OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF FLUVANNA COUNTY

Annual Report January 1, 2013- December 31, 2013

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Statement from the Sheriff

Mission Statement

Organizational Chart

The Administrative Division

The Communications

Division

Patrol Division

Animal Control Division

Investigations Division

Judicial Affairs Division

Civil Process Unit

Crime Factors

Offense Data

Budget

Fluvanna County vs.

Surrounding Localities

Community Outreach

Mentionable

References and Contact

Information

STATEMENT FROM THE

SHERIFF

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To the citizens of Fluvanna County:

Since assuming office in 2000, a lot in this

country, technology, social norms and the

population, just to name a few has changed. As a

consequence law enforcement has to change to

keep pace. Through advance training, equipment

and policy changes and with the dedication of the

men and women of the Fluvanna County

Sheriff’s Office I believe we have done well to

stay current with those changes.

With the assistance of my staff, I intend to

continue my commitment to the residents and

visitors of Fluvanna by providing above par

programs and services. It is truly a great honor to

serve as Sheriff and I look forward to the coming

year.

Sheriff Ryant L. Washington

MISSION STATEMENT

THE MISSION OF THE FLUVANNA COUNTY SHERIFF’S

OFFICE IS TO:

Provide effective and efficient law enforcement.

Serve and protect citizens and visitors of Fluvanna County.

Keep community of Fluvanna County safe.

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THE ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

The Administrative Division is comprised of the Sheriff’s Office Command Staff, which includes

the Chief Deputy, the Executive Assistant and the Administrative Officer. The Administrative staff

members assist the Sheriff by recommending agency policies and ensuring that all component parts

of the Agency coordinate their activities in order to promote a greater efficiency in accomplishing

the objectives of the Agency.

Sheriff

Coordinate all activities of the agency and its appointees; disseminate and enforce rules and

regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia and Fluvanna County’s ordinances; responsible for

budget and overall financial management of the Sheriff’s Office; complete and submit all reports as

required by law.

Chief Deputy

Assist the Sheriff by promoting overall agency efficiency and effectiveness; supervising personnel

under his or her command; and managing overall daily operations of the agency.

Executive Assistant

Coordinate and process Agency files and records; responsible for accounts receivables and payables

for the agency; payroll; and is the direct assistant to the Sheriff.

Administrative Officer

Assist the Sheriff by encompassing an electronic records system; research and data analysis;

community relations; and other various tasks.

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THE ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION CONT.

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Evidence Custodian

Responsible for the storing and securing of all evidence collected from crime scenes incidents. Tasked with transferring any evidence to the state’s forensic lab for scientific analysis that may be used to enhance an investigation or for submission to the court for prosecution. Also ensures that all procedures are in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.

Personnel

27 Sworn Full-time

2 Sworn Bailiffs Part-time

1 Evidence Custodian Part-time

1 Civilian Office Support Full-time

10 Communication Officers Full-time

1 E911 Director Full-time

1 Communications Officer Part-time

2 Animal Control Officers Full-time

45 Active Personnel

THE ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION CONT.

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25% of staff have post high

school education

56% of entire staff are classified

as minorities

26% of staff are African

American

Less than 1% Hispanic

19% of sworn staff are females

30% of entire staff are females

15% sworn appointees

speak/read Spanish

20% of staff are Veterans

COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

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The Communications Division is under the authority of a civilian, who carries the rank and

authority of a Lieutenant within the Agency. The Director of Communications commands

the Emergency Operations Center and is responsible for the following: staffing and

managing the Center’s operation; implementing policies and procedures for the efficient

operation of the Center; planning and coordinating the technical support of the Center; and

providing 24-hour dispatching for law enforcement, fire, and EMS. This division acts as

the first line of communication for both emergency and non-emergency calls. Training

and certification of a communication officer entails training in the utilization of criminal

data in the state and national criminal information center (NCIC/VCIN). Communication

officers must be VCIN certified within six months and be a certified dispatcher within one

year of being employed. Their work schedule is shift work. The division is composed of

one director of communications, ten full-time communication officers, and one part-time

communication officer.

Intake Calls by Communications Division

Total number of calls 22,657

Average calls per month 1,888

Total Personnel 11

COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

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Communication Officers also serve as the hub for all incoming administrative calls for the agency ensuring that request are routed to the appropriate agency personnel. One of the most important skills that an individual must possess is the ability to multi-task and remain attentive to details.

Communication Officers are responsible for the accuracy of imputing and verifying of wanted individuals, stolen property, missing persons, request for medical assistance, non-emergency request, able to communicate and assist with mental health issues over the phone and the ability to gather detailed information in low and high stress request for services.

COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

CONT. AND STRATEGIC PLAN

Additional staff to enhance dispatch center capabilities.

Promotion of additional shift supervisors for accountability and liability.

Additional and enhanced training for communication officers in areas

such as mental health, medical dispatching, major incidents,

communications, record keeping, etc.

All of these areas require additional funding to continue to improve our

public safety sector.

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Patrol Division

PATROL DIVISION CONT.

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The Patrol Division is commanded

by the Lieutenant who reports to the

Chief Deputy. This Division is a major

line element of the Sheriff’s Office and

is responsible for 24-hour patrol and

crime prevention functions, preliminary

investigation of most crimes and

complete investigations of others,

preparation of reports relating to crimes

or incidents, traffic enforcement, and

calls for non-crime related services.

1 Lieutenant

2 Sergeants

12 Line Deputies

Criminal Warrants

Year Received Served

2013 2195 2141

2012 1721 1666

474 475

Increase 26% 29%

There is a 98% serve rate on criminal warrants.

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PATROL DIVISION CONT.

Challenges that affect the division:

Call volume for day is as high or higher versus night

With 2 people on shift puts strain on other staff (training, days off, etc.)

With 2 people one call can tie up field operations and then must utilize other staff or call out staff

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PATROL DIVISION CONT.

CURRENT AND STRATEGIC PLAN

Patrol – 1Lt., 2 Sgts., 12 Deputies = 15 patrol personnel (currently down 1 due to training at academy)

Visibility – contact with community citizens, calls for service, location to office, walk-ins, magistrate services, fingerprinting, etc.

4 shifts 7 am – 7 pm (Lt. & Sgts. not in this scenario)

(A) Day 2 + 1= 3

(B) Night 3 + 1academy = 4

(C) Day 3 + 1 = 4

(D) Night 3 + 1 = 4

2 additional Sgt. promotions would assist with current Sgts. scope of responsibility amongst shifts

Increase each shift by 1 person would increase visibility for proper zone coverage, accountability, consistency.

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ADMIN SHIFT WORK CHALLENGES

Training Time

Vacations

Sick leave

Workers Compensation Leave

Criminal/ Civil Transports

Temporary Detention Orders (custody security)

Dual Court Days

Holidays

Major Incidents

Overtime Management

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ANIMAL CONTROL DIVISION

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Animal Control Officer duties include:

Enforcement of county codes and state laws that pertain to domestic pets and livestock

Investigation of animal cruelty complaints

Investigation of dog attacks and bites to humans, animals and livestock

Response to emergencies involving sick or seriously injured domestic animals, including potential human exposure to rabies

Removal of stray dogs from streets and other public areas

What Animal Control Officers are not required to respond to:

Calls reporting wildlife nuisance

Wildlife damage to gardens, flower beds, shrubs or trees.

Wildlife living under decks, storage sheds, or porches

Wildlife in attics, basements, garages and sheds

Wildlife living in populated areas

ACO’s receive approx. 1,345 call for service a year.

2 Fulltime Officers

ANIMAL CONTROL DIVISION CONT.

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How to obtain a dog license in Fluvanna County:

All dogs are required to have a Fluvanna County Dog License. The license is due by January 31st of each year.

Proof of rabies vaccination is required before a license can be issued

Male or female dog: $8.00 unsexed dog (male or female): $4.00

Kennel tag of not more than 20 dogs: $40.00, not more than 50 dogs: $50.00

Obtain a license at Fluvanna County Treasurer’s Office

INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION

The responsibility of this Division include: investigating major crimes

which occur within the County of Fluvanna, collecting, identifying and

preserving any necessary physical evidence which has not been

previously processed by the Patrol Division; preparing and presenting

cases to the Commonwealth Attorney for formal charging and

prosecution of offenders; and coordinating and serving warrants and

other legal documents. This division also supervises the School

Resource Officer and the Narcotics Investigator.

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INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION

1 Lt., 2 general Investigators, 1Narcotics and 1 School

Resource Officer = 5 Investigation Personnel.

SRO stationed at high school. Due to call for service

volume, services are provided to all schools when available.

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JUDICIAL AFFAIRS DIVISION

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Court 4 days a week

No time limit on the length

of court while in session.

1 Lt., 2 FT & 2 PT=

5 Court Personnel

158 days or 44% of the

year spent in court

Judicial Affairs Division Cont.

