PBPD Annual Report 2020
2020
Annual
Report
Pismo Beach Police Department
A Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Agency
Table of Contents
01 | Chief’s Welcome
03 | Adapting to a COVID-19 World
04 | Staying Connected & Giving Back
05 | Support Services Division
06 | Operations Division
07 | Special Assignments
08 | Highlights
09 | Recruitments and Hirings
10 | Demographics
11 | Statistics & Analysis
13 | Recognitions
14 | Retirements
15 | Eagerly Anticipating
16 | Connect With Us
Chief’s Welcome
Welcome to the Pismo Beach Police Department 2020 Annual Report. It’s hard to believe we all got through 2020
together and we cannot thank you enough for taking the time to look
through the following pages and see how your police department
fared through the year. Though none of us had ever been through
a pandemic of this magnitude, we not only worked through it as a
community and learned to live within its confines, but the
department accomplished some routine and expected goals as well.
First and foremost, our hearts and prayers go out to those who
suffered a tragic loss and/or survived this horrible virus; we will stay
steadfast in doing our part in the community to see this through.
We all look forward to enjoying our beautiful city with friends, family,
and community as we did before these tough times. Thank you all
for your continued support of our mission during many hard
moments and making us all feel as one large team.
As the pandemic reached our state in late February, the police
department was making plans to address and respond to what
turned out to be an ever-changing list of orders and regulations on both a state and local level. With all but
essential businesses closing their doors and our neighborhoods fully resided, we knew we had to get an
abundance of support and patrol out there to make sure empty businesses did not get victimized and our
neighborhoods felt safe with us constantly in them. We shifted our focus away from traditional routine patrol and
averaged 1,100 individual location checks a week. However, within a month, our beaches were packed and we
ended up in a never ending spring break. This meant, we also had to use all hands available to get beach patrol
up and running without losing presence in the commercial or residential areas. I’ve never been so proud to see the
men and women of the police department using all available resources and new ideas to accomplish this while at
the same time showing so much compassion for those in our closed business community and those sheltered at
home for such a long duration. You would not believe how many conversations I overheard among police
department members conveying how lucky they were to be working as usual in the community and how badly they
felt for those who could not be.
With schools closed and so many working remotely, the beach was packed as folks found a way to find some
enjoyment while outside and distanced. Though special events in the city were postponed, the police department
still needed to plan for the large crowds who continued to come for summer, holidays, and day trips. The
department geared up for Memorial Day, 4th of July, St. Anthony’s, and Labor Day. Again, there were no formal
events but folks still enjoyed our sunshine, cool beaches and outdoor dining, so preparation for the crowds was
still warranted as with any other year.
July and August were very big months for the Pismo Beach Police Department. After another four years of
annually demonstrating compliance to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA),
1
2
it was time again to host an on-site assessor team to inspect the agency
and our compliance to standards to include community interviews and a
town hall meeting. Not only did we pass with flying colors on our 4th
re-accreditation and 5th overall, but we also worked diligently to have our
communications center accredited with a stand-a-lone independent
accreditation through CALEA. We are now the only municipal police
communications center in California to have the national accreditation
through CALEA!
With all the work completed in dispatch for accreditation, combined with
the highly professional dispatch staff, we began dispatching part-time for a
neighboring agency. I am very proud to announce in this report that we
will be contracting full dispatch services to that agency very shortly. We
will also be entertaining a contract with one additional agency which would
really increase efficiency and reduced cost to us all.
Through the pandemic, protests, and adjusting to life under “Shelter in
Region” orders, the police department continued to police as expected. Crime began to rise with $0 Bail and the
early release of inmates to avoid covid spread in correctional institutions. We had to adjust back to our most recent
policing models and normal activities resumed. You will see our activity levels and workload assessments
throughout the provided data in this report.
In closing, I will have retired by the time this report is released. I will never
be able to convey my gratitude and deepest appreciation to the City of
Pismo Beach. Having served this community my entire professional career,
promoting through every rank and position, my heart is without doubt heavy.
