December 18, 2024 • 33 mins
Chief Dye shares his remarkable 41-year journey from farm life to leading various police departments across Texas, culminating in his role as the Chief of the Allen Police Department. Discover the inspiring stories and pivotal experiences that shaped his career, as well as his deep-rooted connection to Allen and the strategic vision he brings to this burgeoning city. We discuss his hands-on approach to leadership, which has ushered in significant changes aimed at tackling the challenges of a growing community and promoting a safe environment for all residents.
Experience the transformative impact of Chief Dye's first year in Allen, marked by the launch of Collin County's first police youth boxing gym and a comprehensive three-part policing strategy. The gym, a community-driven initiative, not only provides an inclusive space for youth and officers but also symbolizes the department's dedication to community engagement. Learn about the innovative use of technology and assertive enforcement measures that have made Allen one of the safest cities in Texas. Plus, the APD FitForce program is highlighted, showcasing the commitment to holistic wellness for officers, fostering a healthier and more motivated police force.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (00:02):
Welcome back to another episode of Allen
Police (00:04):
Behind the Badge, we're your hosts Officer Sam
Rippamonti, and this is AlexusBirmingham.
Outreach Coordinator Alexus (00:10):
Yes , and today our special guest is
our very own Chief Dye.
Chief Steve Dye (00:13):
Well, great to see you guys.
Good afternoon and thanks forhaving me on.
Thanks for coming on to talk tous.
Outreach Coordinator Alex (00:19):
Thank you for joining us.
Chief Steve Dye (00:20):
Absolutely Can't wait to dive into some
deep conversation with you guys.
Yeah, let's go.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (00:26):
So you have a long, extensive career in
law enforcement.
We'll get more into that herein a minute.
But would you mind starting usoff with something over your
career, something that juststands out to you, some kind of
story?
Chief Steve Dye (00:38):
Well, alexis, I think you just called me old
because I am going into my 41styear of public service.
So you know, sammy, I get thatquestion a lot.
I mean, I don't know one storyto really focus on.
I think you know what a lot ofpeople don't probably know about
me.
I actually grew up on a farm anda ranch up in the panhandle, on
the Palo Duro Canyon or God'scountry as I call it, from a
(01:02):
really small town, graduatedwith 21 other classmates and you
know I loved farming andranching but, for whatever
reason, I always wanted to be apolice officer.
So I drove eight hours from homebecause I was told that you
know, Sam Houston StateUniversity is the best criminal
justice college in the world anddidn't know a soul, went down
(01:24):
there, worked at a sportinggoods store full-time during the
school year, worked summers andChristmas back on the farm and
the ranch and worked my waythrough school.
I got my degree and I startedin 1984 as a Houston police
officer.
And then, you know, probablyone of my other loves was I love
sports.
And you know, probably one ofmy other loves was I love sports
(01:46):
.
I love football as a rodeocowboy, but I wasn't good enough
to do either one of those formoney so I had to get a real job
as a police officer.
But seriously, I've been reallyblessed.
I'm one of the few people thatI know that's really lived my
professional dream.
So you know, every day that Icome in I'm very thankful for
that opportunity.
Outreach Coordinator Alexus (02:05):
So where did you start your career
out?
It was in Houston.
Chief Steve Dye (02:08):
Yeah, it was Houston PD 1984.
Sorry if any of our listenersare from Houston.
I loved working in.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (02:16):
Houston.
Chief Steve Dye (02:17):
Was not a big fan of living in Houston.
I'm from the high plains up inthe Panhandle where it's really
dry and I never really could getused to that humidity.
So you know I've got family inNorth Texas, moved back up to
North Texas, was with Garland PDfor about 14 years and at the
urging of my wife I promoted andbecame an assistant chief in
(02:40):
2004.
And then my first chief's jobwas in Colleyville in 2010.
Went on to be chief in GrandPrairie for about nine years.
They asked me to be the citymanager.
I did that for about threeyears, learned a lot, but I'm
definitely a lot more of a copthan I am a city manager, so so
excited to return to policing.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (03:00):
Before coming to Allen.
You had some ties to Allen atone time, right.
Chief Steve Dye (03:04):
Yeah, we lived here when I worked in Garland.
Uh, both of our girls graduatedhigh school here and Allen
Eagles.
Allen Eagles loved the city.
So when I retired last yearcity manager uh, thankfully I
was blessed with severalopportunities to return to
policing and, uh, the Allenopportunity head and shoulders
above the other.
A great opportunity.
(03:25):
So glad to be back, glad to beleading this great department
and just trying to make usbetter, but certainly thankful
that I inherited a bunch ofgreat men and women like you,
sammy, and then I was smartenough to bring Alexis with me.
We appreciate that.
So you got the package deal.
Alexis worked for me in GrandPrairie and so glad to have her
(03:46):
here in Allen with us.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (03:48):
So we feel very lucky to have you here
in Allen.
I may be wrong, but didn't youturn us down once though?
Chief Steve Dye (03:57):
Well, as a matter of fact, I did.
You know, I'd only been inGrand Prairie about three months
and the city manager at thetime, Mr Vargas, called me and
asked me if I was interested inbeing your police chief.
But you know I said, look, Ican't leave Grand Prairie after
only three months, and you know.
So he asked me to help selectthe next chief, and I did.
I came over here and helped himselect Chief Harvey.
(04:20):
Who's gosh?
He's been a friend for wellover 20 years probably over 25
years.
So but you know it wasn't theright time for me to be in Allen
back then.
I think with my backgroundexperiences and really you know
now's the better time for me tobe here.
You know, allen used to be onthe edge of the Metroplex and
we're really not anymore.
(04:40):
We're more in the middle withall of our growth to the north.
Not anymore.
We're more in the middle withall of our growth to the north.
So because our city has grownwell over 100,000, we're more in
the middle.
We're starting to experiencemore big city problems, more
encroachment, particularly fromthe criminal element at night
trying to come in to our city tooffend.
So I think my style of policingand my background is probably a
(05:02):
little bit better fit now.
You know, the good Lord alwaysputs us where he needs us.
Absolutely, and I'm a bigbeliever in that.
So I think now is the time forme to be here again just taking
over a great department andseeing how we can get better.
And you know we may talk aboutit, but I think a lot of the
crime strategies that we'veemployed we're already seeing
(05:23):
some really good returns oninvestment, so I think that's
probably worth diving into atsome point, we feel blessed to
have you here.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (05:29):
Chief Harvey is a great man, but the
new life, new direction has beena breath of fresh air for
everybody here in the department.
So, as a whole, in lawenforcement, what kind of
struggles are we seeing, whatchallenges are we facing with
recruitment for new officers andtrying to convince people hey,
(05:49):
this is still a great profession.
Chief Steve Dye (05:52):
Yeah, I think really, if you go back
historically as a profession wedid a terrible job of directing
the narrative.
I was throwing footballs withkids back in 1984, but we as a
profession didn't take time toreally educate the public on all
that community policing that wewere doing.
And then, because of someunfortunate events across the
(06:13):
country, we began to getstereotyped.
Some loud voices that were veryactive started directing the
narrative about who we are andwhat we do.
That was actually inaccurate.
So I think the profession isdoing a really good job now of
promoting really where do wespend most of our time in
policing?
And that is with deterrence,with helping people, with
(06:36):
building that trust throughthose relationships, really
through community policing right, that trust building and really
seeing ourselves, as you know,problem solvers focused on
quality of life, not just asenforcers and call responders.
Enforcement and call responseare very important pieces of
what we do, but you know you'veheard me talk about it here I
(06:59):
want us to see ourselves asthose problem solvers focused on
your quality of life.
So as police officers, we firstand foremost prioritize
community needs.
So we get good at everythingfrom changing a flat tire to
catching a murder suspect,because it's not what we think
we need to be doing.
