Prius Owners Watch Out for Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic converter theft continues to be an issue in our community and all over the state and country. Recently, Toyota Priuses are the most common vehicle type reported stolen in the city, although several have been stolen from various other makes and models.

Criminals target catalytic converters to strip them of metals for quick cash. The price of certain precious metals found in catalytic converters rose significantly, starting in 2019. This car part can take as little as one minute to remove and only require a wrench to complete the theft.

To protect your self against this type of theft (which can cost upwards of $2,000-$3,000 to replace/repair), consider these tips:
• Park your cars in a garage.
• Park under lights in areas where passers-by will most easily see your vehicle.
• Calibrate your car's alarm to set off when it detects vibration
• If your catalytic converter is a "bolt-on" model, you can have the bolts welded shut and have extra metal welded to the exhaust system.
• Install a catalytic converter protection device that will clamp around the converter.
• Etch your converter with your vehicle's license plate number in several different locations. It will help the police track your stolen property.

If you are a victim of catalytic converter theft, file a police report immediately after the theft is discovered.

If you have any information related to these cases, contact SCPD Investigations (831) 420-5820. Anonymous callers use (831) 420 -5995

SCPD Supports the LGBTQ+ Community with Pride Patch

Officers at Santa Cruz Police Department are sporting a new Rainbow Pride patch on their uniforms as part of an effort to increase law enforcement's understanding and support of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly during the LGBTQ+ Pride month in June. 

Members of the Neighborhood Policing Team at Santa Cruz Police Department led the charge to create, wear and sell SCPD Pride Patches for the first time this year. Department personnel were inspired by conversations with community members, as well as officers who wanted to see a more inclusive Santa Cruz Police Department.

Throughout June, Officers are permitted and encouraged to wear the Pride Patches. June is recognized globally, including in the City of Santa Cruz, as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This special edition SCPD Rainbow Pride Patches are available to the community for purchase, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting local LGBTQ+ non-profit organizations.

 

• Patches are $10 each and are available for sale during business hours at the Santa Cruz Police Department at 155 Center Street. SCPD Lobby is open Tuesday - Thursday 10 am - 4 pm.
  
• To purchase and receive Pride Patches by mail, email lrobinson@cityofsantacruz.com or call 831-420-5878.

The Santa Cruz Police Department welcomes diversity in all forms, including; race, gender, background, and thought. Chief Mills said. “We encourage everyone to support this cause, buy a patch, and wear it with pride.”

Lieutenant and Sergeant Promotion Announcement

The Santa Cruz Police Department proudly announces the promotion of two veteran officers to the position of Police Lieutenant and Police Sergeant. Lieutenant Jon Bush and Sergeant Brad Burruel promoted on Monday afternoon, January 6, following a rigorous and competitive testing process.

"Jon Bush and Brad Burruel demonstrate dedication and the most important leadership skills to inspire our officers to level up," said Chief Mills. "You can count on these two officers to always uphold the professionalism the community expects from the Santa Cruz Police Department."

 

Lieutenant Jon Bush has 22 years of law enforcement experience with the Santa Cruz Police Department. During his career, Lieutenant Bush has worked in patrol, in investigations as a detective, and as a field training officer. As a Sergeant, he supervised patrol teams, served on the County Anti-Crime Team, managed the Downtown Unit and Neighborhood Policing Teams. He also served as the Hostage Negotiations Team Leader. Lieutenant Jon Bush is a Recipient of the Life Saving Award, Chief's Commendation, and Officer of the Year. He lives in Santa Cruz County with his wife and two daughters.

Sergeant Brad Burruel is a 12 year veteran of the police department. During his career, Sergeant Burruel worked in patrol, serving as a member of the Downtown Unit and Emergency Services Unit Tactical Team. He is a POST-certified Defensive Tactics instructor and co-creator of the SCPD Threat Assessment Team. Sergeant Burruel also served as a Field Training Officer instructing and training new patrol officers.

Please join us in celebrating and congratulating these veteran officers on achieving a significant milestone in their careers.

Congratulations & Happy Retirement To Four SCPD Officers

The Santa Cruz Police Department on Thursday said goodbye to four retiring officers whose combined service to the city is 81 years.

