Police

The Duncanville Police Department Joins National ABLE Project

Duncanville Police Patch
Active Bystander for Law Enforcement
Innovative Policing Program

July 6, 2021 – The Duncanville Police Department was recently accepted into the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Project, Georgetown University Law Center’s national training and support initiative for U.S. law enforcement agencies committed to building a culture of peer intervention that prevents harm.

By demonstrating a firm commitment to transformational reform with support from local community groups and elected leaders, the Duncanville Police Department joins a select group of more than 90 other law enforcement agencies and statewide and regional training academies from across the country.

Backed by prominent civil rights and law enforcement leaders, the evidence-based, field-tested ABLE Project was developed by Georgetown Law’s Innovative Policing Program in collaboration with global law firm Sheppard Mullin LLP to provide practical active bystandership strategies and tactics to law enforcement officers to prevent misconduct, reduce mistakes, and promote health and wellness.

ABLE gives officers the tools they need to overcome the innate and powerful inhibitors all individuals face when called upon to intervene in actions taken by their peers.

Interim Chief of Police Mark LiVigni said seeking inclusion to join the ABLE Project reflected important priorities for the Duncanville Police Department.

“As a professional and recognized public safety agency of the Texas Police Chief’s Best Practices Recognition Program, the Duncanville Police Department views the Active Bystander for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Program as making sense for our citizens, our personnel, and our city as a whole.  It is a win for everyone as we all have an interest in our agency being able to provide the most ethical and responsible delivery of police services possible to our community while reducing harm to all stakeholders when possible.” said Chief LiVigni.

Those who endorsed the Duncanville Police Department’s application to join the program included Duncanville City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides, Duncanville Chamber of Commerce President Steve Martin, and First Presbyterian Church Reverend, Dr. Ginger Hertenstein, all of whom wrote letters of support.

Reverend Hertenstein stated in her letter of support of the department’s application, “This program would be congruent with the  policies and culture of the Duncanville Police Department and its leadership.”

Professor Christy Lopez, co-director of Georgetown Law’s Innovative Policing Program, which runs ABLE, explained: “The ABLE Project seeks to ensure every police officer in the United States has the opportunity to receive meaningful, effective active bystandership training, and to help agencies transform their approach to policing by building a culture that supports and sustains successful peer intervention to prevent harm.”

Chair of the ABLE Project Board of Advisors, Sheppard Mullin partner Jonathan Aronie, added: “Intervening in another’s action is harder than it looks after the fact, but it’s a skill we all can learn.  And, frankly, it’s a skill we all need – police and non-police.  ABLE teaches that skill.”

The ABLE Project is guided by a Board of Advisors comprised of civil rights, social justice, and law enforcement leaders, including Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Commissioner Danielle Outlaw of the Philadelphia Police Department; Dr. Ervin Staub, professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the founder of the Psychology of Peace and Justice Program; and an impressive collection of other police leaders, rank and file officers, and social justice leaders.

  • See the complete list of the ABLE Project Board of Advisors.
  • For more information about the ABLE Project, visit the program’s website.
  • See a list of the ABLE Standards to which every participating agency must adhere.
  • These articles share more information about active bystandership generally, and the ABLE Project in particular.

Certified Duncanville Police Department instructors will attend an ABLE Project Train-The-Trainer event in late July.  At the conclusion of their training, they will be certified as ABLE trainers.  In the following months, all officers of the Duncanville Police Department will receive 8 hours of evidence-based active bystandership education designed not only to prevent harm, but to change the culture of policing.

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For more information regarding the Duncanville Police Department’s involvement in this transformative training endeavor, contact Alex Hamby, City of Duncanville Public Information Officer or Officer Doug Sisk, the Duncanville Police Department’s Public Information Officer.

For more information on the ABLE Project, contact Liza, ABLE Program Coordinator, at LBA17@georgetown.edu or Lisa, ABLE Project Director, at Lisa.Kurtz@georgetown.edu.

July 19, 2021 in Front Page News, Police Press Releases

DUNCANVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT WARNS RESIDENTS OF INCREASE IN SOPHISTICATED SCAMS

Scam AlertDUNCANVILLE, TX – Duncanville Police Department is currently investigating several financial fraud offenses committed against the elderly and other vulnerable citizens within the city.  Officers have been made aware of new methods being used by fraud suspects, which can include gifts being delivered to the homes of victims to make the scam appear more credible.  The scammer may use these unsolicited gifts to convince potential victims there is a larger prize to be had, but usually with a catch. These offenses have been conducted over the phone, by text, mail, and via the internet.