It's how do we best serve ourcommunity.
So in the last decade, 10 or 15years in the last decade, 10 or
(07:28):
15 years what's happened issupport for law enforcement has
not really waned very much.
It's gone down a little bit.
It's definitely back up now.
Support for law enforcement andpolicing is still there.
Here's what's changed.
Those supportive families nolonger want their kids to be
cops.
That's the problem.
So we're blessed here.
Recruiting and retention is ahuge problem in our profession.
(07:51):
At Allen PD we're not havingthat problem.
We're fully staffed, but mostof the officers that we're
hiring are officers from otherdepartments.
I'm so glad they want to comebe part of our great culture and
our great community thatsupports us so much here in
Allen.
But the reality is, if notenough young people are
(08:12):
interested in the profession,that's going to hurt us too,
because there's going to befewer and fewer lateral officers
to hire right.
So what we need to do, we needto help the communities and the
public across the country.
We need to remind them thatpolicing is an honorable and
noble profession.
They should want their childrento be police officers.
(08:34):
Now it's up to the communitiesto support their police
departments.
I've always said a communitygets the police department that
they support.
So if you want great policing,you better support them.
And then it's incumbent uponthose police leaders to have
levels of accountability towhere they are doing great work
(08:56):
and they don't accept lazinessor unethical behavior.
So you know, we really, from anational standpoint, we really
need to get back to branding andmarketing and understanding
that.
You know this should be achosen profession for those that
want to go into public service.
But right now, when I walk overto the kids' toy boxes, there's
(09:19):
no police car.
In there there's an ambulance,there's a school teacher.
You know there's a fire truck,there's no police car.
Why are we scared to say thatpolice officers are noble,
honorable human beings doing agreat job?
Because, guess what?
We're just community memberslike everybody else.
Hey, policing is one of thebest professions that you could
(09:40):
ever aspire to be involved with.
And again, communities vary.
Here in Allen, I can promiseyou you guys know we have no
lack of support here.
Our citizens love us.
But one reason they love us iswe aspire to a level of
excellence and high levels ofprofessionalism.
Officer Sam Rippamon (09:59):
Absolutely .
We get comments and emails allthe time of good deeds.
That are patrol guys.
It's not just specialized unitsgetting out, Our officers are
just.
They do a great job interactingwith our citizens and building
those relationships.
Chief Steve Dye (10:17):
Well, I think there's another piece to this.
So I've talked about theexternal piece.
I think the other piece isinternal.
I've talked about the externalpiece.
I think the other piece isinternal.
Police leaders across thecountry need to do a good job of
supporting and appreciatingtheir police officers.
Absolutely, I know, here inNorth Texas that's normally the
case.
But I can tell you some leadersare falling short because I got
(10:39):
news for these police leaderstheir officers are doing the
most difficult job in America.
So it's a hard job.
So when our actions may not bepopular but they were ethical,
we've got our officers and ourprofessional staff.
They have to know in thisdifficult environment that when
(11:00):
they do the right thing for theright reasons, that us at the
top are going to support them,even though it may not always be
popular.
And then again, being vocalthat what happens in Minneapolis
or Ferguson may not be what'shappening in Allen.
Yes, let's pay attention whenpolicing fails, but let's not
(11:21):
overreact.
We need to reset the factsversus the perception in some
communities.
But I want to go back to what Istarted with.
Let me be clear most people inour country support policing and
we appreciate that.
But now let's take that nextstep and get back to wanting our
(11:41):
kids to do the job.
My first 10, 10 or 20 years.
If I'd ask a classroom full ofkids or a classroom full of
police chiefs hey, do you wantto be a police officer?
Do you want your kid to be acop?
Most of the hands would havegone up.
It will.
Yeah, if I ask that questionnow, not very many hands go up.
That's a problem.
Outreach Coordinator Alexus (11:59):
Do you think that by creating this
boxing gym that that will bringmaybe some kids into wanting to
maybe potentially be an officerone day?
Or is that a mentorship?
What is all?
Chief Steve Dye (12:13):
well.
So I mean, you know I've beenblessed over the years to create
or lead the creation of severalprograms, because I always
believe we need to meet ourcommunity where they're at,
don't wait for them to come tous.
So in 2000, I founded theUnidos program so we could meet
our Spanish speaking residentswhere they're at, in their
language, assimilate them youknow more seamlessly in their
(12:37):
native language and then helpbuild that trust.
You know that, coming from aLatin country, you know you can
trust us.
You know that, coming from aLatin country, you know you can
trust us.
Boxing gym is another greatexample.
You know I was a Garland policeofficer for quite some time and
I remember when LieutenantSwaby opened the police boxing
gym in Garland in 2000.
You know I was there with him.
And then, you know, fastforward, I get to Grand Prairie.
(12:59):
We opened our boxing gym therein 2012.
And now here on February 3rdwe're going to be opening the
Allen Police Youth Boxing Gym.
Really a great program, becausethat's not about creating the
next world title holder.
You know I'd love it if aprofessional boxer would come
out of our gym, but our focus ison mentorship.
(13:21):
So there'll be a police officerin the gym every day with the
coaches, volunteer citizencoaches.
This is an opportunity for kidsto come in who want to get in
better shape and learn the sportof boxing.
You know, not everybody wantsto be on a team in a team sport,
so this is another outlet forthem.
But it's about helping themgain confidence, understand
(13:44):
discipline, understand that whenyou set goals, how do you work
to achieve the goal, and then beproud of that accomplishment
when you do get there, butreally really just help develop
them to be great civic-mindedadults.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (14:00):
That's exciting.
We took a big part in trying tohelp get that set up, and by
big part we swept.
Chief Steve Dye (14:08):
We dusted, we hung signs.
Big part we, we swept, wedusted, we hung signs.
You're not giving yourselfenough credit, because I saw
alexis over there on the scissorlift, dusting the.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (14:16):
Oh yeah, she likes heights more than I
do.
I'm not a big fan of heightsand she has no fear, clearly no,
the gym looks great.
Chief Steve Dye (14:22):
You guys worked really hard for a solid week on
that thing and you know anotherindication of our community.
You know we've raised asignificant amount of private
funding.
We've just ordered theequipment, the boxing and the
fitness equipment.
We've got the ring donated tous by Guns and Hoses North Texas
, so it's been a communityeffort.
And then we'll have the firstpolice youth boxing gym in
(14:45):
Collin County.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (14:46):
That's going to be awesome.
Chief Steve Dye (14:47):
Yeah, and you know, the cool thing is it's
open to every kid.
You don't have to live in Allen.
I mean, if we can help a kid,we're going to help a kid,
that's great.
Yeah, we're hoping to kick itoff Monday, february 3rd and, of
course, you can emailAPDBoxingGym at cityofAllenorg.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (15:05):
I've already talked to you.
We fired a or we didn't hire,but we have a volunteer head
coach now, right.
Chief Steve Dye (15:10):
Yeah, jerry Jimenez has stepped up to be our
head coach.
Tomorrow night we've got acoaches meeting to identify our
other coaches and then rightafter the first of the year
we'll have a couple of parentmeetings to talk to them about
the program and then again wehope the doors to be open
February 3rd.
Outreach Coordinator Alexus (15:28):
And it's for kids ages 10 to 18,
correct?
Chief Steve Dye (15:31):
Yeah, male or female, 10 to 18.
You know, if you're 12 yearsold and you've got a 9-year-old
sibling, we can make someexceptions.
But yeah, generally speaking,that's the age group.
Outreach Coordinator Alexus (15:40):
Is there a?
Chief Steve Dye (15:40):
cost, very low cost.
So the equipment we're going toprovide at cost.
The registration for USA Boxingis $50, but if there's a
financial need and the familyjust can't pay that amount, then
we're going to help pay that.
