In an effort to increase transparency at the Glendale Police Department, its recently formed Transparency, Audits and Accountability Bureau released an in-depth report outlining the department’s arrest records, new developments, demographics and more for the year 2023.
“This annual report simultaneously showcases our department’s accomplishments and challenges in 2023, as well as our continued commitment to providing the highest-level public safety services through proactive policing, professionalism and community partnerships today and tomorrow,” the report stated.
In 2023, GPD’s Patrol Bureau responded to 116,227 calls to 911 and made 5,322 arrests. The GPD said that of those arrests, a little more than half were “community initiated” as opposed to “police initiated,” and about 39.95% of arrestees were Glendale residents. The department prides itself on quick response times, with 99.48% of calls answered within 10 seconds by the Communications Bureau.
The department recorded 9,450 crimes for the year. Of these, 77.76% were property crimes, 13.07% were crimes against persons and 9.17% were crimes against society. Crime reached an all-time high for the year in August, with 914 reported crimes and a low in July with 697. The most frequent crime committed was larceny, accounting for about one-third of all crimes, followed by fraud, and drug and narcotics violations.
As for new developments within the department, GPD hired a licensed clinical social worker with the Department of Mental Health to partner with Glendale Homeless Outreach and Psychological Evaluation (HOPE) team officers in responding to calls involving mental health-related issues. In 2023, officers with the HOPE team worked more than 740 grant-funded, off-duty hours to serve the homeless population of Glendale, usually during evenings and weekends, cleaning up 30 encampments, and recording 370 proactive outreach efforts to offer services.
The department also implemented an e-bike program to increase police visibility and response times in Montrose, Kenneth Village and the downtown business district.
In collaboration with the Glendale Fire Department, GPD held joint training for emergency events such as responding to active shooters. Over the last few years, Glendale has seen an increase in shooting investigations, with 15 in 2023, 10 in 2022 and five in 2021. Of the 7,160 hours of department training completed in 2023, 1,070 hours were dedicated to active shooter training.
Composed of the Robbery-Homicide Unit, the Assaults Unit, the Burglary/Auto Theft Unit, the Financial Crimes Unit and the Vice/Narcotics Unit, the department’s Investigative Services Division conducted more than 11,000 investigations last year. Narcotics seized 278 pounds of drugs, 88,200 fentanyl pills, eight guns and more than half a million dollars.
GPD also highlighted its increased social media presence and community engagement, naming numerous community events that various GPD employees participated in, including Montrose Christmas Parade, Glendale Cruise Night, National Walk to School Day, Gun Buyback, crime prevention meetings, Ascencia Christmas donations, Start Smart Teen Driving Safety Course and more.
The report also highlighted the department’s SWAT Team, which received “substantial” equipment upgrades last year, including advanced ballistic protection and communication devices.
“The SWAT Team exhibits a commitment to excellence and professionalism in safeguarding victims and citizens during high-risk situations that may surpass the capabilities of patrol or investigative units,” said the report.
Glendale SWAT responded to seven critical incidents last year including armed standoffs and high-risk arrests.
Additionally, the Glendale Crisis Negotiation Team, composed of a commander, three sergeants, 12 negotiators and one mental health professional, works alongside the SWAT team to assist in establishing communication, gathering intelligence and defusing intense situations.
The Transparency, Audits and Accountability Bureau also provided information related to GPD personnel data and demographics as well as for arrestees.
The most prominent racial groups among arrestees in 2023 were Hispanic (38.20%), white (36.90%) and Black (10.77%).
As for the racial composition of department employees, 39% are white, 33.43% are Hispanic, 16.13% are Armenian/Middle Eastern, 8.50% are Asian/Pacific Islander and 2.93% are Black.
Of the 229 sworn GPD officers and officials, 201 are men and 25 are women. While there are three female sergeants, no lieutenant or captain positions are held by women. Female representation among nonsworn in personnel is much higher, however, with 66.96% being female.
The report noted that a primary goal for 2024 is for the department to “use active recruitment and retention incentives to build on diverse hirings and promotions to tackle ongoing staffing challenges.” Toward the end of last year, Police Chief Manny Cid noted understaffing as the department’s No.1 challenge.
This year, GPD’s Professional Standards Bureau hired 24 individuals for GPD positions out of 1,939 applications received. The department’s budget, which is about $133 million for fiscal year 2023-24, allows for an additional 52 employees.
Additionally, the report disclosed 47 citizen complaints against the department, finding 17 of those to be “unfounded,” as well as three internal investigations, two of which are still in progress.
To read the report in full, visit glendaleca.gov/government/departments/police-department/transparency/reports.
First published in the April 13 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
