Like most everything else these days, law enforcement has unfortunately become a polarizing topic. In my opinion, this is due in large part to the media that chooses to highlight and promote only negative interactions between the police and the community – knowing that this will generate clicks that turn into dollars. I firmly believe that if our community knew more about the pressures, stress, and demands placed on our officers, we’d all be supportive of these everyday heroes.
One way to learn of these demands is to attend your local police Citizens Academy. Virtually every major police department in the country now hosts this type of community involvement/education event.
I attended my first Chandler Citizens Police Academy (CCPA) over twenty years ago, so I figured it was time for a refresher.
From its website, the CCPA defines itself as “a free program designed for Chandler’s citizens and business community members. They add that “It provides an inside look at their Police Department and law enforcement operations. The Citizens Police Academy is designed to provide participants with an understanding of the operations and resources of the Chandler Police Department. In addition, participants will interact with police executives, veteran officers, and civilian employees during the academy. The goal of the Citizens Police Academy is to provide a greater awareness and understanding of law enforcement’s role in our community.”
The eleven-week program is held each Wednesday night, usually at Police Headquarters or one of their satellite locations. Each three-hour session highlights a different department or discipline within the department, with Chandler Police Department (CPD) employees acting as the instructors for the evening.
Topics Covered
I noticed some changes to the agenda since the last time I participated, but each week offers an in-depth look at what the department does, how they are staffed, and the tools that they use to do their jobs. Some offered case studies, allowing you to see how their investigations unfolded and how they were able to prosecute the perpetrator.
Our classes for this session included:
- Forensics
- K-9 Unit
- Traffic Laws
- Vehicle Crimes Unit
- Dispatch
- Use of Force
- Field Training
- Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
- Firearms
- Sex Crimes & Special Victims Unit
- Gangs
- Robbery/Homicide
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Alumni Group
Week 1 – Introduction & Forensics
We kicked off the first week with Police Chief Sean Duggan. He welcomed the class of 25 participants and shared the reasons why the department invests in this program. It was immediately clear that the Chandler Police Department is being led by someone who cares deeply about the safety of his officers AND his community. He talked about how police work has changed over the years and how he is constantly trying to innovate to stay ahead of the curve. For example, he mentioned how, after George Floyd’s death, departments around the country were mandated to make changes to their use of force policies. He was proud to say that Chandler PD had already implemented those changes well before the Federal mandates.
Photo by David Minton, Chandler News
He shared that the culture of his team is one of caring, and it was validated as the weeks went by. Still, he admitted that there is always work to do. He is committed to doing his very best to ensure anyone hired can not only meet the stringent requirements but, more importantly, fit into the culture of caring. One way he tries to enforce this is by personally interviewing every candidate.
Chief Duggan pointed out that no matter how caring his officers are, it still takes two people to de-escalate a situation. While his officers are trained to de-escalate, he also believes that his officers need to build trust and relationships in the community. And it’s that trust and those relationships that are the major reasons why Chandler, in general, has respect for the rule of law.
He shared that we were the 20th Academy he oversaw during his ten years as Chief. He also told us that he will be retiring soon. After a 37-year career in policing, it was time. There’s little doubt, though, that he’ll stay engaged in the career he clearly loves – and happens to be very good at. Mayor Kevin Hartke recently praised Duggan as being a major reason why Chandler has enjoyed record-low crime rates.
Week 1 concluded with an overview of the Forensics Team. The instructor shared how her team is responsible for collecting evidence left at a scene and how critical it is toward investigation and prosecution. Who knew that you could tell so much from the way blood splatters at a scene or how blood settles in a dead body!
Week 2 – K9 Unit
In Week 2, we were introduced to the K9 Team. Did you know that Chandler has had a K9 Unit for almost 50 years? We learned why the Belgian Malinois (pronounced “mal-in-wa”) is the preferred breed for this line of work. The energetic dogs are incredibly intelligent and highly trainable. We had the opportunity to witness these four-legged officers in action. Yes, they are used to search for drugs, but just as important, they can search for evidence that might go unnoticed by detectives as well. Their ability to identify something that doesn’t fit in with the “normal” smells is uncanny.