We're going to provide mealsfor the tournaments, free
(16:02):
transportation to thetournaments.
Typically they'll be in theirtraining Monday through Thursday
from 430 to 730 and thenoccasionally have some weekend
tournaments.
So it'll be a very low costprogram because we don't want
money to be an inhibitor toparticipation.
Outreach Coordinator Alex (16:20):
Right .
Officer Sam Rippamonti (16:21):
So I talked to Coach Jerry and I said
hey, I want to get in there andlearn how to box.
And he said I got you.
I said, but no face shots.
He said no, well, look you.
I said, but no face shots.
Chief Steve Dye (16:30):
She said but Well, look, you're a good
looking guy, but don't overlyworry about being pretty.
And remember, sammy, we havesomething called Guns and Hoses
where you can step up nextOctober.
Oh goodness.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (16:45):
I don't know.
We'll see how the training goes, starting in February.
Outreach Coordinator Alexu (16:50):
Okay , Do you plan to step in the
ring or?
Chief Steve Dye (16:52):
Let me think no , I've been asked that many
times over the years and myanswer is always a quick no.
Outreach Coordinator Alexus B (16:59):
I mean Were you training the gym
at least, or?
Chief Steve Dye (17:14):
day at home and , yeah, we're outfitting that
gym to also accommodate officerfitness, so we will have a lot
of police officers in thereworking out.
I worked out every day when Iwas a Garland officer in the
Garland boxing gym.
So, yeah, it's possible.
Here's the problem with meworking out at the station or at
the boxing gym.
Okay, here's the problem.
I'm the chief of police hereand I never want to be rude to
my people.
So I go in for a 45-minuteworkout and two hours later I'm
(17:36):
leaving because everybody wantsto talk about work and something
happening, because I don't wantto be rude.
All of a sudden I'm in therefor two hours.
So what I found over the yearsis I get up early in the morning
, I knock my workout out and getit out of the way and then that
way I'm not hung up in the gymfor a couple hours.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (17:53):
That's smart, Very smart, Chief.
We've kind of talked about lawenforcement as a whole as a
profession.
Now that you're coming up onthat first year here with Alan,
can you tell us a little bit howyou think that first year, what
all we've kind of accomplishedin that year moving forward?
What's your vision?
Chief Steve Dye (18:09):
so, first of all, I can't believe it's been
almost a year.
I mean, it's been fast andfurious, it's gone by really
quickly and I've had a blast.
Um, yeah, we've done a lot inthis first year, that wouldn't
you say.
We've got, yes, sir, a reorgan,a major reorganization.
We're building a new building,a beautiful police building here
on our city hall campus that wehope to open end of 26,
(18:30):
beginning of 27.
I've been able to promote anassistant chief, a deputy chief,
three lieutenants and now threesergeants.
So a lot of movement.
I think we had 10 or 12openings when I got here.
We've got zero now.
Now, hey, if you're out therelistening and you want to come
work here, I will overhire youso you can still apply.
(18:52):
Our doors are still open.
So really happy with how therecruiting and hiring has gone.
And then you know we alreadymentioned it earlier.
You know that you all haveheard me talk about is really
kind of a three-part strategythat we've employed here.
You know, first part we talkedabout community policing Be
(19:15):
engaged in the community, seeeverybody as a potential partner
.
Our default answer is alwaysyes, what can we do to be
involved and help?
And then that's going to buildthat trust right and that
relationship, stride in thatrelationship so they'll make
sure that they're not everhesitant to reach out to us and
(19:35):
that we can hopefully anticipateissues before they occur.
You know, the other part of thestrategy is we've I think we've
done a really good job focusingon how technology can be a
force multiplier.
You know we've got a great droneprogram.
We have implemented licenseplate readers throughout the
city, which has already paidhuge dividends.
Crime here in Allen is very low, but we have three awesome
(20:00):
retail centers you know ouroutlet mall Village at Allen and
Waters Creek and you know we dohave people that do come in and
try to commit theft at thoselocations.
So that license plate readerprogram has been really
beneficial in identifying andapprehending organized retail
theft groups, by the way, noneof whom live in Allen.
So we're sending the message,as you guys have heard, not in
(20:23):
Allen, it's a no-fly zone.
I'll tell all the criminalslistening, not in Allen.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (20:27):
That's right.
Chief Steve Dye (20:28):
You come here to commit crime, come at your
own risk because likely we'regoing to detect you and put you
in jail.
And you know that third part ofthe strategy is responsibly
aggressive enforcement.
And I don't mean physicalaggression, I mean that we're
not going to be apologists forputting offenders in jail that
need to be incarcerated becausewe don't want our cars broken
(20:48):
into or, you know, things stolenor, you know, certainly to be
violated in any way.
So I think that three-partstrategy has really worked.
And then you know, what'sworked for me is, you know,
let's make sure that all of usare on the same sheet of music,
because when that happens and westart pulling together, you
(21:10):
know it's incredible.
I've gotten a lot of commentsfrom officers on how much
they're enjoying the culture,and I think culture is the most
important thing at ourdepartment because if the team
members you know are happycoming to work and they feel
supported and appreciated,they're going to be more
productive in the community.
You all are my best recruiters.
I think the reason we have noopenings is because you guys are
(21:33):
happy here and you're tellingother people about it,
absolutely.
So what does all this mean?
Well, I'll tell you what itmeans the return on investment.
It always needs to come back toour citizens.
We all got in this to serve thecommunity, so everything that
we do doesn't need to be aboutus.
It needs to be about how doesthis heighten our level of
service.
Well, it looks like crime in 24is going to be down about 7%
(22:00):
from the crime rate last yearthat's great and down about 13%
over the last three-year average.
Well, let me tell you why.
That's even more impressive.
Allen is already the safestcity of the largest 40 cities in
Texas.
So when you're already a verysafe city, when you get a 7% and
a 13% crime decrease, that's ahuge number because that number
(22:23):
is hard to achieve in an alreadylow crime environment.
But again, that's the benefitthat our citizens are seeing.
I'm really, really proud of ourfitness program, our APD
FitForce program.
You know the four cornerstonesis physical, spiritual,
emotional and financial wellness.
So it's not just about being inphysical condition to best
(22:48):
serve our families and in ourjob.
But how are we financiallysound?
Are we emotionally well?
And then spiritually, are wedoing things outside of work
where we're not thinking aboutwork?
So that way, when we're at work, we're more whole and healthy.
So really proud of our FitForceprogram.
I mean I've got a list of otherthings that we've done, but I
(23:10):
would say that you know thepolicing strategy leading to the
reduction in crime, the youthboxing gym and our FitForce
program are certainly, all youknow, very important and kind of
at the top of that list of themany things that we've done in
2024.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (23:29):
Yeah, the FitForce program, that's.
It got me moving again.
Chief Steve Dye (23:34):
Well, why don't you share your story?
Why don't you tell everybodywhat you've done?
Because I'm proud of you.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (23:38):
So kind of got sedentary.
Is that the way you say?
Chief Steve Dye (23:43):
that you sat around too much.
Yeah, you know I'm from WestTexas.
Yeah, I was just saying thatJust said you were sitting
around too much.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (23:49):
Yeah, I sat around a little too much and
gained a few extra pounds.
And all of a sudden we get this, this rumor going around hey,
we're getting a new chief.
That is all about fitness and Iwas like, oh my gosh, here we go
, I'm gonna have to startexercising.
So I start lifting weights withofficer delio and, uh, no, I
lost.
I was at 217 at that time, lostabout 10 pounds just from
(24:12):
lifting.
And then, uh, it gets evenworse.
We're looking at going back tothe cooper test.
I find out, and I get the emailfrom lieutenant faust hey, they
want you to be on the panel.
And I was like, oh my gosh, Ihaven't ran that test in, you
know, almost 18 years.
