HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Public Safety 2003-08-28e p TOWN OF ESTES PARK PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE AGENDA August 28,2003 7:30 A.M. FIRE DEPARTMENT Action 1. Town Board Goal #7 - Investigate the Feasibility of Creating a Fire District - Approval Requested Reports 1. ISO Report POLICE DEPARTMENT Action 1. Apply for $10,000 L.L.E.B.G. Funds for Crime Mapping Project (General Fund Expense 2004 $1,190) - Approval Requested Reports A CA£rnt. Mafll.29 - PA-tae#bbb n 1. Integrated Emetgency Management Course Held at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland - Commander Gregg Filsinger 2. Estes Valley Victim Advocates Mid-Year Report - Director Mary Mesropian 3. Police and Businesses in Partnership - Chief Lowell Richardson NOTE: The Board of Trustees (or Public Safety Committee) reserves the right to consider other appropriate items not available at the time the agenda was prepared.
Memo Date: August 22,2003 TO: Estes Park Board of Trustees From: The Fire District Action Team Re: Town Board Goal No. 7 - Investigate the Feasibility of Creating a Fire District BACKGROUND At the present time, fire and emergency services are provided to the Estes Park area through the Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department. In 2002, the Town paid $395,000 and the Volunteer Department paid $130,000 for operation of the fire department. The Town's share of funding for the Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department has been increasing in recent years and contributions have been decreasing. Also, the Department continues to experience substantial growth in the number of responses, the Fire Department's capital equipment needs to be replaced at an accelerated rate due to age and obsolence, and administrative costs of the Department continue to rise. To continue to provide good fire and emergency services to the greater Estes Park area, additional funding needs to be obtained. The Action Team's research shows that fire and emergency services in Colorado outside of the major cities (Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Boulder) are provided by fire districts funded by revenues from ad valorem property tax. The Fire District Action Team has carefully considered the feasibility of creating a fire district for Estes Park and the surrounding area, and offers the following proposal. The Action Team recommends the creation of a single fire district to provide services to property and people within the Town of Estes Park and the surrounding area (see attached map). Fire and emergency services would continue to be provided by the Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department. Funding would be derived primarily from an ad valorem property tax. It is contemplated that the initial mill levy for a fire district would be approximately 3.5 mills with increases in the mill levy up to six mills over a predetermined period of time as the need for increased funding occurs. The procedure for implementing this proposal is to submit a service plan to the Larimer County Commissioners. The service plan must contain the following information:
1. The description of the property to be included. 2. Description of the proposed service. 3. Financial plan and how services are to be financed, including revenue derived from property taxes. 4. Map of the special distrid, including an estimated population and valuation for assessment of the District. 5. A general description of the fadlities to be constructed. 6. A general description of the estimated cost of acquiring land and operational services. 7. A description of any arrangement with any other political subdivision for provision of any services. Following submittal, the Commissioners will schedule a public hearing on the service plan. If approved, the next step would be submission to the District Court of the service plan by petition signed by the lesser of 200 or 30% of the taxpaying electors in the proposed district. If approved by the District Court, the proposed formation of the fire district and the proposed tax would then require approval of a majority of taxpaying electors in the proposed district. The target date for this election is November of 2004. The recommendation is based upon the following factors. Currently fire and emergency services in the Estes Park area are provided by the Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department (EPVFD), whose facilities, equipment, and firefighter pensions are financed by the Town and by voluntary contributions of individuals within the area served. Some of our dedicated volunteer firefighters live outside of the Town, but there is no obligation by property owners outside the Town to support the cost of fire services. Increased development in the Town and the surrounding area has led to the EPVFD straining to meet the demand for fire protection. Dependence on voluntary contributions does not permit long range planning for equipment maintenance and replacement, nor