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Open Now: Applications for the Next Citizens Police Academy

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Don’t miss out on one of our highlight programs here at Santa Cruz Police Department.  Our next Citizen's Academy starts in mid-September and ends in November. 
Each participant will get 11 DYNAMIC sessions of behind the scenes knowledge and action as you hang out with the likes of our narcotics officers, traffic officers, K-9 Officers and their four-legged partners, detectives, dispatchers, Emergency Services Unit Tactical Team aka SWAT, and  Chief Vogel.  

  •  You will meet the amazing men and women who work hard to keep your city safe.
  • -      You will check out our motorcycles.
  • -      You will shoot our guns.
  • -      You will drive our cars.
  • -      You will catch “bad guys”. (Pretend bad guys)


Send an email to Officer Joe Hernandez or give him a call so he can get the process started with you. jhernandez@cityofsantacruz.com  
831-420-5952




Local Photographer Captures Snapshot of SCPD’s Good Work

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Thank you Tarmo for Note & Photo!

Background:
On Tuesday August 18th, at approximately 9:30am, a Santa Cruz Police Officer responded to a call in the area of Soquel Avenue and Park Way for a welfare check on a suspected intoxicated woman lying on the ground. While in route to the location, Dispatch advised that another citizen had called to report a disturbance at the same location. This caller/ witness reported hearing calls for help and went to assist the woman. The victim, a women described that a man standing nearby had harassed her, rummaged through her belongings and took some items.

The suspect man, later identified as Nolan West, age 24 from Lompico CA, was agitated, shirtless and pacing erratically near a bus stop on a high traffic street. When questioned by the officer, Mr. West responses were incoherent and he began to demonstrate increasingly violent behaviors. West continued to refuse and/or could not make sense of the request to be detained.

Out of concern for Mr. West and the public’s safety, additional officers responded and assisted with the arrest of the Nolan West for 211 PC; Robbery and 148(a) PC; Resisting Arrest.  Due to the suspects resistance with Officers, The Wrap was utilized during this incident. The WRAP is a safety restraint, designed to protect subjects, officers and staff by reducing the possibility of injury. The WRAP is designed to restrain a person in a more comfortable seated upright position.

Tarmo Hannula - Photographer with the Registar Pajaronian happened to be nearby the scene as it unfolded. This is the message and photo shown above that we received from him. “ These officers were up against a violently out of control man (most likely methed out?) this morning at Soquel Ave. at Park Way. He fought every inch of the way following some form of attempted robbery of a female (I think). Though his resistance was fierce, smashing his head on the sidewalk, etc., the officers remained calm, telling him to relax, that they were trying to help him, not hurt him. It appeared nothing but professional to me, right in the middle of a very volatile situation. Quite scary! From my point of view it seemed like these officers handled this extremely well. The officer at the left did an outstanding job of verbally working this guy down, using smart and effective language to defuse things. The man was safely put into an ambulance. Thought you'd like to know. Tarmo”

Thank you Tarmo for recognizing SCPD's efforts and for taking the time to send us the note and photo. This is an everyday snapshot example of the good work SCPD officers do.

School is Back in Session......Please Drive Safely and Courteously

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Tomorrow morning our Santa Cruz City elementary & middle schools will start back up for classes.  Please be mindful of the school commute!  Our high schools are in session and in a few weeks, UCSC will be starting classes too.  We will experience more traffic in your morning and afternoon commutes. This increased traffic comes in all varieties; vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.


Traffic safety and safe school commutes are a priority issue for the Santa Cruz Police Department.   Our traffic officers are dedicated to ensuring that school zones safe from aggressive and unsafe driving practices. 
To help ensure our school commutes are safe, we will have increased presence around the school zones during the first month of school operations.  Here are a few common violations we see around the schools:
·                     Speeding (parents late for drop off or pickup)
·                     Illegal parking (parents late for drop off or pickup and not willing to walk from a distance)
·                     Illegal turns (parents trying to get that coveted up-close drop off/pick up location)
·                     Stop Sign Violations
·                     Not yielding to pedestrians
·                     Pedestrians crossing unsafely

 It is our hope that commuters engage in safe and courteous habits to avoid experiencing an enforcement action.  Some tips to help your commute:
·                     Leave in plenty of time and anticipate heavier than usual traffic
·                     Be aware of school zones and traveled routes to school
·                     Be courteous and respectful to all traffic
·                     Be respectful to neighbors of schools by avoiding parking in their driveways or parking lots without their permission

We encourage all commuters to develop safe and courteous habits and help us ensure this school year is a safe one.  If you have any questions or concerns about traffic safety in your school zone, please contact our Traffic Unit Sergeant @ (831) 420-5850. 