These furry officers also play a major role in de-escalating a situation. When a suspect sees a K9, they usually realize that they face some serious consequences if they don’t comply. Thankfully, the pups don’t have to engage nearly as much as they are called on. Just showing up usually does the trick! But just know, if they do have to jump into action, they’re going to win.
Week 3 – Traffic Laws
This week, we learned that the “Motors,” as they are called, are primarily an education department. They earn their nickname because they usually patrol on motorcycles. Sure, they enforce traffic laws as well, but their main objective is to ensure the public is aware of the traffic laws – and that they are in place for the safety of our community. Their #1 goal is to reduce the accident rate within the city.
Tonight, Officer John Allison shared that he has a lot of discretion after a traffic stop. He is well aware of the impact a fine and penalty can have on an individual and/or a family. With so many people living paycheck to paycheck, a $200 fine or loss of driving privileges can send a family into a severe crisis. He recognizes that and does his best to balance enforcement with education. It’s this type of compassion that we witnessed throughout the department. So, next time you’re stopped by an officer, know that your attitude can have a major impact on the outcome.
Officer Allison also shared that he would be retiring soon. Less than two months later, this was posted on the department’s Instagram account.
Thank you for your service, Officer Allison! Time to enjoy your well-deserved retirement.
Week 4 – Vehicular Crimes Unit & Dispatch
The VCU is focused on serious accidents that result in fatalities or serious injury – or accidents that are involved in a major investigation. This team shared how physics plays a major role in determining what happens in an accident. By using mathematical calculations, investigators can be confident in recreating the scene of an accident.
The Dispatch team is as high-stress as any front-line officer. They acknowledge that when they pick up the phone, they are talking to a person who is likely experiencing their worst day ever. Whether it’s a crime in process, a fire, or the discovery of a dead body of a loved one or a stranger, this team has to be prepared to handle virtually any situation.
The team that commands these phones is highly trained in communication, systems, and techniques that allow them to play a major role in any type of event. They quickly dispatch the appropriate resources while remaining on the phone with the caller to gather more information so when the first responders arrive, they are prepared with as much information as possible.
During a tour of the Dispatch office, we learned about the technology used by this team that allows them to quickly determine the location of an incident and, if they’re lucky, even pull up live video of the scene. Many of the traffic cameras around the city feed into the Command Center so they can pan, tilt, and zoom in on incidents around the city. We were told that some cameras have the ability to zoom in from miles away!
Week 5 – Use of Force & Field Training
Tonight’s session focused on Chandler’s “Use of Force” policy. We learned that the use of force is the amount of effort required to compel someone to comply. This means from something as minor as physically taking someone to the ground with your hands up to and including firing a service weapon.
This is a much-talked-about policy in today’s world – especially when President Joe Biden is quoted as saying, “Instead of anybody coming at you and the first thing you do is shoot to kill, you shoot them in the leg.” That might work in Hollywood, but when an officer or the public is threatened, the use of deadly force is permitted. For a topic as critical as this, you can’t have the Commander in Chief spreading theories that just aren’t practical or acceptable.
They demonstrated some of the tools available to the officers that help them to compel people to comply – tools such as the relatively new Bola Wrap and the more well-known less-lethal options such as the Taser, resin bullets, and the PepperBall gun. Check out the video below of a demonstration of the Bola Wrap.
Each of these “less than lethal” tools can be used to “compel compliance,” but if the officer’s life or another person’s life is in danger, their service weapon is considered an acceptable use of force. Officers are trained to shoot to eliminate the threat.
The use of force in Chandler is well documented. The city formed the “Citizens’ Panel for Review of Police Complaints and Use of Force” to review each incident that required the “use of force” to determine if the level of force was justified. For 2022, the department registered 8263 arrests – of which only 86 involved the use of force.
Total Force Used 2022
| Total Arrests | Force Used | Percentage |
| 8263 | 86 | 1.04% |
In the Field Training session, we learned how Chandler PD goes above and beyond the traditional Police Academy training. Once an officer completes the basic Academy, they are shadowed by a Field Training Officer (FTO) to ensure they are trained on Chandler’s specific procedures and tactics. The FTO not only trains the new officers but also critiques and reviews their performance. It’s not until the FTO signs off that the new officer is ready for solo flight.