Most scams start with unsolicited contact from people posing as employees from government agencies, utility companies, the lottery commission, or even as friends or family members.

Never trust caller ID.  Identify the caller and the company or agency they represent.  Ask questions, but don’t answer theirs. Verify what you are provided by researching that information yourself or by having someone you trust do so.  If you are being pressured to provide personal information immediately, it should raise your suspicion.  Don’t be surprised if, during phone scams, the caller becomes belligerent or hangs up when told you want to verify their information.  This is a good indication of an attempted scam.

Don’t give your personal or financial information in response to an unexpected request. Legitimate organizations won’t call, email or text to ask for your personal information, like your Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers.

Remember, if they are asking for money for you to get money it is most likely a scam. Legitimate organizations will also never ask to be paid by gift card.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Duncanville Police Department at 972-223-6111 extension 3 to file a report.  For additional information or resources call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.

May 25, 2021 in Front Page News, Police, Police Press Releases

Duncanville Fieldhouse Opens Shower and Water Facilities for Those Still Without Utilities for Second Day

Duncanville Parks and Recreation and Emergency Services will open the Duncanville Fieldhouse for a 2nd day Monday, February 22, 2021, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM for those impacted by the winter storm still without water utilities. People can visit the Duncanville Fieldhouse at 1700 S. Main St., Duncanville, Texas 75137 during these hours to use showers and collect water. Visitors are asked to please, bring their own water containers and toiletries.

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February 22, 2021 in Fire, Front Page News, Parks & Recreation, Police

Duncanville Fieldhouse Opens Shower and Water Facilities for Those Still Without Utilities

Duncanville Parks and Recreation and Emergency Services will open the Duncanville Fieldhouse today from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM for those impacted by the winter storm still without water utilities. People can visit the Duncanville Fieldhouse at 1700 S. Main St., Duncanville, Texas 75137 during these hours to use showers and collect water. Visitors are asked to please, bring their own water containers and toiletries.

A plan is in place for use of the showers. Shower suites will be assigned after check-in to families and individuals. Reservations are available by calling 972-331-8868.

Three water bibs will be made available outside the Duncanville Fieldhouse for drive-up water fills. Those who choose to use this option are asked to provide their own water containers.

Visitors are asked to follow the CDC’s mask and social distancing guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 21, 2021 in Fire, Front Page News, Parks & Recreation, Police

DUNCANVILLE POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED – DEPARTMENT TAKES SWIFT ACTION

Duncanville, TX (January 5, 2021) – In mid-December 2020, serious allegations of police misconduct by a Duncanville Police Officer was brought to the attention of Duncanville Police Administration by other members of its own police department. The police officer in question was immediately placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the allegations, which involved alleged misconduct while on duty. Due to the nature of the allegations and to promote transparency, Duncanville Police Administration requested the Dallas Sheriff’s Department conduct a criminal investigation for any potential criminal activity. The Dallas Sheriff’s Department agreed to investigate this matter, and today two-year Duncanville Police Officer, Christian Pinilla, was arrested on three counts of Official Oppression, a Class A misdemeanor of Texas Penal Code, Section 39.03.

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January 5, 2021 in Front Page News, Police Press Releases

DUNCANVILLE POLICE IMPLEMENT CRIME AWARENESS FOR CITIZENS

Duncanville residents will now be able to utilize a crime mapping tool to be more informed about reported crime within the City of Duncanville. This tool, CrimeMapping.com, interfaces with the Duncanville Police Department’s Records Management System (RMS) to map, list and chart general crime as reported. The Duncanville Police Department is excited to announce this tool to its citizens as a means to enhance their ability to access general crime data efficiently. Although this tool is anticipated to allow for more information-sharing about generalized crime to our citizens, it does not provide sensitive information about each reported crime due to victims’ privacy issues as well as issues pertaining to investigation integrity.

CrimeMapping.com can be accessed from any computer or mobile device either directly at www.CrimeMapping.com, or via a link on the City of Duncanville’s website. The desired data of each individual, based on his/her parameters, includes sharp map visuals and icons which clearly depict reported crimes in areas of interest (work, home, schools or daycare facilities).