Vandalism Arrest

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On the morning of August 25, 2015, it was reported that several acts of vandalism occurred to the sidewalk of Pacific Avenue in Downtown. The vandalism consisted of spray painted markings in 33 different locations throughout the Downtown.

The vandalism consisted of square corners painted on the sidewalk and were designed to imitate actual city authorized markings that designate areas where the public can legally display items. The suspects appeared to deliberately imitate the authorized city markings in an attempt to expand the number of locations where individuals can legally display items along the Pacific Avenue sidewalk.
During our investigation, the Santa Cruz Police Department obtained video surveillance of the suspects caught in the act of painting additional unauthorized “blue corners” along Pacific Avenue. Officers were able to identify Abbi Samuels and Jonathan “Keith” McHenry in video clips. The video clearly shows the two carrying paint and template supplies. The video also depicts Mr. McHenry in the act of spray painting the city sidewalk.

Abbi Samuels
Jonathan “Keith” McHenry 
The vandalism was located in the 1200, 1300, 1400 and1500 blocks of Pacific Av and on the southeast corner of Soquel and Pacific. The City’s Economic Development Department is responsible for mapping and keeping track of the actual locations authorized for public displays along the Pacific Avenue sidewalk. They were notified of the vandalism and representatives toured the Downtown to verify which markings were unauthorized.
The investigation determined that the vandals painted 33 squares on the sidewalk throughout the Downtown. The estimated cleanup cost is approximately $950.

In addition to vandalizing the city sidewalks, the act undermines the city’s program to establish safe, orderly and fair use of the Downtown sidewalk space. Display outside of designated zones along the sidewalk of Pacific Avenue is prohibited and governed under Santa Cruz Municipal Code Sections 5.43.005 and 5.43.020.
Mr. McHenry was arrested on the sidewalk near City Hall by Santa Cruz Police Officers on August 25, 2015 at approximately 10:48 PM. Ms. Samuels was arrested approximately one hour later near the same location. Both were booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on charges of Felony Vandalism, and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime.



Officer McBride and K-9 partner Argus Certified Team in Patrol Work & Narcotic Detection

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The Santa Cruz Police Department welcomed their newest police duo to the force. K-9 Argus has been partnered with his police handler, Officer Caitlin McBride. They have successfully completed the Handler/K-9 Patrol course and narcotics detection qualification.
Officer McBride and K-9 Argus
At 6 years old, Argus is a seasoned police K-9. He returns to active duty with new handler Officer McBride. Argus is a Dutch Shepherd from Belgium. Officer McBride is a true Santa Cruz native and has been on duty with SCPD since 2013. Officer McBride also grew up with close ties in the public safety and law business.
Officer McBride and Argus strike a pose at training.
Argus is one of two four-legged fulltime officers at the Santa Cruz Police Department. K-9 Lobo, a German Shepherd works with his handler Officer Rodriguez. Each dog is partnered with a human handler to form a K-9 unit. Police handlers are trained to work with their K-9 partners and provide for the care and feeding of their partners when they are off-duty."A lot of work is involved in the training” said Officer McBride."It's day in and day out, not just 9-5. It puts a big responsibility on the handlers to bond with and train the dogs."
As full time officers, the K-9 units are force multipliers to any size police department with their ability to track suspects, search and clear buildings, assist other officers and locate narcotics. K-9s also protect officers simply with their presence. Even the most determined criminals are uneasy about resisting arrest by a well-trained patrol dog."Argus has to earn his Kibbles," said Office McBride. "He's a focused, easy going dog that loves to play. But when it's time to work, he's on and ready to go."
SCPD’s dog and handler learn to work as a team in crucial areas of specialty police work. Both the handlers and K-9 police dogs are prepared to be on-call around the clock whenever their services are needed.
In addition to fighting crime, K-9 police officers are also important in strengthening the relationship between police departments and our community. K-9s are valuable members of SCPD. They are ambassadors for police and public safety through outreach opportunities that range from school demonstrations to special events.

