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2010 Annual Report EL CERRITO POLICE DEPARTMENT We are committed to safety, service, and enhancing the public trust through professionalism and leadership. ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T City of El Cerrito El Cerrito is a City with numerous positive attributes great location, pleasant climate, stable residential neighborhoods, good transit and highway access, numerous parks and recreational facilities, and involved residents. El Cerrito is located just across the bay from San Francisco, and the elevations of the City provide spectacular views of its famous neighbor. The Silicon Valley, Berkeley, and Sacramento are within easy reach. El Cerrito is strategically located along Interstate 80 and is less than 30 miles from two major airports. Its extensive transportation system includes two Bay Area Rapid Transit stations. Located on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, this 3.9-square-mile city is blessed with a pleasant climate year-round. Its residents enjoy the 80-acre tree-lined Hillside Park open space, as well as 45 acres of parks, 18 acres of school recreational areas, and 38 acres of other amenities. These amenities include the Ohlone Greenway, a pleasantly landscaped area which runs along the BART right of way the length of the city and is popular with walkers, runners and bicyclists. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T Table of Contents Message from the Office Department 2010 Crime El Cerrito Reserve 10 Field 12 Traffic Safety 13 14 K-9 16 Community Involvement……………….……………………. 18 Awards & 20 History of the El Cerrito Police Department After 1917, the City Marshall performed police functions. Each Marshall left his mark on the annals of the city. The Police Department was formally organized in 1924. A two cell jail was built on Fairmount and San Pablo Avenues. The jail was mostly used for local law-breakers who were previously incarcerated in the Albany jail. In 1927, the Police Department was set up under Forrester Wright as the first Police Chief and three Traffic Officers. The traffic officers, however, were required to use their own autos or and pay for fuel and repairs from their salaries. The Police Department experienced a major transformation during World War II. Wartime conditions also aggravated local crimes which caused the Council to build a new jail facility in 1944. After the war, the Police Department evolved into a modern professional organization. The Council ex- panded the Police Force with competent young war veterans and reorganized the Police Department with a crime prevention detail (1946), regular traffic patrol (1946) and a division structure in (1952), which later included a detective division (1959). The El Cerrito Police Department won national awards in the 1950’s for its outstanding record of traffic safety, which continues to be among the best of the Bay Area Cities. As El Cerrito became more urbanized, local crimes increased, yet the City sustained a low crime rate com- pared to other Bay Area Cities. By 1976, the Department operations comprised of a staff of 49 Police Officers and 25 Police Reserves, a modern communications system, and a ten car fleet, including a radar-unit for traffic control. Today, the Department consists of 46 Sworn Police Officers, 4 Reserve Officers, and 13 Professional Staff Employees. ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T Message From The Chief of Police It is with great pleasure that I present the El Cerrito Police Department 2010 Annual Report. I was selected as the Police Chief in July and it was clear to me that I was joining a team committed to a high level of service and quality crime fighting. I began listening to our employees, our community, and our city partners about how we could continue our high level of service given the many financial challenges we face. I heard that while we are facing chal- lenges, we also have opportunities to further our tradition of quality service. I quickly learned that members of our police department wanted to continue using traditional means of policing to reduce crime and the fear of crime, and that they wanted to leverage our culture of pride to begin innovative strategies to become a police department sought out as a model for best practices. Our community responded to challenging financial times by passing Measure R, a temporary sales tax designed to maintain staffing and service levels. Before and after the election many community members sent me letters expressing pride in the police department and confirmed that we are producing positive outcomes. As you review our Annual Report, you will see what we do on duty and off duty in furtherance of our mission. In 2010, we began a new era in the El Cerrito Police Department that will positively impact our community for many years. I hope that you take part in the change we want to see in El Cerrito. Sylvia