Pictured left to right: SGT Azua, Ofc Abarca, SGT Harms & Ofc Guerrasio

In a farewell at Police Headquarters attended by dozens of fellow officers and family, the SCPD staged a final radio broadcast and roll call for the departing officers. Sergeant Michael Harms retires after 22 years of service; Sergeant Bill Azua retires after 24 years of service; Officer Dominic Guerrasio retires after 27 years of service, and Officer Thomas Abarca retires after 8 years of service.

These are four professionals with a lot of experience. "This is a good day for the retirees and we are rich with a positive legacy they leave behind for the department. We thank them and their families. Their retirements are well-deserved", said Chief Mills.

Police Sergeant Michael Harms, Badge 120, retires after 22 years of service. Sergeant Harms started his career as a Santa Cruz Police Officer in the Operations Division working patrol. He served in the Traffic Division, in SWAT, as Honor Guard, and as a Field Training Officer. He worked in Investigations, as a Detective and finished as the Persons Crimes Sergeant.

Sergeant Harms earned the rank of Police Sergeant in 2006 and worked both Operations assignments, which included Patrol and Community Service Patrol. He was instrumental in implementing the Department's first volunteer program and coordinated the first Teen Academy.

Sergeant Bill Azua, Badge 107, retires after 24 years of service.
Sergeant Azua began his career with the Santa Cruz Police Department on January 23,1995 as a Patrol Officer in the Operations Division. Bill has served on the Beach Team, Neighbor Enforcement Team, the Downtown Unit, in the Narcotic Enforcement Task Force and as a Field Training Officer for over 10 years. He worked extensively investigating various gangs and served on the Heroin Task Force. He also served as the homeless shelter liaison, wrote over 300 search warrants, and taught at the Departments Citizen Police Academy for 18 years.

Sergeant Azua was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant in 2015 and worked as a Patrol Sergeant, Parks Sergeant and as a Neighborhood Policing Team Sergeant.

Officer Dominic Guerrasio, Badge 163, who is retiring after 27 years of service. Officer Guerrasio first worked at the Police Department as a Community Service Aide. Dominic was hired as a Police Officer and graduated from the Police Academy in 1992. He started his journey as a Santa Cruz Police Officer in the Operations division working Patrol.

Officer Guerrasio was assigned to the Traffic Unit twice and served as a Trainer and Motor Vehicle Collision Investigator for numerous years. Guerrasio wrapped up his career as a Field Training Officer. 

Officer Thomas Abarca served the city of Santa Cruz for 8 years and also served our country in the Marine Corps. Officer Abarca retires today due to an injury.

On behalf of the men and women of the Santa Cruz Police Department, we thank you for your many years of exemplary service to the people of Santa Cruz, and to the Santa Cruz Police Department. Your service has made a difference in the City of Santa Cruz. The SCPD family express its best wishes to you for a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.

Congratulations and all the best in your future endeavors.

National Volunteer Week - THANK YOU SCPD Volunteers!

This week is National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize all of the hard-working volunteers at SCPD. Our volunteers, also known as V.I.P.S. (Volunteers in Police Service), are far more than extra eyes and ears for the department. They spend countless community service hours by improving the quality of life for residents and visitors to the City of Santa Cruz. Join our Officers and take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to our AMAZING Volunteers.

When you see any of our volunteers in light grey and khaki uniforms out on patrol or at an event, please take a moment to thank them for their dedication and commitment to making our community a better place.

Our volunteers are part of the SCPD family & inspire us with their commitment & dedication to service! We ❤️ SCPD Volunteers!

If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/y4ndfkw6 

 

2018 Halloween Stats and Case of Interest

An estimated 6,000 people converged on downtown Santa Cruz to celebrate Halloween last night. This event has become the largest single informal gathering in the city. The Santa Cruz Police Department is pleased to announce that Halloween 2018 transpired without any significant incidents of violence during the festivities downtown. 

The Santa Cruz Police Department is pleased to announce that Halloween 2018 transpired without any significant incidents of violence during the festivities downtown. 

