The Polk County Sheriff’s office spends considerable time training officers. Just before the Thanksgiving holiday the department added a tool to improve that training. Imagine a room with a wall size video screen. Like a videogame on steroids, videotaped actors move through scenarios, responding or not to a live trainee’s commands and weapon fire.

You’re a deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. You’ve standing in front of a mini-van as a father explains why he has pulled to the side of the road. He’s upset, but attempting to explain his predicament. A teen sits fidgeting in the front seat. Younger children in the back seat are yelling at the teen. You’re watching inside the van as you glance back at the father. His hands are down at his side, palms open and facing you. The children are agitated. You start to step toward the minivan’s passenger side as the teen opens the door. You shout for him to stay seated. He continues opening the door.

You see his hand come up. Is that a smile? Is he angry? Does he have a gun? You have less time than it takes to read this sentence to decide. Decide while his father is yelling. Decide while children are jumping in the back seat. Decide while the teen continues out of the car.

One-third of a second has passed. You take too long to decide. You’re shot and killed.

In the facility, officers use standard weapons and tools outfitted with sensors instead of bullets. Cameras track officers as they work through real-life, real-time scenarios. Instructors use interactive media to alter the scenarios to respond to the skill level of the trainee. After the training scene is over, instructors can replay the video and show officers where they did well, and where they could improve.

Running though a scenario quickly starts to feel real. The actors fall when shot. They shoot back when they’re missed or only wounded. Trainees don’t feel the return shots, but the video turns red if the officer would have been killed.

Lieutenant Rick Wright is the training supervisor at PCSO Burnham McCall Training Center, “We are the first in this area to bring this simulated training to use.”

Wright points out how little an officer know when responding to a call. They know the location and a very brief description such as “shooting” or domestic disturbance. “Deputies don’t really know what they’re getting into,” Wright says. He says the department uses the video facility to train officers to make informed situation-based decisions.

Scenarios are about two minutes long with branching options that allow a single scenario to have various outcomes. The videos are guided. An officer can’t choose to open a door or not. Though some scenarios seem to start slow, action happens lightening quick.

Trainer Sgt Larry Traylor, points out that the methods is realistic. “In these scenarios, we’re training action and reaction all at real-life speed.” Wright says the scenarios are short for a good reason, “We’re focusing on the decision-making process.”

In addition to the realistic training, Wright finds the system cost effective, “It was half the cost of most simulators on the market.” He added that the department will see significant savings, “A case of 1000 rounds (of ammunition) is approximated $260. A case of the CO2 cartridges (to power the training weapons) is $340.“ A quick bit of math, and Wright figured the Sherriff’s Office gets around 45,000 rounds out of that CO2 case.

Wright says the training isn’t only for new officers. Veteran deputies spend time in the facility. “You can never get enough training,” says Wright. He expanded on the cost effective aspect of the facility, “We need just one instructor in here versus seven in an old-fashion simulation training. Weather is also a big factor. We can now operate during inclement weather.”

Lt, Rick Wright prepares to fire as Sgt. Larry Traylor manages the training scenario.

That’s because of the interactive nature of the training facility. An instructor sits at a computer behind the trainee. He watches and listens and can alter the direction of the scenario based on the responses of the trainee. If the deputy uses the proper language to handle an explosive situation, the instructor can show the video actor calming down. Improperly handle the scene, and the actor gets belligerent and the situation escalates.

Wright explains that they focus on two major training procedures: analytic and intuitive. Classrooms are big on giving analytic training – ask the right questions and learn the right answers. “We train the intuitive thought process through this training,” Wright says of the facility, “It paints a cognitive map in the deputy’s mind. In the field the deputy now has an idea in his mind what he should do.”

The training facility has proved very popular with the deputies. “I haven’t heard one negative comment. Once they start they don’t want to stop,” Wright said.

With over 150 scenarios, each with numerous branching options, the facility offers something new each time a trainee use it. If one were to run through each scenario, Wright is prepared, “We automatically receive video updates at no cost.”