So I go up to the track in junebecause I'm like I'm gonna get
moving, it's time.
(24:33):
And I run that first lap.
And I was a quarter miler backin high school and I could run.
And that first lap it was likea two minute lap and my heart
rate was in the 190s.
I was like, oh my goodness, I'mgoing to die right here on this
high school track in front ofall these kids.
So just kept going, startedexercising.
My wife's been a big motivatorbecause she got on board with me
(24:55):
.
We started doing this thingcounting her calories.
Never thought I would do that.
Don't eat super healthy, butjust don't eat as much.
And next thing, you know, nowI'm 30 pounds or total from
February I'm 40 pounds down 30since June.
Chief Steve Dye (25:12):
Well, I'm proud of you and there's a lot of
great stories like yours outthere, and I'm never going to be
an apologist for physicalfitness because we signed up to
be police officers.
This is not a right, it's aprivilege, absolutely.
But you know, as you know, wedon't shame here, we help each
other.
It's all about living a longerlife for your families and then
being the most effective policeofficer that you can be, but
(25:34):
really, really proud.
You know I'm getting a lot ofcomments from elected officials
and citizens about how we justlook different, and that's a
good thing.
But yeah, we're going to.
The good news is we're a lothealthier.
The bad news is the program ishere to stay.
It's not going anywhere.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (25:52):
So I know we've talked the other day
and you said 34.
There's your goal for next year.
Yeah, I'm going to go 35.
Okay, I'm going to beat yourchief.
Chief Steve Dye (26:00):
Okay, what do you want to wager Lunch?
Okay, you're on your choiceWinner, winner or my choice
Loser buys lunch.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (26:10):
Are we shaking on it right here?
Yeah, let's do it.
Chief Steve Dye (26:13):
It's a deal.
Well, you know, I'm gonna do 40now, alexis I know over lunch.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (26:21):
The bragging rights though, yeah he
cannot lose I'm already sweatingthinking about it.
Chief Steve Dye (26:26):
Yeah, you need to be scared, but well, you're
like 30 years younger than me,sammy.
I mean, come on, I got this alittle bit.
Hey, it's only lunch, don'tworry about it.
Bob steak and chop house won'tcost you that much.
No, it's all good.
You know again, we don't, wedon't compare, we don't shame
it's, it's, uh, it and it's a.
(26:48):
It's a.
It's a higher level ofprofessionalism for our public.
We're the largest citydepartment, the most visible,
you know.
We're representing our city andour profession.
So I take that very seriously,it means a lot to me.
But that's personally saved mylife more than once in my job
because I was physically fit.
So because I have thosepersonal experiences that
(27:11):
literally I would not be heretoday if I was not physically
fit when those things happened,that I just don't take that
lightly.
And uh again, as long aseverybody's working hard and and
trying to get there, trying toimprove, uh, you know, you know
our culture, it's all aboutsupporting them and each other
yeah, sleep better, still havemore energy it's.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (27:32):
It's been great my wife doesn't nudge
me in the middle of the night,as much like roll over if I'm
snoring.
Well, that's good, we're all.
I'm glad she.
Chief Steve Dye (27:41):
Happy life, happy life, amen amen, but no, I
just I appreciate what you guysdo, you know.
Another thing that we've doneis we've created a pio unit.
Uh, you're my pios yeah soyou've created this podcast and
you know it's.
I think it's great for a lot ofdifferent reasons, but just
having this, you know, with ourgreat partners over at Pam
Roedig, to really tell our storythis is what I talked about
(28:04):
earlier.
We didn't do a good job ofdirecting the narrative.
Well, now we can talk about ourdepartment, our profession.
We can humanize the badge, andthese are all good things.
I've always said I don't carewhere you go work, because every
department needs great policeofficers.
So we're here to help anybodythat's an aspiring police
officer.
(28:24):
Whether you want to work atAllen PD or not, it doesn't
matter.
Whatever we can do to help theprofession.
So y'all have done a great jobin leading.
When you're a PIO and youanswer directly to the chief,
you're probably never going tohave a shortage of projects.
No, you noticed that Kind offigured that out, have you?
But no, y'all are doing a greatjob.
(28:45):
I appreciate all you do and Iappreciate this podcast.
Outreach Coordinator Alexu (28:49):
That was a great segue.
So we have a question from oneof our listeners about Drive to
Thrive.
Can you give us some updates onthat?
Chief Steve Dye (28:56):
Yeah.
So when I first got here I knewI wanted to kind of ramp up
traffic enforcement, includingour freeways, and we were able
to do that.
And then, kind of concurrently,I found out that Jill Hernandez
and Chief Boyd of the firedepartment were working on a
program to reduce trafficcrashes, to try to minimize the
injuries and the fatalities.
(29:16):
So we joined forces and theDrive to Thrive program that
really focuses on, you know,being more patient, more kind.
Texas is a great culture.
We're really friendly, we'rereally nice to each other but,
for whatever reason, when we getbehind the wheel, everything
goes to hell in a handbag, asthey say.
So, you know, when you're behindthe wheel, we want that same
(29:39):
etiquette and so I think, withour increased enforcement, with
the drive to thrive educationalefforts, it does look like it's
making a difference.
It looks like it is having apositive impact on our traffic
crashes and the severity ofthose accidents.
And so really, really proud ofthe fire department in our city
(29:59):
and our you know, our PAMRO, ourpublic affairs and our
marketing group that has really,really rolled this out.
So again, you know, I think itis going to become contagious, I
think other cities are going tostart focusing on this.
And so in the North Texasregion, you know, why don't we,
why don't we work to have ourdriving behavior match our, our,
(30:21):
our Texas, uh, hospitality andculture and personality right.
So, uh, you know it's uh, it'sdefinitely making a difference
Really excited about it.
We're going to keep it goingand to hopefully continue to to
drive those crashes down.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (30:34):
So, thank you, remember the first
time I drove in this area.
I'm from the country you maynot know.
Chief Steve Dye (30:42):
We couldn't really tell.
Not enough of your tale.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (30:45):
But you know where I grew up.
When you leave town it'sprobably 30 minutes before you
get to another town.
You know there's a lot of deadarea and the first time I came,
my wife's from Allen and we metin college college and she let
me drive home.
Well, we started getting intothe city.
She thought it was hilarious.
I wouldn't.
I wouldn't leave the lane I wasin because I was terrified of
(31:06):
all the cars just surrounding atthe speed they were going.
It's amazing what you get usedto when you're driving it daily,
but the speeds, especially outthere on our toll road, they're
just driving too fast.
Chief Steve Dye (31:20):
Yeah, the freeways have gotten out of hand
.
So now we have that, obviously,that focus program on our
freeways 75 and Sam RayburnTollway and it's definitely
making a difference.
I cannot go anywhere in thecommunity without getting a
positive comment on ourincreased enforcement and
visibility.
It's not about tickets, it'sabout correcting behavior.
Absolutely Most of the driverswe stop on the freeway the vast,
(31:43):
vast majority don't live inAllen.
But you know, I think some ofour partners are starting to get
on board.
I'm seeing a lot more in thePlano Richardson, mckinney
freeways and I think that'shelping.
We really need to do that as acollective group.
But the whole point is we don'twant people to get hurt or
killed.
Yeah.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (32:03):
So Chief Farmer, Bull Rider, 40-plus
year Chief of Police what aresume.
Chief Steve Dye (32:12):
Well, you know, part of that may just speak to
the fact that I'm not very smartwhen I told my dad I wanted to
be a rodeo cowboy.
He told me, son, if you'regoing to be stupid, you better
be tough.
So no, yeah, I've just had agreat career to this point and,
you know, don't feel any signsof slowing down.
So I can't wait for the next 40years.
(32:33):
Well we, appreciate you.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (32:35):
Here in Allen it's a joy.