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2013 FCSO Monthly Court Summary

Mont

h

Circuit

Court

Hours

Circuit

Court

Days

General

District

Hours

General

District

days

J&DR

Hours

J&DR

Days

Jail &

Court

Trans

Hours

Number

Trips

Jail &

Court

Jail &

Court

Trans

Miles

Jail &

Court #

of

Person

s

Detenti

on

Center

Trans

Hrs

Detenti

on

Court

Trips

Detenti

on

Court

Miles

Detenti

on

Court #

of

Person

Extradti

ons

Extradit

ion

Hours

Extradit

ion

Miles

ECO/TD

O

ECO

TDO

Miles

Civil

Served

Jan 151.5 4 100.5 3 133 4 14 17 658 11 14.5 8 522 5 0 0 0 2 300 174

Feb 231 6 93 4 146 4 25 16 785 7 6 8 316 4 0 0 0 0 0 162

Mar 170.5 6 108.5 3 126 3 27.5 27 1145 11 3.5 4 0 0 0 0 0 5 465.8 94

Apr 200.5 7 148 4 117.5 4 36.5 36 1094 17 4 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 200 199

May 220.5 6 128.5 4 147.5 4 40 42 1586 33 2.5 4 108 2 0 0 0 0 0 108

Jun 289 10 134 3 103.5 3 56 49 2172 19 2 4 108 2 0 0 0 0 0 126

Jul 96.5 4 94.5 4 121.5 4 52 34 1692 17 3.5 7 189 8 0 0 0 0 0 375

Aug 197.5 7 111.5 4 107 4 42.5 35 2051 22 2 4 108 1 0 0 0 2 120 189

Sep 254 9 146 3 131.75 3 67 32 2735 19 5 6 133 5 0 0 0 0 0 284

Oct 188.5 4 159.25 3 121.5 3 19 10 831 5 4 4 108 2 0 0 0 0 0 290

Nov 220.5 7 89 3 128.5 4 21 24 1311 13 2 4 180 3 0 0 0 2 254 418

Dec 112.5 4 95 3 106.5 3 30.3 16 1338 8 1.5 3 91 2 0 0 0 4 535 360

Total

s 2332.5 74 1407.8 41 1490.3 43 430.8 338 17398 182 50.5 60 1863 35 0 0 0 15 1874.8 2779

This division is responsible for courthouse security, transportation of prisoners and civil process unit. The Lieutenant reports to the Chief Deputy. The division is tasked with the responsibility of; ensuring safety within the courthouse and transporting prisoners to and from court; assisting with the service and processing of civil papers.

CIVIL PROCESS UNIT

Civil Process is the execution of various types of civil papers generated by the

different courts within or outside of Virginia, the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office,

Attorney General’s Office, Administrative Agencies and other Attorneys.

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Jury

Summons

18%

EPO/TDO

3%

Garnishment

Summonses

6% Protective

Orders

2% Show Cause

2%

Unlawful

Detainer

2%

Warrant in

Debt

15%

Writ/Levies

1%

Prelim.

Protective

Order

1%

General

Summonses

27%

Witness

Subpoenas

23%

Civil Process 2013

6,903

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

2013

Total Papers Received in 2013

CRIME FACTORS Crime trends vary from place to place, thus, a review of the statistics and comparison of data

should be done with caution. While the causes and origins of crime have been the subject of

investigation by many disciplines, crime in Virginia, restricts itself to population size alone to

establish a crime rate. Some factors believed to affect the type and volume of crime in various

places are listed below.

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Population size, density and degree

of urbanization;

Population variations in

composition and stability;

Economic conditions and

employment availability;

Morals, cultural conditions,

education, and religious

characteristics;

Family cohesiveness;

Climate, including seasonal weather

conditions;

Effective strength of the police

force;

Standards governing appointments

to the police force;

Attitudes and policies of the courts,

prosecutors and corrections;

Citizen attitudes toward crime and

police;

The administrative and

investigative efficiency of police

agencies and the organization and

cooperation of adjoining and

overlapping police jurisdiction;

Crime reporting practices of

citizens.

OFFENSE DATA FOR 2013

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Larcenies total of 144

Vandalism/Destruction total of 118

Drug Offenses total of 44

Weapon Law Violations total of 6

The offense categories are only a snap shot

of a few of the all incident categories that

are reported to the state for incidents that

happen within Fluvanna County.

Overall crime rate decreased by 13% between 2010 and 2012.

State of Virginia decreased by 2.5%

during same time span.

Highest decrease amongst the four other

counties in regional jail system.

2013 Crime Incidents

Sex Offenses total of 15

Assaults of 192

B&E/Burglaries total of 57

Fraud/Embezzlement total of 53

BUDGET

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87%

13%

-1%

Fluvanna County Sheriff's

Office FY13 Adopted Budget

Personnel

Operating

Capital

Costs FY 2013

Salaries/Benefits $ 1, 952,931

Operating $ 302,753

Capital $ 2,000

Total Adopted Budget

$ 2,257,684

*About 50% of budget is shared by state and

revenue from contractual services.

