Pedestrian Safety Operation

Yesterday the Santa Cruz Police Department Traffic Unit wrote 20 citations in 2 hours for vehicles failing to yield to pedestrians on Soquel. The pedestrian safety operation was conducted in the mid-afternoon and came as a result of complaints from businesses and residents in the Soquel/Cayuga and Soquel/Marnell corridor about vehicles not yielding to pedestrians.  Officers had plainclothes community service officers cross Soquel at several different locations between Soquel/Cayuga and Soquel/Marnell. Drivers who failed to yield to the pedestrians in the crosswalk received citations for that violation.

Summer weather in the eastside business district encourages more people to walk to their destinations. Vehicle versus pedestrian collisions are preventable when drivers and pedestrians follow the laws. Proactive enforcement activity such as this event serve to raise driver awareness and prevent tragic accidents.

SCPD Honors Volunteers

The Santa Cruz Police Department honored its remarkable group of volunteers today at a luncheon held at the Community Room. Chief Kevin Vogel and Deputy Chief Steve Clark spoke about the importance of the volunteer program and thanked everyone for the over 4,000 total volunteer hours they put in last year. Some volunteers received Presidential Volunteer Service Awards given to volunteers that gave at least 100 hours of their time in the last year. The program is overseen by the Community Services Section and Sgt. Mike Harms and Officer Joe Hernandez. The Volunteer Program at SCPD was created by Chief Kevin Vogel as one of his first actions as a new chief. Here are some photos from the event. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers!

Beach Area Business Community Meeting Planned

          SANTA CRUZ POLICE DEPARTMENT TO HOST BEACH BEAT COMMUNITY MEETING

Monday, May 7, 2012 ---- 9:00-10:30 am

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Sun Room Terrace

400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA

The Santa Cruz Seaside Company is providing the meeting space and parking in the Beach Parking Lot. Please mention this meeting to the parking attendant and there will be no charge.

 Please join the Santa Cruz Police Department as we host a business 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 business 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.

Please join Deputy Chief Steve Clark, Beach Beat Lieutenant Colleen McMahon, Sgt. Scott Campbell, Beach Beat area patrol officers and other police representatives at this meeting. You may contact Lieutenant McMahon at 420-5857 or cmcmahon@cityofsantacruz.com if you have any questions.

Learn More About the Online Police Reporting System

Did you know that the Santa Cruz Police Department has an online reporting system? 

The Coplogic system is designed to simplify the process of making a report for crimes occurring within the city limits. You can make a report from any computer that has Internet access at a time that is most convenient for you. With the online reporting system, you don’t have to call dispatch, explain your reason for calling, or wait for an officer to call you or respond to your location to take the report. For certain crime reports, you can enter the information yourself and get a crime report number quickly and easily. You can even print a copy of your police report from your computer.

Last year, the online system processed 1,859 reports saving an estimated $75,000 in personnel costs. 

The Coplogic system accepts crime reports for Petty and Grand Theft, Auto Burglary, Vandalism, Vehicle Tampering, Harassing Phone Calls, Hit and Run reports with no suspect information, and Identity Theft. You can even submit digital images along with your report.

The online reporting system is only right for you if you are not reporting an emergency, the crime occurred within the city limits of Santa Cruz, there are no known suspects and you have a valid email address to receive a copy of the report.

If all of those factors are present, try the easy-to-follow instructions on the Santa Cruz Police Department website and make your report from the convenience of your keyboard.

Get to Know Your Neighborhood: Garfield Neighbors

The Santa Cruz Police Department works closely with neighborhood organizations to ensure open lines of communication with our residents. We reached out to one such group, the Garfield Neighbors, to learn more about them. We hope this will be the first in a series of getting to know your local neighborhood organizations so you can become involved.


 Santa Cruz Police: Tell us a little about Garfield Neighbors

Garfield Neighbors: Garfield Neighbors is comprised of highly engaged residents who live near Garfield Park and are dedicated to improving neighborhood safety. We’re a results oriented organization and as we’ve built a track record of achievement our membership has grown. Today over 225 unique households are members. As the group’s administrator, I work with a steering committee that helps prioritize which issues get our focus. Weekly newsletters summarize criminal activity reported over the three most recent weeks and other public safety-related items specific to our neighborhood. The information is culled CrimeMapping.com, the SCPD’s Media Release Log, the SCPD’s Press Releases, The Sentinel, and feedback/suggestions contributed by our members. Throughout the week neighbors can post information on our Facebook page to make others aware of suspicious behavior.

Santa Cruz Police: What is the general area covered by the organization?

2

Garfield Neighbors: Most of our focus is on Garfield Park, The Circles, and The Almar Shopping Center. However, our weekly newsletters touch on public safety issues in the geographic area bordered by Mission Street, West Cliff Drive, Swift Street, and Bay St. 

Santa Cruz Police: What accomplishments have you seen? 

Garfield Neighbors: We have significantly reduced illegal camping and drug activity in our neighborhood. We’ve also convinced Safeway to be aggressive in addressing criminal behavior on their property. In January of 2012, 55% of police reports filed in our neighborhood originated from The Almar Shopping Center.

