6 3 PISMO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT
RECRUITMENT & PROMOTIONS
Hiring for police officer positions throughout the
country has become increasingly more
challenging. The economy, the philosophy of the
new generation of employees, and the public
perception of law enforcement may play a roll in
limiting the candidate pool for police officers.
Regardless, Pismo Beach has maintained very
high standards in the selection and retention of
its employees. It selects employees for best fit in
the position based on the culture and ideals of
the City and its citizens. Honesty, integrity and
professionalism rank high among those ideals.
Also as an accredited police department, the
agency has an obligation to provide the highest
caliber of police services.
In a long tradition of hiring the most professional
and ethical people, the Pismo Beach Police
Department is proud to present 3 of our newest
members who fit that philosophy: Officer
Rockwood, Officer Laughlin, and Officer Lim.
The Pismo Beach Police Department is also proud
to announce the promotion of Adrian Souza to
the rank of Sergeant.
HIGHLIGHTS
DEPARTMENT INSPECTION
The inspection is a process by which a review is conducted of all department administrative and
operational activities, facilities, property, equipment, and personnel outside the normal
supervisory line inspections. This year the Chief of Police performed an inspection of his staff to
review equipment readiness and professional quality standards.
Implement an electronic parking citation system.
Maintain and expand the community camera program.
Implement an explosive detection dog into the K9 program.
Perform school safety talks.
Develop a field evidence technician program.
Implement a youth services program.
Develop a peer support program.
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 4
GOALS
The Chief meets annually with the command staff and sergeants to assemble goals for the coming year that
are measurable, obtainable, financially feasible, and beneficial for the department and community. Some
goals are cyclical, like accreditation, others upgrade or plan for new programs or equipment, and still others
address problems or proactivity design new enhancements to police services. Goals are set for both divisions
in the department, Operations and Support Services, and progress is reviewed at monthly staff meetings.
OPERATIONS DIVISION
Implement an electronic parking citation system.
Maintain and expand the community camera program.
Implement an explosive detection dog into the K9 program.
Perform school safety talks.
Develop a field evidence technician program.
Implement a youth services program.
Develop a peer support program.
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
Develop a social media plan.
Conduct sting operations to include shoulder tap and tobacco.
Host a Citizens’ Academy.
Implement new Records Management System/Computer Aided
Dispatch.
Develop and initiate massage ordinance.
Redesign the Annual Performance Evaluation process and forms.
Perform quarterly sex registrant compliance checks.
Research and obtain redaction software to comply with recent
laws.
Implement a Chiefs Advisory Committee.
6
OPERATIONS DIVISION
5 PISMO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Operations Division encompasses all aspects of the Patrol function which includes the Traffic division,
reserve officers and citizen volunteers and oversees the Parking Bureau, K -9 team, S.W.A.T team, temporary
holding facility, the D.A.R.E program, the “MyCop” program, Special Events planning and the Emergency
Operations Center.
PATROL
The Pismo Beach Police Department provides patrol
services 24/7 and will prioritize responses to requests for
emergency services using available resources to enhance
the safety of the public and department members. Patrol
will generally be conducted by uniformed officers in clearly
marked law enforcement vehicles in assigned jurisdictional
areas of Pismo Beach. The function of patrol is to respond
to calls for assistance and reports of criminal activity, act
as a deterrent to crime, enforce state and local laws,
identify community needs, provide support and assistance
to the community and respond to emergencies.
Self-Initiated Activity
10,085
Traffic Stops
4,321
Traffic Citations
1,490
Arrests
1,227
Commander Singleton
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 6
S.W.A.T.
The Pismo Beach Police Department dedicates
four members of the agency to the San Luis
Obispo Regional SWAT Team. This team train on
a monthly basis and is comprised of seven
agencies spanning the county: Arroyo Grande
PD, Grover Beach PD, Morro Bay PD, Paso
Robles PD, Pismo Beach PD, San Luis Obispo
PD, and Cal Poly PD. These officers may be
called out to any of the participating cities in
the event of a critical incident for hostage
situations, high -risk warrant service, special
protection detail, and civil disturbances.
D.A.R.E.
The D.A.R.E. curriculum is provided
to our public elementary school
within the City of Pismo Beach.
Our D .A.R.E . of f icer visit s
kindergarten through sixth grade
students. The curriculum focuses
on crime prevention, personal
safety, drugs, gangs and violence.
There are 12 classes over the
course of the Spring quarter with a
culmination ceremony at the end.
K9
The K9 team brings a diverse form of police
benefit to the department. The team is
used for suspect searches, drug searches,
and search/rescue efforts for this agency
as well as other agencies needing
assistance. The Pismo Beach PD’s K9
program is fully funded by donations. Costs
include food, supplies, medical expenses,
training, and specialized equipment for the
canine. Donations supporting the K9
program can be made payable to the City
of Pismo Beach and mailed to 1000 Bello
St., Pismo Beach, CA 93449, c/o K9 Team.