We enjoy coming to work everyday, especially Alexis and I and
the PIOs, so we appreciate youcoming on today and talking to
us.
Well, thank everyone forlistening today.
If you want to know moreinformation about any of these
programs we discussed today, goto allenpoliceorg, and all that
(32:55):
information and upcoming eventsis on our website.
Outreach Coordinator Alexus (32:59):
And make sure to like and subscribe
.
And if you have any questions,please leave them down in the
comments below.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (33:03):
All right, we'll see you next time.
Welcome back to another episode of Allen
Police (00:04):
Behind the Badge, we're your hosts Officer Sam
Rippamonti, and this is AlexusBirmingham.
Outreach Coordinator Alexus (00:10):
Yes , and today our special guest is
our very own Chief Dye.
Chief Steve Dye (00:13):
Well, great to see you guys.
Good afternoon and thanks forhaving me on.
Thanks for coming on to talk tous.
Outreach Coordinator Alex (00:19):
Thank you for joining us.
Chief Steve Dye (00:20):
Absolutely Can't wait to dive into some
deep conversation with you guys.
Yeah, let's go.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (00:26):
So you have a long, extensive career in
law enforcement.
We'll get more into that herein a minute.
But would you mind starting usoff with something over your
career, something that juststands out to you, some kind of
story?
Chief Steve Dye (00:38):
Well, alexis, I think you just called me old
because I am going into my 41styear of public service.
So you know, sammy, I get thatquestion a lot.
I mean, I don't know one storyto really focus on.
I think you know what a lot ofpeople don't probably know about
me.
I actually grew up on a farm anda ranch up in the panhandle, on
the Palo Duro Canyon or God'scountry as I call it, from a
(01:02):
really small town, graduatedwith 21 other classmates and you
know I loved farming andranching but, for whatever
reason, I always wanted to be apolice officer.
So I drove eight hours from homebecause I was told that you
know, Sam Houston StateUniversity is the best criminal
justice college in the world anddidn't know a soul, went down
(01:24):
there, worked at a sportinggoods store full-time during the
school year, worked summers andChristmas back on the farm and
the ranch and worked my waythrough school.
I got my degree and I startedin 1984 as a Houston police
officer.
And then, you know, probablyone of my other loves was I love
sports.
And you know, probably one ofmy other loves was I love sports
(01:46):
.
I love football as a rodeocowboy, but I wasn't good enough
to do either one of those formoney so I had to get a real job
as a police officer.
But seriously, I've been reallyblessed.
I'm one of the few people thatI know that's really lived my
professional dream.
So you know, every day that Icome in I'm very thankful for
that opportunity.
Outreach Coordinator Alexus (02:05):
So where did you start your career
out?
It was in Houston.
Chief Steve Dye (02:08):
Yeah, it was Houston PD 1984.
Sorry if any of our listenersare from Houston.
I loved working in.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (02:16):
Houston.
Chief Steve Dye (02:17):
Was not a big fan of living in Houston.
I'm from the high plains up inthe Panhandle where it's really
dry and I never really could getused to that humidity.
So you know I've got family inNorth Texas, moved back up to
North Texas, was with Garland PDfor about 14 years and at the
urging of my wife I promoted andbecame an assistant chief in
(02:40):
2004.
And then my first chief's jobwas in Colleyville in 2010.
Went on to be chief in GrandPrairie for about nine years.
They asked me to be the citymanager.
I did that for about threeyears, learned a lot, but I'm
definitely a lot more of a copthan I am a city manager, so so
excited to return to policing.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (03:00):
Before coming to Allen.
You had some ties to Allen atone time, right.
Chief Steve Dye (03:04):
Yeah, we lived here when I worked in Garland.
Uh, both of our girls graduatedhigh school here and Allen
Eagles.
Allen Eagles loved the city.
So when I retired last yearcity manager uh, thankfully I
was blessed with severalopportunities to return to
policing and, uh, the Allenopportunity head and shoulders
above the other.
A great opportunity.
(03:25):
So glad to be back, glad to beleading this great department
and just trying to make usbetter, but certainly thankful
that I inherited a bunch ofgreat men and women like you,
sammy, and then I was smartenough to bring Alexis with me.
We appreciate that.
So you got the package deal.
Alexis worked for me in GrandPrairie and so glad to have her
(03:46):
here in Allen with us.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (03:48):
So we feel very lucky to have you here
in Allen.
I may be wrong, but didn't youturn us down once though?
Chief Steve Dye (03:57):
Well, as a matter of fact, I did.
You know, I'd only been inGrand Prairie about three months
and the city manager at thetime, Mr Vargas, called me and
asked me if I was interested inbeing your police chief.
But you know I said, look, Ican't leave Grand Prairie after
only three months, and you know.
So he asked me to help selectthe next chief, and I did.
I came over here and helped himselect Chief Harvey.
(04:20):
Who's gosh?
He's been a friend for wellover 20 years probably over 25
years.
So but you know it wasn't theright time for me to be in Allen
back then.
I think with my backgroundexperiences and really you know
now's the better time for me tobe here.
You know, allen used to be onthe edge of the Metroplex and
we're really not anymore.
(04:40):
We're more in the middle withall of our growth to the north.
Not anymore.
We're more in the middle withall of our growth to the north.
So because our city has grownwell over 100,000, we're more in
the middle.
We're starting to experiencemore big city problems, more
encroachment, particularly fromthe criminal element at night
trying to come in to our city tooffend.
So I think my style of policingand my background is probably a
(05:02):
little bit better fit now.
You know, the good Lord alwaysputs us where he needs us.
Absolutely, and I'm a bigbeliever in that.
So I think now is the time forme to be here again just taking
over a great department andseeing how we can get better.
And you know we may talk aboutit, but I think a lot of the
crime strategies that we'veemployed we're already seeing
(05:23):
some really good returns oninvestment, so I think that's
probably worth diving into atsome point, we feel blessed to
have you here.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (05:29):
Chief Harvey is a great man, but the
new life, new direction has beena breath of fresh air for
everybody here in the department.
So, as a whole, in lawenforcement, what kind of
struggles are we seeing, whatchallenges are we facing with
recruitment for new officers andtrying to convince people hey,
(05:49):
this is still a great profession.
Chief Steve Dye (05:52):
Yeah, I think really, if you go back
historically as a profession wedid a terrible job of directing
the narrative.
I was throwing footballs withkids back in 1984, but we as a
profession didn't take time toreally educate the public on all
that community policing that wewere doing.
And then, because of someunfortunate events across the
(06:13):
country, we began to getstereotyped.
Some loud voices that were veryactive started directing the
narrative about who we are andwhat we do.
That was actually inaccurate.
So I think the profession isdoing a really good job now of
promoting really where do wespend most of our time in
policing?
And that is with deterrence,with helping people, with
(06:36):
building that trust throughthose relationships, really
through community policing right, that trust building and really
seeing ourselves, as you know,problem solvers focused on
quality of life, not just asenforcers and call responders.
Enforcement and call responseare very important pieces of
what we do, but you know you'veheard me talk about it here I
(06:59):
want us to see ourselves asthose problem solvers focused on
your quality of life.
So as police officers, we firstand foremost prioritize
community needs.
So we get good at everythingfrom changing a flat tire to
catching a murder suspect,because it's not what we think
we need to be doing.
It's how do we best serve ourcommunity.
So in the last decade, 10 or 15years in the last decade, 10 or
(07:28):
15 years what's happened issupport for law enforcement has
not really waned very much.
It's gone down a little bit.
It's definitely back up now.
Support for law enforcement andpolicing is still there.
Here's what's changed.
Those supportive families nolonger want their kids to be
cops.
That's the problem.
So we're blessed here.
Recruiting and retention is ahuge problem in our profession.
(07:51):
At Allen PD we're not havingthat problem.