M. Moir Chief of Police ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T Department Divisions Office of the Chief of Police is responsible for developing and communicating the vision of the Department. This office is also responsible for working in concert with other City Departments to collaboratively provide quality service to our community. This Office ensures adherence to the values of the Department, approves policies, and the makes the final decision on internal investigations. In the Office of the Chief there is one Captain who is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing major Department activities. The Captain is also responsible for the daily operation of each Division within the Department. Field Operations Division is responsible for Patrol Operations, Traffic Safety Functions as well as overseeing the School Resource Officer Program and the Community Awareness and Response Team. Members of this Division are responsible for calls for services responses and documenting incidents brought to the attention of the Department. Patrol Officers provide the first level of traffic safety projects as well as addressing com- munity “quality of life” issues. Investigations Division is responsible for the investigation of crimes reported to the Department. Members of this Division act as liaisons with other Law Enforcement agencies and the Community in an effort to pre- vent crime as well as solve those crimes occurring within our jurisdiction. are responsible for response to and examination of major crime scenes, the conduct of criminal investigations, provides liaison services to com- munity groups as well Administration & Support Services Division plays a critical role in the effectiveness of the Department. The primary responsibility of the Division is acting as the head investigator of citizen complaints as well as creat- ing and implementing new policies. The Division helps prepare and monitor the department’s budget, pro- vides for facility maintenance and management; coordinates capital purchases, and administers grant funds from many State and Federal programs. Additionally, the division is responsible for overseeing the operation of the Records Unit, performing the recruiting and selection function as well as overseeing the Department’s in-service training programs. Captain Michael Regan Lieutenant Steve Bonini Lieutenant Paul Keith Lieutenant Robert De La Campa ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T New Briefing/Training Room With the help of Lieutenant Paul Keith, Sergeant Shawn Maples, and Lieutenant Steve Bonini the Department turned the Old Courtroom into our new Briefing and Training Room. Budget Overview Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Total Operating Budget: $9,434,810.00 Administrative Services Division: $2,538,162.00 Field Operations Division: $5,616,744.00 Investigations Division: $1,279,904.00 Measure R In November of 2010, El Cerrito voters approved Measure R, the El Cerrito preservation of Citywide Services Measure. This temporary half-percent sales tax increase will enable the city to maintain the current level of programs and ser- vices offered. Measure R revenues will be used to return the Police De- partment to full strength. By filling vacancies in the Police Department, the City will be able to maintain existing public safety programs such as neighborhood police patrols, crime prevention efforts, special investigation teams and special- ized patrol teams such as the Bicycle Patrol Unit. Department Overview ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T Captain Chief of Police Investigations Lieutenant Field Operations Lieutenant Traffic Sergeant Patrol Sergeant Police Corporal Administrative Lieutenant Executive Assistant Police Officer School Resource Officer Reserve Officer Police Officer Traffic Assignment Parking Enforce- ment Crossing Guard Records Supervisor Senior Records Specialist Records Specialist Police Cadets Explorers Detective Sergeant Corporal Detective Special Enforcement Team Rank Authorized Police Chief 1.00 Police Captain 1.00 Lieutenant 3.00 Sergeant/Detective Assign. 1.00 Sergeant 5.00 Corporal/Detective Assign. 1.00 Corporal 4.00 Police Officer/Detective Assign. 