Sergeant Arnold Vasquez Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute Graduate

LT. Escalante and SGT. Vasquez

Today, Sergeant Arnold Vasquez graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute. The Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute is a leadership program developed by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). This program is designed to stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law enforcement front-line supervisors.

“This leadership training opportunity is the perfect forum to help develop the skill-sets of our line-level supervisors, giving them the tools needed to interact with and mentor other officers,” said Chief Kevin Vogel.

After completing the 9-month course, Sergeant Vasquez joins many other SCPD supervisors and managers who have attended this valuable program.

Sgt. Vasquez, a 17 year veteran SCPD officer, successfully completed the intensive leadership development program. It is an ongoing goal of the Santa Cruz Police Department to consistently provide the training necessary for effective public safety leadership.

Congratulations to Sergeant Arnold Vasquez on his achievement.

Get to Know New Sergeant Arnold Vasquez!

Just two short days after being promoted we sat down with newly minted Sgt. Arnold Vasquez to ask him some questions. Sgt. Vasquez, a statewide recognized gang expert, accomplished investigator and most recently School Resource Officer had the following to say so you can "get to know your SCPD better."

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Sgt. Vasquez: My favorite restaurant is Engfer Pizza Works in Seabright. They have an outstanding neighborhood atmosphere and their wood-fired pizza is on the money!

49ers or Raiders? Giants or A’s?

Sgt. Vasquez: Raiders!! (Just don’t hold it against me!). And without question, the WORLD Champion San Francisco Giants!

What is your favorite thing about working for Santa Cruz Police?

Sgt. Vasquez: One of the best parts about working for SCPD is the opportunity to work in a variety of assignments. We are allowed to do so many interesting things here that let us grow personally and professionally. But that’s not what you asked. My FAVORITE part about working here is that everyone here knows each other, from the Chief to the newest officer.  There is a strong bond here and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. We are truly a family.

What is the most memorable case you worked or arrest you made?

Sgt. Vasquez: My most memorable case was when I arrested a suspect who had kidnapped a teenage girl from Orinda.  The suspect had broken into the victim’s house in the middle of the night, kidnapped the girl after he had tied up her parents and later told investigators that he had plans to kill her.  This was truly a horrific crime. I was a brand new officer, working on my own for only two months, and at the time I didn’t have the experience to understand the gravity of this case.  But, as time has gone on I’ve been able to reflect on how important it was that this arrest was made. We owed it to that victim and her family to make this arrest.  I’m glad I was at the right place at the right time.

Name a hobby (other than arresting law breakers):

Sgt. Vasquez: I love to play golf.  I just wish I didn’t have to hit the ball so many times.

SCPD Veteran Officer Arnold Vasquez Promoted to Police Sergeant

SANTA CRUZ -- Police Chief Kevin Vogel announced the promotion of veteran Santa Cruz Police Officer Arnold Vasquez to the position of Police Sergeant.

Sergeant Vasquez is an 11-year veteran of the department.  During his career, has worked assignments that included patrol, investigations, and gangs.  Sergeant Vasquez also served as a Training Officer for newly hired officers.

Sergeant Vasquez is currently working as the School Resource Officer in Santa Cruz City Schools.  Sergeant Vasquez is fluent in Spanish and is a renowned expert on Central Coast area gangs.  He has spent a great deal of his career working with “at-risk” youth.  Sergeant Vasquez also worked as the lead investigator in several gang related homicide cases.

Sergeant Vasquez was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, moving to Santa Cruz upon being hired by the Santa Cruz Police Department in May, 2000.  During his tenure with the Santa Cruz Police Department,  he has embraced the community at many levels.  During his off time, Sergeant Vasquez volunteers in the community and coaches youth sports.  Chief Kevin Vogel said, “Sergeant Vasquez exemplifies the skills, character and commitment of a respected leader in our organization.  I am confident he will play an important role as we shape the future of the police department.”

Upon hearing news of the promotion, Sergeant Vasquez said, “I am very excited about this promotion and looking forward to the challenges and rewards ahead. I am proud to serve this city as well as the hard-working and dedicated great men and women of this department.”  Sergeant Vasquez's promotion takes effect immediately and he will begin his new assignment supervising a patrol team.