SCPD Specialty Units Spend Day in Joint Training

The Santa Cruz Police Department's Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) joined with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office HNT in a joint training exercise today. The HNT team, led by Lt. Larry Richard, worked on extended period hostage negotiation training - one where multiple agencies would participate to end up with a safe resolution The HNT is part of the department's Emergency Services Unit (ESU), which comprises a Dive Team, Tactical Team and the HNT.  Joint training exercises allow for agencies to improve communications, share resources and simulate real-world experiences in a training environment. 

Santa Cruz Police Most Wanted: Week of November 29

Santa Cruz Police Most Wanted: Week of November 29

Suspect:          Kerry Abela

AKA:              Kerry Gates

                       Brian Gates

                       Shane Gates

Description:  47 years-old, 6’ 02” 160 pounds, brown hair and hazel eyes. 

Santa Cruz City resident.

Kerry Shane Abela is currently wanted on two outstanding warrants out of Santa Cruz County. Kerry Abela’s warrants are for failing to appear on original charges. One of the charges was from being in possession of a dangerous weapon. He is a Santa Cruz resident and has connections to Santa Cruz County and Santa Clara County.

If you see Mr. Abela, you can call 911 for an officer response. If you have information about him you can call the tip line at 420-5995 or leave a tip via our iPhone app or website.

PRIDE Program Visits KION Set

Students of the PRIDE Program, along with Officer Joe Hernandez and Sgt. Mike Harms, were invited by KION TV to visit the set and meet with anchors Marc Cota-Robles and Jasmine Viel. The students were given a tour of the studio, shown how the news is broadcast and even allowed a shot at doing the weather! The PRIDE Program shows at-risk students good and bad decision making - focusing on the consequences of both. This event modeled good decision making; how making the right choices in life can lead to a career at a place like KION.

Join us for the Rescheduled West Beat Community Meeting

Tuesday, December 6, 2011   6:00 – 8:00 pm

 High Street Community Church

850 High Street – Santa Cruz, CA

Please join the Santa Cruz Police Department as we host a community town hall forum on crime and quality-of-life issues in our community. The department values your input and we believe it is essential to host an open community dialogue on issues impacting our neighborhoods. We want to create the opportunity for you to voice your on-going concerns, have neighbors meet neighbors in a positive environment and foster a crime-solving partnership.

The forum will provide for an open question-and-answer period about any concerns you may have and ideas how we can improve our mutual partnership for the benefit of our community.

You may contact Lieutenant McMahon at 420-5850 if you have any questions.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year the Santa Cruz Police Department has a lot to be thankful for. We've created a number of new community outreach initiatives (Community Services Unit, iPhone app, blog, Facebook, Twitter and more), received awards for community-oriented policing and predictive policing and been fortunate to fill some of our vacancies with outstanding new officers. But the most important thing to be thankful for is our relationship with our community. Because of your partnership we've seen a decrease in most crime types, solved a number of crimes and forged new outreach methods and relationships.

As you know, we are a 365 day operation - just because it's a holiday doesn't mean the men and women of the Santa Cruz Police Department take a day off. Please join me in thanking the officers and records staff that work today and all holidays to keep our community safe. And thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. 

Sincerely,
Kevin

Kevin Vogel, Chief of Police

Time Magazine Names SCPD's Predictive Policing as one of top 50 Inventions of 2011

The Santa Cruz Police Department’s predictive policing program was named by Time Magazine as one of the fifty best inventions of 2011. In the November 28, 2011 issue (already in newsstands) the magazine said the program helps the department “get ahead of the bad guys.” In the last few years, the prestigious Invention Issue listed the iPad, electric car and even devices that help people walk again among their top inventions.

“We are honored to be recognized by Time Magazine for our predictive policing program” Police Chief Kevin Vogel said. “Innovation is the key to modern policing and we’re proud to be leveraging technology in a way that keeps our community safer.”