The www.CrimeMapping.com website also allows users the ability to set individualized crime alerts around specific addresses by setting up automatic notifications pertinent to the area and/or reported crime(s) selected. A short instructional video, which can be found towards the bottom of the homepage at www.CrimeMapping.com, provides a detailed overview of the site’s features.

August 17, 2020 in Community, Front Page News, Police, Police Press Releases

The Top COVID-19 Scams

Scammers follow the headlines

Source: The Senior Source

Robocalls – HANG UP!

Scammers or scammy companies use illegal robocalls to profit from Coronavirus-related fears – posing as the IRS or Medicare. Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website to hear scam calls: ftc.gov/coronavirus.

Testing Scam

Scammers are calling or knocking on doors in white lab coats or hazmat gear claiming to be with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention selling fake at-home Coronavirus tests.

Treatment Scam

Scammers are calling or knocking on doors in white lab coats or hazmat gear claiming to be with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention selling fake cures, vaccines, and medical advice on unproven treatments.

Supply Scam

Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses to sell medical supplies in high demand, like surgical masks. When you try to purchase supplies, they pocket the money.

Provider Scam

Scammers are contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or family member for COVID-19 and demanding payment.

Charity Scam

Scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas impacted by coronavirus.

Phishing Scam

Scammers are sending emails posing as health officials, including the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They want to trick you into downloading malware or providing personal identification and financial information.

App Scam

Scammers are creating and controlling mobile apps used to track the spread of COVID-19. If used, these apps insert malware on your device that steals your personal and financial information.

Compassion & Romance Scams

Scammers will use this opportunity to prey on your vulnerability while you are contained and isolated to your home, developing a friendship or romantic relationship with you to gain your trust and obtain your personal and financial information.

For additional information and updates from the City of Duncanville visit:
duncanville.com/covid-19/

March 31, 2020 in COVID-19, Police

U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain Warns about Fraud Related to the Coronavirus Crisis and Provides Tips to the Public

U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain warned the public today about the growing number and variety of fraud schemes associated with the coronavirus. He offered guidance to help prevent the public from being victimized by these frauds.  

“Over the past few weeks, there has been a significant number of frauds committed across the country related to the coronavirus pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “The fact that criminals seek to exploit the pandemic by preying on the worries and fears of the public in this difficult time is despicable. My Office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. We will leave no stone unturned to find these criminals and bring them to justice.”

Below are some of the known fraudulent schemes related to the coronavirus pandemic:

  • Fake cures: Fraudsters are advertising fake cures, fake vaccines, and so-called “immunity” pills, and including wild claims about the products’ healing powers with no scientific or medical basis.
  • Fake testing: Fraudsters are selling fake at-home testing kits or going door-to-door performing fraudulent tests in exchange for money.
  • Health care frauds: Fraudsters are offering free (and phony) coronavirus testing to obtain Medicare or other healthcare insurance information, which they use to submit false claims for benefits.
  • Fake protection and supplies: Fraudsters are advertising fake or un-tested protective equipment (including respirator masks) through websites, social media, and robocalls. The fraudsters have no real equipment to sell, or provide equipment that has not been proven to work for its advertised purpose.
  • Phishing: Fraudsters are posing as representatives from well-known institutions, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in order to trick victims into downloading malware or providing personal identifying and financial information.
  • Fake health care providers: Fraudsters pose as doctors or hospital employees and contact individuals via phone or email. They make false claims that they treated a relative or friend for coronavirus and demand money for the claimed treatment.
  • Identity theft: Fraudsters are using social media to fraudulently seek donations or provide stimulus funds if the victim provides a bank account number or other personal identifying information. The fraudsters use the information entered by the victim to impersonate the victim and steal money from the victim’s bank account.
  • Securities fraud: Fraudsters are promoting securities in publicly traded companies that they falsely claim have discovered the cure for coronavirus.
  • Fake charities: Fraudsters are soliciting donations for charities to allegedly benefit people affected by the virus and pocketing the money for themselves. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office urges everyone to follow these tips to better protect themselves from these types of fraud schemes:

  1. Ignore unsolicited offers for coronavirus cures, vaccines, pills, or treatment.  If there is a medical breakthrough, you will not hear about it first through an email, advertisement, or door-to-door sales pitch. Be aware that fraudsters often use addresses that differ only slightly from the entities that they are impersonating, such as “cdc.com” or “cdc.org” instead of “cdc.gov.”
  2. Do not share personal information with strangers. Be extremely cautious about unsolicited emails or ads that request your personal information for any purpose. Legitimate healthcare providers will not call or email you and demand medical information, personal identifying information, or money for treatment they have provided to a friend or relative. Report the contact to law enforcement. 
  3. Do not open emails or links from unknown sources. In doing so, you could download malware or a virus onto your computer or device. 
  4. Be extremely cautious when sending money in any form. If a business, charity, or individual is requesting payments or donations in cash, by wire transfer, gift card, or through the mail, be careful. Take extra steps to verify the identity of the receiving party and the security of the transaction.
  5. Have up-to-date software protections on your devices. Be sure the anti-virus and anti-malware software on your computer or device is operating and up-to-date.

If you or someone you know has been the target or victim of a fraud scheme related to the coronavirus, please report the incident to the national hotline at The National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 or at disaster@leo.gov

justice.com/coronavirus

For additional information and updates from the City of Duncanville visit:
duncanville.com/covid-19/

March 30, 2020 in COVID-19, Front Page News, Police

2019 Novel Coronavirus: Duncanville Preparedness & Response

March 16, 2020

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) reported five additional positive cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Dallas County. Local public laboratories are no longer required to send “presumptive positive” samples to the CDC for confirmation.  Respiratory samples positive for COVID-19 in a public health laboratory will be considered “positive” with no need for further testing.

The five cases include:

  • One man in his 40’s, one man in his 50’s, one woman in her 50’s, one man in his 60’s, one man in his 70’s
  • All are self-isolating at residences and are not hospitalized
  • Three cases are residents of the city of Dallas, one is a resident of the city of Farmers Branch, and one resides out-of-state
  • 4 cases are related to domestic out-of-state travel
  • 1 case is likely from local community spread 

Dallas County will not release further information to protect their privacy.

“Significantly, there’s another likely case of community spread among the five cases we are reporting today. I am in consultation with the mayors of the cities in Dallas County and our state and federal partners. We will be announcing additional measures to keep you safe soon,” said Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.

Dallas County has now reported 19 presumptive positive cases, however, four of those cases are out of county residents and will not be reflected in our case counts posted on the DCHHS website.

March 14, 2020

March 13, 2020
Dallas County Health and Human Services has reported five (5) additional presumptive COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of cases in Dallas County to eight (8). Last night, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins declared a local disaster for public health emergency and has issued a community gathering order effective today at 11 am. Judge Jenkins has requested that the mayors in Dallas County cities issue a local declaration in support of the county’s efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.  To that end, Mayor Gordon issued an order mirroring the Dallas County order this morning, as allowed by state law.

ORDER OF COUNTY JUDGE CLAY JENKINS (SUMMARY)
DATE ORDER ISSUED: March 12, 2020
The virus that causes 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is easily transmitted through person to person contact, especially in group settings, and it is essential that the spread of the virus be slowed to protect the ability of public and private health care providers to handle the influx of new patients and safeguard public health and safety. Because of the risk of the rapid spread of the virus, and the need to protect the most vulnerable members of the community, the Dallas County order prohibits community gatherings of 500 persons or more anywhere in Dallas County beginning at 11 a.m. on March 13, 2020, and continuing seven days through 11:00 a.m. on March 20, 2020. For all other gatherings, the Office of the Dallas County Judge and the Health Authority strongly recommends following the social distancing protocols attached to this Order, including canceling, rescheduling, or not attending events with more than 250 persons. Additionally, the Office of the Dallas County Judge and the Health Authority strongly urges high-risk individuals, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to cancel, reschedule, or not attend events that will have or will likely have 10 or more people.

Duncanville Facilities and Community Events, Programs & Classes Impacted

In order to protect the health and welfare of our employees and residents, the City of Duncanville has made the following immediate modifications in order to address the growing health concerns:

  • The D.L. Hopkins Jr., Senior Center will be closed starting Monday, March 16 through the end of March, which is subject to change based on the evolving COVID-19 situation.
  • Recreation Center and Library operations will continue as usual, and classes and programs are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
  • All senior activities are canceled until further notice.
  • The Recreation Center’s ‘Princess Tea Party’ event scheduled for March 28 has been postponed.
  • The Library’s ‘Touch A Truck’ event on March 18 has been canceled.
  • Large events occurring in the near future at the Fieldhouse will be canceled based on the Dallas County declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency threshold for community gatherings.