Help Us Identify This Bike Thief

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A bicycle that was locked to the bicycle rack at 809 Center Street was stolen. SCPD is hoping someone recognizes this suspected bike thief from these video images.
On August 23, 2015, at approximately 7:20 PM, this suspect stole a bicycle from a bike rack at City Hall. After stealing the bicycle, he rode away heading southbound on Church Street. The suspect is captured on video surveillance taking the bicycle from the bike rack. 
These images show the suspect prior to the theft. 
The suspect is described as a white male, 25 – 40 years old, wearing a grey baseball cap on backwards, blue t- shirt with white writing across the chest, black pants and black and white striped backpack.
The bicycle is described as a green Trek 520, 24 speed touring bicycle. It looks like a typical 10 speed bike with many bike movement stickers on it. The bike has a black rack on the back which has a hole in it. The bike also has two water bottle cages. The victim says the bike is valued at $1,800.00

If you recognize the suspected bike thief or bicycle, please notify the Santa Cruz Police Department.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit (831) 420-5820. Anonymous tips can also be sent to the police department through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995. Tipsters can also submit an anonymous tip via our smartphone app or from an SMS text. Visit our Website for instructions. www.santacruzpolice.com

SCPD Welcomes New Police Officer Matt Montes

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Police Chief Kevin Vogel welcomed Officer Matt Montes to the Santa Cruz Police Department ranks yesterday as family members, friends and colleagues proudly looked on.
“The swearing-in of a new police officer is a proud moment for those who have chosen to serve and put your life on the line for the safety and service of others “said Chief Vogel.
Officer Montes come to us from the Montes law enforcement dynasty of Santa Cruz County.
Matt Montes worked for Santa Cruz County Juvenile Probation and then at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff as a Correctional Officer until starting with SCPD. Officer Montes academic background includes an AA degree from Santa Monica College and a B.S. degree California State University in fire services, which caused Chief Vogel to pause and evoked laughter from the audience.
Officer Montes is from Watsonville and graduated from Watsonville High School. “Santa Cruz is a unique place. We are pleased to recruit a local officer who grew up here,” Chief Vogel said before administering the oath of honor to Officer Montes. “I congratulate you on achieving your goals and congratulate your family.”
This was a proud moment for Officer Montes’s family and a proud moment for the Santa Cruz Police Department as we welcome you to our family.
Please join us in congratulations and welcome to Officer Matt Montes.

Holy Cross School's Annual Cookies for Courage Event

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Holy Cross School’s Annual Cookies for Courage event is a treasured tradition at the Santa Cruz Police Department.
On Friday September 11th, Holy Cross School hosted its annual Cookies for Courage honoring Police Officers, Firefighters, Paramedics and First Responders in Santa Cruz County.
Holy Cross students prepared and decorated a plentiful array of platters full of cookies. The entire student body at Holy Cross School participated in this thoughtful tribute that included songs, letters and prayers. 
Everyone was honored by the support of the families and students at Holy Cross School as they presented firefighters, paramedics and police with trays of fresh-baked cookies as a symbol of appreciation for their work.
Principal Kimberly Cheng explained that Cookies for Courage was a chance for the Holy Cross School and parish community to show their appreciation for the men and women who keep Santa Cruz safe.
Father Rodolfo Contreras blessed the vehicles of all First Responders wishing them a safe return from service calls. 
Chief Vogel said “Cookies for Courage will always be a very special and favorite event for us at the SCPD. All emergency personnel represented here appreciate the efforts and enjoy seeing the students, staff and families at Holy Cross School. This is a wonderful event and the cookies are delicious!”
This event was the invention of Riley Sisk after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Riley was 6th grade student at Holy Cross. She came up with the idea to have a meaningful event that honored all the first responders and remembered the sacrifices made. The event has carried on at Holy Cross School ever since.