Notable arrest downtown on Halloween Case 18S-08284

Around 9:49 pm on 10/31/18, Santa Cruz Police officers on foot patrol contacted a man too intoxicated to take care of himself. Officer located a Highpoint 380' caliber pistol inside his backpack. The gun was loaded with a magazine and a bullet in the chamber. The serial numbers on the gun were scratched off.

Jimi Carrozzo, 34-year-old transient in Santa Cruz was arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct, carrying a concealed weapon with an altered identification and an outstanding warrant.

The Santa Cruz Police Department kept busy over the 24 hours of Halloween through the night and into the early morning hours of November 1st. We handled 352 calls for service. SCPD deployed officers throughout the city as well as a significant contingent of officers on foot in the Downtown corridor. The Halloween crowd demeanor on Pacific Avenue was relatively calm and celebratory.

The Downtown Deployment reported the following activity for Halloween Night 2018:
17 Arrests
For Public intoxication, Warrants, Drugs

57 Citations Issued
36 were for Triple Fine violations. Of the Triple Fine citations issued, most were for open containers of alcohol and public urination.

For comparison, in 2017 there were 18 arrests and 42 citations. Overall, downtown Santa Cruz, arrests were down by one, and citations were up from 2017.

Halloween police presence required extra officers from law enforcement agencies, including the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office, Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team, Capitola PD, Watsonville PD, Scotts Valley PD, UCSC PD, Santa Cruz State Parks, California Highway Patrol, and Santa Cruz County Probation. Law enforcement officers from Alcohol Beverage and Control, State Parole and the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Gang Team were present to support SCPD.

We want to thank all of the agencies who dedicated personnel and resources to assist the City of Santa Cruz throughout the night.

Santa Cruz Police and Fire Seeking Public’s Help to Identify Arson Suspect

The Santa Cruz Police are seeking the public’s help to identify a suspect in the attached photos. This suspect is responsible for felony vandalism at the Tannery Arts Center and setting two small fires in some nearby landscaping.

On August 22, 2018, around 4:44 a.m., Santa Cruz Police and Fire responded to 1100 block of River Street following the report of a small, suspicious fire within a landscaped area, across from the Tannery Arts Center. Santa Cruz Fire personnel arrived shortly after and found two small fires within the planted area. These small fires were quickly extinguished and caused only minor damage to the ground cover.

While conducting a follow-up investigation into the suspicious fires, police investigators were advised of a felony vandalism that had occurred within the Tannery Arts Center complex, at about the same time. Detectives were able to recover several security videos from the surrounding area, and upon viewing them, were able to confirm the same unidentified male suspect was responsible for both crimes.

The suspect seen in these videos is described as being a male adult with a medium to thin build.

Santa Cruz Police and Fire investigators have been unable to identify this male suspect positively, and are hoping someone from the community will recognize the suspect, and come forward with information.

Anyone with information on the identity of the individual or details surrounding this incident contact Detective Pendleton at 831-420-5832 or email spendleton@cityofsantacruz.com; Investigations Unit 831- 420-5820. Tips can also be sent online.

Santa Cruz Police Mid -Year Crime Stats 2018

 

On August 1, 2018, Santa Cruz police released the data on crime reported to the police for the first half of the year. Overall, crime has decreased in Santa Cruz with sexual assaults showing the largest decline of 51%. Of note, violent and property crime experienced a decrease, while aggravated assaults and arson increased.

While the department is pleased that fewer people have been victimized, we recognize one victim is too many. Chief Mills is appreciative of hard-working staff and involved the community members that has taken the opportunity to improve the safety of Santa Cruz through vigilance and community involvement.

Quarterly crime statistics for the City of Santa Cruz http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/police/crime-statistics

Chief Mills shares additional perspective regarding crime stat data
https://chiefmills.com/2018/08/01/crime-is-down-in-santa-cruz/

Santa Cruz Police Host Crisis Intervention: What Would You Do? Training - Free To Public on Thursday, July 12th Pre- register email: cjones@cityofsantacruz.com

De-Escalation Preparedness Training For Civilians
Crisis Intervention: What Would You Do?
Free Seminar on Thursday, July 12th

The Santa Cruz Police Department hosts a free de-escalation preparedness presentation, titled Crisis Intervention: What Would You Do on Thursday, July 12th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.  Ask yourself, what would, could or should you do when a person in crisis or mental distress crosses your path? The training emphasizes the importance of situational awareness, de-escalation, and self-protection in real-world crisis scenarios related to workplace and community interactions. The seminar is open to the public. The location of this presentation is the Santa Cruz Police Community Room, 155 Center Street.