4.00 Special Enforcement Team 3.00 Police Officer (K9) 1.00 Police Officer 16.00 Police Officer (Traffic) 3.00 Police Officer (SRO) 3.00 Personnel—2010 Authorized Sworn Officers TOTAL 46.00 Position Authorized Records Supervisor 1.00 Executive Assistant 1.00 Senior Records Specialist 1.00 Police Records Specialist 5.00 Parking Enforcement Rep 1.00 Parking Enforcement PT 1.20 Crossing Guard 0.35 Personnel—2010 Professional Staff TOTAL 10.55 Organizational Chart ---PAGE BREAK--- 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T Crime Statistics PART 1 CRIMES 2007 2008 2009 2010 Homicide 2 0 0 0 Rape 4 0 6 2 Robbery 114 98 78 75 Assaults 181 134 148 136 Violent Crimes Subtotal 301 232 232 213 Burglary 253 217 215 206 Larceny – Theft 659 666 611 589 Motor Vehicle Thefts 233 193 106 150 Property Crimes Subtotal 1,145 1,076 932 945 TOTAL 1,446 1,308 1,164 1,158 Crime statistics are gathered under two types of crime categories. Violent crimes against people, referred to as Part I Crimes; and property crimes, referred to as Part II Crimes. The crime statistics are prepared for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Crime Information Cen- ter (NCIC). Each month these statistics must be re- ported to these agencies. These statistics are also re- viewed by the Police Department which enables them to determine what areas may need more concentration than others. Part I Crimes consist of; murder, forcible rape, aggra- vated assault, burglary, larceny, auto theft and a separate report for arsons. Part II crimes include malicious mischief, vandalism, driving under the influence, and all other misdemean- ors. Supplemental reports cover domestic violence, offense against the elderly, law enforcement officers killed or assaulted, and arson offenses. ---PAGE BREAK--- 9 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T The Police Department’s Reserve Officer Program has a long standing history of service to the City of El Cerrito. Reserve Police Officers are volunteers who, depending on their POST certification, either partner with another officer or work as a solo officer. The Reserve Unit is currently comprised of five officers. In 2010, officers from the Reserve Unit provided over 500 volunteer hours and served in a variety of assignments in addition to their general patrol duties. These duties include acting as a cover officer, providing prisoner transports and bicycle patrol along the Ohlone Greenway at the El Cerrito Plaza. During major crime scene investigations, Reserves assist with scene security and the maintenance of evidence. Reserves also provide security at High School sporting events. They assist with major traffic collision investigations and community events such as parades, by providing traffic control. In 2010, Reserve Officers assisted the Investiga- tion Services Unit in the service of several search and arrest warrants and participated in regional law enforcement efforts such as Operation Safe Playground which focused on paroled sex of- fender compliance checks and V.S.E.T., a county- wide auto theft suppression team. Reserves are El Cerrito Reserve Unit required to complete the same level of training as regular officers such as Firearms, Arrest and Con- trol techniques and First Aid/CPR. They often help facilitate training sessions by serving as role play- ers in scenario training or as safety officers. They are mainstays at local events such as the annual 4th of July celebration, the Martin Luther King pa- rade and National Night Out. 2010 marked a spe- cial anniversary for the unit. Reserve Officer Paul Baker celebrated his 30th year of service as a Reserve with the Department and Reserve Officer Falvio Meiorin marked his 23rd year of service as well. Traditionally, the El Cerrito Police Depart- ment Reserve Unit has been a way for officers to start their careers in law enforcement. Our first K-9 Officer Leone, School Resource Officer Jacala, Traffic Officers Molica and Hubbs, and Detective Sergeant Cliatt all started with the Department as Reserves. In 2010, there has been a refocus on recruitment at local Police Academies and within the community as the unit moves to expand the ranks of what is already one of the most active units in Contra Costa County. ---PAGE BREAK--- 10 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T The Records Bureau is staffed by five Records Specialists, one Senior Records Specialist and one Records Supervisor. They provide public assis- tance at the front counter, process, distribute, and maintain public record information to meet state and local mandates. All police reports are entered into various automated and manual systems to meet legal requirements. The Records Bureau is responsible for maintaining compliance with all reporting of statistical data to the FBI, DOJ and other related entities. The Re- cords Bureau deals with on-going inspections of our jail facility, and records requirements. The Records Bureau also staffs and maintains the Property Room. This includes maintaining storage of evidence, coordinating crime lab processing through the County of Contra Costa and disposal of found or abandoned property submitted to the Department. Other tasks: obtaining copies of crime and accident reports impounded vehicle release taxi permits public records requests Administrative Division Police Cadet Program The Police Cadet program is designed to provide college students with the opportunity to work in the public safety field while attend- ing school. This part-time position provides on-the-job training for students desiring careers in law enforcement. Cadets obtain valuable work experience through training sessions, administrative