4)    Santa Cruz Police: What partnerships have you built with SCPD?

Garfield Neighbors: We are very thankful for the outstanding support Garfield Neighbors receives from the Santa Cruz Police Department. We work closely with Lt. Colleen McMahon, Officer Ken Deeg, and Deputy Chief Steve Clark. Along with the rest of the department, they’ve helped make our neighborhood a better place to live.

5)        Santa Cruz Police: What things would you like to see improved?

Garfield Neighbors: Recycle theft is emerging as a significant concern. Thieves used to pilfer though garbage and recycle barrels on trash day, but increasingly they are entering side yards any day of the week.

6)     Santa Cruz Police: How can people get involved?

Garfield Neighbors Just send us an e-mail at GarfieldNeighbors@gmail.com.

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.

Join us for a West Beat Community Meeting

Tuesday, November 8, 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.

Lt. Colleen McMahon Becomes First Female Motorcycle Officer in Department History

Lt. Colleen McMahon, a 22 ½ year veteran of the Santa Cruz Police Department, became the first female motorcycle officer in the department’s 145-year history. Lt. McMahon completed a rigorous certification process through the Alameda County Sheriff’s Motor Academy and received her final uniform outfitting this week. “Historically, law enforcement has maintained unnecessary and arbitrary barriers,” Chief Kevin Vogel said. “We’re proud that Lt. McMahon helped eliminate another glass ceiling and opened the door for all officers to experience the possibilities in this profession.”

For the last six years, Lt. McMahon has been in Patrol and commander of the Traffic Unit, overseeing all of the motor officers and general traffic functions. Over the course of her career, Lt. McMahon has worked in Patrol, Investigations, Downtown, served as the department’s original School Resource Officer, overseen Professional Standards and worked in the original Street Crimes Unit. Lt. McMahon came to the department after serving in the United States Army, working in military intelligence and as a translator. She is fluent in Spanish and Mandarin. “I am grateful for the opportunities and support I’ve received at the Santa Cruz Police Department and excited to serve our community in an expanded capacity,” Lt. McMahon said. “Hopefully this is a small step toward breaking down barriers and encouraging more women to consider law enforcement.”

For the last 7 ½ years, Lt. McMahon has taught at the California Motorcycle Safety Program at Cabrillo College, aiding new riders in motorcycle safety and defensive riding techniques. She received the RiderCoach Recognition Award from the California Highway Patrol for her effective motor instruction techniques.

Tip-a-Cop Fundraiser a Success!

Yesterday's Tip-a-Cop event, a fundraiser for Special Olympics, raised money and spirits at the Delaveaga Golf Lodge. Off-duty uniformed officers served diners throughout the lunch hour.

Thank you to all that came out to help us raise funds for this important cause! Because of Special Olympics, developmentally disabled athletes and their families are able to enjoy the challenge of training for a sport and then competing against other athletes. It provides an opportunity for the athletes to participate in organized competition and to experience the camaraderie of team and individual sports…all at no cost to them for uniforms, training or transportation. Everybody wins in this endeavor and the parents of the athletes get to see their children display their athletic abilities and smile. Although these experiences may seem simple and everyday to you, they can be magical for a special athlete.

Help SCPD Officers Raise Money for Special Olympics

Want to see your uniformed police operating in a totally different role? Officers from the Santa Cruz Police Department will be volunteering their time to act as wait staff for the Delaveaga Golf Lodge on Wednesday the 20^th from 10 am 1 pm.  Officers will be in uniform serving water and coffee and helping with the service of food, all in hopes of raising funds for Special Olympics athletes in Santa Cruz County. Restaurant patrons will be able to add an extra tip (beyond what they leave for the real wait staff) to support our community’s very special athletes.

Because of Special Olympics, developmentally disabled athletes and their families are able to enjoy the challenge of training for a sport and then competing against other athletes. It provides an opportunity for the athletes to participate in organized competition and to experience the camaraderie of team and individual sports…all at no cost to them for uniforms, training or transportation. Everybody wins in this endeavor and the parents of the athletes get to see their children display their athletic abilities and smile. Although these experiences may seem simple and everyday to you, they can be magical for a special athlete.

Officers enjoy the positive interaction with the public that comes from the Tip-A-Cop event. The athletes look up to the officers and recognize them as friends. Police officers worldwide participate in fund raising events for Special Olympics. 

Please join us at the Delaveaga Golf Lodge for a great cause! You can contact Lt. Colleen McMahon at 420-5857 if you have questions. See you there.

Get to Know Lt. Colleen McMahon!

Lt. McMahon has distinguished herself during the course of her over 22 years at the Santa Cruz Police Department. Currently, she leads the Emergency Services Unit Dive Team, oversees our Traffic Section and has played a significant role in hiring some of the great officers at our department over the last five years. We sat down with Lt. McMahon so you could learn more about her!

What is your favorite secret spot in Santa Cruz?