Week 6 – Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT)
Unlike every other night to this point, where we met at Police Headquarters, tonight we were at the non-descript SWAT HQ that sits in a nearby neighborhood. This unit, formed in 1981, employs officers who are specially trained and used when more than standard police procedures, equipment, and weapons are necessary. This team is usually called in for critical incidents that have heightened risks. Team members all bring a unique skill set to the table. Anything from special weapons training to drone piloting.
The Unit honors the legacy of Officer James Snedigar, who was fatally wounded on April 16, 1999, when he and other officers responded to an armed robbery. The suspects were seen entering an apartment complex very close to my house. Officer Snedigar entered the apartment only to be ambushed by one of the suspects. His badge #312 is displayed on the Unit’s patch.
During tonight’s session, we were asked how we would have handled the situation to avoid the danger of having an officer be ambushed. Each suggestion was met with a counterpoint – suggesting that the only valid alternative was to have the officers enter the apartment. It’s then you realize how dangerous this job really is. Thankfully, technology continues to evolve, and Chandler is at the forefront of using it. Today, a drone might have saved Officer Snedigar’s life.
During one of the earlier sessions, I had the distinct privilege of meeting Officer Snedigar’s son, who serves as a Police Officer in the city.
Citizen Observer Program
During the Academy, you are required to participate in the Citizen Observer Program. This program is open all the time to anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Chandler. It includes the opportunity to observe either a Patrol Officer, a dispatcher, or a Park Ranger.
I opted for the Ride Along and selected the downtown beat in the evening to see if I could see some action. I was assigned a fairly non-eventful time of Tuesday night, from 9:00pm to 2:00am. This is when I learned that not every night is a scene out of the movies. We drove around the city for five hours with very little action, but that didn’t stop me from observing our officers at work.
At one point, the officer I was riding with heard noises that I never heard. He slowed down, cruised the neighborhood, and listened more intently. It turned out to be nothing, but it immediately gave me an understanding of how in tune these officers are. They are looking and listening with intent, and they have a heightened awareness.
As we were getting ready to leave the area we were checking out, he said, “Did you see that?” Another example of their awareness. I was oblivious. He said that the car that was driving down the street towards us slowed down abruptly. He let the car pass, then pulled out of behind. He followed while typing the license plate into his mounted computer. I noticed that the sticker was valid through 2024.
Next thing I know, he puts his flashing lights on and pulls the car over. The registration had been suspended. He cautiously walked up to the car and spoke with the young girl. I could hear his side of the conversation from the safety of the patrol car. He was so polite and showed incredible compassion and empathy. Turns out the girl had never had a driver’s license. He was required by law to write her up and have the car towed. He felt bad knowing that this was likely her only transportation to and from work, but his hands were tied on this particular law. In this case, the officer has no discretion.
It turned out that was our only call of the night, but I had learned so much from this one interaction.
Week 7 – Firearms and VIRTA
On this night, we met at the Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) in Ocotillo. The center is used by both Chandler Police and Chandler Fire and is home to a large auditorium, four classrooms, an indoor shooting range, and the virtual simulator, VirTra. Here, we learned about the rigorous firearms training the officers go through. Each officer must pass a strict accuracy test.
The range has several lanes to allow ample time for off-duty practice. Each officer can choose from a variety of weapons, with the Glock 9mm being the weapon of choice. The range experts are certified instructors and technicians in each type and model of weapon.
By far, my favorite session was the VirTra virtual simulation machine. A few of us had the opportunity to test our skills in decision-making, reflex, and accuracy on a 270-degree virtual reality screen. Officers train on this machine to test their shooting skills and put them in situations where split-second decisions are the difference between life and death. The instructor who controls the machine can choose how the video plays out based on how the officer being tested communicates and acts.
To get an idea of how they train, check out this video from VirTra.
My heart was pumping as I tried to defuse a scenario at an ATM. As I waited in line to use the ATM, a truck drove up and parked nearby. A man jumped out of the passenger side and aggressively approached a woman who was using the machine. He screamed at me to “Shut up!” and pulled out a large knife as he grabbed the woman at the ATM. After he refused my orders to stop, he started to stab the woman. I opened fire on the man – eventually striking him. When I thought it was over, his buddy in the truck opened fire on me. Let’s just say I would need significantly more training before they’d let me use a real weapon. The video showed that one of my shots struck the woman in the head as she was falling down after being stabbed.