assignments, ride-alongs with police officers and detectives, working in the records bureau and other related tasks. Some use their employment with the department to get academic credit for internships through their schools. Two current El Cerrito Police Officers began their careers at the ECPD working as Cadets while they went to college. ---PAGE BREAK--- 11 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T Training Highlights The Department received six Automated External Defibrillators from the County of Contra Costa. In conjunction with the Fire Department, training was conducted for almost all El Cerrito Police personnel so they can have these devices available to supple- ment CPR when helping victims of heart attack. This training was incorporated into the annual CPR Up- date training. AED’s are now in most ECPD Patrol Cars. Lt. Keith completed the prestigious Peace Officers Standards & Training’s Institute of Criminal Investi- gation program with a specialty in Homicide Investigation. Detective Sergeant Cliatt completed the Peace Offi- cers Standards & Training’s Supervisory Leadership Institute. This intense program required extensive academic and personal devotion, including over 190 hours of training over an 8-month period. Officer Leone and K-9 King completed the 5-week Basic Canine Handler course. Two of our sworn staff attended the Women Lead- ers in Law Enforcement Conference. Two of our Reserve Officers donated their per- sonal time and attended the California Reserve Officers’ Association Conference. Officer Hubbs attended the grueling 80-hour Po- lice Course with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Maples and Officer Albrandt instructed Bicy- cle Patrol training for ECPD personnel as well as officers/deputies from the following agencies; Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, San Pablo Police Department, Martinez Police Department, St. Helena Police Department, Napa State Hospital Police and the US Department of Veterans Affairs Police. ---PAGE BREAK--- 12 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T Field Operations Division The El Cerrito Police Department operates a Field Operations Division of 4 separate teams of offi- cers consisting of one Sergeant, one Corporal, and 4 officers. There are currently 24 officers that are assigned to operate a police vehicle or a police bicycle. The patrol officers are responsible for responding to all calls for service, emergency calls from 911, authoring police reports, making arrests, enforc- ing laws, and writing police reports. Patrol shifts are based on a team policing concept with distinct teams policing 24 hours per day. The officers work 12 hour shifts and work Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and every other Monday or Friday, Saturday, Sunday and every other Monday. Shifts begin at six in the morning or six in the evening. The men and women of the El Cerrito Police Department responded to approximately 12,500 calls for service in 2010. These calls for service can be classified as any call/event which came into the dispatch center. Officers generate additional 12,000 – 13,000 calls through their own self initiated activity such as traffic stops, pedestrian encounters, and citizen requests for assistance while on patrol. Annually, the patrol officers respond to and initiate over 25,000 service re- lated calls and responses for the residents of El Cerrito. School Resource Officers (SRO) The primary duties of the SRO are to provide law enforcement expertise and resources to assist school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline within the Portola Middle School. SROs assume primary responsibility for handling all calls for service at the school and coordinating the response of other police resources to the school. They provide a visible deterrent to crime and a positive representative of the Police Department to students and staff. The El Cerrito Police Department currently has three patrol officers assigned as School Resource Officers. There are two officers assigned to El Cerrito High School and one officer assigned to Portola Middle School. Bicycle Patrol Unit Bicycle officers are assigned in all three divisions of the Police Department. Bicycle patrol has been shown to be an effective way to increase officer visibility in congested areas and their quiet operation can pro- vide a tactical approach to crimes in progress. Cur- rently, 20 of the 24 assigned patrol officers are also bicycle patrol officers. The entire traffic unit is bicycle qualified and all three school resource officers are certified and can ride a police bicycle while on patrol. We currently have 30 officers that are certified to ride a police bicycle. 