The department can also build scenarios using Polk County locations and actors. Using simple built-in tools, Sheriff’s Office video is imported, potential targets are identified, and branching options programmed. Wright says they have already constructed a simple scenario of the department shooting range.

Training isn’t all video and shooting though. Instructors can display department policies, case law, constitutional amendments, and outside video and photos to help a deputy understand the particulars of a scenario.

One aspect of the training that Wright highlights is the video of the trainee during training. An unobtrusive camera records the trainee and the screen. After the scenario, the instructor can show the trainee where he or she performed well or missed an important clue.

“We’re trying to teach them to see beyond the obvious. You get that thorough experience and that is what this (facility) does,” says Wright.

The department’s training isn’t the cutting edge of the technology. The next step is 3D to allow a trainee to step into the middle of scenarios. It adds another level of realism to the training, “It is just like me and you looking at each other,“ Sgt Traylor says. He did the yeoman’s work to find the present system and has studied the new 3D equipment. He pointed out that the department’s current system can be easily upgraded when the 3D projector is released from the manufacturer.

Lt. Wright can’t wait, “3D is going to open a plethora of training opportunities.”

New Training Facility for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office

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The incident began at 4 pm when a teenage girl boarded a city bus at 2410 North Crystal Lake Drive. According to a witness who called 911 while the bus was on route, Dekle visible admired the girl’s shoes. The witness reported that Dekle indicated that he was going to take the shoes from the girl.

The witness reported to 911 dispatch that Dekle had a gun in his waistband and was shifting it about. The witness was able to report to police the location of the bus as it traveled through Lakeland. As the bus approached the downtown terminal, LPD officers stopped the bus and removed Dekle. They found the weapon was an unloaded pellet gun.

LPD reports that Dekle and the 15 year-old victim did not know each other prior to the incident. LPD charged Dekle with Armed Robbery, a first degree felony.

Gun taken from Dekle by LPD

Photos of Neil Dekle and the gun taken from his possession are from the Lakeland Police Department

LPD Apprehend Bus Riding Gun Wielder

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Police report Tuccinardi was on the Lake Hollingsworth walking path just after midnight “when the suspect pulled up in a small sedan and asked Tuccinardi for directions. As Tuccinardi stepped up to the vehicle, the driver (and sole occupant) shot the victim and fled the scene.”

Police describe the suspect “as a fair skinned white male, 18 to 21 years of age, clean shaven with a military type “buzz” haircut.” They add that the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $6000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.226.8477 or the Lakeland Police Department at 863.834.6900

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LPD Search for Shooting Suspect

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A spokesman for the sheriff’s office issued the following release:

38-year-old Corey Lynn Swindler, principal of Sikes Elementary School in Lakeland, has been arrested early this morning and charged with six counts of lewd molestation on a child less than 12 years of age and one count of sexual battery on a child under 12 years of age.

The charges are not related to a student at the school.

The specific charges were six counts of 800.04 (5b): “An offender 18 years of age or older who commits lewd or lascivious molestation against a victim less than 12 years of age commits a life felony, punishable as provided in s. 775.082(3)(a)4.”

The seventh count was 794.011(2a) “(2)(a) A person 18 years of age or older who commits sexual battery upon, or in an attempt to commit sexual battery injures the sexual organs of, a person less than 12 years of age commits a capital felony, punishable as provided in ss. 775.082 and 921.141.”

Sikes Elementary is located at 2727 Shepherd Road in Lakeland. According to the school website, “Mr. Swindler is in his 4th year at Sikes Elementary” and has been an educator since 1998.

More information as it becomes available.

Update: At 11:41 am this morning the Polk County Sheriff’s Office released additional information.