Week 8 – Sex Crimes
In this session, we learned about the Special Victims Unit, which includes four specialty units; Vice and Human Trafficking; Financial Crimes; Special Victims Unit, such as rape and sexual abuse; and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). Tonight, the focus was on the Sex Crimes. The Detective shared how the department had shifted their focus toward the “ring” as opposed to the individual.
While prostitution was historically viewed as a chosen lifestyle, it’s becoming more apparent that vulnerable individuals are preyed upon by the leaders of these criminal gangs. Now, the mission of the SVU is to detect, investigate, and rescue those who are victims of Human Trafficking.
This is true for both the Human Trafficking and ICAC units. While busting “consumers” is important, it’s more important to take down the leaders of these criminal enterprises who are exploiting their victims.
Week 9 – Gangs
There are numerous gangs operating in and around Chandler. Most are smaller organizations operating in neighborhoods throughout the city. The hierarchy is very much like a traditional business, and you have to earn your way into the gang. It seems like most of the violence that comes from these gangs is actually aimed at rival gangs in the city. To Chandler PD, it doesn’t matter. A murder is a murder.
Graffiti from gangs is seen throughout the city, but we also learned that the city does an amazing job of cleaning it up. Rivals will spray paint over the other’s “artwork,” and it will eventually lead to turf wars.
While the low-level gangs are troublesome, the Mexican Mafia is the real deal. Formed in the 1950s, the Mexican Mafia was originally set up to help protect Mexican-American inmates from white and black inmates. We learned that inside the prison walls, racism thrives.
I also learned that the Mexican Mafia uses the “Black Hand” symbol. This symbol, often seen in tattoos, was used by the Italian Mafia when they came to the US in the early 20th century. I documented several instances of Black Hand crimes in my hometown of Scranton, PA.
Week 10 – Robbery/Homicide
Tonight, we dove into how the Robbery/Homicide unit investigates murders and other serious crimes. In one 2008 case, Chandler Fire was called to an early morning house fire. While fighting the fire, they discovered a dead body. The man was an ASU pre-law student who had been shot twice in the back of the head prior to the fire.
Detectives exhausted all leads and could not identify the killer or killers. A year later, it was reported what police had already known, that the man led a “double life.” He was an exemplary student who was a semester away from graduating from ASU with a law degree. But he was involved in drugs.
Investigators never gave up. Over five years later, they finally cracked the case. Two men were arrested, charged, and prosecuted for the alleged robbery that turned into a murder.
Chandler’s goal is, of course, to solve every case in a timely manner, but that’s not always possible when there are no witnesses and/or no evidence. Today, Chandler Police lists just three open cold case homicides on their website. If you have any information, please contact Chandler Police.
Week 11 – Graduation, Volunteer Opportunities, and Alumni
Before we knew it, after eleven short weeks, it was over. Chief Duggan and Assistant Chief Melissa Deanda congratulated the class and presented us with our certificates of graduation.
Afterward, we were provided an overview of their Volunteers in Policing (VIP) initiative. Positions are available across the department with a minimum one-year commitment. They are always looking for Motorist Assist volunteers to help motorists during breakdowns or accident scenes as well as providing traffic control as needed. Other positions include general clerical work, property and evidence inventory, and several other departments.
Our final presentation was an overview of the Citizens Police Academy Association of Chandler (CPAAC) – a nonprofit that consists of goodwill ambassadors who advocate and volunteer in support of the Chandler Police Department’s mission to provide a safe community.
Summary
Whenever I mentioned to someone that I was going through this eleven-week program, they always asked, “What’s in it for you?” My answer was always two things: 1) education for me and 2) to show support for our local law enforcement.
I always add that anyone who questions an officer’s action should be required to attend this class to truly understand the stress, pressures, and demands of the job. Learn about the training they go through. The time they invest in keeping our community safe. And the fact that these brave men and women are our neighbors in our town. They are police officers because they care about our community – and every Chandler officer I met truly cares about our community.
Thank you, Chief Duggan and the entire Chandler Police Department, for all you do to “protect and serve.”
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