2010 Common Calls for Service and Reports Motor Vehicle Theft: Officers responded to approximately 140 reports of stolen vehicle and located and recovered 186 reported stolen vehicles. Burglary (Residential/Vehicle) Officers responded to approximately 220 burglary reports. These reports include the burglary of automobiles, residences, and businesses in El Cerrito. ---PAGE BREAK--- 13 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T Traffic Safety Unit The staffing level for the Traffic Safety Unit consists of 1 Traffic Sergeant assigned to a police 2 officers and 1 officer assigned to a patrol car. Traffic officers are responsible for collision investigation and review and the enforcement of traffic laws including seatbelts, child safety seats, commercial enforcement, and cellular telephone laws. In 2010 officers issued approximately 7,500 citations compared with 8,893 issued in 2009 and 9,788 in 2008. These officers are responsible for coordinating school presentations such as Red Ribbon Week. These officers also plan and attend events such as Tri-City Safety Day, the July 4th Celebration, and the Bicycle Rodeo. The services of the unit are augmented by 1 full time Parking Enforcement Attendant and 1 part time Parking Enforcement Attendant. The Traffic Safety Unit has two officers certified to inspect the installation of child safety seats. The Department is also a member of the John Muir Health Center’s Child Safety Seat Coalition which conducts Child Safety Seat inspections throughout Contra Costa County. The El Cerrito Police Department teamed with the El Cerrito Fire Department to host two child seat check-ups in El Cerrito in 2010. Each year these men and women inspect over sixty child safety seats. Grant Funding: For Federal Fiscal Year 2009-2010, the Traffic Safety Unit received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety totaling $134,000. This money allowed the Department to purchase a Command/DUI trailer for collision and crime scene investigation. The trailer has been used at all five of our DUI checkpoints in 2010. The grant also paid for a 2010 Harley Davidson Police mo- the equipment for a officer, and computer equipment for the trailer. In addition to the equipment, the grant also funded overtime for officers assigned to work the five DUI checkpoints, 2 suspended driver’s license court stings, and 11 DUI saturation patrols. These efforts have led to an increase in DUI arrests and were preceded by community awareness press releases throughout the year. ---PAGE BREAK--- 14 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T Investigations Division The Investigations Division is composed of a Lieu- tenant, a Sergeant, a Corporal and three special- ized detectives. Each detective is responsible for managing cases in their area of specialty: crimes against persons, property crimes, and financial crimes. The Sergeant and Corporal specialize in homicide cases and special investigations. The Investigations Division handles review and follow-up on many crimes that occur in El Cerrito. Typically, around 37% of all cases are assigned to detectives for review. Many of these cases are suspended due to a lack of evidence or workable leads. For example, a theft from a vehicle, with no suspect leads, limited property information, and no evidence will generally be suspended. Cases involving robberies, significant physical evidence, and suspect information are assigned to detec- tives for additional follow up. Most cases involving the arrest of a suspect for a misdemeanor crime are sent directly to the Dis- trict Attorney’s office for review. These cases typically require little to no additional preparation and are not assigned or reviewed by detectives. The remaining cases, involving felonies or misde- meanors with special circumstances, are assigned to detectives and require a face to face meeting with a deputy district attorney. Typically, 15% to 20% of the cases assigned to detectives result in personal review with a Deputy District Attorney. A Deputy District Attorney weighs a number of factors when deciding whether or not to pursue charges against a suspect. At times, they may decide that al- though the case involved a legal arrest of a suspect, the evidence involved does not support the higher level of proof required for a trial. Other times, they may decide that certain factors support the dismissal of charges in the interest of justice. Typically, around 1/3 of Investigations Division cases result in felony charges against a suspect, 1/3 result in misdemeanor charges, and 1/3 result in no charges being filed against a suspect. ---PAGE BREAK--- 15 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T 2010 Accomplishments Two major homicide investigations went to trial in 2010. One case involved a double homicide while the other involved the murder of a junior college student. Both cases were prosecuted to successful conclusion resulting in murder convic- tions against the two involved suspects. In February, an astute patrol officer noticed a stolen vehicle in front of a local motel. The initial observations of the patrol officer led investiga- tors to the arrest of the car theft