"Unfortunately, we see the threat of agitated individuals in businesses, on the streets and in schools becoming more prevalent," said Chief Andrew Mills. "Being prepared, knowing how to respond, and understanding the signs of a potential threat of violence before an incident occurs is now a necessity.”

The Santa Cruz Police Department offers a free presentation to the public titled, The Crisis Intervention: What Would You Do?  Designed to educate and empower attendees with information to help them recognize, prepare for, and respond to a person in crisis to de-escalate the incident. The seminar is free and open to the public – but pre-registration is required. To register, email: cjones@cityofsantacruz.com

Participants learn through various crisis situations, the effects of fear-induced stress on the mind and body, how to choose the correct response, and tips on how to prevent an incident from happening. “The response methodology we teach can be utilized in any situation and is a simple, straightforward approach that is easy to understand,” stated Lieutenant Christian Le Moss, who will conduct the presentation.

 

Santa Cruz Police Department is very proactive in training our City employees, school district staff, private schools, places of worship and businesses in our community for workplace violence and active shooter scenarios. We now offer this crisis intervention training to our residents. July 12th is the first of several opportunities for community members to attend the Crisis Intervention: What Would You Do?.

Santa Cruz Police Presents: De-Escalation Preparedness Training For Civilians

Crisis Intervention: What Would You Do?
Thursday, July 12th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm
Seminar free and open to the public - Pre-registration is required. 

Email: cjones@cityofsantacruz.com

About The Presenters: SCPD Lieutenant Christian Le Moss and Sergeant Carter Jones are certified instructors in defensive tactics, trained in de-escalation techniques and communication skills necessary for dealing with people in a mental health crisis. They provide workplace violence training and active shooter preparedness training to citizens, businesses, First Responders and Law Enforcement.

1989 quake was life-changing moment for Red Cross' Rick Martinez

Before he embarked on a career in law enforcement almost 30 years ago, Rick Martinez dreamed of working in the hospitality industry. "I had been very interested in doing restaurant or hotel/motel work," he says.

Then the fatally destructive Loma Prieta Earthquake struck with mega-force in October 1989. "I was 20 and happened to be working for the city lifeguard service at the time," he says. "Because of that, when the quake happened, I was assigned to help with the recovery efforts in downtown Santa Cruz."

Martinez deployed that first night of the quake — and for the next couple of weeks. "We were working 20-hour days," he recalls.

By the time his deployment ended, Martinez had radically modified his career path.

"It was a real pinnacle moment for me," he says. "That's when I really decided to seriously consider public safety as a profession. I saw first-hand what public service really means."

Now Deputy Chief of Police for the City of Santa Cruz, Martinez reflects on another life pivot that resulted from that long-ago quake deployment: The experience formally introduced him to the American Red Cross.

"As a teen, I had to go through a pretty substantial surgery, and back then, hospitals wanted you to donate your own blood in advance of the procedure," he says. "So I had been in the Red Cross' Santa Cruz office to donate blood a few years before the earthquake. I remember that the people there were fantastic, but before the quake, that had been the extent of my experience with the Red Cross."

During the quake, however, Martinez saw an entirely new side of the Red Cross mission: Volunteers and employees — tirelessly and helpfully — provided 'round-the-clock support to the first responders who were working long shifts in downtown Santa Cruz. "The Red Cross provided all of the food, water, and supplies that we needed during those weeks," he says. "I came away pretty impressed."

Still, life happened and Martinez's interest in giving back to the Red Cross wouldn't really take root for another 20 years. The relationship was rekindled by a phone call informing him that the local chapter had selected him to receive a Law Enforcement Hero Award for the efforts he had been making to improve public safety and bring together business owners and other stakeholders to improve the quality of Santa Cruz's downtown area.

"The Red Cross found me," he says. "And I am very glad they did."