Finalizing my career as your Chief of Police for the finest police department
in the country has been an honor and a privilege over the last seven years
and I am not able to put it into words. The members of this police
department are the most professional, ethical, honest, and enthusiastic, of
any organization I have seen. Working amongst them, much less leading
them, has been the ultimate honor. Having the opportunity to perform the
work you love, in a community like Pismo Beach, for people who trust and
support your efforts, is an indescribable blessing. And for all of these
reasons, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely,
Chief Jake Miller
Adapting to a COVID-19 World
3
As a department, we had to be
mindful of the changes that were occurring in our community and be prepared to respond in ways we haven ’t before. During
the significant shutdown of businesses in the Spring and Summer, our business checks increased by 591% as we needed to
ensure that crimes of opportunity were not increasing. Chief Miller formed an Advisory Committee in 2020 that was scheduled
to have its first meeting in mid -March, right as the pandemic was on the rise. The Committee, having been comprised of
community members throughout all 12 MyCop Zones,
would provide suggestions and feedback regarding
issues that impact the safety and quality of life for Pismo
Beach residents, business owners and visitors. Although
the Committee was delayed in meeting because of
COVID, plans are in motion to reconvene once safe to do
so.
Run With The Cops
was modified this
year to encourage
participants to
complete a 5k run
or walk safely at
home or in an outdoor open space and post photos to our social media outlets. We
were happy to see a great response from the community and Police Department staff.
The outpouring of thanks to our department from the community during this difficult
time has been overwhelming. In response to our staff’s hard work, compassion and
sacrifice, the community responded with an abundance of flowers, cards, posters and
delectable treats. We extend our thanks to the community for reaching out to us at a
time when struggle and adaptation was a part of everyone’s story.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a
major shock to the world and
many have struggled to adapt;
fear, job loss, family, personal
health and exhausted resources
have become a reality for so many
good, hard-working Americans.
The members of the Pismo Beach
Police Department, from the sworn
personnel to the civilian staff, were
deeply grateful to be employed
and safe during these critical
months. Chief Miller, Detective Mytych and local citizens enjoy a
celebratory donut following the run at Surfside Donuts.
Staying Connected & Giving Back
4
With 36 consecutive years of hosting the
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Pismo Beach
Veteran’s Hall, the Pismo Beach Police
Officer’s Association (POA) regretfully
canceled it this year due to public health
concerns. Fortunately, the Police Officer’s
Association was still able to make a
positive impact on the community with
the donation of approximately 2,000
pounds of un-cooked turkeys to the U-
Pick Pantry of Pismo Beach.
(From left to right: Officer Smith,
Commander Herlihy, Pastor Gina Nicola,
Corporal Weimer, Officer Laughlin)
Left: The International
Footprint Association,
California Central Coast
Chapter #73 presented
awards to Dispatcher
Monika Gunn and Officer
Chris Siglin in recognition
of their commitment to the
highest standard of
excellence in public safety.
Right: In June 2020,
Detective Danielle Mytych
hosted a D.A.R.E. Gradua-
tion for advancing students
at Shell Beach Elementary
School, complete with gift
bags, activities and helpful
reminders to stay drug free.
During the Shelter in Place Order, the Police Department
conducted 1,100 Business Checks, on average, per week
Support Services Division
5
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
Communications Bureau includes 6 full-time Dispatchers and the Support
Services Supervisor. This dedicated team works fluidly with one another to
activate police, fire and ambulance to emergency calls in record time. They
pay close attention to the details that callers provide, so information can be
passed on to those in the field. Having complete information ensures the
safety of the responding personnel and the citizens involved. With updated
technology, dispatch can identify mobile phone locations with ease.
Necessary information can be sent directly from the Dispatcher ’s console to
an Officer’s vehicle laptop without delay.
In August, the Pismo Beach Police Department entered into a part -time
agreement with a neighboring city to provide dispatch services nightly from
11:00 pm – 7:00 am. Among the many benefits, this agreement allows our
dispatchers to approach priority calls on a regional level and provide a higher
quality of service and standards to both cities.
Pictured left: Dispatcher Delkener on a 9-1-1 call.