does it ensure an equitable allocation of the costs of fire protection among the benefited properties. The increase in emergency calls is creating risk of delayed response, as well as significant hardship to our volunteers and their businesses or employers. Recruitment of new volunteers is becoming more difficult due to the increased demands on members of the EPVFD. Continued population growth will increase these risks. Wise planning dictates that the Town provide leadership on this issue, by proposing and urging the approval of a fire district for the area. The Fire District Action Team looked at Loveland and Windsor for examples of how other growing communities have handled fire service delivery within and surrounding their municipal boundaries. Our proposal is modeled on the Town of Windsor, which has a single unified district, funded by property tax on the area served. Loveland uses a more complicated model of a city fire department and a rural distrid which cooperate in planning, equipment acquisition and service delivery. The Action Team sees significant benefits to the Estes Park area community by creating a unified fire district. The Action Team anticipates an improvement in response time for fire and medical emergencies. The Action Team believes that a fire district would also offer 2
flexibility in adapting to increased demands as our community continues to grow. Attached is a summary of advantages and disadvantages of establishing a fire district. The Action Team anticipates a challenge in obtaining voter approval of a fire district and implementing tax considering the economic slowdown and the reluctance of voters to approve any new tax. For voters in the surrounding area, the alternative to a proposed fire district will be increasing uncertainty over the timeliness and availability of firefighters to protect their property. The Action Team is confident that with adequate explanation of the reasons for the creation of a fire district and the alternatives to it, the voters will give their approval. BUDGET IMPLICATIONS There are budget implications with regard to a fire district assuming all costs for fire and emergency services in the Town and surrounding area. Those include the elimination or the reduction of the Town's funding of fire and emergency services. The amount of said budget reduction needs to be explored in drafting of the service plan. ACTION The Action Team respectfully submits this report to the Town Board, and requests your consideration of the following: 1. Continue the Action Team to pursue establishment of a fire district. 2. Authorize the Action Team to draft a Service Plan. 3. Authorize the Action Team to solicit a request for proposal from a qualified consultant to evaluate the public information and input necessary for a positive result at the election. 3
Advantages and Disadvantages regarding the creation of a fire district Advantages: • Sharing the cost of fire protection throughout the community. The unincorporated areas of Larimer County currently being served by the Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department are the only developed portion of Larimer County not paying for fire protection through a mill levy. • Quicker response for a fire or medical emergency, which can lessen property loss, environmental damage and provide medical care even faster when minutes can mean the difference between life and death. • More availability for emergency medical services. • Provide funds for future satellite fire stations to keep residences closer to a fire station and within the required distances for ISO, thus keeping homeowners insurance costs down. • Allow for more public education on wildland fire mitigation and fire safety in general. • Improve future ISO surveys, which could lower insurance rates. • Make Estes Park a safer community through more fire inspections and hazard mitigation of public buildings. • Having the needed fire equipment respond to your emergency. • Increased and stable funding - the costs of running a fire department are increasing including: expected services, vehicle replacement (fire apparatus is very expensive) and our projected call volume is increasing steadily as well. • No competing for town funds - This is an important consideration, with all other departments needs all coming out of a smaller pie, the existing funding level may not be available in the future. • Will allow for some full-time staff if necessary. • Town can still give funds to Fire District on an as needed basis. • No need for Craft Fair or other Fund Drives. Firefighters have limited available time to give to the department; increased requirements for training and an increased volume of calls make it more difficult to spend time on fund drives away from their families. Disadvantages • Some community members who have already donated may feel that they have already paid. • Town loses influence. • Another governmental authority in Estes Park.
