Public Safety

Citizens Learn About Local Law Enforcement

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How about a day-long class on law enforcement including crime prevention, search and rescue, border crime, bomb/arson issues and the K-9 dog team? About 25 rural residents completed such a class and some lucky ones even tried on a 120-pound bomb suit.

The Citizens’ Academy, held Tuesday, was given by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and each person received a certificate at the end of the day. “The outreach to the community is good, it’s good to know that they are human and willing to help,” said Boulevard resident Tammy Daubach, 45, who attended with her 19-year-old daughter Kristy.

Portrero resident Ken Hansen, 69, who donned the bomb suit, said, “That was pretty cool; it’s all quite interesting. I see deputies out in Portrero and this gives insight on their many capabilities.”

The Citizen’s Academy was the first of its kind for rural communities such as Alpine, Pine Valley, Campo and Boulevard, said Crime Prevention Specialist Paula Dickenson.  Citizens learned about the jobs of Sheriff’s deputies, but ultimately, she said, it’s about communication and partnership with residents.

“It’s kind of the bottom line of law enforcement: Having the support of the community. If the community doesn’t recognize what we do, it’s harder for them to support us,” said Rural Commander Mike Barletta.

Valley Center resident Clay Crowl, 27, said the program offered, “Just a lot of good general information. I didn’t know the search and rescue team were all volunteers. I just thought that was remarkable, impressive.”

Albert Temple, 48, of Pauma Valley, works as a public officer in a gated rural community and said this information was extremely helpful to him because it allowed him to see the Sheriff’s Department resources.

“Knowledge is power. We want to make sure the community knows as much as possible about what law enforcement does and the programs they offer,” Dickenson said. 

The Sheriff’s Department offers Citizen’s Academies in various communities. To participate in one, applicants need to be at least 18 years old and must pass a background check. To learn more about law enforcement, visit sdsheriff.net for upcoming events, featured videos and the Sheriff’s newsletter.