In February 2020, Harmony Brown was welcomed as the Secretary to
the Chief of Police. Harmony comes to us with over 20 years of
experience in a variety of roles in government and law enforcement
agencies. She assists the Chief of Police with City Council update
reports, processing invoices and purchase orders, ordering supplies/
equipment, coordinating staff travel arrangements, managing the
Chief’s calendar as well as many other administrative duties.
Pictured: Dispatcher Moskowitz, Secretary Brown, Dispatcher Rabaut
The Pismo Beach Investigation Bureau is comprised of an Investigative Sergeant, one full -time Investigator and one part time
Investigator. The bureau also oversees activity of the Special Problems Unit officer assigned to the County ’s Special Operation
Unit and the Community Services Officer who manages property and evidence. 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. Due to its small
size the bureau utilizes all available resources in order to conduct large scale investigations.
During the course of 2020, Investigators reviewed over 600 cases, pursued 269 active cases, served 46 warrants, closed 210
cases, and conducted 10 background checks for Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permits.
Investigators were responsible for solving numerous counterfeit and fraud related investigations, burglary cases as well as c ases
including rape and child molestation, child pornography, robbery, assault on officers resulting in injury, kidnapping, and
suspicious death cases.
6
Operations Division
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,
MyCop Program, Special Events Planning and the Emergency Operations Center.
Pictured above: Sergeant Souza, Commander Herlihy, Sergeant Trimble, Detective Sergeant Hernandez, Sergeant White
Pictured below left: Officer Siglin responds to a call of a vehicle versus a fire hydrant in downtown Pismo Beach.
Pictured below right: Detective Mytych (center) collaborating and training with a variety of county agencies.
Special Assignments
7
Special assignments support our continuous effort to adapt to the latest technologies, update new ideologies and maintain
proven methods of law
enforcement practice and
training to provide top-quality
service to the public and a
rewarding work environment
for employees. Patrol staff has
the opportunity to involve
themselves and train in a
wide-variety of specialty
assignments including Motor-
cycle/Traffic Officer, K9
Handler, Detectives, D.A.R.E.
Officer (Drug Abuse Resistance
Education), D.R.O.P. Officer
(Downtown Resource Officer
Program), S.W.A.T. Officers
(Special Weapons and Tactics),
Department Rangemasters,
Color Guard and G.T.F. Officer
(Gang Task Force).
Above: Sergeant White, Corporal Weimer and Sergeant
Trimble prepare to monitor the streets on a busy weekend.
8
Highlights
In June, a fast-moving
wildfire closed U.S. 101
and threatened about
100 homes. Pismo Beach
Police Officers evacuated
many residents for
several hours until
progress had been made
against the blaze. At one
point, flames burned
right up to houses in the
Shell Beach area, but
efforts from CAL FIRE/San
Luis Obispo County Fire
prevented any building
damage. Police resources
were further committed
to traffic control, as vehi-
cles from the freeway
were sent to surface
streets within the city, causing congestion and confusion. Ultimately, about
400 acres were subject to its fury.
The great partnership between the Pismo Beach Police and CAL FIRE/San
Luis Obispo County Fire empowers both agencies to respond quickly and
efficiently as a cohesive team.
CALEA Accreditation
The department continues to take great pride in
its nationally accredited status through the
Commission on Accreditation for Law
Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). 2020 marks the
13th year that the department has operated
under the strict law enforcement guidelines and
standards set forth by the Agency.
In addition, the Department sought out its
first independent accreditation of the
Communications Center.
Accreditations and re-accreditations happen
every three years and, in August, the
department showcased its performance to
CALEA assessors during a 2-day virtual
inspection. We were given rave reviews and
perfect scores. In November, members of the
department along with the City Manager
appeared virtually before the CALEA
Commissioning Panel.
Based on the assessors’ report and our interview
with the panel, the Department was granted re-
accreditation for our 484 Law Enforcement
Division Standards and Initial Accreditation for
our 206 Communication Division Standards. This
milestone makes Pismo Beach Police only the
4th Communication Center in California to be
awarded National Accreditation.