The victim is 11 years-old. On Wednesday, she reported to her aunt that Swindler had been touching her inappropriately for years. The aunt contacted PCSO detectives who interviewed the victim, and a witness to one incident, at the Child Advocacy Center in Bartow. Based on the investigation and an interview with Swindlet, he was arrested. Details can be found in the PCSO arrest affidavit.

Swindler’s first appearance will take place on Friday, December 18th, at 1:00 p.m

Sikes Principal Swindler Arrested

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Immediately we started playing the suspect game.  We had an inkling it was our neighbor because it looked like the person made multiple trips and walked/ran with our belongings.  Also a few days later they put their vacuum cleaner on the street for the trash collection.  Coincidence?  I think not.  We gave the lead to the detective and the police on the scene had multiple fingerprints and blood.  There we also about five more break-ins in a two week period and someone in the neighborhood told a neighborhood source (just protecting identity) who it was, yep our neighbor.  We pass this information along to the police as well.

Easy case, right?  No. On either the 15th or the 16th of OCTOBER we finally get a call saying the blood work was back and a positive ID was made.

Guess who it was?  Sure enough our neighbor CHARLES KIRKLAND.

Great news right?  No really because about 3 weeks ago he skipped out.  He was in our neighborhood for TWO months and did the police even knock on his door?  (I don’t know the answer to that question, but I would like to know.)

We are grateful for the work the police have put into the case and grateful to have a confirmation of who broke into our house.  Something needs to be done though when there are solid leads in a case.  I know the department is completely understaffed and having to wait THREE months for fingerprints and blood is a bit, ridiculous.  That is a crazy back log.  Of course we also realize this is on the bottom of the priority list, as it should be.  Maybe a guest from the department would be willing to respond with ways we can assist the department.  I don’t know for sure, but I bet break-ins are up from 3-5 years ago.

There is a warrant out for this man’s arrest and we would greatly appreciate your help.  We know our stuff is long gone, but we still would like justice. He isn’t safe in any neighborhood. If you see this man please call the Lakeland Police IMMEDIATELY.

Do You Know This Man?

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We doubt we’ll cover this story, and look forward to seeing what Jeremy Maready puts together.

From the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (May 26, 11:12pm):

Polk County Sheriff’s Undercover Narcotics detectives, in conjunction with agents from ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement), served a search warrant at 1087 Stoney Creek Drive in Lakeland at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, after ICE received information that the homeowners, Richard and Sandra Thomas, were due to receive a large shipment of illegal anabolic steroids. After serving the search warrant, both Richard and Sandra were placed under arrest and booked into the Polk County Jail for several counts of possession of illegal steroids, firearms, and maintaining a dwelling for drug use.

The following are comments made by Sheriff Grady Judd at a news conference held Tuesday evening in reference to these arrests:

PCSO detectives developed information from ICE agents in Philadelphia that there would be a package of illegal anabolic steroids delivered to the residence of Richard and Sandra Thomas at 1087 Stoney Creek Drive in Lakeland. After the delivery of the steroids, PCSO undercover Narcotics detectives and ICE agents executed a search warrant and recovered the steroids. In addition, they recovered Valium and thousands of anabolic steroid pills, injectable liquids, and syringes. Detectives also seized an AR-15 assault rifle, shotguns, and numerous semi-automatic handguns, all of which were loaded.

Detectives asked Richard Thomas about his suppliers, and he stated that he purchased them from all over the world. He then stated that he was the biggest dealer of anabolic steroids in the central Florida area. Thomas further stated that he imported steroids from Iran, Pakistan, Slovakia, Russia, China, Turkey, Spain, Mexico, and Germany. Detectives specifically asked Richard if he had sold anabolic steroids to professional steroids, and he replied, “You name the sport, and I’ve sold steroids to athletes who play it.” He claims to have sold steroids to professional baseball players, hockey players, and football players.