ESTES PARK FIRE DEPARTMENT (VOLUNTEER) PO Box 1200. Estes Park. CO 80517 Phone (970) 577-0900: Fax (970) 577-0923 July 24,2003 Mayor Baudek and Board of Trustees Town of Estes Park PO Box 1200 Estes Park, CO 80517 Re: Fire District Dear Mayor Baudek and Trustees: It is the mission ofthe Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department to "provide the people of the Estes Valley with Fire Prevention, Fire Protection and other Emergency Services in a safe and efficient manner." This mission cannot be accomplished without support, training, dedication and the proper resources, including funding. The EPVFD responds to more than five hundred calls per year covering approximately 100 square miles, of which only 6 square miles are within town limits. Most of the funds for administration, fire protection and operations for these calls come from the Town of Estes Park. Although donations have been very much appreciated from residents inside and outside of town limits, the actual amounts received do not supply the needed funds to run a fire department for a community of this size. Due to increasing demands on the town general fund, financial support from the Town of Estes Park is becoming more difficult. The formation of a fire district will provide a more equitable means of funding the fire protection needs of the area. Therefore, let it be known that the members of the Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. have voted in support of forming a fire district, the boundaries of which would encompass the existing response area. Let it also be known that the EPVFD recommends a levy of a minimum of 3.5 mills in order to maintain, improve and prepare for all of the equipment, personnel and services that are expected by the public. Sincerely, / \Jot/nk.».* Scott Dorman, Chief Estes Park Volunteer Fire Department
A 1 -/& ~ 4 : , ~ F A ' i 1 \ 7. \ \7- t. \. Ct twi. r f ,€ 9 2 li 3 - - e- 0// , 1 -. 1.-- 1,! & 1 1 Li /.54/ r,/ i . 5 LA. t f P'. 5 €4 . \, 1 r · ... r Z %0* .~ // r I , 1-22_ i ' 1.- 1 --- + 1 - 1 4 1 , 1 0 / ; I i . / Iff- , 2 1 1 i f '7 / 1 1 /r. -- , Li ! u 1 -Al . ; f 1 3 tl fi~~f'·9 3 /61,4. r 1 4 7, 1 1 1 l.- _ 4,#- . A- -1 , . .../*4.%1.-/ 62 -\ I i , L. L---··i ~ L.., V f 1 1--1 Z.J 1 1 /At 1..fl il: 1: 3 , r 1 . 1 ./ 1 . 46 '14 4 P. .41 - .. t · 0 %# / ~.r ; -„« -- I r-/ *, i.,r 1 . vh<1 9-2 i *J*k' ' /1 - . -, I. .0 'i t~ '.90 4. 0.- 1 - W! 1 9 1 4 ... 1 + i A 1 - - 1 ( . , -1.1 61 - 1 3 -4,-1-1 . / 2 € 4 -J-,-- i ' f. ·· 2- k .2.7 1 3 I 31$== e.-14 : i... , g { .. 1- t JI .1- j 1 4 1\.% . L 4 - ./ ~ · 1 1 -1 " 7 + '· 1 | - 1, Z '·704*Rjm'MH ·Eit' e L 4* ' 1/1/19.111.1 Ul W . E § 1- . min a: f r v 9 1 4 %S2 r i. .1 - t, .: Fet·· ~ 4.:+b LL 0- f 1-UJ 9 . 00 K 2 Lu -~23 . I.- 1 W 8 @ 9 m : i imt I ' ~ % ZLS k + C 4 13 UJ 05 .1 --1.: I . M 12 52 2 0 0 12 . Ull-& i 05 < ; i q Z u.1 4 ma- 5 co C !* U.1 . 2 V, ' I L- a: 1: g: B! Z /' ' , 2 & 8 & 2 5 7 r f. 1 .1 ..2 -' 15 E ill"Il g. Al :|'|i L i I .. Il .d.1 OR ESTES 931,2 OVOH Sl.NVHOAH 1¥101 ELS District Border 15 Ton S ou.vool l=Inlo - RIVER RMNP Boundary
AA bu 111 NORTH CANAL STREET SUITE 950 CHICAGO, IL 60606-7270 TEL: (312) 930-0070 (800) 444-4554 FAX: (312) 930-0017 August 1, 2003 Rich Widmer, Town Administrator Town of Estes Park PO Box 1200 Estes Park, CO 80517 RE: Public Protection Classification Results Estes Park, Larimer County, CO Dear Mr. Widmer: We wish to thank you and the other community officials for your cooperation during our recent Public Protection Classification (PPC) survey. ISO is the leading supplier of statistical, underwriting, and actuarial information for the property/casualty insurance industry. Most insurers use the PPC classifications for underwriting and calculating premiums for residential, commercial and industrial properties. ISO has completed its analysis of the structure fire suppression delivery system provided in your community. We are very pleased to report that the resulting classification is a Class 4. This is an improvement from the former classification of Class 6. That means your community's fire suppression services are improving in the face of the demands of a changing environment. Congratulations on this recognition of your commitment to serve the needs of your community's property owners and residents. Enclosed is a summary of the ISO analysis of your fire suppression services. If you would like to know how your community's classification could improve, or if you would like to learn about the potential effect of proposed changes to your fire suppression delivery system, please call us at the phone number listed below. The PPC program is not intended to analyze all aspects of a comprehensive structure fire suppression delivery system program. It is not for purposes of determining compliance with any state or local law, nor is it for making recommendations about loss prevention or life safety. If you have any questions about your classification, please let us know. Very truly yours, Public Protection Classification Dept. (800) 930-1677 Ext. 6209 Encl. 6144 cc: Scot Dorman, Fire Chief Robert Goehring, Water Supt.