SPECIALTY ASSIGNMENTS
The Support Services Division consists of Administration, Communications Bureau, Records Bureau, Crime
Analysis Bureau, Investigations Bureau including the Special Problems Unit and Property and Evidence. The
Support Services Commander also oversees budget, facilities and fleet, personnel and hiring, internal affairs,
training and accreditation.
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
7 PISMO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT
INVESTIGATION BUREAU
The Investigation Bureau works directly with the FBI, US Secret Service, Homeland Security, Joint
Regional Intelligence Center, local and outside law enforcement agencies, and the San Luis
Obispo District Attorney’s Office in order to solve and help reduce crime in the City of Pismo
Beach. Investigators are responsible for solving numerous counterfeit
and fraud related investigations, burglary cases as well as
cases involving rape, child molestation, child pornography,
robbery, assault on officers resulting injury, kidnapping,
and suspicious death cases. Investigators also conduct
Tobacco and Alcohol stings with the assistance of the Alcohol
Beverage Control (ABC) with great success.
Commander Portz
In 2019, Investigators reviewed over 348
cases, booked 2,953 pieces of property,
served 22 warrants, and conducted 1
Alcohol/Tobacco Sting Operation.
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 8
COMMUNICATIONS
Public safety dispatchers are responsible
for answering all 9 -1 -1 and business phone
calls coming into the police department
as well as maintaining radio
communications with police officers in the
field. Dispatchers are charged with
determining the type of assistance
needed and sending emergency
personnel to police, fire and medical
emergencies. Dispatchers also answer
“ring -down” lines which link the
communications center to the San Luis
Obispo Sheriff’s Department and Cal Fire.
Pismo Beach dispatchers are also trained
in Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD),
which is designed to further assist the
public during medical emergencies.
In 2019, our dispatchers received
34,838 Administrative Calls
23,447 Calls for Service
5,152 9-1-1 Calls
RECORDS BUREAU
The Records Bureau provides variety of
services to the department and the
public. These services include furnishing
copies of crime and traffic reports in
compliance with the Public Records Act,
maintaining all police records, entering
incoming police reports into the
automated Records Management System
(RMS), coordinating officer subpoenas
and responding to subpoenas for records.
Working hand -in-hand with the District
Attorney’s Office, Superior Court,
Department of Justice and other law
enforcement agencies, the Records
Bureau oversees dissemination of
confidential information for appropriate
disposition of cases and statistical
purposes.
In 2019, our Records Technician
processed: 2,398 reports, 2,055
citations, and 212 Field Interview cards. served 22 warrants, and conducted 1
9 PISMO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT
RECOGNITIONS
The “2019 Officer of the Year” recipient is Officer Maria
Espinoza. Officer Espinoza is enthusiastic, displays a high level of
dedication and elevated sense of duty. She has an impressive
work ethic and is dedicated to providing the highest level of public
service to the guests and residents of Pismo Beach.
The “2019 Employee of the Year” recipient is Records Technician
Nicole Robles. Nicole is valued for her positive work ethic and skills
that help contribute to her ongoing successful interactions all she
comes in contact with. Her talent as a photographer earned her
the title of Pismo Beach Police Department Photographer, and her
infectious smile, from behind the lens, spreads throughout the
department.
2019 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
2019 OFFICER OF THE YEAR
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 10
The men and women who volunteer for the Pismo Beach Police Department provide an invaluable
service to the department and the community that deserves to be recognized and to whom we are
extremely thankful. This year our Volunteers donated a total of 1,938 hours. This included 262 hours
patrolling the city/ providing vacation house checks, 303 hours assisting with over 20 special events
including the Classic Car Show, Fourth of July, and Amgen Tour of California, 1151 hours performing
administrative tasks for the Records Bureau and transporting records to the County Courts and
laboratory, and 222 hours in training and other tasks. Converted to overtime salaries of an officer, the
savings estimates to $124,000 in salary. Through their commitment and dedication, our volunteers are
truly part of the Pismo Beach Police Department family. They represent the Department with the
utmost professionalism and as our ambassadors in the public, they show care, compassion, and
resourcefulness.
The Department is always looking for citizens who would like to volunteer with the Pismo Beach Police
Department. Volunteers must complete a Citizen’s Academy, which is a short orientation program.
The Citizen’s Academies are hosted jointly with Grover Beach Police Department and Arroyo Grande
Police Department. They are held once or twice a year. We look forward to bringing on new
volunteers to join the team in the coming year.
CITIZEN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Volunteers give law enforcement
officers the opportunity to reduce
crime and increase law enforcement
services in a variety of ways including
neighborhood patrol, vacation house
checks, traffic control and many
more.