We're fully staffed, but mostof the officers that we're
hiring are officers from otherdepartments.
I'm so glad they want to comebe part of our great culture and
our great community thatsupports us so much here in
Allen.
But the reality is, if notenough young people are
(08:12):
interested in the profession,that's going to hurt us too,
because there's going to befewer and fewer lateral officers
to hire right.
So what we need to do, we needto help the communities and the
public across the country.
We need to remind them thatpolicing is an honorable and
noble profession.
They should want their childrento be police officers.
(08:34):
Now it's up to the communitiesto support their police
departments.
I've always said a communitygets the police department that
they support.
So if you want great policing,you better support them.
And then it's incumbent uponthose police leaders to have
levels of accountability towhere they are doing great work
(08:56):
and they don't accept lazinessor unethical behavior.
So you know, we really, from anational standpoint, we really
need to get back to branding andmarketing and understanding
that.
You know this should be achosen profession for those that
want to go into public service.
But right now, when I walk overto the kids' toy boxes, there's
(09:19):
no police car.
In there there's an ambulance,there's a school teacher.
You know there's a fire truck,there's no police car.
Why are we scared to say thatpolice officers are noble,
honorable human beings doing agreat job?
Because, guess what?
We're just community memberslike everybody else.
Hey, policing is one of thebest professions that you could
(09:40):
ever aspire to be involved with.
And again, communities vary.
Here in Allen, I can promiseyou you guys know we have no
lack of support here.
Our citizens love us.
But one reason they love us iswe aspire to a level of
excellence and high levels ofprofessionalism.
Officer Sam Rippamon (09:59):
Absolutely .
We get comments and emails allthe time of good deeds.
That are patrol guys.
It's not just specialized unitsgetting out, Our officers are
just.
They do a great job interactingwith our citizens and building
those relationships.
Chief Steve Dye (10:17):
Well, I think there's another piece to this.
So I've talked about theexternal piece.
I think the other piece isinternal.
I've talked about the externalpiece.
I think the other piece isinternal.
Police leaders across thecountry need to do a good job of
supporting and appreciatingtheir police officers.
Absolutely, I know, here inNorth Texas that's normally the
case.
But I can tell you some leadersare falling short because I got
(10:39):
news for these police leaderstheir officers are doing the
most difficult job in America.
So it's a hard job.
So when our actions may not bepopular but they were ethical,
we've got our officers and ourprofessional staff.
They have to know in thisdifficult environment that when
(11:00):
they do the right thing for theright reasons, that us at the
top are going to support them,even though it may not always be
popular.
And then again, being vocalthat what happens in Minneapolis
or Ferguson may not be what'shappening in Allen.
Yes, let's pay attention whenpolicing fails, but let's not
(11:21):
overreact.
We need to reset the factsversus the perception in some
communities.
But I want to go back to what Istarted with.
Let me be clear most people inour country support policing and
we appreciate that.
But now let's take that nextstep and get back to wanting our
(11:41):
kids to do the job.
My first 10, 10 or 20 years.
If I'd ask a classroom full ofkids or a classroom full of
police chiefs hey, do you wantto be a police officer?
Do you want your kid to be acop?
Most of the hands would havegone up.
It will.
Yeah, if I ask that questionnow, not very many hands go up.
That's a problem.
Outreach Coordinator Alexus (11:59):
Do you think that by creating this
boxing gym that that will bringmaybe some kids into wanting to
maybe potentially be an officerone day?
Or is that a mentorship?
What is all?
Chief Steve Dye (12:13):
well.
So I mean, you know I've beenblessed over the years to create
or lead the creation of severalprograms, because I always
believe we need to meet ourcommunity where they're at,
don't wait for them to come tous.
So in 2000, I founded theUnidos program so we could meet
our Spanish speaking residentswhere they're at, in their
language, assimilate them youknow more seamlessly in their
(12:37):
native language and then helpbuild that trust.
You know that, coming from aLatin country, you know you can
trust us.
You know that, coming from aLatin country, you know you can
trust us.
Boxing gym is another greatexample.
You know I was a Garland policeofficer for quite some time and
I remember when LieutenantSwaby opened the police boxing
gym in Garland in 2000.
You know I was there with him.
And then, you know, fastforward, I get to Grand Prairie.
(12:59):
We opened our boxing gym therein 2012.
And now here on February 3rdwe're going to be opening the
Allen Police Youth Boxing Gym.
Really a great program, becausethat's not about creating the
next world title holder.
You know I'd love it if aprofessional boxer would come
out of our gym, but our focus ison mentorship.
(13:21):
So there'll be a police officerin the gym every day with the
coaches, volunteer citizencoaches.
This is an opportunity for kidsto come in who want to get in
better shape and learn the sportof boxing.
You know, not everybody wantsto be on a team in a team sport,
so this is another outlet forthem.
But it's about helping themgain confidence, understand
(13:44):
discipline, understand that whenyou set goals, how do you work
to achieve the goal, and then beproud of that accomplishment
when you do get there, butreally really just help develop
them to be great civic-mindedadults.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (14:00):
That's exciting.
We took a big part in trying tohelp get that set up, and by
big part we swept.
Chief Steve Dye (14:08):
We dusted, we hung signs.
Big part we, we swept, wedusted, we hung signs.
You're not giving yourselfenough credit, because I saw
alexis over there on the scissorlift, dusting the.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (14:16):
Oh yeah, she likes heights more than I
do.
I'm not a big fan of heightsand she has no fear, clearly no,
the gym looks great.
Chief Steve Dye (14:22):
You guys worked really hard for a solid week on
that thing and you know anotherindication of our community.
You know we've raised asignificant amount of private
funding.
We've just ordered theequipment, the boxing and the
fitness equipment.
We've got the ring donated tous by Guns and Hoses North Texas
, so it's been a communityeffort.
And then we'll have the firstpolice youth boxing gym in
(14:45):
Collin County.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (14:46):
That's going to be awesome.
Chief Steve Dye (14:47):
Yeah, and you know, the cool thing is it's
open to every kid.
You don't have to live in Allen.
I mean, if we can help a kid,we're going to help a kid,
that's great.
Yeah, we're hoping to kick itoff Monday, february 3rd and, of
course, you can emailAPDBoxingGym at cityofAllenorg.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (15:05):
I've already talked to you.
We fired a or we didn't hire,but we have a volunteer head
coach now, right.
Chief Steve Dye (15:10):
Yeah, jerry Jimenez has stepped up to be our
head coach.
Tomorrow night we've got acoaches meeting to identify our
other coaches and then rightafter the first of the year
we'll have a couple of parentmeetings to talk to them about
the program and then again wehope the doors to be open
February 3rd.
Outreach Coordinator Alexus (15:28):
And it's for kids ages 10 to 18,
correct?
Chief Steve Dye (15:31):
Yeah, male or female, 10 to 18.
You know, if you're 12 yearsold and you've got a 9-year-old
sibling, we can make someexceptions.
But yeah, generally speaking,that's the age group.
Outreach Coordinator Alexus (15:40):
Is there a?
Chief Steve Dye (15:40):
cost, very low cost.
So the equipment we're going toprovide at cost.
The registration for USA Boxingis $50, but if there's a
financial need and the familyjust can't pay that amount, then
we're going to help pay that.
We're going to provide mealsfor the tournaments, free
(16:02):
transportation to thetournaments.
Typically they'll be in theirtraining Monday through Thursday
from 430 to 730 and thenoccasionally have some weekend
tournaments.
So it'll be a very low costprogram because we don't want
money to be an inhibitor toparticipation.
Outreach Coordinator Alex (16:20):
Right .
Officer Sam Rippamonti (16:21):
So I talked to Coach Jerry and I said
hey, I want to get in there andlearn how to box.
And he said I got you.
I said, but no face shots.