111 NORTH CANAL STREET SUITE 950 CHICAGO, IL 60606-7270 TEL: (312) 930-0070 (800) 444-4554 FAX: (312) 930-0017 August 1, 2003 Rich Widmer, Town Administrator Town of Estes Park PO Box 1200 Estes Park, CO 80517 RE: Public Protection Classification Results Estes Park Opa, Larimer County, CO Dear Mr. Widmer: We wish to thank you and the other community officials for your cooperation during our recent Public Protection Classification (PPC) survey. ISO is the leading supplier of statistical, underwriting, and actuarial information for the property/casualty insurance industry. Most insurers use the PPC classifications for underwriting and calculating premiums for residential, commercial and industrial properties. ISO has completed its analysis of the structure fire suppression delivery system provided in your community. We are very pleased to report that the resulting classification is a Class 4/10. This is an improvement from the former classification of Class 6/9. That means your community's fire suppression services are improving in the face of the demands of a changing environment. Congratulations on this recognition of your commitment to serve the needs of your community's property owners and residents. Enclosed is a summary of the ISO analysis of your fire suppression services. If you would like to know how your community's classification could improve, or if you would like to learn about the potential effect of proposed changes to your fire suppression delivery system, please call us at the phone number listed below. The PPC program is not intended to analyze all aspects of a comprehensive structure fire suppression delivery system program. It is not for purposes of determining compliance with any state or local law, nor is it for making recommendations about loss prevention or life safety. If you have any questions about your classification, please let us know. Very truly yours, Public Protection Classification Dept. (800) 930-1677 Ext. 6209 K..44#t J Encl. cc: Scot Dorman, Fire Chief Robert Goehring, Water Supt.
. INSURANCE SERVICES OFFICE, INC. CLASSIFICATION DETAILS Graded Area: Estes Park County: Larimer State: CO Date Surveyed: October, 2002 Total Credit: 61.11 Class: 4 / 10 Pop.: 11913 RECEIVING AND HANDLING FIRE ALARMS This section of the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule reviews the facilities provided for the general public to report fires, and for the operator on duty at the communication center to dispatch fire department companies to the fires. Credit Actual Maximurr 1. Credit for Telephone Service (Item 414) This item reviews the facilities provided for the public to report fires, including the listing of fire and business numbers in the telephone directory. 2.00 2.00 2. Credit for Operators (Item 422) This item reviews the number of operators on-duty at the communication center to handle fire calls. 3.00 3.00 3. Credit for Dispatch Circuits (Item 432) This item reviews the dispatch circuit facilities used to transmit alarms to fire department members. 3.00 5.00 4. Total Credit for Receiving and Handling Fire Alarms: 8.00 10.00 Relative Classification for Receiving and Handling Fire Alarms: 2 r-1 ARRTFICATION DETAILS
4 CLASSIFICATION DETAILS Gi-aded Area: Estes Park ' County: Larimer State: CO Date Surveyed: October, 2002 Total Credit: 61.11 Class: 4 / 10 Pop.: 11913 FIRE DEPARTMENT This section of the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule reviews the engine and ladder-service companies, equipment carried, response to fires, training and available fire fighters. Credit Actual Maximurr 1. Credit for Engine Companies (Item 513) This item reviews the number of engine companies and the hose equipment canied. 9.05 10.00 2. Credit for Reserve Pumpers (Item 523) This item reviews the number of reserve pumpers, their pump capacity and the hose equipment carried on each. 0.57 1.00 3. Credit for Pump Capacity (Item 532) This item reviews the total available pump capacity. 5.00 5.00 4. Credit for Ladder-Service Companies (Item 549) This item reviews the number of ladder and service companies and the equipment carried. 4.05 5.00 5. Credit for Reserve Ladder-Service Companies (Item 553) This item reviews the number of reserve ladder and service trucks, and the equipment carried. 0.29 1.00 Cl .ASSIFICATION DETAILS
I CLASSIFICATION DETAILS Graded Area: Estes Park County: Larimer State: CO Date Surveyed: October, 2002 Total Credit: 61.11 Class: 4 / 10 Pop.: 11913 FIRE DEPARTMENT (continued Credit Actual Maximurr 6. Credit for Distribution (Item 561) This item reviews the percent of the built-upon area of the city which has an adequately-equipped, responding first-due engine company within 1.5 miles and an adequately-equipped, responding ladder-service company within 2.5 miles. 1.69 4.00 7. Credit for Company Personnel (Item 571) This item reviews the average number of equivalent fire fighters and company officers on duty with existing companies. 3.92 15.00+ 8. Credit for Training (Item 581) This item reviews the training facilities and their use. 2.52 9.00 9. Total Credit for Fire Department: 27.09 50.00+ Relative Classification for Fire Department: 5 + This indicates that credit for manning is open-ended, with no maximum credit for this item. r•, I oorcl e ATinN nUTATI Q