Richard and his wife Sandra were semi-professional body builders themselves. One anabolic steroid they were found to be in possession of was Oxymetholone (from Iran), which they stated that “cops are afraid of this steroid because it makes people so crazy they can flip a car.” Richard further stated that he was the largest steroid dealer in the state of Florida ten years ago, but now he is the biggest dealer only in the central Florida area. Richard’s mother told detectives that steroids is all he has ever known, and that his father introduced him to steroids. When Richard was asked if he was addicted to steroids, he replied, “It’s all I’ve ever known.”

Richard said he was once detained at the border of Mexico and the U.S. in 1995 and paid a fine to the Mexican authorities for possession of steroids.

Richard and Sandra are both being charged with:

10 counts Possession Anabolic Steroids With Intent to Sell or Distribute (F-1)
10 counts Importation of Anabolic Steroids Into the State of Florida
1 count Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Sales

PCSO Reports on Steroid Arrest

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LPD splits the city into North and South districts. To reduce the radio chatter an officer hears, each district has its own dispatcher and radio channels. Emergency calls can be patched over both channels. The newly drawn beats are split into North: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta and South: Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, and India.

LPD looked at crime statistics for the previous year and drew the districts to balance their calls for service. The beats were drawn to balance expected need and facilitate easy travel. The Echo beat is much smaller, but is patrolled 80% of the time by an office in a golf cart-like special purpose vehicle.

Sisson said finding the right boundary was challenging. The committee worked to use natural boundaries where possible, and paid attention to travel paths. For example, beat Foxtrot is split. A section appears to be a better fit with beat Hotel. Sisson said they found the area was better served as part of beat Foxtrot due to travel on Highway 92.

You can find a PDF version at the LPD media site.

Update: We’re going to put off making the interactive map until we can get a clearer PDF. If the Ledger creates one before that we’ll link you there.

The Lakeland Police Department media release follows:

The following information is also available at www.lpdonlinenews.com where a copy of the complete original media release is available, along with maps of the old and new zones.

Lakeland Police have recently concluded a six month study of the response times, personnel resource allocation, and zone configurations in the City of Lakeland with reference to dispatching of police calls. This study was done by a committee made up of sworn officers and civilians from within the Lakeland Police Department in an attempt to keep on top of the needs of the community as the city grows and changes over time.

The City of Lakeland is divided into two districts – one to the north of the downtown area, and one to the south. These two districts are then further divided into smaller geographical areas called zones. Over time the demographics of these zones had changed for many reasons such as: population increase/decrease, revitalization efforts, new business construction, new housing, and annexation.

After a period of time, these demographic changes can cause a change in the police services needed by an area. If personnel resource adjustments are not made to address these changes, the end result can be inefficient use of time and resources, and a lower quality of service to the community.

The committee first examined “calls for service” data to find out what areas received more calls for police service, at what time of day, and what type of calls. The district boundaries were then redrawn so that the number of calls to each district would be more balanced.

The current deployment system also had an officer assigned to each zone. The new deployment system utilizes the sector concept, otherwise known as “team policing”. With team policing, officers are not necessarily assigned to a specific zone, but can be assigned to more than one zone, or whatever area in the city that is the busiest. The zones will also now be identified phonetically, instead of by numbers.

There are examples attached of the districts before and after the change. It is believed that the new district reorganization will allow the Lakeland Police Department to operate more efficiently and provide better service to the citizens of Lakeland.

Note: Sisson noted that the media release was in error, and officers will work in specific zones.

Lakeland Police Change Beats

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Stolen City Truck Recovered

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The truck was stolen this morning from the 2000 block of East Edgewood Drive. Based on the description, we believe it is the location below:

View Larger Map

The vehicle is described as a 2006 white Chevrolet Silverado Diesel pick-up truck with the City of Lakeland swan logo on the side door. The door also has the words, “City of Lakeland Water Utilities” on the door. The tag number on the vehicle is XA0797 and the tag is yellow in color. — Inside LPD

LPD has no suspects at this time, but ask citizens to call police immediately if the truck is spotted.