Shortly after that, Martinez joined the local chapter's Board of Directors, providing important public-safety representation on the board. In that capacity, Martinez has served as board vice chair, chair of the board's Executive Committee, member of the Heroes Committee, and — in 2014 — as chair of the board.

That was the same year that Martinez discovered yet another side of the Red Cross mission — the work the organization quietly does in support of members of the military and their families.

"The Red Cross was really there for a cousin of mine, an Air Force Pararescue Jumper stationed in Afghanistan," he says. "Because of the Red Cross, he was able to fly home and spend time with his ill father before he died. For the Red Cross to do that with such efficiency, I was very thankful.”

The Red Cross extended its appreciation to Martinez this past spring when it honored him with the organization's prestigious Clara Barton Award at the Central Coast Chapter's annual Volunteer Recognition Event. The award, the highest the American Red Cross bestows on volunteers, recognizes meritorious service in volunteer leadership positions held over a period of years.

"I don't consider myself worthy of this award considering how active so many of the other volunteers in the Central Coast Chapter are," Martinez says modestly. But his modesty doesn't mean he isn't grateful — and extremely proud of the honor.

"I've witnessed first-hand the work that the Red Cross does in supporting the nation's blood supply, in helping people recover from disasters, and in providing key support to our military families — and that's just in my relatively short association with the Red Cross," he says. "I do feel undeserving of the award, but I am very honored to be selected to receive it."
Article contributed by American Red Cross Central Coast

Happening This WEEK - Meetings to Present YOUR Neighborhood Policing Team & Plan

Santa Cruz Police Department created five Neighborhood Policing Teams assigned to areas within the City of Santa Cruz. The Neighborhood Policing Teams put more SCPD officers on the streets to increase community policing and activate crime-fighting strategies. There are five introduction community meetings. One for each designated neighborhood policing area.
Meet and Greet YOUR
Neighborhood Policing Team
Teams led by a dedicated Lieutenant, Sergeant, and officers charged with implementing strategies to prevent and reduce crime and improve neighborhood policing.

See and Hear The PLAN
For YOUR  Neighborhood Policing Area
To tackle the underlying causes of crime and safety issues and put sustainable solutions in place.

Downtown Neighborhoods 
Saturday, March 3rd from 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Santa Cruz Police Department Community Room

Upper Westside Neighborhoods 
Tuesday, March 6th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Peace United Church - 900 High Street

Lower Westside Neighborhoods 
Wednesday, March 7th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Bayview Elementary School – 1231 Bay Street

Lower East Side Neighborhoods
Thursday, March 8th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Gault Elementary School – 1320 Seabright Avenue

Upper East Side Neighborhoods 
Monday, March 12th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Community Church on Roxas StreetFind Your Area - Map Your Address - Connect To Your Team  Neighborhood Policing Teams  Locate Your Neighborhood Policing AreaConnect with Your Neighborhood Policing Team 

Help Identify Suspect In Attempted Home Invasion

The Santa Cruz Police Department is requesting assistance from the community in identifying a person who attempted to force his way into a house on the100 block of Carbonero Drive.

On Thursday, February 22, 2018, around 4 pm, a person knocked on the victim’s front door. When the victim greeted the suspect, the suspect told the victim he wanted to talk about “The good book.” The suspect also inquired if “the man of the house was home.” The suspect also made comments to the victim regarding their age and looking younger. During the conversation, the suspect asked to come inside the house, and the victim declined. The victim reported they tried to end the conversation and began to close the front door. The suspect used both hands and started pushing the door back open. The victim had to place their foot on the wall as leverage successfully forcing the front door closed. The victim reported yelling and screaming they were calling the police. The suspect fled on foot running towards El Rancho Drive.

The suspect is described as a clean-shaven white male, medium to heavy build, wearing a light blue dress shirt, and a black jacket, holding a book. Attached to this release is a sketch of the suspect.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is actively investigating this case.

If anyone has any information regarding this case, please call the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigation Unit @ (831) 420-5820.