Police Officers, Firefighters, and Paramedics are honored each year at this ceremony and loaded with delicious cookies to bring back and share with our staff.

A heartfelt THANKS to Holy Cross School Principal Cheng and all the staff at Holy Cross School. Huge THANK YOU'S to all the students and their parents. And, THANK YOU to Riley Sisk for starting this wonderful tradition. We are truly honored by this great ceremony and outpouring of support.

Beach Flats Mural Vandalism

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The Santa Cruz Police Department is investigating an act of vandalism to mural artwork at the Beach Flats Park.
Over the weekend, vandals painted over two murals on a storage building at the park. The damage to the murals on the building appears to have been done over two separate nights.
Mural as it was before vandalism
The mural on one side of the building had depicted a family scene. The adjacent sidewall had a mural of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Additionally, the vandals painted the Beach Flats Park sign and another sign at Riverside and Leibrandt.
Adjacent side of building mural prior to vandalism
Below painted out Beach Flats sign
A possible suspect was as a described female, mid 40s age range with brown wavy curly hair, wearing brown sweatshirt and brown long dress.

The murals have historical and cultural significance to the Beach Flats community. These acts of vandalism are taken very seriously by the Santa Cruz Police Department and will not be tolerated in our community.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is scouring the area for video surveillance and possible witnesses. We are asking for the public’s help to identify this suspect wanted in this investigation.

Anyone with information relative to the vandalism and suspect’s identity is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit (831) 420-5820. Anonymous tips can also be sent to the police department through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995, or www.santacruzpolice.com

Help Identify Pedestrian in Major Injury Collision

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The Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance to identify this woman who was struck by a vehicle. Early this morning, SCPD responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Soquel Ave and Morrissey Blvd. The pedestrian suffered major injuries and is in critical care at a bay area trauma center.
We are seeking the public’s help to find out who she is. The injured pedestrian did not have any identification on her person. The photos attached are from a store video surveillance that was taken minutes prior to the accident.


BACKGROUND: 
On September 21, 2015 at 5:54 am, officers from the Santa Cruz Police Department responded to Soquel Ave at Morrissey Boulevard for a report of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.

Officers found the pedestrian lying in the roadway. The involved vehicle was still on scene and was identified as a 2001 Acura. The pedestrian, an unidentified female, was transported by air ambulance to a Bay Area trauma center with major injuries. Detectives are working to identify her.

The driver of the Acura is a 24 years, female from San Jose. The preliminary investigation revealed the pedestrian was crossing Soquel Ave at Morrissey, while the vehicle was traveling eastbound in the #2 lane of Soquel Ave.

The driver remained at the scene and has been cooperative with investigators. The driver was not arrested or cited, as the investigation is still ongoing.

Soquel Avenue at Morrissey Blvd. was closed as a result of the collision investigation. The roadway was opened at approximately 1:00 pm. Traffic was rerouted through the area.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is asking anyone with information or who may have witnessed this collision to contact investigators. Contact investigators at 831- 420-5820.
Anonymous tips can be sent through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995 or www.santacruzpolice.com

Suspected Car Thief Arrested & Stolen Car Recovered

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On evening of Thursday 9/24/15, an observant and concerned citizen reported that 3 suspects had been observed removing license plates from a gold colored Honda Pilot and discarded the license plates in a nearby dumpster. This was a useful and timely tip.

A 2011 gold Honda Pilot had been reported stolen to the Santa Cruz Police Department on Wednesday 9/23/15. The car was stolen from a residence in the 100 block of Morrissey Blvd.

As a routine practice, SCPD officers are always on the lookout for stolen cars while on patrol. The responding officer investigating the tip interviewed the witnesses and discovered video surveillance was available. The surveillance video was taken in the area at the time the suspects removed the license plates from the stolen car. A short while later, members of the Santa Cruz Police Department set up a strategy to find the car and catch the suspected car theft.
SCPD Officers intercepted the stolen Honda Pilot in a local hotel parking lot. The suspect car thief was identified as Katelyn Freitas, age 26 from Santa Cruz.

