SCPD is closer to getting a new K-9. THANK YOU to Joanne Parker!

For Joanne's 90th birthday, instead of gifts, she asked her friends to chip in and donate money toward a dog for SCPD. Joanne's awesome friends pulled together a generous $2700 legacy for her to donate to the SCPD K-9 fund. The donation will apply towards the purchase of a much-needed third K-9 to serve our community.

Today, Joanne had an extraordinary visit with K-9 Luna, Luna's handler, Officer Terry, K-9 Ryder, and handler Officer Whaley. While the officers spoke with Joanne about K9 duties, training, and gear, Joanne spoiled both K-9s with scratches behind the ears and received dog kisses in return.

Earlier this year, K-9 Ryder came to SCPD thanks to a generous $10,000 donation from Tiki Delamora for the purchase and training of our handsome Belgian Malinois. She also chose the name "Ryder."

Their kindness and generosity is an excellent example for all to follow ;) You can help the SCPD K-9 Unit, too. If you wish to donate to help finance the purchase of the dog, training expenses, and K9 related costs, send checks payable to the SCPD K-9 Fund to 155 Center Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060. Our lobby is open Monday - Thursday 9 am - 4 pm and Friday 10 am - 3 pm. For questions about the SCPD K-9 Unit contact Lt. Warren Barry at wbarry@cityofsantacruz.com

Thank you To The Folks Who Were Able To Make It To Coffee With A Cop Today -- Great Community, Conversation and Coffee!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Coffee with a Cop event this morning. Also, a big thank you to The Buttery for welcoming us to come chat with patrons! The coffee was fantastic, and the pastries delicious!

We had a nice turnout today from community members who stopped by to enjoy a cup of coffee and some one-on-one conversation with Chief Vogel or one of the several officers.

Officers and community members spoke informally about many topics which concern neighbors right now. The discourse and viewpoints amongst neighbors were interesting and varied.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in City of Santa Cruz neighborhoods.

 Stay tuned for the next Coffee with a Cop event.

Thank You Santa Cruz School Crossing Guards

Please join us in a big thank you to our Santa Cruz School Crossing Guards for keeping our children safe in crosswalks this school year. Every morning and every afternoon on school days, our Crossing Guards are posted on busy school crosswalks making sure children and families cross the street and get to school safe and sound.

The school year ends on Thursday June 11th. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Crossing Guard team, we have enjoyed an incident free school year.

Before school is out …when you see our School Crossing Guards, please give them a wave or thumbs up to show your appreciation and support for the work they do.

Santa Cruz City Crossing Guards brave the elements be it chilling rain, the blazing sun or distracted drivers during the school year. The Santa Cruz Police Department has 10 Crossing Guards posted at 4 elementary school sites.

This is Sandi Sand. She is adored by many Delaveaga Elementary students and families. Sandi just retired her post at Prospect Heights and Morrissey.

Here is Jerry Cacace in action near Bayview Elementary. You will find him posted at the intersection of Bay and Seaside Streets. Jerry is a dedicated professional to all who pass through his crossing station.

“Our jobs are vital to the safety, not only for school children, but anyone on foot and all traffic passing through those intersections. The bonus is the reward in seeing the smiles on people's faces and knowing they can walk or bike safely to and from school” said Mr. Cacace

The Santa Cruz Police Department and Santa Cruz families rely on all of our Crossing Guards every school day. Thank you to all our Crossing Guards. We very much appreciate your good work.

Take a picture to recognize your favorite Crossing Guard and post it on our Facebook page.