Tampa's Not So Smart Criminals

So, imagine one day you offer to give a friend a ride and in return that friend takes from your vehicle (without permission and without your knowledge) $1,200 cash, a cell phone, a Sunpass, and a digital camera. Weeks later the “friend” contacts you and offers to sell your camera and phone back to you for $40.00. Sound like a deal? Well maybe buying your own stolen property back isn't exactly a blue light special but it does have a ring to it when you get TPD's Rapid Offender Control (ROC) squad involved. This victim contacted District 2 and patrol officers along with ROC Squad #232 set up 'Operation Bad Friend'. The “friend” offered to meet the victim but was instead greeted by some of TPD's finest. The suspect aka 'bad friend' was arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail. Instead of $40 'bad friend' was given a cozy pair of slides and slightly used orange outfit for her involvement. Also, she has officially been de-friended by the victim. Stay tuned for more episodes of Tampa's not so smart criminals.

Blog Contributor: Officer Robin Polk, District 2 ROC Squad

Class for Parents Offered

Parents are you looking for strategies on how to raise respectful, responsible, and successful children? Do you of any teens that can benefit from life skill workshops in areas such as finances, college preparedness, and decision making? Well look no further! Derrick Brooks Charities and Youth Programs presents “Preventing Disrespectful Child Behaviors” at the Parent Group and “Money Management” at the Teen Summit. Both sessions will occur concurrently on Saturday, August 16, 2014 from 9-11 AM at The Lee Davis Neighborhood Service Center (3402 N. 22^nd St. Tampa, Fl. 33605). Come out and be empowered!

Blog Contributor: District Three Crime Prevention Team

The Art of Giving Back

Every summer, Officer Debbie Boles (front row with the cool shades on) and Site Coordinator Earl Silas(back right with fatigue bucket hat) put together a community service project to teach a group of at-risk youth how to appreciate the art of giving back.  It’s an essential part of the police department’s Sulphur Springs RICH House summer camp.  This year, Silas and Boles expanded the community service project, so young campers could also learn the importance of showing their respect for those who are no longer with us.  They rounded up a group of 20 campers and set out to beautify the Robles-Bourquardez Cemetery, a historic site on East Sligh Avenue.  Although it’s just steps away from a busy road, this small cemetery often goes unnoticed and in need of some “TLC.” 

The Clean City Department and several adult mentors gave the kids a hand with clearing away layers of overgrown foliage that was covering the burial ground.  The campers spent  7 hours  mowing, trimming and pulling weeds(replace with then or and) at the end of the day they were able to look around and see the fruits of their labor.  For the first time in a long time, you could walk through the site and see each individual grave plot.  The kids headed back to their safe haven in “The Springs” with a sense of pride and reassurance that they are capable of making a noticeable difference in the community.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the Robles-Bourquardez Cemetery, please visit

http://jwhittenfl.tripod.com/index.html

Blog Contributor: Janelle McGregor, Media Relations

A Morning with the Police

For 7-year old Emmet spending the morning at the police department was a good thing! Emmet along with is step-mom, dad (another local hero from the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue), grandma, and grandpa spent the morning hanging out at Police Headquarters.

See previous TPD BLOTTER story here: One Day


Here are some pictures from his morning with the TPD....

Blog Contributor: Officer Derek Lang

It's Not All For The Donuts and Coffee

I began doing research for an article on our National Night Out program when I came across some “random acts of kindness”. I was talking with a civilian who explained to me all the inner workings and history of the National Night Out program. After I had all the pertinent information, I asked if she had any photos she could share. She told me she did and that they each had a story behind them. So of course, I became sidetracked and wanted to know more. She shared with me the photos above and this is the story. 

The community group is known as JL Young. It is an apartment complex that is run by Tampa Housing Authority and houses primarily elderly and disabled residents on fixed incomes. Their community watch group is very active but limited in funding due to their circumstances. On one occasion, two Tampa Police Officers (Katie Thanasas and Neil Pelletier) attended one of their meetings. Most groups have snacks and refreshments as part of their regular meetings; however, the officers quickly realized this group did not have the funding to purchase refreshments. The residents were still very excited the two officers showed up and supported their mission to make the place they live a safer and happier community. In the middle of the meeting, Officer Thanasas quietly left, while Officer Pelletier assured the group that she would be returning. A short while later, Officer Thanasas returned with enough pizzas to feed the entire group and their guests. The two young officers used their own money to purchase the pizzas. The JL Young residents didn't even realize the officers had done this.

Most people think that you become a police officer because you like donuts and coffee. Well okay, maybe more so for the donuts! But the truth is, these two officers demonstrated the reason that most people go into law enforcement. People enter the profession of policing because they have an intrinsic desire to help others make the world around them a better place. Sometimes they do this by catching the criminal and sometimes they do it by random acts of kindness and giving.  They don't do it for recognition, they don't do it for prestige, they do it because they care! These two young officers saw a need and filled it. They weren't seeking an award or a commendation or even a “thank you”,  they just had a commitment to service and wanted to help the community they live in.   These types of things happen all the time but are seldom reported. When I am lucky enough to hear of the selflessness of others and especially of my peers and co-workers, it reminds me why I am proud to put on this uniform everyday. Thank you Officer Thanasas and Officer Pelletier for reminding me why I became a Tampa Police Officer!

Blog Contributor: Officer Robin Polk

Tampa’s Unique Fabric honors Diversity

As if we didn't already know that the City of Tampa is the greatest place to live, Tampa continues to out-do itself in showing the world what a diverse and welcoming city we are.

Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s summed it up well on the City of Tampa website page when he writes, ‘Tampa is home to a blend of cultures and traditions that make up the unique fabric of our community.”

Well today, that unique fabric found itself awarding one of the ten Tampa Police Memorial Committee 2014 Scholarships to the teenager of a same-sex couple.  Shar Ishee, Tampa Police Records Coordinator, and her wife, Pattie Maloney-Massanet, looked on as proud parents of 18 year old Nicholas Massanet as he received a $1500 scholarship presented by Chief Jane Castor and the Memorial Committee.

This marks the first time that a same-sex couple, who legally married last September in Washington, was recognized in the same fashion as other married couples. 

The City of Tampa has recognized Domestic Partner’s for some time, but Chief Castor and the Memorial Committee took it to the next level.  After all, who could refute the qualifications of this young man?

He graduated from St. Petersburg Collegiate High School in May with a 4.7 G.P.A., with over 66% of his college Bachelor’s degree already obtained!  Nick has set his sights on the University of South Florida, where he plans to seek a medical degree.  He wants to be a Doctor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease.

Nick said, “I’m very excited to receive such a great scholarship.  I’m thankful my mom and Shar were there, and even more thankful they are together.  Shar is good for my mom and my mom is good for Shar.”

Other recipients this year included; Alexander Arnold, Brittany Buchanan, Kelsi Crean, Bolton Glyder, Erin McNamara, Matthew Milillo, Maggie Shearer, Kent Stephenson, and Emily Townsend.  

Congratulations to all the recipients! And way to go Tampa!

Blog Contributor: Sgt. Anna Richardson, LGBT Liaison

TPD Blues Give Out New Shoes



 

Community partners strike again! This time a local organization reached out to the Robles RICH House to hand out over 200 pairs of sneakers to help underpriviledged families with their back to school needs. Check out this video to hear more about the Soles to Souls giveaway event.

 

 

 

Blog Contributor: Janelle McGregor, Media Relations