The predictive policing program, developed by Dr. George Mohler of Santa Clara University and a team from UCLA, uses an earthquake aftershock model to determine where future crimes will occur. Similar to the predictability of an aftershock after an earthquake, the models predicts that there will be “aftercrimes” after an initial crime. The program does not cost the agency anything.

This groundbreaking model is now being used by the Los Angeles Police Department. This week, LAPD invited Lt. Bernie Escalante and Zach Friend down to speak to roll calls about the program and aid in their launch.

In the first few months of using the program the Santa Cruz Police Department has seen a decrease in the targeted crime types (burglaries and motor vehicle thefts). The program has shown to be much more accurate in predicting where crimes will occur, breaking down targeted locations into 500 foot by 500 foot areas. In January the department will work with the researchers to do a full analysis of the program. Lessons that are being learned by SCPD and LAPD will be integrated into the next generation of the program for other law enforcement agencies.

SCPD Most Wanted: Week of November 23

Santa Cruz Police Department Most Wanted: Week of November 23

Suspect: Verdin, Ernesto

Description: 40 years old, 5’ 09” 180 pounds, black hair and brown eyes. 

Residence: Santa Cruz City resident.

Crime:   Driving Under the Influence -  which resulted in injury.

Mr. Verdin is currently wanted on an outstanding $20,000 warrant out of Santa Cruz County. The warrant is for driving under the influence which resulted in injury due to an accident. He was arrested; however failed to show up in court. Please call 831.420.5820 if you have seen Mr. Verdin or leave a tip on our website or via our iPhone app

Bank Robbery Update - Possible Person of Interest UPDATE

WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ID THE PERSON IN THIS PHOTO. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

Within an hour of the bank robbery the individual below was found using money with red dye believed to have come from the bank robbery. The individual used the money at a store on Mission Street near Chestnut Street. He is not a suspect - just a person of interest. Santa Cruz Police Department Investigators are asking for your help in identifying this individual.

Please call SCPD Investigations at 831.420.5820 or leave a tip via our website or iPhone app. You can also leave a tip at 420.5995

LAPD Invites SCPD to Speak About Predictive Policing

The Los Angeles Police Department invited Lt. Bernie Escalante and Crime Analyst Zach Friend to LA to speak to roll calls about SCPD's experience with predictive policing. LAPD launched predictive policing last week. Led by Cpt. Sean Malinowski, the LAPD experiment affords an opportunity to test the program on a much larger scale. LAPD has been working closely with researchers from UCLA and was the first agency to provide data to test the model nearly two years ago. LAPD and SCPD are the only two agencies in the country using the program. The results of the two experiments are expected in the next few months. Dozens of agencies have reached out to LAPD and SCPD to ask about the program and possibly launch predictive policing in their own agencies at the end of the test period.

Sgt. Mike Harms Receives 2011 Community Hero Award

Officer Joe Hernandez and Sergeant Mike Harms

The United Way Community Assessment Project of Santa Cruz County announced their 2011 Community Heroes this morning.  The Santa Cruz Police Department is pleased to announce that our very own Sergeant Mike Harms was selected to be a Community Hero for his work this past year in the area of public safety.  Over the past year, Sergeant Harms has actively created, facilitated and hosted prevention and positive social activities for youth in our community.  Sergeant Harms was instrumental in the creation of the first-ever Santa Cruz Police Department Teen Police Academy.  He helped facilitate the P.R.I.D.E. Program, which is designed to demonstrate to at-risk youth the positive outcomes that may result from making good choices and the negative outcomes that may result from making poor choices.  This past summer, Sergeant Harms helped organize a youth fair at Depot Park in conjunction with Mercy Housing.  Sergeant Harms has been a driving force in the re-creation of the Santa Cruz Police Department’s Community Services Section.  The Community Services Section is recognized as a premier community outreach arm with a special focus on youth.  Please join all of us at the Santa Cruz Police Department in congratulating Sergeant Mike Harms for being the recipient of a United Way Community Assessment Project of Santa Cruz County 2011 Community Hero Award.