Lt. McMahon: Lower Delaveaga foot paths through the Redwoods. It is beautiful, cool and peaceful.

 

Tell us about your favorite TV shows and movies.

Lt. McMahon: TV Show: The Biggest Loser - People who are willing to make sacrifices for positive personal change.

Movie: Pay it Forward - People who make a positive difference for others without expecting anything in return.

What is the best part about living in Santa Cruz?

Lt. McMahon: The choice of micro-climates and terrain including the ocean for outdoor activities. You can usually count on fog in the morning for comfortable long runs.

What is your most memorable case and/or arrest you’ve been involved in?

Lt. McMahon: In general, remembering people I’ve contacted before and helping them remain accountable to themselves, their families and the community through enforcement actions and contact on the street. I cited a teenager downtown years ago. Before releasing him, I talked to his parent on the cell phone. The parent said that they didn’t want their child downtown unsupervised and asked me to send the child home. I saw the same teenager several days later downtown with some friends at a fast food business. I called the parent on the cell phone. The parent said the child was supposed to be at the movies on the other end of Pacific Avenue. I walked in to the business, handed my cell phone to the teenager and let his parent tell him to come home. I didn’t see him downtown again, hopefully because he realized that someone knew him and his parents and it wasn’t worth being called on it. Sometimes people need encouragement to make the right choices.  

Tell us a little about your background in and out of SCPD:

Lt. McMahon: I grew up in the Midwest (inner city Chicago and small college town in Iowa) before moving to the West Coast in high school. I was a Chinese-Mandarin translator in the Army before working for SCPD. I’ve been able to work Patrol, Street Crimes (NET), Investigations, School Resource Officer, Internal Affairs and Community Services at the SCPD over the past 22 ½ years.   

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Lt. McMahon: Right here is my favorite vacation spot.

Most importantly, what are you most proud of?

Lt. McMahon: That my children are committed to public service in their careers. My daughter is a Detective for the city of Marina and my son is currently an emergency dispatcher for NETCOM. I know that, even though it is often a difficult job, they will continue to experience the fulfillment that accompanies it.

SCPD to Participate in Special Olympics Torch Run

Special Olympics Torch Run, Wednesday June 15, 2011

Officers from the Santa Cruz Police Department run for a special cause every year in June. The Special Olympics torch is hand-carried from southern California to the Summer Olympics site by law enforcement officers throughout the state. SCPD is celebrating our 20^th year of running the torch for this very special cause.

The run brings public awareness to the Special Olympics organization as officers endeavor to raise funds for local athletic programs. All funds raised from this effort stay in Santa Cruz County for our very own Special Olympics athletes. Developmentally disabled athletes are able to participate in team and individual sports at no cost to their families. This opportunity to interact with other teammates and be a part of competitive events is a miraculous gift to a segment of our community who often feel left out of life. The athletes love to be around police officers and they show that appreciation through the big smiles on their faces.

Special Olympics athletes join us each year to run the portion of our leg north of Maple on

Pacific Avenue

. People recognize the Special Olympics logo and cheer the runners on. This is a great event that allows officers to give back to their community in a personal and meaningful way. The athletes make us feel special and we let them know that we admire them.

SCPD Runners will take the torch from the Sheriff’s office at the Harbor entrance on

Fifth Avenue

at 1230. We will carry the torch past the Boardwalk to

Pacific Avenue

and then run to the County Courthouse where we will hand the torch to the District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone who would like to help with the fundraising can go to sonc.org and donate on-line to the Santa Cruz Police Department team. There are also fundraising t-shirts that people can purchase. They are $15 each and are dark blue. Let me know if you’d like to see them and buy one to support Special Olympics athletes.

Thank you!

Colleen McMahon

420-5857

Santa Cruz Police Dive Team

Article by Lt. Colleen McMahon

What happens when a suspect attempts to hide the evidence of his/her crime by tossing it into the murky waters of the Monterey Bay? If people think items will be hidden forever once they disappear below the surface, they are wrong. The Emergency Services Unit Dive Team consists of officers who are specially trained and equipped to enter the dangerous environment underwater.

Divers must be physically fit and comfortable in the water. Search patterns and communication equipment also become an integral part of the team’s strategy. Techniques must be adaptable to open ocean conditions, river currents and other water environments.

Once evidence is located, it must be appropriately documented and recovered. Items can range in size from a knife to a motor vehicle. Each situation will require specialized knowledge and equipment.

Dive Team officers attend training sessions regularly. They must maintain and sharpen their ability to conduct search operations as a team within an environment that severely limits normal communication and is extremely hazardous due to the requirement for special survival gear. This includes SCUBA gear and, in the very cold waters of the Monterey Bay, drysuits to protect divers from the debilitating effects of the cold temperatures. Diving around the Santa Cruz Wharf requires a high level of comfort with low-light diving, surging currents, and errant fishing lines. Divers must work as a team to keep each other safe while accomplishing their search and recovery mission.

The Santa Cruz Police ESU Dive Team is just another way we are working to keep our community safe!