The community does not always like to read or hear about crime in the community.  Unfortunately, we had three homicides – all gang related – in 2009.
The good news was they were solved, have been charged out and are pending.
Many gang related crimes are often difficult to solicit help from witnesses, other gang members, victims, etc.
Fortunately, through the hard work and tips from the public, we have been able to charge these crimes.
In our schools, what people don’t hear about are incidents like this:
Just after the homicide of Ladislado Avila on Dec. 7, a Toppenish Police Department Student Resource Officer contacted a group of gang members on Jan. 8, just before 4 p.m., after he observed one of subjects walking and apparently holding something under his waist band.  
SRO Dunsmore’s experience led him to believe it was a weapon, and he ended up contacting the group, who then ran from him.  
Officer Dunsmore pursued the gang member on the campus at Valley View School and eventually recovered a .357 handgun while at gunpoint.  
The recovery of this gun on school grounds only affirms the importance having of our local officers assigned to our schools.  
SRO Sandra Shah has also positively promoted the “Just Ducky” program that also promotes good behavior and respect.  Students at the elementary levels are recognized for positive behavior.
The project has had an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from teachers, students and parents.  
Officer Shah is also very active in identifying and charging out suspects and members of local graffiti tagging crews.
The Toppenish community has mobilized and we are seeing the re-emergence of community block watches.  
We are continuing to train entities in personal safety, drug awareness and gang awareness.  
We are also pleased with the efforts of the Community Safety Network (CSN) to assist our department in this process and initiate plans into action.
There is also a gang injunction underway by Toppenish Municipal Court Prosecutor Raber.  
Many elements of the gang injunction concept stem from the California Justice System that has been utilized in the condition requirements for criminals charged through TMC.
Toppenish City Manager Bill Murphy has also been very instrumental and supportive of these efforts to address gang members who would violate these conditions by possessing items or weapons related to gang involvement, wear gang clothing, associate with gang members, etc.  
Even curfews can be imposed from the court making the violation more effective.
In the summer of 2009, the Toppenish Police Department’s Self Defense Academy for Women was a success, and we plan to do it again in 2010.  
2009 has also been one of the most successful years for our Investigations Division, which was proactive in narcotics violations, search warrants, surveillance and warrant sweeps.  
Our efforts to educate the public through public service announcements related to vehicle theft, burglary, and drinking and driving throughout the year was also positive, as well as our officers individual efforts to perform community policing activities.
In light of the fallen officers who have served their communities throughout prior years, we would like to thank the many citizens of Toppenish for their support of public safety and we hope to continue these efforts into 2010.