TPD Patrol Division East Newsletter - June 2025

TPD Patrol Division East Newsletter - June 2025

City of Tucson sent this bulletin at 07/01/2025 01:42 PM MST

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. |

Captain Belinda MoralesOperations Division East

June 2025

TPD Annual Report Released

Check out TPD's 2024 Annual Report on our webpage: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Police. It was an eventful year, with many accomplishments and some terrible losses. Let us know what you think.

Ops East Personnel Attend Police Memorial in Washington, D.C.

TPD Honor Guard Officer Mario Hineman and Professional Staff Member Monica Sheldon proudly represented Operations Division East (ODE) during National Police Week in Washington, D.C. The event included a solemn, nationwide roll call in remembrance of law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

This year, Tucson mourned the loss and honored the legacy of two of its own: Lead Patrol Officer Adam Buckner and Detective Jason Southard, both of whom died in the line of duty. Their names were formally inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, ensuring that their dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

CRT Arrest Leads to Seizure of Drugs, Weapons, and Cash

On May 7th, the Operations Division East (ODE) Community Response Team (CRT) conducted proactive enforcement around 29th Street and Craycroft Road. While in the area, officers observed suspicious behavior involving a black Mercedes Benz parked at a convenience store. A male subject was seen loitering on the property, frequently moving between the vehicle and a nearby bus stop and repeatedly handling a cross-body bag placed in the trunk. Officers also observed a brief interaction between the subject and another individual at the vehicle. A records check revealed that the registered owner of the vehicle had an outstanding felony warrant for a parole violation. The warrant was confirmed, and a subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in seizure of the following:

• $4,674.95 in cash

• 48.206 grams of methamphetamine

• 4.728 grams of crack cocaine

• 2.604 grams of heroin

• 550 fentanyl pills

• A digital scale

• Body armor

• A loaded M&P 9mm handgun

• A .25 caliber handgun

The subject was taken into custody and booked into the Pima County Jail on multiple charges, including narcotics violations, possession of a firearm during a drug offense, and prohibited possessor.

We commend our CRT officers for their continued dedication to removing dangerous drugs and weapons from our community. Their efforts play a vital role in enhancing public safety and protecting the well-being of our residents.

ODE Statistics

Activity

Type

2025 Division Year to Date

2025 Department Year to Date

Calls for Service

14,908

64,244

Officer-initiated Activity

2,664

14,134

Gun-related Crime

12

66

Homicide

3

30

Traffic Citations

1,199

18,220

Staffing

Type

2025 Division Year to Date

2025 Department Year to Date

Sworn Members

98

812

Community Service Officers

30

142

Professional Staff Investigators

1

31

Professional Staff

3

237

ODE Joins Rwandan Community for Genocide Remembrance Ceremony

Operations Division East was honored to be invited by the Rwandan community to participate in Kwibuka, a commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

Sergeant Jeremy Williams, along with Community Service Officers Terry Hayward and Carrie Ord, represented the division at this deeply meaningful event.

Kwibuka, which means “To Remember,” is a time for reflection, mourning, and solidarity. The ceremony paid tribute to the more than one million innocent lives lost and offered support to the survivors and their families, who continue to carry the weight of this tragedy.

We are proud of our ODE team for their continued commitment to community engagement and for standing with our Rwandan neighbors during such a solemn and important occasion. Their presence reflects our shared values of compassion, respect, and unity. 

ODE Supports Youth Empowerment at Camp Fury

Personnel from Operations Division East proudly participated in Sponsor Night at Camp Fury, representing the S.T.A.R.T. program and supporting youth engagement in public safety careers. Organized annually by the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, Camp Fury brings together scouts from Tucson and across the country for a unique, immersive experience in fire, emergency services, and law enforcement.

ODE Sergeant Brichelle Saarloos also took part as a role player, contributing to the direct learning and mentorship that define the camp. Over the course of five days and nights, participants engage in activities such as search and rescue, crime scene investigation, and physical fitness drills. The camp highlights the accomplishments of young women, while introducing them to female professionals who are breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. The week concludes with a graduation ceremony celebrating each participant’s achievements, joined by family and friends.

Thank you to all ODE personnel who contributed their time and expertise to support the future of our Tucson girls and inspire the next generation of leaders in public safety.

Crime Prevention Tip

With the 4th of July just around the corner, did you know that improper use of fireworks is not only unsafe – it can also be a crime?

Below are some common consumer fireworks that are illegal to use in Arizona, outside a permitted public fireworks display.

Fireworks that are not consumer fireworks are federally regulated, and even transporting them without the proper license or permit is illegal.

Any fireworks use that causes harm, whether negligent or intentional, can subject the person to criminal and civil liability. Check out these Fireworks Safety Tips from the National Safety Council.

Finally, keep your pets indoors and calm over the holiday. Animal shelters receive the highest number of strays this time of year – dogs and cats who bolted out the door to run away from all the frightening noise.

Enjoy the 4th and stay safe!

June Event

The ODE Division Advisory Committee (DAC) meeting took place on Wednesday, June 26th at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Erik D. Hite Eastside Substation, located at 9670 East Golf Links Road.

Community members were invited to join us for an important discussion on several key topics:

Street Projects Update – Representatives from the Department of Transportation & Mobility (DTM) gave a brief presentation on current and upcoming road work and infrastructure projects affecting the Eastside.Crime Trends – ODE shared recent data and insights on Part 1 Crimes from the past quarter.Community Safety Near Udall Park – ODE addressed concerns regarding increased homelessness and related criminal activity in the area of Udall Park. TPD, in collaboration with the City's Parks & Recreation Department, outlined planned strategies to address these issues.The meeting included a call to the audience, offering residents the opportunity to share concerns, ask questions, and engage directly with department representatives.

Personally, I would like to take a moment to recognize and express my sincere appreciation for the unwavering support shown by the Eastside community. As Division Commander, I consider community trust and support to be among the most vital components of our success. Together, we can continue to build a safer and stronger community for all.

Links

Graffiti RemovalTPD Non-Emergency Online Reporting SystemReport a Code Violation (weeds, trash, junked vehicles, building or sign violations)Report a Homeless EncampmentFile a Trespass Letter (for businesses)TPD WebsiteFor emergencies: call 911For police non-emergencies: call (520) 791-4444