.. CLASSIFICATION DETAILS Graded Area: Estes Park County: Larimer State: CO Date Surveyed: October, 2002 Total Credit: 61.11 Class: 4 / 10 Pop.: 11913 WATER SUPPLY This section of the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule reviews the water supply system that is available for fire suppression in the city. Credit Actual Maximuir 1. Credit for the Water System (Item 616) This item reviews the supply works, the main capacity and hydrant distribution. 27.07 35.00 2. Credit for Hydrants (Item 621) This item reviews the type of hydrants, and method of installation. 1.76 2.00 3. Credit for Inspection and Condition of Hydrants (Item 631) This item reviews the frequency of inspections of hydrants and their condition 1.54 3.00 4. Total Credit for Water Supply: 30.37 40.00 Relative Classification for Water Supply: 3 rt AECTACATION DETAILS
'11 .. Grading Sheet For: Estes Park, CO Larimer County Public Protection Class: 4/10 Surveyed: October, 2002 Credit Maximum Feature Assigned Credit Receiving and Handling Fire Alarms 8.00% 10.00% Fire Department 27.09% 50.00% Water Supply 30.37% 40.00% *Divergence -4.35% Total Credit 61.11% 100.00% The Public Protection Class is based on the total percentage credit as follows: Class 1 90.00 or more 2 80.00 to 89.99 3 70.00 to 79.99 4 60.00 to 69.99 5 50.00 to 59.99 6 40.00 to 49.99 7 30.00 to 39.99 8 20.00 to 29.99 9 10.00 to 19.99 10 0 to 9.99 *Divergence is a reduction in credit to reflect a difference in the relative credits for Fire Department and Water Supply. The above classification has been developed for use in property insurance premium calculations. EXHIBrr 30
THE ISO PUBLIC PROTECTION CLASSIFICATION (ITC) PROGRAM ISO's PPC program evaluates communities according to a uniform set of criteria defined in the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). This criteria incorporates nationally recognized standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association and the American Water Works Association. Using the FSRS, ISO objectively reviews the fire suppression capabilities of a community and assigns a Public Protection Classification - a number from 1 to 10. Class 1 represents exemplary fire protection, and Class 10 indicates that the area's fire suppression program does not meet minimum recognition criteria The FSRS allocates credit by evaluating the following three major features: • Fire alarm and communication system. This review accounts for 10% ofthe total classification which centers upon a community's facilities and support for handling and dispatching fire alarms. • Fire department. This review accounts for 50% ofthe total classification which focuses upon items such as engine companies, ladder or service companies, distribution of fire stations and fire companies, equipment carried on apparatus, pumping capacity, reserve apparatus, department manning, and training. • Water supply system. This review accounts for 40% of the total classification highlighting the water supply a community uses for fire suppression, including hydrant size, type, and installation, as well as the inspection frequency and condition of fire hydrants. When ISO develops a single classification for a community, all ofthe community's properties receive thatclassification. In many communities, ISO develops a split classification (for example, 5/9). Generally, the first class, (Class 5 in the example) applies to properties within a defined distance (5-road miles in most states) of a fire station and within 1000 feet of a fire hydrant. The second class (Class 9 in the example) applies to properties beyond 1000 feet of a hydrant but within the defined distance of a fire station. ISO generally assigns Class 10 to properties beyond the defmed distance of a fire station. Countrywide Public Protection Classification Summary 34.3% 35.0%j 30.0%-, 25.0%., 20.0%., -16.3% 15.0% 15.0%., 12,1% 10.0%., mi 3.1% 0.0%- N•zE , -7 , ~1 , 3: - „ .,p -.- .- r- L i 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Classifications
Comparison community protection classifications Estes Park- class 4 Loveland- class 4 Pinewood Springs- class 6 Lafayette- 4/9 (9 for properties further than 1000' from a fire hydrant) Louisville- 5/9 (9 for properties further than 1000' from a fire hydrant) Berthoud- 5/9 (9 for properties further than 1000' from a fire hydrant) Aspen- 5/9 (9 for properties further than 1000' from a fire hydrant) Vail- 5 Alamosa- 5 (9 for properties further than 1000' from a fire hydrant) Montrose- 5 (9 for properties further than 1000' from a fire hydrant) Grand Junction- 4 (inside city limits) Palisade- 6 (inside city limits) Steamboat Springs- 5/9 (9 for properties further than 1000' from a fire hydrant)
4. Local Insurance Price Quotes - August 2003 $250,000 residence; w/ $300,000 personal liability; standard deductible Farmers Insurance: Annual savings from a class 9 to a class 4- $210 Annual savings from a class 6 to a class 4- no savings Insurance Associates: Annual savings from class 9 to a class 4- $775 Annual savings from a class 6 to a class 4- no savings American Family Insurance: Annual savings from a class 9 to a class 4- $343 Annual savings from a class 6 to a class 4- no savings Commercial Property (Motel): Annual savings from a class 6 to a class 4- $61
