While some have erroneously predicted the end of the world
today, the fact that you are reading this indicates they were off on those
calculations. Little did we know, what the
Mayans were really predicting was the end of an era at the Santa Cruz Police
Department. Today, December 21, 2012, we
say a heartfelt and fond farewell to Zach Friend and wish him well as he takes
the next step in his career of public service as a County Supervisor.
Many of you know and recognize Zach in his role as Press Information
Officer (PIO). That was just one small
part of what he has brought to the department.
Zach took on this role when he
saw an opportunity to improve how we deliver information to the public;
ultimately making the organization more transparent to the community and the
information more relevant.
Zach’s primary role has been that of a Principle Management
Analyst. In that role he has secured
millions of dollars in grant funding for the city to pay for police officers,
equipment, and enforcement programs. During
the severe budget crisis in 2009, the department was actually at risk of laying-off
officers. Zach worked tirelessly to
secure a grant of 1.9 million to save those positions and avoid layoffs. He has also brought other ideas forward that
have strengthened our delivery of service and achieved efficiencies in the overall
organization.
Among his many other accomplishments was development of the
iPhone and Droid Apps which won the Helen Putnam Award from the California
League of Cities. He worked with a team
of professors to develop Predictive Policing and put Santa Cruz on the map as the
first department in the world to launch the program. This innovative program is now being used
across the country and internationally.
Zach (Code name: “Blue Steel”) has been a game changer in every sense. The effects of his work and his influence
on this department will transcend his time with us. The County (especially the 2nd
District) is lucky to have such a dedicated and talented servant.
Zach, you will be greatly missed, but forever a part of our
family.