He said no, well, look you.
I said, but no face shots.
Chief Steve Dye (16:30):
She said but Well, look, you're a good
looking guy, but don't overlyworry about being pretty.
And remember, sammy, we havesomething called Guns and Hoses
where you can step up nextOctober.
Oh goodness.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (16:45):
I don't know.
We'll see how the training goes, starting in February.
Outreach Coordinator Alexu (16:50):
Okay , Do you plan to step in the
ring or?
Chief Steve Dye (16:52):
Let me think no , I've been asked that many
times over the years and myanswer is always a quick no.
Outreach Coordinator Alexus B (16:59):
I mean Were you training the gym
at least, or?
Chief Steve Dye (17:14):
day at home and , yeah, we're outfitting that
gym to also accommodate officerfitness, so we will have a lot
of police officers in thereworking out.
I worked out every day when Iwas a Garland officer in the
Garland boxing gym.
So, yeah, it's possible.
Here's the problem with meworking out at the station or at
the boxing gym.
Okay, here's the problem.
I'm the chief of police hereand I never want to be rude to
my people.
So I go in for a 45-minuteworkout and two hours later I'm
(17:36):
leaving because everybody wantsto talk about work and something
happening, because I don't wantto be rude.
All of a sudden I'm in therefor two hours.
So what I found over the yearsis I get up early in the morning
, I knock my workout out and getit out of the way and then that
way I'm not hung up in the gymfor a couple hours.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (17:53):
That's smart, Very smart, Chief.
We've kind of talked about lawenforcement as a whole as a
profession.
Now that you're coming up onthat first year here with Alan,
can you tell us a little bit howyou think that first year, what
all we've kind of accomplishedin that year moving forward?
What's your vision?
Chief Steve Dye (18:09):
so, first of all, I can't believe it's been
almost a year.
I mean, it's been fast andfurious, it's gone by really
quickly and I've had a blast.
Um, yeah, we've done a lot inthis first year, that wouldn't
you say.
We've got, yes, sir, a reorgan,a major reorganization.
We're building a new building,a beautiful police building here
on our city hall campus that wehope to open end of 26,
(18:30):
beginning of 27.
I've been able to promote anassistant chief, a deputy chief,
three lieutenants and now threesergeants.
So a lot of movement.
I think we had 10 or 12openings when I got here.
We've got zero now.
Now, hey, if you're out therelistening and you want to come
work here, I will overhire youso you can still apply.
(18:52):
Our doors are still open.
So really happy with how therecruiting and hiring has gone.
And then you know we alreadymentioned it earlier.
You know that you all haveheard me talk about is really
kind of a three-part strategythat we've employed here.
You know, first part we talkedabout community policing Be
(19:15):
engaged in the community, seeeverybody as a potential partner
.
Our default answer is alwaysyes, what can we do to be
involved and help?
And then that's going to buildthat trust right and that
relationship, stride in thatrelationship so they'll make
sure that they're not everhesitant to reach out to us and
(19:35):
that we can hopefully anticipateissues before they occur.
You know, the other part of thestrategy is we've I think we've
done a really good job focusingon how technology can be a
force multiplier.
You know we've got a great droneprogram.
We have implemented licenseplate readers throughout the
city, which has already paidhuge dividends.
Crime here in Allen is very low, but we have three awesome
(20:00):
retail centers you know ouroutlet mall Village at Allen and
Waters Creek and you know we dohave people that do come in and
try to commit theft at thoselocations.
So that license plate readerprogram has been really
beneficial in identifying andapprehending organized retail
theft groups, by the way, noneof whom live in Allen.
So we're sending the message,as you guys have heard, not in
(20:23):
Allen, it's a no-fly zone.
I'll tell all the criminalslistening, not in Allen.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (20:27):
That's right.
Chief Steve Dye (20:28):
You come here to commit crime, come at your
own risk because likely we'regoing to detect you and put you
in jail.
And you know that third part ofthe strategy is responsibly
aggressive enforcement.
And I don't mean physicalaggression, I mean that we're
not going to be apologists forputting offenders in jail that
need to be incarcerated becausewe don't want our cars broken
(20:48):
into or, you know, things stolenor, you know, certainly to be
violated in any way.
So I think that three-partstrategy has really worked.
And then you know, what'sworked for me is, you know,
let's make sure that all of usare on the same sheet of music,
because when that happens and westart pulling together, you
(21:10):
know it's incredible.
I've gotten a lot of commentsfrom officers on how much
they're enjoying the culture,and I think culture is the most
important thing at ourdepartment because if the team
members you know are happycoming to work and they feel
supported and appreciated,they're going to be more
productive in the community.
You all are my best recruiters.
I think the reason we have noopenings is because you guys are
(21:33):
happy here and you're tellingother people about it,
absolutely.
So what does all this mean?
Well, I'll tell you what itmeans the return on investment.
It always needs to come back toour citizens.
We all got in this to serve thecommunity, so everything that
we do doesn't need to be aboutus.
It needs to be about how doesthis heighten our level of
service.
Well, it looks like crime in 24is going to be down about 7%
(22:00):
from the crime rate last yearthat's great and down about 13%
over the last three-year average.
Well, let me tell you why.
That's even more impressive.
Allen is already the safestcity of the largest 40 cities in
Texas.
So when you're already a verysafe city, when you get a 7% and
a 13% crime decrease, that's ahuge number because that number
(22:23):
is hard to achieve in an alreadylow crime environment.
But again, that's the benefitthat our citizens are seeing.
I'm really, really proud of ourfitness program, our APD
FitForce program.
You know the four cornerstonesis physical, spiritual,
emotional and financial wellness.
So it's not just about being inphysical condition to best
(22:48):
serve our families and in ourjob.
But how are we financiallysound?
Are we emotionally well?
And then spiritually, are wedoing things outside of work
where we're not thinking aboutwork?
So that way, when we're at work, we're more whole and healthy.
So really proud of our FitForceprogram.
I mean I've got a list of otherthings that we've done, but I
(23:10):
would say that you know thepolicing strategy leading to the
reduction in crime, the youthboxing gym and our FitForce
program are certainly, all youknow, very important and kind of
at the top of that list of themany things that we've done in
2024.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (23:29):
Yeah, the FitForce program, that's.
It got me moving again.
Chief Steve Dye (23:34):
Well, why don't you share your story?
Why don't you tell everybodywhat you've done?
Because I'm proud of you.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (23:38):
So kind of got sedentary.
Is that the way you say?
Chief Steve Dye (23:43):
that you sat around too much.
Yeah, you know I'm from WestTexas.
Yeah, I was just saying thatJust said you were sitting
around too much.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (23:49):
Yeah, I sat around a little too much and
gained a few extra pounds.
And all of a sudden we get this, this rumor going around hey,
we're getting a new chief.
That is all about fitness and Iwas like, oh my gosh, here we go
, I'm gonna have to startexercising.
So I start lifting weights withofficer delio and, uh, no, I
lost.
I was at 217 at that time, lostabout 10 pounds just from
(24:12):
lifting.
And then, uh, it gets evenworse.
We're looking at going back tothe cooper test.
I find out, and I get the emailfrom lieutenant faust hey, they
want you to be on the panel.
And I was like, oh my gosh, Ihaven't ran that test in, you
know, almost 18 years.
So I go up to the track in junebecause I'm like I'm gonna get
moving, it's time.
(24:33):
And I run that first lap.
And I was a quarter miler backin high school and I could run.
And that first lap it was likea two minute lap and my heart
rate was in the 190s.
I was like, oh my goodness, I'mgoing to die right here on this
high school track in front ofall these kids.
So just kept going, startedexercising.
My wife's been a big motivatorbecause she got on board with me
(24:55):
.
We started doing this thingcounting her calories.
Never thought I would do that.