Lakeland City Truck Stolen

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(Note to readers hosting holiday parties: collect keys at the door and have cab numbers by the phone. Those going out to New Year’s Eve parties: Before the big night starts, write the phone number of a cab or really close friend on your wrist.)
Home page photo credit: kevindooley

Walk the Line

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The bank robber was described as a black male, 6’03” to 6’05”, 25-35 years of age, 200 to 215 pounds, with gold teeth on lower jaw.

The suspect passed a note demanding money and fled by foot to the Northwest. Witnesses did not report seeing a weapon. He escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash.

If you think you know the person pictured, call Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS, or LPD Detective Tye Thompson at 863.834.8955.

photo credit: Photo Courtesy of LPD

LPD Seeks Help With Bank Robber ID

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The Lakeland Police Department has decided to host their first “gun buy back” meet and greet. While supplies last, LPD will trade your oily old guns for $50 gift certificates. Now, gift cards are in shorter supply than guns, so get there early. When the cards run out, LPD will still accept your slightly-used guns and give back the good feeling that another pistol won’t be laying around the living room.

LPD is not using city funds to buy the guns. Donations and money seized from criminal activity was used to fund the program. If you’d like to ask LPD any questions about the event, call Jack Gillen, Public Information Officer, at 863 834-6949

Saturday, December 13, 2008
9 am to 2pm

Northwest Park
108 West 3rd Street

photo credit: Majikdragon

Guns for Money

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You might recognize the grill above from our August feature on Goodfellas Grills. If you see it parked behind a neighbor’s house you might want to give the police a call.

Denis Baldwin, owner of Goodfellas Grills, reported the grill stolen yesterday. Baldwin said a neighbor saw a suspicious truck around 6 am. Baldwin said the neighbor reported three men guys got out of the truck. It appears they merely broke the look, hooked up the grill and drove off with it.

Goodfellas Grill Stolen

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Dave’s Custom Driveways contacted residents to paint driveways and install flooring. Customers complained the company owners, Dave McDonnell and his wife Marsha McDonnell, collected partial payments and then failed to complete projects.

During their investigation Lakeland Police discovered that Dave McDonnell was an alias for Robert Lee Cooper (DOB: 2/20/66). With outstanding warrants in Sarasota, Manatee, and Volusia Counties and in Ann Arbor Michigan, Cooper was considered a fugitive. Cooper he fled on foot when contacted by Lakeland Police. Apprehended after a short chase, he will be extradited to the agencies with pending charges.

Lakeland Police ask that anyone who feels they were a victim of Cooper to contact their office at 863-834-6900. The agency reminded residents “to use caution when hiring people to perform work on their property when they are contacted through door to door soliciting, or asked to provide money up front before the work is completed.”

For the LPD information release see: www.lpdonlinenews.com.

For tips on hiring contractors see: ConsumerReports.org

photo credit: LPD Booking Photo of Cooper

Have you used Dave’s Custom Driveways?

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About 30 minutes ago LPD released they were investigating a shooting that occurred about 4:30 am. According to the report four men were drinking at a home on the 300 block of Doris Drive. An argument started, and the resident of the home, Christopher Thomas Morgan (22), shot Steven Burke (24) and Joshua Britton (21). They and the final of the four, Kevin Michael Kirk (20), all left the residence in a vehicle and drove near the Lockheed Martin and called for help. Britton and Burke were transported to the Lakeland Regional Medical Center where Burke later died. Britton is currently listed in serious condition.

The notice also reports that no charges have been filed against Morgan, who is represented by council, Rusty Franklin.

No further data is available, and LPD plans to not comment further until tomorrow morning.

update: 4:25 The Ledger now has it up.

Lakeland Police Investigating Shooting

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12:55: The Ledger is reporting that a fired PCC Winter Haven employee claimed to return with a gun.

I’ve spoken with people on the campus. They are closing the facilities and leaving orderly.

The order came through with security and school officials walking around telling everyone to leave.