The City’s Event Calendar will be updated appropriately, so please check the status of events, classes and programs to stay informed.

Duncanville ISD’s Spring Break is next week, and the school district has extended Spring Break by one week and canceled all extracurricular activities starting Friday, March 13.

The Duncanville Chamber of Commerce has postponed the ‘Flavor of Duncanville’ event that was scheduled for Thursday, March 19 and have not announced a new date at this time.

March 12, 2020
The health, safety and well-being of our community and employees is of paramount concern, and the city continues to monitor the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) activity and is prepared to respond appropriately if Duncanville is impacted.

Dallas County Health and Human Services is the lead agency responsible for providing information and guidance regarding COVID-19 to the City of Duncanville. The Duncanville Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management are actively engaged with daily calls and communication with DCHHS and other partners to ensure Duncanville has the latest updates and information regarding the evolving public health threat.

The city is taking precautions to help mitigate the spread of germs at public facilities.

If possible, we encourage residents to use online tools and other resources for self-service needs. For example, residents can report an issue through the ‘Report A Concern’ button at the bottom of the homepage, and pay utility bills online at https://duncanville.dpnetbill.com or by phone: 844-608-6680. For general questions or concerns, please call City Hall at 972-780-5000 or peruse the city website. Follow the city on Facebook and Twitter for the latest new and information updates.

City facilities in Duncanville have enhanced cleaning and sanitizing efforts through the COVID-19 public threat period, including Duncanville City Hall, Duncanville Public Library, Duncanville Recreation Center, D.L. Hopkins Jr., Senior Center, Duncanville Fieldhouse and public restrooms at City parks.

Disinfection activities at facilities includes:

  • Increasing the cleaning and disinfection efforts in all city facilities
  • Disinfecting communal equipment multiple times a day
  • Re-filling soap and antibacterial dispensers daily
  • Posting the DCHHS 2019 Novel Coronavirus FAQ document in English and Spanish at the entrance to all city buildings and in public restrooms
  • City employees have been asked to assist with regular disinfection of workstations and public areas
  • Public restrooms at parks are cleaned and sanitized appropriately

For more information regarding COVID-10, please visit DCHHS: https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/2019-novel-coronavirus.php or CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

March 13, 2020 in Community, Finance, Fire, Front Page News, Parks & Recreation, Police, Public Works, Utility

CANCELED – Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Opportunity: March 28 & April 4

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) regional task force is conducting spring 2020 training for any resident interested in joining CERT.

What: Best Southwest CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Training
When:  Saturday, March 28 and Saturday, April 4
Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm both days
Where: DeSoto Fire Training Center, 501 E Wintergreen Rd., DeSoto, TX 75115
Cost:$20 for the manual, t-shirt and a hat
Register online: https://forms.gle/VJUFib5rHRCVDTGv6
Questions: Contact Pat Weaver at 214-797-6026

Students will learn:

Disaster Preparation
CERT Organization
Medical Part 1
Medical Part 2
Search and Rescue
Fire Safety
Psychology
Terrorism
Unit Review and Simulation of the program

The 2-day course will teach citizens how to be better prepared to respond to, and cope with, the aftermath of a disaster. Additionally, if a community wants to supplement its response capability after a disaster, civilians can be recruited and trained as neighborhood, business, and government teams that, in essence, will be auxiliary responders. These groups can provide immediate assistance to victims in their area, organize spontaneous volunteers who have not had the training, and collect disaster intelligence that will assist professional responders with prioritization and allocation of resources following a disaster. Since 1993 when this training was made available nationally by FEMA, communities in 28 States and Puerto Rico have conducted CERT training.

CERT is a public safety corporation with the purpose of, in the event of a natural or man-made disaster, aiding the citizenry of the Best Southwest regional cities of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Lancaster, Midlothian, Red Oak and Maypearl as they adopt the corporation program in their community. CERT meets monthly and conducts ongoing training.

March 12, 2020 in Fire, Front Page News, Police
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