During a search of Freitas’s hotel room, officers found narcotics and a variety of stolen items in her possession. Among the stolen items included jewelry, golf clubs, multiple ID's and credit cards. 

The investigation into this vehicle theft and the related burglaries is continuing and additional arrests may follow. 

Katelyn Freitas was on probation with confirmed search terms and was in possession of numerous stolen items; as well as narcotics. Freitas was arrested and booked for vehicle theft, receiving/possessing of a stolen property, possession of narcotics and probation violation.

The Santa Cruz Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department at (831) 420-5820 or Anonymous Tip Line (831) 420-5995. www.santacruzpolice.com

October Marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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The Santa Cruz Police Department has partnered with The Walnut Avenue Women's Center, our community advocate, to bring attention to this worthy cause. Thank you WAWC for providing the Domestic Violence Awareness pins that SCPD will wear in support of the cause.
During the month of October, purple ribbon pins will be worn by many SCPD personnel to acknowledge victims of domestic violence; to celebrate those who have survived; and to support people who work to end the violence.

In 2015 year to date, the Santa Cruz County Police Department was dispatched to 238 incidents that were domestic violence in nature. "The Santa Cruz Police Department is committed to protecting victims of domestic violence and working to stop the cycle of violence “ said Chief Vogel. “ This month we want to highlight and acknowledge the vital partnership we have with advocacy groups who are dedicated to this cause year round. “
The Walnut Ave. Women's Center is a nonprofit, community service organization that creates pathways out of domestic violence. They support women by leading them to safe, stable and empowered lives. Together, they share support services with Monarch Services, Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Survivors Healing Center.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in 1981. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who work to end violence against women and children. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed.

To learn about events WAWC will be hosting for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month click here http://wawc.org/2015/09/october-is-domestic-violence-awareness-month-3/

24 hour Domestic Violence Hotline 1-866-269-2559

SCPD’s 1961 Chevy Biscayne Patrol Car Wins 1st Place

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Santa Cruz Police Department showed off our vintage patrol car a 1961 Chevy Biscayne at The Menlo Park and Ripon Police Departments 25th Anniversary Emergency Vehicle Display Show 2015.
SCPD’s 1961 Chevy Biscayne patrol car still has what it takes to win!
Officer Gallegos was proud to bring home two 1st place awards. 1st place Best Novelty Police Vehicle 1900- 1964 AND 1st place Police Chief’s Choice.

While most vintage cars came to the show on trailers, SCPD’s 1961 Chevy Biscayne rolled into Ripon, CA on its own power from Santa Cruz.

Officer Gallegos drove the car over 200 miles to Ripon, Ca and back to Santa Cruz. “Our 61 Chevy cruised over Pacheco Pass with no problems. This car is in excellent condition.”

We would like to give TWO special shout-outs of thanks! Thank you, Vincent Gallegos for detailing our beloved Chevy and getting it show ready. And, thank you to the group of volunteers from Hot Rods at the Beach who restored SCPD’s Chevy Biscayne.

1st place Best Novelty Police Vehicle 1900- 1964
1st place Police Chief’s Choice
Well done!

3 Arrested in Drug Ops on Ocean Street

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The Santa Cruz Police Department’s created a specialized unit called NET (Neighborhood Enforcement Team) whose primary focus is the suppression of crimes of violence, gangs and drugs throughout the City of Santa Cruz.

On 10/05/2015, SCPD’s Neighborhood Enforcement Team served three search warrants related to an investigation into narcotics sales and stolen property at an apartment complex on the 300 block of Ocean Street. Three residents were arrested during the service of the search warrants.


Jose Rodriquez-Becerra, 58, was arrested for possession and methamphetamine for sale.
Misael Mijia, 23, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and heroin for sale and Child Endangerment.
Inocensio Maldonado, 32, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sale and Child Endangerment. 

This was a successful drug arrest operation. Bindles of Meth and heroin was found packaged for sale along with a variety of stolen property.