Help us ID This Bank Robber

DETAILS:

On November 17, 2011 at approximately 11:00 am Santa Cruz Police Department officers responded to a report of a robbery of a bank in the 700 block of Ocean Street.  According to witnesses, an unknown male entered the business and approached a teller. The suspect then provided a threatening note demanding money. The teller complied with the suspect’s request and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of money. No one was injured during the robbery and no weapon was seen. According to witnesses the suspect was last seen fleeing on foot on Water Street. There have been uncorroborated reports that the suspect entered a vehicle in the 500 block of Water Street. The dye pack discharged during the incident. Investigators are working with bank officials to obtain video and determine if there is anything of evidentiary value.

If you know this suspect please call 911 or leave a tip on our website or iPhone app. You can also call SCPD Investigations at 831.420.5820

SCPD Most Wanted: Week of November 17

Santa Cruz Police Most Wanted: Week of November 17

Name: Carlos Ponce
Wanted For: Burglary
Description: 25 years-old, 5-07, 160, black hair and brown eyes


Santa Cruz City Resident

Details: Mr. Ponce is currently wanted on an outstanding warrant for burglary. If you see Mr. Ponce, please contact Santa Cruz Police Investigations at 831.420.5820 or leave a tip via our website or iPhone app. You can always call 911 if you would like an officer to respond.

Department Joins Attorney General Kamala Harris at Regional Law Enforcement Meeting

Santa Cruz Police and County law enforcement leaders joined Attorney General Kamala Harris at a regional zone meeting today in Alameda County. Zone meetings allow leaders from law enforcement (police, sheriffs, district attorneys and more) to join together to discuss best practices and learn more about pending legislation and budget issues.

Today's meeting continued an ongoing dialogue that Attorney General Harris and state DOJ has been having with law enforcement partners throughout California. The meeting focused on budget cuts to the DOJ's Division of Law Enforcement (impacting local/regional task forces), contained first-hand information about realignment and focused on trends in gang violence and even cyber crimes.

Speakers included the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Department of Corrections and experts on gangs, cyber crimes and more. Chief Kevin Vogel, Deputy Chief Rick Martinez and Crime Analyst Zach Friend attended the event and were joined by the Sheriff's Office, Capitola Police, Watsonville Police and the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office.

SCPD expands First Alarm Security downtown during holiday season

In an effort to provide additional uniformed presence downtown during the holiday season, the Santa Cruz Police Department is announcing the temporary expansion of First Alarm guards downtown. The expansion will provide daily coverage and will supplement additional sworn staff assigned to downtown. The department will reallocate additional police officers downtown during the holiday season, a common practice over the last few years.

“We’ve found First Alarm to be a cost-effective way to aid officers in ensuring a safe environment during the holiday season” Police Chief Kevin Vogel said. “Since we’ve implemented the program last year, we’ve received universally positive feedback about their presence downtown.”  

Chip, Executive Director of the Downtown Association said, “Having the consistent and professional presence of First Alarm has really made a great impact on the downtown area. The guards play a very helpful role for our businesses, patrons and visitors.”

First Alarm guards have been trained by Santa Cruz Police Department downtown officers in the local ordinances and utilize the police dispatch system to report problems as soon as they occur. The additional guard will work from Noon until 8:00 p.m. and overlap with the current guard's schedule. The funding comes from the salary savings generated by vacant police officer positions. The cost of this program is approximately $5,200. 

