In light of recent setbacks, including cases of sexual harassment, Gainesville Police Chief Tony Jones announced Wednesday he will restructure the department this year.
During a town hall meeting at GPD Headquarters, Jones announced the addition of a second Major, who will oversee internal affairs and manage all administrative functions.
The news was prompted, in part, by a handful of sexual harassment cases, including one that caused Capt. Brian Helmerson to resign.
Jones stressed that, although the recent incidents were not wholly responsible for the change, they are not to be overlooked.
“I have zero tolerance for this type of stuff that went through in 2015,” he said to the crowd of about 80 people.
This year, all GPD officers will receive training in procedural justice, along with fair and impartial policing, Jones said. The department is also planning extended ethics training for the entire force.
So far this year, only a select few members of the department have received this new training.
Additionally, Jones said he will be instituting an oath of honor, which officers will be expected to recite.
“On my honor, I will never betray my profession, my integrity, character or the public trust,” Jones read.
After looking toward the future, Jones invited a criminal investigations commander to reflect on the past.
Between 2014 and 2015, crime rates increased by about 3 percent, said GPD Lt. Mike Schentrup.
He said it was the first increase since 2009, but given that crime rates dropped by nearly 7 percent between 2013 and 2014, Schentrup was not surprised to see the 3 percent increase.
Between 2014 and 2015, robberies also increased from 149 cases to 232. However, GPD’s arrests for robbery increased from 121 to 220.
GPD investigators solved 77 percent of robbery cases in 2015, Schentrup said.
Instances of rape increased by about 13 cases between 2014 and 2015, and cases of aggravated assault rose from 563 to 585, he said.
By the end of the night, during a time designated for audience questions, the crowd stood and clapped — but not for Jones.
“You didn’t think we were gonna finish this without talking about Bobby White,” said GPD spokesman Officer Ben Tobias.
At the urging of a few audience members, “Basketball Cop” White made an appearance, bringing some of the kids featured in a recent viral video.
“I met Shaq,” one of the two teenagers said.
Refocusing on the topic of GPD’s future, Mayor Ed Braddy said the City Commission would consider options to improve the department.
“We are not comfortable with doing things well,” he said. “We need to take it even higher.”
Jones ended the meeting with a reassuring tone.
“We’re gonna do some great things in 2016.”
Contact Martin Vassolo at mvassolo@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @martindvassolo.