$90,000

$45,000

$19,000

$41,000

$29,200

$15,314

$63,239

Vehicle Fuel

Bldgs/equip/vehiclerepmaint

Maintenance services

Telecommunications

Training

Vehicle Insurance

Other

Operating costs

Operating costs

FLUVANNA COUNTY VS. SURROUNDING

LOCALITIES

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Sheriff’s Full Time/PT

Locality 2013 Population Square Miles Budget FY 2013 Sworn Officers

Fluvanna 26,019 282 $ 2,257,684 27F 3P

Louisa 34, 211 514 $ 4,353,872 46

Goochland 21,400 295 $ 3,088,333 34F 8P

Powhatan 28,451 272 $ 4,007,494 36

The Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office has a significantly lower annual budget and sworn time

officers compared to localities of similar or larger sizes.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

The mission of TRIAD is to reduce the fear of crime and victimization

among seniors by increasing awareness of scams and frauds targeting them,

strengthening communication between the law enforcement and senior

communities, and educating seniors on local and state resources that are

available within their community. The goal is accomplished through

trainings for seniors and law enforcement officials.

www.easyaccess.virginia.gov/triad.shtml

Neighborhood Watch is one of the most popular and successful of all efforts

to prevent residential crime. The National Sheriffs’ Association created the

National Neighborhood Watch Program in 1972, and have since partnered

with USA Freedom Corps, Citizen Corps and the U.S. Department of Justice

to revitalize the initiative. Fluvanna County is one of thousands of Virginia

localities participating in this crime prevention program.

www.volunteerguide.org/

The File of Life is a voluntary program which allows local first responders

to quickly obtain medical history and contact information in an emergency

when a patient cannot provide one. The File of Life card can be kept in your

wallet or attached to a magnet on your refrigerator to ensure access. The

File of Life program helps members of the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office

partner with members of the Fluvanna EMS and Fire Department to provide

services at times when you or a family member may not be able to communicate effectively due

to medical reasons or personal injury. www.folife.org/

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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

CrimeReports.com is the largest, most comprehensive crime-mapping

website in the world. Local law enforcement agencies throughout North

America partner with Crime Reports to bring you accurate, official, and up-

to-date crime information for the areas you care about most.

www.crimereports.com

VINELink is the online version of VINE (Victim Information and

Notification Everyday), the National Victim Notification Network. This

service allows crime victims to obtain timely and reliable information

about criminal cases and the custody status of offenders 24 hours a day.

Some states have the ability to display this website in Spanish. Please

click on the state where you wish to search. If this option is available, you will see an "English |

Español" toggle in the upper right hand corner. Victims and other concerned citizens can also

register to be notified by phone, email, text message (SMS) or TTY device when an offender's

custody status changes. Users can also register through their participating state or county toll-free

number. www.vinelink.com

ComputerCOP is a software monitoring tool that is part of a

comprehensive Internet safety plan. This is a quick and effective tool

to help parents determine what their children are doing while on the

computer and to assess their kids’ exposure to objectionable or even

dangerous material. By inserting the mini-CD, ComputerCOP

instantly scans for potentially objectionable images and text - drawing

on its database of nearly 1,000 red-flagged words and phrases associated with pornography,

drugs, violence, hate crimes, and gambling. ComputerCOP even scans files that have been

deleted. www.computercop.com

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2013 MENTIONABLE

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2013 Sheriff’s Award given to

Chief Deputy Eric Hess for

outstanding service.

2013 Volunteer Award given to

Chaplain Frank Signoretti.

2013 Communications Officer Mike Grandstaff

2013 Deputy of the Year Frankie Bishop Deputy Sean Peterson was the 2013

MADD recipient.

REFERENCES AND CONTACT

INFORMATION

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Information for this 2013 Annual

Report for the Fluvanna County

Sheriff’s Office was obtained from:

Fluvanna County’s website

Louisa County’s website

Goochland County’s website

Powhatan County’s website

Virginia State Police website

Various other websites

Public Access

www.fluvannasheriff.com rlwashington@fluvannasheriff.com

mgatlin@fluvannasheriff.com

Administration

Office (434) 591-2013

Fax (434) 591-2012

Emergency 911

Non-emergency 434-589-8211

Scottsville Res. 434-286-3642

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express thanks to the following local law enforcement

agencies that work collectively with the Sheriff’s Office in keeping the

County safe: Lake Monticello Police Department, Virginia State Police and

the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Sheriff Ryant L. Washington

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