Downtown Crime Stats: A 10 Month Look

Downtown Crime Stats: A 10 Month Look

After posting crime stats for the first six months of the year we wanted to follow-up with a second look at downtown stats. Here are the first 10 months of the year:


January 1 - October 31, 2010:

Aggravated Assaults: 103
Robbery: 17
Theft:173
Auto Theft:11
Burglary: 20

January 1 - October, 2011:   --   Percent Change

Aggravated Assaults: 86                  -17%
Robbery: 12                                    -29%
Theft: 169                                        -2%
Auto Theft: 9                                   -18%
Burglary: 30                                     50%

Department Featured on German and Swiss Television

The Santa Cruz Police Department's predictive policing program has begun to receive more international attention. The German television station N24 sent a crew to the department last week to focus on the program and also meet with Dr. George Mohler at Santa Clara University. This week, a national Swiss television station will also be by the department for the same coverage. Both stations sent crews as cuts to staff have been occurring in their respective countries and they hope the program will aid their police agencies during these cuts.

Have Questions for our Staff?

One of the most popular features on our blog is the "Get to Know" section - where we ask officers and police department staff questions so you can gain some insight about the people who work here. For the next round of "Get to Know," we want to hear the questions you want asked. Drop us a line here and let us know.  Thanks!

Photos from City Employee Veteran's Celebration

Here are some photos from yesterday's event at City Hall that honored City employees that served in the armed forces. Mayor Ryan Coonerty read a proclamation deeming November 9th City Employee Veteran Appreciation Day in the City of Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Police Department Honor Guard and Marine Corps Color Guard from Monterey participated in the event.

SCPD Most Wanted: Week of November 9

Santa Cruz Police Most Wanted: Week of November 9th

Name: Gabriel Hylton
Wanted For: Stolen Vehicle / Felony Theft
Description: 5-06, 178, 30 years-old. San Lorenzo Valley resident

Mr. Hylton is currently wanted on an outstanding warrant for vehicle theft and felony theft. If you have any information about Mr. Hylton, please call SCPD Investigations at 831.420.5820 or leave a tip via our iPhone app or on our website.

Veteran's Day Ceremony - City Hall Courtyard on Wednesday November 9th @ noon

In honor of Veteran's Day, the City of Santa Cruz will recognize City staff who have served in the United States Armed Forces.  Please join the Santa Cruz Police Department Honor Guard and Mayor Ryan Coonerty for a special ceremony on Wednesday November 9th to honor City employees who served our country.   The short ceremony will take place in the City Hall Courtyard.  Members of the community are invited to attend. 

Event Details:

Wednesday - November, 9th
Noon
City Hall Courtyard

Emergency Alert System Test - 11 AM November 9, 2011

 

 

Tomorrow, Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at approximately 11 AM Local Time, the federal government will conduct the first-ever end-to-end national test of the Emergency Alert System, or EAS. The test will occur  simultaneously on all radio and broadcast, cable, and satellite TV systems and will last thirty seconds. The purpose of the test is to ensure that, if ever needed, a Presidential alert message that warns of a national emergency could be disseminated throughout the nation. 

It is important that the public be made aware of the test so that the 9-1-1 system is not flooded with calls, forcing 9-1-1 centers to divert resources away from actual emergencies.

Although the national EAS test may resemble the localized monthly EAS tests that most Americans are already familiar with, there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear. During the Nov. 9 test, listeners will hear a message indicating that, "This is a test." The audio message will be the same on both radio and TV. However, due to limitations in the EAS, the text message scrolling at the top of TV screens will NOT indicate that, "This is a test." 

This national EAS test will allow radio stations, television stations, and other EAS participants to test their equipment and their capability to receive and disseminate a national warning message. While it is hoped that the test is a 100% success across the nation, the test will allow EAS participants to identify and correct any problems with reception and/or relay of a national EAS message.

·         The public is reminded this broadcast is only a TEST.

·         Calls to 9-1-1 to inquire about the test are considered non-emergency calls.  These types of calls may overwhelm the telephone network at emergency call centers and delay 9-1-1 from receiving calls from citizens reporting real emergencies. Please help us ensure that callers with actual emergencies can get through to 9-1-1.

·         Only call 9-1-1 if you have an actual emergency requiring a response from police, fire or emergency medical services (EMS).

·         Calls to 9-1-1 to get information about this test should not be made.   For more information go to http://transition.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/eas.pdf