Don't eat super healthy, butjust don't eat as much.
And next thing, you know, nowI'm 30 pounds or total from
February I'm 40 pounds down 30since June.
Chief Steve Dye (25:12):
Well, I'm proud of you and there's a lot of
great stories like yours outthere, and I'm never going to be
an apologist for physicalfitness because we signed up to
be police officers.
This is not a right, it's aprivilege, absolutely.
But you know, as you know, wedon't shame here, we help each
other.
It's all about living a longerlife for your families and then
being the most effective policeofficer that you can be, but
(25:34):
really, really proud.
You know I'm getting a lot ofcomments from elected officials
and citizens about how we justlook different, and that's a
good thing.
But yeah, we're going to.
The good news is we're a lothealthier.
The bad news is the program ishere to stay.
It's not going anywhere.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (25:52):
So I know we've talked the other day
and you said 34.
There's your goal for next year.
Yeah, I'm going to go 35.
Okay, I'm going to beat yourchief.
Chief Steve Dye (26:00):
Okay, what do you want to wager Lunch?
Okay, you're on your choiceWinner, winner or my choice
Loser buys lunch.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (26:10):
Are we shaking on it right here?
Yeah, let's do it.
Chief Steve Dye (26:13):
It's a deal.
Well, you know, I'm gonna do 40now, alexis I know over lunch.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (26:21):
The bragging rights though, yeah he
cannot lose I'm already sweatingthinking about it.
Chief Steve Dye (26:26):
Yeah, you need to be scared, but well, you're
like 30 years younger than me,sammy.
I mean, come on, I got this alittle bit.
Hey, it's only lunch, don'tworry about it.
Bob steak and chop house won'tcost you that much.
No, it's all good.
You know again, we don't, wedon't compare, we don't shame
it's, it's, uh, it and it's a.
(26:48):
It's a.
It's a higher level ofprofessionalism for our public.
We're the largest citydepartment, the most visible,
you know.
We're representing our city andour profession.
So I take that very seriously,it means a lot to me.
But that's personally saved mylife more than once in my job
because I was physically fit.
So because I have thosepersonal experiences that
(27:11):
literally I would not be heretoday if I was not physically
fit when those things happened,that I just don't take that
lightly.
And uh again, as long aseverybody's working hard and and
trying to get there, trying toimprove, uh, you know, you know
our culture, it's all aboutsupporting them and each other
yeah, sleep better, still havemore energy it's.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (27:32):
It's been great my wife doesn't nudge
me in the middle of the night,as much like roll over if I'm
snoring.
Well, that's good, we're all.
I'm glad she.
Chief Steve Dye (27:41):
Happy life, happy life, amen amen, but no, I
just I appreciate what you guysdo, you know.
Another thing that we've doneis we've created a pio unit.
Uh, you're my pios yeah soyou've created this podcast and
you know it's.
I think it's great for a lot ofdifferent reasons, but just
having this, you know, with ourgreat partners over at Pam
Roedig, to really tell our storythis is what I talked about
(28:04):
earlier.
We didn't do a good job ofdirecting the narrative.
Well, now we can talk about ourdepartment, our profession.
We can humanize the badge, andthese are all good things.
I've always said I don't carewhere you go work, because every
department needs great policeofficers.
So we're here to help anybodythat's an aspiring police
officer.
(28:24):
Whether you want to work atAllen PD or not, it doesn't
matter.
Whatever we can do to help theprofession.
So y'all have done a great jobin leading.
When you're a PIO and youanswer directly to the chief,
you're probably never going tohave a shortage of projects.
No, you noticed that Kind offigured that out, have you?
But no, y'all are doing a greatjob.
(28:45):
I appreciate all you do and Iappreciate this podcast.
Outreach Coordinator Alexu (28:49):
That was a great segue.
So we have a question from oneof our listeners about Drive to
Thrive.
Can you give us some updates onthat?
Chief Steve Dye (28:56):
Yeah.
So when I first got here I knewI wanted to kind of ramp up
traffic enforcement, includingour freeways, and we were able
to do that.
And then, kind of concurrently,I found out that Jill Hernandez
and Chief Boyd of the firedepartment were working on a
program to reduce trafficcrashes, to try to minimize the
injuries and the fatalities.
(29:16):
So we joined forces and theDrive to Thrive program that
really focuses on, you know,being more patient, more kind.
Texas is a great culture.
We're really friendly, we'rereally nice to each other but,
for whatever reason, when we getbehind the wheel, everything
goes to hell in a handbag, asthey say.
So, you know, when you're behindthe wheel, we want that same
(29:39):
etiquette and so I think, withour increased enforcement, with
the drive to thrive educationalefforts, it does look like it's
making a difference.
It looks like it is having apositive impact on our traffic
crashes and the severity ofthose accidents.
And so really, really proud ofthe fire department in our city
(29:59):
and our you know, our PAMRO, ourpublic affairs and our
marketing group that has really,really rolled this out.
So again, you know, I think itis going to become contagious, I
think other cities are going tostart focusing on this.
And so in the North Texasregion, you know, why don't we,
why don't we work to have ourdriving behavior match our, our,
(30:21):
our Texas, uh, hospitality andculture and personality right.
So, uh, you know it's uh, it'sdefinitely making a difference
Really excited about it.
We're going to keep it goingand to hopefully continue to to
drive those crashes down.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (30:34):
So, thank you, remember the first
time I drove in this area.
I'm from the country you maynot know.
Chief Steve Dye (30:42):
We couldn't really tell.
Not enough of your tale.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (30:45):
But you know where I grew up.
When you leave town it'sprobably 30 minutes before you
get to another town.
You know there's a lot of deadarea and the first time I came,
my wife's from Allen and we metin college college and she let
me drive home.
Well, we started getting intothe city.
She thought it was hilarious.
I wouldn't.
I wouldn't leave the lane I wasin because I was terrified of
(31:06):
all the cars just surrounding atthe speed they were going.
It's amazing what you get usedto when you're driving it daily,
but the speeds, especially outthere on our toll road, they're
just driving too fast.
Chief Steve Dye (31:20):
Yeah, the freeways have gotten out of hand
.
So now we have that, obviously,that focus program on our
freeways 75 and Sam RayburnTollway and it's definitely
making a difference.
I cannot go anywhere in thecommunity without getting a
positive comment on ourincreased enforcement and
visibility.
It's not about tickets, it'sabout correcting behavior.
Absolutely Most of the driverswe stop on the freeway the vast,
(31:43):
vast majority don't live inAllen.
But you know, I think some ofour partners are starting to get
on board.
I'm seeing a lot more in thePlano Richardson, mckinney
freeways and I think that'shelping.
We really need to do that as acollective group.
But the whole point is we don'twant people to get hurt or
killed.
Yeah.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (32:03):
So Chief Farmer, Bull Rider, 40-plus
year Chief of Police what aresume.
Chief Steve Dye (32:12):
Well, you know, part of that may just speak to
the fact that I'm not very smartwhen I told my dad I wanted to
be a rodeo cowboy.
He told me, son, if you'regoing to be stupid, you better
be tough.
So no, yeah, I've just had agreat career to this point and,
you know, don't feel any signsof slowing down.
So I can't wait for the next 40years.
(32:33):
Well we, appreciate you.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (32:35):
Here in Allen it's a joy.
We enjoy coming to work everyday, especially Alexis and I and
the PIOs, so we appreciate youcoming on today and talking to
us.
Well, thank everyone forlistening today.
If you want to know moreinformation about any of these
programs we discussed today, goto allenpoliceorg, and all that
(32:55):
information and upcoming eventsis on our website.
Outreach Coordinator Alexus (32:59):
And make sure to like and subscribe
.
And if you have any questions,please leave them down in the
comments below.
Officer Sam Rippamonti (33:03):
All right, we'll see you next time.
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