, . 1. Estes Park Police Department Memo To: Chairman Stephen Gillette and Public Safety Committee Board Members Fronv Lowell C. Richardson, Chief of Police -4~ CC: Town Administrator Richard Widmer Date: 8/25/2003 Re Application for Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) Background The police department is receiving new records management and computer aided dispatching software funded in part by the Larimer County Sheriffs Department, Ft. Collins Police Department, and the Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority Board. Since the announcement of this projed, police department staff has researched methods that would be advantageous to our community for providing improved services using this new technology. It was determined one of the most effedive ways to use this new technology is to implement a crime mapping system within the department. This technique provides patrol officers, detedives and other department members with useable information that helps prevent crime and identifies crime trends within our community. The police department currently employs a seasonal officer whose advanced education is in Crime Mapping and Geographical Information Systems. Police Department staff located a $10,000.00 grant that would fund a part-time Crime Analyst position for the department. This position would be responsible for; organizing all current data, converting this data to useable crime mapping data, create a tempolm interactive crime mapping software application for patrol officers, assist records unit with implementing a temporary reporting system and assist with data conversation for crime mapping use. BudqeUCost $1,190.00 is the ten percent matching funds is required for LLEBG project. Recommendation Based on the minimal costs and the potential returns from a crime mapping system staff recommends to the Public Safety Committee that the police department submit an application for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant for the 2004 fiscal year. 1
. ESTES VALLEY VICTIM ADVOCATES Annual Report Agency Name Date Estes Valley Victim Advocates, Inc. July 2003 Address P.O. Box 1287, 851 Dry Gulch Road City State Zip Phone Estes Park CO 80517 577-9781 Executive Director Mary Mesropian Brief Program Description: Estes Valley Victim Advocates, Inc. provides advocacy to victims ofdomestic violence, sexual assault, staking, other crimes and trauma. Victim Advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An advocate can support victims through the immediate crisis, medical exams, law enforcement interviews and the court process. Advocates provide information on victim's rights, the cycle of violence, victim's compensation, and the legal process as well as make referrals to safehousing. The director coordinates the advocate program by recruiting, training, supervising scheduling and evaluating victim advocates. A counselor is available to provide short-term (3-6 months) individual counseling and support groups to assist victims in recovering from the trauma of the incident. Objectives: Law enforcement, Estes Park Medical Center or other referral sources page victim advocates and advocates then provide services at the most appropriate safe location. After the services are provided to the victim, the victim advocate submits a written report. If an arrest has been made, a report is sent to the District Attorney's Office to use in considering bail conditions. A Court Advocate will attend court with the victim if requested. There are three areas of advocate assessment: Safety, Options and Stability. These questions are on every advocate case sheet and advocates must answer these questions on every call: Is victim(s) physically safe? (Not in immediate danger.) Victim knows options and rights and knows what to do next? Is the situation stabilized? This includes emotional stability as well as their ability to take care of their own and their children's immediate needs. All victims are offered individual counseling and support groups. Assessments are completed by program participants in the form of victim assessment needs questionnaires. We collaborate with Crossroads Safehouse, Alternatives to Violence and Larimer Center for Mental Health Sexual Assault Victim Advocates to keep our measurement tools appropriate and current. 1
. . I l'rmovative Actions: The director sits on the Board of Directors of the Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership and has developed with the director, Amanda Lee, a victim empathy class. This 3-hour training is presented to every offender of a crime to go through the restorative justice process. The program focuses on understanding how victims are impacted by crime economically, physically and emotionally/psychologically. She also sits on the Board of Directors ofEstes Valley Multicultural Connections forging a partnership thal assists domestic violence victims that speak only Spanish. We have hired their director as an 8-hour per-week Spanish-speaking Outreach Coordinator to - work with our local Latina population on issues ofdomestic violence and immigration matters. Many Latina women believe that ifthey report abuse, they will be deported. We offer advocate services now and within this year, anticipate having a Latina support group. We hired this position in collaboration with Estes Valley Multicultural Connections who works closely with our counselor. The director is also on the Child Protection Team for Estes Park and is the Chair of the Estes Valley Community Services Coalition. We have started a teen support group this year that focuses on date rape and dating violence and our weekly support group for nattered women is well attended. Future Objectives: We will continue our 24 hour/7 days per week victim advocacy services with the objective of continuing to have highly trained volunteer advocates delivering quality care, information and referrals to victims. Education to the community and in our schools on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and date rape are our top priority. 2