The Santa Cruz Police Neighborhood Enforcement Team has plans to continue with a variety of enforcement strategies to address problems in our neighborhoods. 

Please continue to contact SCPD when suspicious activity occurs in your neighborhood.
The Santa Cruz Police Department (831) 420-5820.  Anonymous tips can be sent through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995 or Online Crime Tip Form -http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/…/leave-a…/report-a-crime-tip

Surf City Exchange Club Honors Police Officer & Firefighter of the Year

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Congratulations Police Officer Matt Mulvihill and Firefighter Captain Cody Muhly. Last weekend, the Surf City Exchange Club hosted the 2015 Blue & Gold Award Banquet for police officers and firefighters to honor the Police Officer of the Year and the Firefighter of the Year.
Officer Matt Mulvihill earned this distinguished recognition for the Santa Cruz Police Department. The award recognizes exceptional and outstanding performance above and beyond the normal scope of the profession.
SCPD fellow officers describe him as “the officer you want patrolling your neighborhood.” His strong work habits and professional skills made him a standout. His coworker s also said “Mulvihill is not going to like the attention of being honored. But, he’s a great guy and deserves the award”.

Officer Matt Mulvihill always knew growing up he’d extend the long generational line of Mulvihill cops in the noble Irish-American tradition. He graduated from the State University in New York, Brockport with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal justice. Officer Mulvihill was hired with the Santa Cruz Police Department in 2002.

His proficiency in crime scene investigations, DUI enforcement, and vehicle theft recoveries has earned him numerous awards, including eight certificates of recognition for crime scene processing, a pin honoring 10 DUI arrests in 2008, the CHP Master 10851 Award-Blue honoring his recovery of 112 stolen vehicles valued in excess of $550,000.

Officer Mulvihill and Firefighter Captain Muhly, have more than this award and the respect from their peers in common. Both were also honored by The American Red Cross Rescue Professional Hero Award. Officer Mulvihill was commended for skillfully working with Santa Cruz Firefighters to rescue a woman attempting to jump from a six-story building.
When Officer Mulvihill isn’t recovering stolen cars or accepting awards, can be found salt water fishing, kayaking, and generally enjoying our little slice of paradise. He is very grateful his SCPD team nominated him for this prestigious honor. Congratulations Officer Matthew Mulvihill Police Officer of the Year 2015.

Thank you to the Surf City Exchange Club for hosting and presenting the Blue and Gold Award Banquet. First Responders in our community are honored by the support this fine organization. 

The Surf City Exchange Club of Santa Cruz motto is “Working Together to Make Our Community a Better Place to Live.”

Public Safety Fall Forum 2015 October 22, 2015 7:00 -9:00pm

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Police Chief Kevin Vogel has been invited to participate in a panel for the Public Safety Forum on October 22nd.

Public Safety Advocate Lynne Brown will be the featured speaker at Public Safety Fall Forum 2015. This is a community awareness event, presented by Take Back Santa Cruz & Santa Cruz Neighbors. The forum meeting will be at Holy Cross Parish Hall in Santa Cruz on October 22, 2015 at 7:00PM.

Police Chief Kevin Vogel along with Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart, Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell, and Chief Probation Officer for Santa Cruz County Fernado Giraldo, and will be a panel for Q&A with community members in the audience.

In addition to the Q &A, Mrs. Brown will focus on the impacts of CA State Assembly Bill 109 (prison realignment) and CA State Proposition 47 (reduced penalties and reclassification for many crimes from felonies to misdemeanors). Lynne Brown will share a multimedia presentation which will shed light on information about policies that influence safety and quality of life in our community. "Citizens have a right to full disclosure about public safety policies and offenders being released in to their communities.” stated featured speaker Lynne Brown. “


SCPD Welcomes New Police Officer Jeff Brouilette

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Police Chief Kevin Vogel conducted the official swearing in of Police Officer Jeffery Brouilette. Chief Vogel and staff welcomed him into the Santa Cruz Police Department ranks.
“This bears repeating every time I swear in a new police officer to our SCPD family. It is a proud moment for those who have chosen to serve and put your life on the line for the safety and service of others", said Chief Vogel.
Officer Brouilette graduated from the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium in September 2015. Before a career in law enforcement, Jeff worked at the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Shop as a ski and snowboard technician. Jeff received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Chico State University in December 2014. He graduated from Lynbrook High School in 2011.
Officer Brouilette’s mother had the honor of placing his badge in the official badge pinning.