Many thanks go out to our Accreditation
Manager, Sherry Lange, for keeping us on track
and for her tireless work in preparing the
department for this momentous accomplishment.
Below: Support Services Supervisor Channell and
Dispatcher Fuerte assess the changing fire in real time.
Recruitments & Hirings
9
Law enforcement recruitment is often a challenging
process. Multiple factors contribute to a very small pool
of candidates to choose from. As larger numbers of
officers retire or move on, numerous national, state,
and local agencies have been competing to find the best
lateral officer, academy graduate, or entry level candi-
dates from a dwindling pool of qualified individuals
willing to go into public service. The candidates must
make it through a long application and testing process,
then make it through a rigorous training program. In
2020, the Pismo Beach Police Department initiated a
recruitment campaign. We were looking for men and
women who wanted to serve Central Coast citizens and
keep this area one of the best in the world. We were
successful in finding two such recruits whom Pismo
Beach is
currently sponsoring through the Allan Hancock Police Academy. They will soon
join the ranks of officers who protect and serve Pismo Beach.
Two additional great officers came to us in 2020. Officer Pullen (shown left)
originally hails from New Zealand, but has become a California Central Coaster
through and through. Officer Hanson (shown above, far right) joined our agency
from the local California Department of Parks and Recreation Division. Both
officers have been great assets and team members.
Sergeant Herlihy (shown above, far left), who started his career here at Pismo
Beach Police 14 years ago, promoted to Operations Division Commander in
December 2020. In his brief time thus far, he’s already launched a new
program, the Municipal Code Enforcement Team. He brings a fresh new
perspective to the Administration and is enjoying his new assignment.
The Parking Enforce-
ment Division has seen
many great additions
this year to include
three new Parking Enforcement Officers. Parking Officers Koepp, Liang
and Rodriguez are hard at work to enforce the rules in the paid parking
areas throughout the city. Parking Supervisor Alcala, along with
Parking Officers Berkeley and Ramirez have been long-standing, vital
members of the Parking Enforcement Division.
Shown right (left to right): Parking Officers Rodriguez & Ramirez,
Commander Herlihy, Parking Supervisor Alcala, Parking Officers Koepp
& Liang during a training session.
10
Demographics
Service Population Available Workforce Sworn Officers
# % # % # %
White Non-Hispanic 6,510 85% 110,021 62% 13 65%
Hispanic Latino Any Race 715 9% 36,903 21% 4 20%
Other 383 5% 27,250 15% 3 15%
Black Non-Hispanic 47 1% 3,659 2% 0 0%
In our quest to
provide exemplary
service to the citizens
of Pismo Beach, it is
essential that we
understand who it is
we serve.
We stay current on
local demographics
and social and
economical shifts
that effect that
everyday lives of the
people we serve.
Race Percent
White 63%
Hispanic 29%
Black 5%
Other 3%
Race Percent
White 70%
Hispanic 23%
Black 4%
Other 3%
Statistics & Analysis
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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 2020, the City of Pismo Beach experienced a
9% reduction in Part 1 Crimes compared to 2019, 44% reduction compared to 2018.
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Communications Center
Patrol Division
Calls for Service saw the rise it did
largely due to the increase in
self-initiated activity as Officers
conducted security checks and extra
patrols during the Shelter-at-Home
CALL TYPE % CHANGE
Calls for Service ↑ 38%
9-1-1 Calls ↑ 27%
Admin Calls ↑ 13%
Recognitions
13
Officer Erik Jimenez was chosen as the Officer of the Year and Support Services Supervisor Anita
Channell was chosen as Employee of the Year by their peers. The department is very fortunate to
have these two outstanding employees.
Officer Jimenez has been with our department for 3 years and has shown immense drive and
passion to his job with dignity and respect for others. This passion, along with his awareness of
teamwork has made him a stellar officer.
Erik was awarded the prestigious Meritorious Award for his response during a dangerous and
withstanding manhunt in Paso Robles in June 2020. He represented himself and the department
with honor and we’re proud of him.