.. . ESTES VALLEY VICTIM ADVOCATES, INC. INCIDENT REPORT OVERVIEW JANUARY - JUNE 2003 INCIDENT FIRST CONT. PHONE TOTAL CONTACT CONTACT CONTACT CONTACTS Domestic Abuse 28 women 3 84 115 women 25 children 25 children 1 man 1 man Sexual Assault 7 1 10 18 Death 21 0 1 22 Assault 1 0 0 1 Stalking 4 1 4 9 Counseling 26 92 49 167 Group Counseling 17 124 141 Other - Crime 5 0 1 6 Other Non 3 0 2 5 Crime/Trauma Total Contacts: 510
Information management, technology and crime analysis within the Estes Park Police Department Presentation on the possibilities of a new program for the Estes Park Police Department Presented by Dennis van der Avoort Public Safety Commitee Meeting August 28th, 2003 at 7.30 am Dennis van der Avoort P.O. Box 3102 Estes Park, CO 80517 Phone: 970-290-3267 Email: mail@avoort.net Internet: www.avoort.net
Information management, technology and crime analysis within the Estes Park Police Department Key words: Information, research, technology, crime analysis, crime mapping, G.I.S., Community Oriented Policing, co-operation, communication Introduction This presentation will give you a brief overview of the possibilities of an information management, technology and crime analysis program within the Estes Park Police Department as well as the criteria to be met for a successful implementation. This presentation is based on contacts with several crime analysts and information specialists, case studies from different departments and my personal experiences and might justify the need of such a program within a smaller agency and the attraction of external resources. Objective of the program - Enhance safety and well being within our community. - Improve the efficiency of law enforcement resources by implementing new technologies and concepts - Improve customer service by implementing new technologies and concepts. - Improve the exchange of information between community and department and within the department. 1. Improvement of information and records management. Information is crucial for law enforcement agencies. The availability and quality of an information database plays an important role for decision- and policymaking and contributes to the efficiency o f an agency. Currently Estes Park has no standardized information database. To perform an analysis of information currently all information needs to be re-entered or converted, which causes unnecessary work and delays. Responses cannot always be formulated in a timely manner. The resolution for this problem is: - Implementing a database for alI types of information, based on the new Records Management System (Tiburon), which will be implemented next year. The database should offer query possibilities (MS-Access). All information entered into the database should be compatible and compliant with Tiburon's RMS system - Maintaining and 'cleaning' of information in the database. - Updating base files on a regular basis (templates, base maps etc) - Improve information exchange within the agency.
, 2. Implementation and use of new technology Providing public service to our citizens is one o f the main priorities of a law enforcement agency. The quality and availability of services strongly affects the image of a law enforcement agency. To enhance customer service to the community and to enhance the efficiency o f available resources and personnel, new technologies can be implemented: - Online filing of lost and found property reports, voluntary statements, complaints and suggestions. - Internet mapping system, which visualizes criminal activity and problem areas for our citizens. This can increase the awareness of citizens and enhance personal crime prevention initiatives. - Creating new applications to improve efficiency (for example: internal communication, pass-on information, parking violation database, etc). - Maintaining and providing support on existing technology. - Research on new technology for law enforcement. 3. Crime mapping and analysis Crime analysis and crime mapping using G.I.S. and a variety of statistical tools can be a useful time to visualize criminal activity and to predict the location, times and dates of future crimes. This information can be useful to assign patrol units in a more efficient way and to justify the need of eventual extra resources or equipment as well. The information can also give citizens a better understanding of problems within their community. Duties may include: - Crime mapping and analysis using G.I.S. and other statistical methods, in cooperation with surrounding jurisdictions. - Crime prediction and prevention, based on analyzed data. - Implementing an interactive mapping system, based on analyzed data, to be used by police personnel. - Preparing weekly/monthly reports on criminal activity for police personnel - Research and application o f new techniques to be used for crime analysis. - Developing a crime analysis approach as an example for smaller agencies and/or tourist based communities. - Holding presentations and community meetings on criminal activity and community problems in Estes Park.