SCPD Media Release: School Threat Case 18S-01388

On Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at approximately 2:20 pm, Santa Cruz Police officers were called to Bayview Elementary School regarding a student’s aggressive behavior in the classroom. An 11-year-old male student physically acted out causing concern. Educators followed established protocol and guided students from the room to safety awaiting police arrival. The Santa Cruz Police Department arrived within minutes and detained the student who had barricaded himself in the classroom. The student was safely removed from school, and transported to a care facility.

Further investigation revealed the 5th-grade student planned to harm specific students. The student’s family is cooperating with investigators and school administrators. Santa Cruz Police recovered and secured one firearm from the child’s home.

The police department worked with school administrators to provide notification of the incident to parents and staff. This case underscores the importance of the working relationship and full cooperation between Santa Cruz City Schools and the Police. The police School Resource Officer is there to ensure the safety of students and staff in our city schools. We are thankful the situation was resolved as quickly and safely as possible, without injury to students or staff.

SCPD Crisis Negotiations Team Members Coordinate Joint Training With Allied Agencies

Crisis Negotiations Team members, Detective Fincutter and Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Mental Health Liaison to SCPD Danielle Long, worked to coordinate a joint county training for SCPD, Watsonville PD, and Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office.

Crisis Negotiation Team members for all agencies are staffed with specially trained and skilled personnel who handle critical field operations where specialized negotiation methods are required. SCPD reached out to our county Crisis Negotiation Teams to partner up and train together to share resources and collaborate in the event of a major incident.

This week's training included a presentation from Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (CAHN Members), resource sharing, and scenario training. Crisis Negotiation Team Members Detective Fincutter and MHL Danielle Long reached out to our local community to locate actors to provide real-life scenario training. Members of the Cabrillo College Theatre Arts Department volunteered their time to provide excellent and challenging acting for real-life scenario training.

SCPD is committed to providing excellent training to our officers for de-escalating situations with people in crisis.

SCPD would like to thank #WatsonvillePoliceDepartment, #SantaCruzCountySheriffsOffice, #SantaCruzCountyBehavioralHealth, the #SantaCruzBeachBoardwalk, #AlamedaCountySheriffsOffice, #CaliforniaAssociationofHostageNegotiators(CAHN), and #CabrilloTheatreArtsDepartment.

#SantaCruzCountyJointTraining #CrisisNegotiationsTeams #SharingResources #CommunityPolicing #Reallifedescalationtraining #CAHN #teamwork #collaboration

Vehicle Versus Pedestrian Fatal Collision SANTA CRUZ POLICE Media Release 18S-00151

On Friday, January 5, 2018, at around 10:28 p.m., the Santa Cruz Police Department responded to Highway 1 and River Street for a major injury traffic collision involving a pedestrian and a car.

Officers found the pedestrian lying in the roadway on Highway 1 and River Street. The involved vehicle a 2011 silver Mercedes sedan remained on scene. AMR transported the pedestrian with significant injuries, a 29-year-old man from Santa Cruz, to the local trauma center. The pedestrian suffered critical injuries was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The preliminary investigation indicates the pedestrian was in the crosswalk, walking against a red light. The driver was traveling northbound Highway 1 approaching the intersection of River Street. Investigators are still examining evidence and gathering information. 

The release of the pedestrian’s name is pending notification of his family.

The driver of the Mercedes is a 57-year-old man from San Jose. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. The driver was not arrested or cited, as the investigation is still ongoing. The exact details of the collision has not yet been determined.

Northbound Highway 1 @ River Street closed as a result of the collision investigation. The roadway re-opened at approximately 2:35 a.m. on 1/6/18.

The Santa Cruz Police Department asks that anyone with information or who witnessed this collision to contact investigators at 831- 420-5820.

SCPD Arrest Prowlers And Recover Packaged Merchandise - Help Get Gifts Home For The Holidays

Do you recognize this jacket?

SCPD recovered packaged jackets from suspect prowlers. Did they get stolen from your doorstep? We would very much like to get it back to the rightful owner in time to wrap and put under the tree.

On 12/9/17 at approximately 11:25 pm, SCPD Officers responded to the 300 block of Pelton Avenue on a report of a male and female subjects who were prowling in a residential backyard.

Officers located Ryvera Knutson, 23 years old from Brookdale and Dorin Lyngstad 39 years old from Santa Cruz who matched the description sitting on the curb near the 100 block Phelan Court.