11 PISMO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT
STATISTICS
554 543
418
493
378
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
5-YEAR PART 1 CRIMES TREND
2018 2019 %
CHANGE
ARSON 1 1 0%
ASSAULT - A 24 16 ↓ -33%
AUTO THEFT 14 18 ↑ 29%
BURGLARY 151 126 ↓ -17%
HOMICIDE 0 0 0%
LARCENY 298 211 ↓ -29%
RAPE 1 0 ↓ -100%
ROBBERY 4 6 ↑ 50%
TOTAL 493 378 ↓ -23%
PART 1 CRIMES
Part 1 crimes include felony crimes against people and property. Larceny (theft) has proven to be the most
common Part 1 crime in Pismo Beach. In 2019, the City of Pismo Beach experienced a 23% reduction in Part 1
Crimes compared to 2018. A majority of this reduction is attributable to the decreases observed in reported
aggravated assault, burglary, and larceny. Areas of increase this year were auto theft and robbery.
INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATIONS
The Pismo Beach Police Department considers the investigation of complaints regarding an employee’s
actions or our policies to be one of our most important missions. Supervisors who have received specific
training in internal affairs have received specific training to investigate all complaints objectively and
thoroughly. At the conclusion of the investigation the findings are provided in writing to the complainant.
Citizen complaints consist of an allegation of misconduct or improper job performance against any police
department employee that if true, would constitute a violation of department policy, federal, state, or local
law. Complaints may be initiated externally by a citizen or internally by a
department employee. All complaints received whether in person or
anonymously are investigated.
The Pismo Beach Police Department is very proud that its
employees attract very few formal complaints. It is and will
always be the goal of this department to reduce the number of
complaints and continued training has proven the success of this
endeavor.
During the calendar year 2019, the
Pismo Beach Police Department
received three external complaints.
STAYING CONNECTED
APP & MYCOP
The Pismo Beach Police Department created an App in 2017 to assist in
partnering with our community to keep our little corner of the universe a
paradise for citizens and visitors to enjoy. The App allows quick access to
information such as press releases, contacts, and links to report an issue, as
well as parking information and available city services.
One component of the PBPD App is the “MyCop” program. This program is
designed to connect Pismo Beach locals, residents and business people, with
an officer assigned to handle quality of life issues within specific zones in the
city. The police department has divided Pismo Beach into 12 zones. The
registration process assigns users to a zone based on their address and allows
them direct contact via email and voicemail to the officer who oversees
their zone. The Department will also be able to send push notifications to
one, several, or all zones and post crime stats specific to each zone.
The app is available for free on both Android and Apple devices. For those
that do not reside in Pismo Beach but would like to register for MyCop, we
recommend using the department’s address, 1000 Bello St, which is in zone 8.
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 12
What's all the Hubbub?! The Pismo
Beach Police Department is now on
Social Media! Check us out on
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
@PismoPolice
We thought it was about time we
joined the social media world. We
will be providing information on
upcoming events, PD news, fun
facts, safety & best-practices, and
much more.
Please keep in mind that our social
media platforms are not monitored
at all times. If you need to contact
us please call the station at (805)
773-2208
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 9-1-1
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
13 PISMO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT
Back to School Safety
Clam Festival
City to the Sea
Cops ‘n Kids Field Day
Easter Eggstravaganza
Educational Tours of the Station
July 4th Celebration
Halloween Safety
Holiday Harmony
Just Cruzin’ Car Show
K-9 Demonstrations
Memorial Day Service
Operation Surf
Pismo Paw’p Fest
Pizza on the Pier
POA Thanksgiving Dinner
Pumpkins on the Pier
Red Ribbon Week
Relay for Life
St. Anthony’s Celebration
Secret Santa’s Elves Christmas Delivery
Sheriff’s Day at the Ranch
Special Olympics Torch Run
Taste of Pismo
Tip A Cop Dinner for Special Olympics
Veteran’s Day Service
Pismo Beach Marching Band Review
Valentine Wine Walk
Wine, Waves and Beyond
Stride with the Tide
Project Hero POA Thanksgiving Dinner
Police Officers Memorial Pizza on the Pier
2019 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND EVENTS
Red Ribbon
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 14
Run with the Cops
Pumpkins in the Park Halloween Safety Talks Cops n Kids
Pismo Beach Police Department Staff
In 2017, the department celebrated the retirement of
Lead Dispatcher Elvia Ramos. Elvia’s career spanned
almost 4 decades with 35 years of dedicated service
to the citizens of Pismo Beach. Her unprecedented
professionalism and infectious laugh will be missed.
PISMO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Produced by Crime Analyst Jennifer Truong
1000 Bello Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-2208
www.pismobeach.org/police
Happy Retirement!
PISMO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2019
Produced by Crime Analyst Jennifer Sun
1000 Bello Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-2208
www.pismobeach.org/police
In 2019, the Pismo Beach Police
Department celebrated the retirement of
Commander Tom Portz. Tom spent 27
years serving the citizens of Pismo Beach
and was known for his charitable spirit
and absolute calm in even the worst of
situations. We would like to wish Tom
the best for a well deserved retirement .
Happy Retirement!