4. Co-operation with other agencies Crime rates in Estes Park are relatively low. However Estes Park is an important link between several other jurisdictions and their criminal activity in the Rocky Mountain/Front Range area; Estes Park is a 'transit' town. A subject might only commit one crime in Estes Park, but might already have committed multiple crimes in neighboring jurisdictions (Longmont, Loveland, Fort Collins). This justifies the use of crime mapping and analysis techniques. A crime analysis and mapping program in Estes Park does not only benefit the town of Estes Park but surrounding jurisdictions as well. Key factors for the success of a crime analysis and mapping program are: - Exchange of information on criminal activities with other agencies on a regular basis. - Meetings and conferences on crime mapping and analysis techniques. - Sharing crime mapping and analysis services with other agencies. 5. Community Oriented Policing Co-operation with the community is essential for law enforcement agencies. A law enforcement agency wants to serve its citizens in the best way it can; based on a positive interaction with the community, community members can actually contribute their part to safety enhancement and the solution of community problems. New technologies can support this goal. Examples are: - Implementing new technologies to improve service to our citizens (see 2) - Community meetings on crime and community problems in Estes Park - Preparing proposals for neighborhood watch programs
Conditions for the successful implementation of an information management, technology and research program For the successful implementation of an information management, technology and research program several criteria need to be met to guarantee the benefits of such a program. The most important criteria are: - Clear definition of duties in compliance with the structure of the organization - Involvement of future users (police personnel) in the implementation - Involvement o f police administration and town government in the implementation - Development o f an 'information management strategy' - Assignment of a project leader in an early stage - Training and education of police personnel - Development o f user friendly applications - Evaluation of the willingness of police administration and town government to implement such a program - Sufficient financial resources, equipment, personnel and time - Well structured process o f implementation - Effective communication between police personnel, police administration and project leader at any time
. The different stages of the implementation of an information management, technology and research program The implementation process consists o f several stages: Participation: Initiation: appointment of a project leader, putting together a discussion group Acquisition: Involvement ofusers and administration, putting together a commission Implementation: Identify users, user groups and beneficiaries Evaluation of the program: Initiation: Creating informal plan for the development of the program Acquisition: Formal report of first evaluations Implementation: informal ongoing evaluation Creating a vision or mission statement: Initiation: Informal attention for education Acquisition: Formal workshops, general program vision, program development Implementation: InformaFformal focus group Changes in current procedures: Initiation: Informal attention for new ideas Acquisition: Re-defining duties and information streams, evaluation ofprogram vision Implementation: Formal / informal ongoing evaluation Technical implementation: Initiation: Formal approval of the budget and the program Acquisition: Formal proposals for the program, system and data conversion Implementation: implementing the program and daily use of the program
POLICIES, DECISIONS, PLANS A Town \ board --- / Administrative ~ level Operational level ~~ ~ 1. Exchange ofinformation within an organization INPUT: OUTPUT: PROCESSING Reports - -Repots Statements - Crime maps+patterns CAD (dispatch) DATABASE Crime statistics Maps Crime probability/ predictions Reference data Victims+offenders ~ Internet mapping Online nling G.I.S. system (citizens) Analysis 2. Example of a database for a police agency INFORMATION INFORMATION / ADVICE
I , h 1 . 1/4« 1 \-r N S r 1 A ve- ) 1 4-331 ry----~ »(ti/ * crimlnal mIscht,15 05/02/03.06/10/03 EM,s Park map €11/ 01 Aorky=-It- rivers 0.8 0 0.8 1.8 /11- 3. Example of spot map (criminal mischiefs 05/02/03-06/10/03) N W -~~ E S 4 6 * criminal mischiels 05~02/03 - 06/10/03 Est" P.k mip 11¥-s OP 1 - N .... Next Ha Probablity Areas 0.8 0 0.8 1.6 Mile, ~ 9% Probability Area 1 6,/,I'/'/,",",",","'/ ~---6 j 15% Prob abilty Area 4. Example ofprobability map (criminal mischiefs 05/02/03-06/10/03) 20 0 --97,4~·9;},ING, we.... vwm· ~: 1,1 .¢5,*?*%:Nraw *f:~3.09' *· >,t#*pl ?ft.Y 3:ty*p~13, t:'u~'e -·,~-99'1*j,2, 4 '8 P.tfl>3* ~4 4'9 1, ~1. 18.0 16.0 14.0 120 10 0 8.0 --- 60 4.0 2.0 f T fEE-41 [14-In n 00 1 . n n 1111 12- 13- 14- 15- 16- 17- 18- 19- 20- 21- 22- 23- 0-·1 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-7 7-8 8-9 9-10 13 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 11 12 TIM• Inter- 5. Example oftime span analysis (criminal mischiefs 05/02/03-06/10/03) probability N