Miss Knutson and Mr. Lyngstad had multiple bags and various items on the sidewalk including 3 fur jackets made by Urban Republic. The fur jackets were all identical with original tags still attached in original packaging

Officer asked Mr. Lyngstad what they were doing, and he said they were just looking for a power outlet in the backyard to charge his phone. The pair then realized they had a power bank and did not need a power outlet.

Ryvera Knutson and Dorin Lyngstad put under arrest for prowling.

Let's get these gifts back to the rightful owner. Do you recognize this jacket? Contact Detective Pendleton at 831-420-5832 or spendleton@cityofsantacruz.com

Community Invitation To Walk With Us - Santa Cruz Police & NAACP Santa Cruz For 2018 MLK March For The Dream

Santa Cruz Police Chief Andrew Mills is honored and excited to announce that the NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch and the Santa Cruz Police Department will co-sponsor the first joint Santa Cruz MLK Day March.

The theme is “March for the Dream – Honor the Past, Impact the Future.” The March will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018. We begin at 10:00 a.m. at Pacific Avenue and Cathcart Street and end on Cooper Street. After the march, we will convene for speeches and family-friendly activities to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The March for the Dream is an opportunity to put Dr. King’s words and ideas into practice by bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to build authentic bonds of human understanding and appreciation.

“The MLK Day March is family friendly, inspiring, and collaborative, said SCPD Chief Mills. It’s also an opportunity for the businesses, social and community groups that make this city strong to come out and be recognized while supporting a common cause.”

We invite individuals and community groups/clubs/congregations to Walk With Us; RSVP your group name and the estimated number of people online. We invite you to fill out an application and secure your place in the march. The application deadline is January 10, 2018. Staging begins at 9:00 a.m. on Cathcart between Cedar Street and Pacific Avenue.

To volunteer for one of the many activities necessary to put on this event, please sign up online. We look forward to working with you.

Event details are available online at www.cityofsantacruz.com/community/mlk-march-2018 or the NAACP Santa Cruz Facebook page. For more information, please call 831-420-5844 or 831-429-2266.

We invite you to march with the Santa Cruz Police Department and the local NAACP. We believe as Dr. King said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

SCPD #Community Gives

The Santa Cruz Police Department recognizes the pressure families in need face during the holiday season. To show support for those in need and to support women empowering women, the ladies at SCPD partnered with the Walnut Avenue Family and Women’s Center.

A collection of sworn officers and civilian staff contributed money and time to provide presents and food store gift cards to make Christmas a very special experience for local families in need.

Whether the contribution is large or small , we can all support the lives of struggling families in our community. To find out more ways to lend a hand, Adopt A Family Holiday Project at the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center www.scvolunteercenter.org 

Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center is a local nonprofit that administers vital services to our community and helps women, children, and families to thrive. #CopsCare

SCPD Welcomes Officer Henry Muse To The Team

The City of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Police Department are excited to welcome Henry Muse to the team.

Officer Muse was sworn in on Thursday, November 16th, 2017 and begins his service to our community. Competing in a very challenging selection process, Officer Muse proudly took the oath to serve and protect our city.  Officer Muse had law enforcement experience before making the move to SCPD. "His previous training is a benefit to the local force," said Chief Andrew Mills.

Officer Muse was born and raised in Santa Cruz, the youngest of four siblings. He attended Santa Cruz High, during which time he volunteered as a decoy for Police K-9 training. This experience influenced Officer Muse’s decision to pursue a career in law enforcement. 

After attending the Monterey Peninsula College Police Academy, Muse did a brief stint as a Police Officer for the Fresno Police Department before returning to Monterey, where he worked for Del Rey Rey Oaks Police Department for 8 years. Well-acquainted with law enforcement, Officer Muse comes to the Santa Cruz Police Department as a lateral transfer. 

A married father of three children, Henry also enjoys running, coaching youth sports, watching football and practicing in police K-9 training as a decoy. “I'm really excited to continue my law enforcement career in my hometown,“ said Officer Muse. He undergoes a field training process before being assigned to patrol the City of Santa Cruz as a solo officer.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Officer Henry Muse.