1:19 The Ledger is now reporting the story in more detail. This is their current link.

I’ll update this as I get more.

1:31: The Ledger is now reporting it was a student making a threat against an employee.

PCC USFP Campus on Bartow Rd is being closed immediately – No one reported hurt

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Paper Shoes For Airport Security – Sign Me Up!

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When traffic control signals are not in place or in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger. FS 316.130 (7 – partial)

The law is Florida Statute 316.130 Pedestrian obedience to traffic control devices and traffic regulations.. The crossing is one of many on Lake Hollingsworth Drive. Do you stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk? For that matter, do you obey the 30mph speed limit?

I’ll accept anonymous comments for this post.

Lake Hollingsworth Drive – Do You Stop?

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LakelandLocal.com Crime Map 04/07 to 04/13 2008

48 This week’s stats:

08 Business Burglary
01 Business Robbery
01 Gang Grafitti
00 Personal Robbery
13 Residential Burglary
00 Residential Robbery
00 Attempted Stolen Vehicle
00 Recovered Stolen Vehicle
10 Stolen Vehicle
15 Vehicle Burglary

Lakeland Crime Week of April 7 , 2008

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50 This week’s stats:

03 Business Burglary
02 Business Robbery
03 Gang Grafitti
04 Personal Robbery
06 Residential Burglary
01 Residential Robbery
00 Attempted Stolen Vehicle
02 Recovered Stolen Vehicle
07 Stolen Vehicle
22 Vehicle Burglary

Latest Lakeland Crime Map Online

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Douglas County Sheriff Phil Miller says the men asked to test-drive a Ford Mustang at a Lithia Springs dealership yesterday. Miller says one pulled a knife on the salesman who accompanied them and made him withdraw $100 from an ATM.

They allegedly taped up the salesman and dropped him off at a park & ride lot, but he managed to use his cell phone to call 911.

Officers chased the car west on I-20 at speeds of more than 100 mph before the crash at an exit.

Steven Swords of Albertville, Alabama, and Robert Lewis of Ellijay, Georgia, were each charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault and other charges.– WAFF

According to TBO.com those are the same two who recently tied up and robbed a Lakeland real estate agent.

Update: Looking over Robert Lewis’ record he was convicted in 1987 of aggravated child molestation

Real Estate Agent Robbery Suspects Arrested in Georgia

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I don’t see anything on the LPD blog.

Update: I must have driven by just after it happened. The Ledger is now quoting LPD as saying there was a robbery.

Colonial Bank on Bartow Road

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“Lakeland Police are attempting to locate Christopher Lewis Davis, (W/M, DOB: 6/8/78). Davis currently has a Davis warrant for his arrest for Uttering a Forged Instrument, Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, and Violation of Probation. Davis should be considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS. If you come into contact with Davis, do not attempt to detain him, but instead contact the police.” LPD Online News

Christopher Lewis Davis

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45 This week’s stats:

12 Business Burglary
0 Business Robbery
3 Gang Grafitti
3 Personal Robbery
7 Residential Burglary
1 Residential Robbery
0 Attempted Stolen Vehicle
0 Recovered Stolen Vehicle
12 Stolen Vehicle
7 Vehicle Burglary

Latest Lakeland Crime Stats & Map

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You could buy a scanner to listen to their calls or you could surf over to Scan Polk County, That site present live and recorded radio communication from the Polk County Sheriffs Office and Fire/Rescue calls. It’s a labor of love from an unknown Polk County resident who hooks up a scanner to the Net and a Georgia resident who hosts the hardware for Scan Polk County and 11 sister sites.

There is a handy chat room to discuss current events and police business. A link to the Polk County Dispatch and Status Codes so you understand the lingo. They even maintain links to interesting articles about police business and crimes.

I know I couldn’t leave the scanner on as background music, but it will be useful the next time we have a major crime event. I wonder if someone has plans to add Lakeland Police Department?

Scan Polk County is 10-8

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