Support Services Supervisor Anita Channell is earning the Employee of Year award for the third
time in her career. Having started as a Public Safety Dispatcher 14 years ago, she promoted to
Support Services Supervisor in 2012. Anita oversees dispatch, records and the crime analyst
division. She has also been a critical member of the CALEA Accreditation Team, promoting to
CALEA Accreditation Manager in 2020. Her cheerful attitude and endless energy make her a
pleasure to have.
Top: Officer Erik Jimenez during his role as a member of
the Honor Guard.
Above left: Support Services Supervisor Anita Channell.
Above: Officer Patrick Rockwood was promoted to
Motor/Traffic Division in 2020. The picture captures him
in training.
Left: Officer Chris Siglin was honored in 2020 by Mothers
Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for having secured 25 or
more arrests in the year, as well as his efforts that
resulted in 50 DUI arrests.
14
Throughout his 23 years of service to the community of Pismo Beach,
Commander Shawn Singleton enjoyed many wonderful experiences and
assignments… and some not so fun ones. Some of his special assignments
include K-9 Handler, Field Training Officer, EVOC Instructor, Volunteer Program
Coordinator, Traffic Sergeant, Training/Scheduling Coordinator and
Investigations Sergeant. By far, his favorite assignment was that of a Motor
Officer.
Commander Singleton was born in Fresno, CA and raised in Arroyo Grande.
Having graduated from the Allan Hancock College Police Academy, he was
hired by Pismo Beach Police shortly after as a Police Officer. He worked his way
through the ranks to become a Police Corporal, Police Sergeant, and retiring as
the Operations Division Commander.
Shawn feels fortunate to have served in the community
he grew up in and it shows. He was chosen for Officer
of the Year three times (1999, 2001, 2007).
Known for being quite handy, Commander Singleton
has many plans to restore old cars, motorcycles as well
as renovate his house, but mostly spend time with his
wife and kids.
As a department, we are thankful for his unyielding
commitment to the community and to his peers.
Left: Singleton with his K9 Dido Below left: Conducting
bicycle patrol downtown. Below: Singleton enjoying his
favorite assignment of all, motor/traffic division.
Retirements
Eagerly Anticipating
15
As a department, as
community members, as
citizens who have sworn to
protect and serve the
community of Pismo
Beach, we eagerly invite
you and your family, once
safe to do so, to join us
again for these fun,
community events.
Until then,
stay healthy and happy!
K-9 Demo
Run with the Cops
Pizza on the Pier
City to the Sea
Torch Run
DARE Graduation
Connect With Us
16
Online Reporting System
The Pismo Beach Police Department prides itself on being available 24/7 to the community. To
this end, we hesitated to implement an online reporting system, as we want each caller to feel
heard and valued and we wondered if this process would convey a different message. With the
pandemic, however, we recognized that many callers wanted and appreciated the ability to file a report without contact, so
the reporting system was launched in 2020.
Using this system allows you to submit a non-emergency report for the following incidents immediately and print a copy of
the report for free:
Suspicious Circumstances
Harassing Phone Calls
Theft (under $950)
Hit and Run
This system is intended for non-emergency incidents that occur within Pismo Beach City limits, except identity theft which
are filed where you reside. If there are no known suspects and the incident did not occur on the freeway, visit
www.pismobeach.org or the MyCop App to file today.
Vandalism/Graffiti
Animal Complaints
Abandoned Vehicle
Lost Property (Not to include firearms, narcotics, or license plates)
MyCop App for Your Phone
Get quick access to a police officer, press releases, police
contacts, parking information, city services or report an issue
easily with the MyCop App.
This innovative program connects residents and business
owners with an officer that specializes in quality of life issues
within your area. You can
register to get alerts for areas
of the city that concern you, by
choosing from 12 different
divided zones.
Open communication between the police department and the community helps keep our little
corner of the universe a paradise for all. Consider partnering with us by downloading this free
resource on your cell phone; visit Play or the App Store and search “Pismo Beach Police
Department”.
If you have an
emergency, always
CALL 9-1-1
PISMO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Produced by Harmony Brown, Secretary to the Chief
1000 Bello Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(805) 773-2208
www.pismobeach.org/police