Chief Vogel commented, “We are proud to bring Officer Brouilette into the SCPD family”.
Officer Brouilette will be partnered with veteran officers during his four month Field Training Program. Upon successful completion, he will be assigned to a patrol team.

Please join us in a congratulations and welcome to Officer Jeff Brouilette.

Help Us Identify Prowling & Peeping Suspect

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The Santa Cruz Police is asking the public’s help to identify this suspect who has been observed peering into the window of a residence on Peach Terrace.
The incident occurred on 9/28/15; the reporting victim said she was dressing in her room, when she noticed a man with his face pressed up against her bedroom window. The suspect had been watching her change out of her clothes.

The suspect is described as a mixed race male, age 20 - 28, 5’11 to 6 feet tall with a lean build. The suspect has medium dark complexion with very short black hair.

The Santa Cruz Police Department has increased patrols in the area. We are asking residents to report suspicious activity. The suspect has not been located. This sketch was completed with the victim on 10/14/15. This investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information relative to the suspect’s identity is asked to call Santa Cruz Police Investigations (831) 420-5820. We are also looking for anyone who has been the victim of similar activity but has not yet reported the activity to police.

We request that all residents exercise caution with locking doors and windows at night, leave an outside night light illuminated, and immediately notify the Police Department if anything or anyone suspicious is noticed.

The Santa Cruz Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department at (831) 420-5820 or Anonymous Tip Line (831) 420-5995. www.santacruzpolice.com

UPDATE: Vehicle Crash Off SC Wharf

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The Santa Cruz Police Department continues to investigate the fatal collision involving a car that drove off the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf on October 17.

The first occupant rescued from the car is still in critical condition. The victim is a 20 year old male from Santa Cruz. The second occupant was pronounced deceased upon arrival to the hospital. The deceased has been identified as Robert Halpin, age 19 from Santa Cruz.

On Sunday October 18, Santa Cruz Police Divers searched the ocean floor around the crash site for any additional evidence in the case. The Santa Cruz Police Department will conduct a full inspection of the vehicle to determine if mechanical defect played a role in the crash.

Witness statements indicate the car was aggressively traveling at a high speed before suddenly turning into a parking space and then crashing through a railing into the water.

BACKGROUND: On October 17, 2015 at about 8:24 pm Santa Cruz Police Department and Santa Cruz Fire Department were dispatched to the area of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf to investigate a vehicle that crashed through the guardrail fell into water.

Santa Cruz Fire Rescue Swimmers were able to pull a male victim from the vehicle. He was brought to shore at Cowells Beach by the Rescue Swimmers and Advanced Life Support was started while the victim was transported to Dominican Hospital. Wharf Maintenance Divers assisted in pulling a second male subject from the vehicle. The second male victim was later pronounced deceased at Dominican Hospital.

Santa Cruz Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this accident. Anyone with information relative to this incident is asked to contact the Investigations Unit at (831) 420-5995.

Routine Traffic Stop Leads to Loaded Shotgun

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On 10/21/15 at about 10:00 pm, Santa Cruz Police Officers conducted a traffic stop of a beige Buick Regal for not stopping at a red traffic signal at the intersection of Mission Street and Laurel Street. 

During the car stop, the SCPD Officer saw a shotgun on the floor board of the front passenger seat, which was in arms reach from the driver seat.
The driver of the Buick was identified as Brian Baires, 18 from Santa Cruz. Baires did not have any identification and he was not the registered owner of the car.  The shotgun in the car was loaded with 4 rounds of 00 buck and 1 round of 7 ½ birdshot.
Brian Baires was taken into custody and booked for possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle and possession of a sawed-off shotgun.

The Santa Cruz Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety. We are committed to reducing gang crimes and violence in the City of Santa Cruz. Anyone with information regarding suspicious or criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department.
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