suspects and a search of their motel room. The room was packed to the brim with property stolen from burglaries of high-rise condominiums in San Francisco. In total, over twenty burglary cases from San Francisco were solved by El Cerrito In- vestigators and Patrol officers. A local school reported the theft of $100,000 in solar panels from their roof. An observant patrol officer cracked the case when he saw a nearby resident in possession of one of the panels. De- tectives interrogated the suspect and authored search warrants resulting in the return of 80% of Did you know… In 2010, the Investigations Division hosted five clubhouse seminars on Burglary Prevention? They happened at clubhouses all over El Cerrito! the stolen panels. Although the District Attor- ney’s Office declined to pursue charges against the suspect, he was charged and convicted later in the year for his involvement in an El Cerrito armed robbery. April brought about an unfortunate series of shootings in the area of S. 55th St. Investigators discovered three shootings that appeared to be linked, with two of the incidents involving mod- erate injuries to victims. Detectives made four arrests in the case and are awaiting the results of ballistics analysis. ---PAGE BREAK--- 16 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T How it All Got Started During the later portion of 2009 a group of El Cerrito Police Officers assembled a police K-9 proposal and submitted it to the City Manager and Chief of Police for review. The overview detailed a cost/benefit analysis as well as documented how the citizens and the Police Department would benefit from a K-9 team. The idea of a K-9 program was well received, but due to tough economic times there was a finan- cial concern with the implementation of a new K-9 program. In an effort to help ease the initial cost of starting a K-9 program, the Police Employees’ Association organized a crab feed which took place on January 29, 2010. During the process of preparing for the crab feed, association members were able to secure various raffle prizes and donations from community members. Over three hundred people showed up at the crab feed to show their support for the develop- ment of a K-9 unit. The crab feed ended up raising over twenty thousand dollars. In July 2010, City Manager Scott Hanin and newly ap- pointed Chief Sylvia Moir agreed the creation of a K-9 unit was in the best interest of the citizens and officers that patrol the City of El Cerrito. Once the decision to implement a K-9 team was made, the Department began the selection process. Officer Aaron Leone was named as the El Cerrito Police De- partment’s first K-9 handler. Once Officer Leone was selected as the handler, the Department contracted with Master K-9 for the selection and training of the new police K-9. Master K-9 also trains K-9 teams from the neighboring cities of San Pablo and Richmond who we work very closely with. El Cerrito’s New K-9 Program During the first weekend in October 2010 Officer Leone went to pick up a two year old German shepherd which was born in Germany. It was a unanimous decision to name the El Cerrito Police Department’s first K-9 “King” after city employee Bruce King, who was tragically killed in April 2009. Bruce King was a 14 year employee in the Public Works Department who had a passion for dogs. Af- ter an intensive five week training course, Officer Leone and King met the qualifications to take to the street during the first week of November. ---PAGE BREAK--- 17 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T On December 6th, 2010 there was a public swearing-in ceremony for K-9 King in the Council Chambers at the El Cerrito City Hall. King has been a conversation piece for a majority of the interactions between ECPD patrol officers and residents since he began his patrol work. The residents are ex- cited about the new program and often ask what they can contribute to assist the program. Like the bicycle patrol, the K-9 unit has further enhanced communica- tion between citizens and the Department. Due to the overwhelming support for the K-9 program, the El Cerrito Police Employees’ Association elected to hold its 2nd annual crab feed to benefit the K-9 program. The proceeds from the 2011 crab feed will be used to help fund for training, supplies, K-9 trials and the future of the K-9 program. Since November, Officer Leone has deployed King on several occasions during the two month period. These deployments included detaining a subject which was reportedly breaking into a residence, tracking two armed subjects who robbed McDonalds, and searching for an armed subject who fled from officers. Not only did King’s heightened sense of smell give responding officers an added edge, but it also greatly reduced the time needed to search areas. In 2011, as Officer Leone and King prepara- tions will attend a five week narcotics detec- tion class. Upon successful completion of the class, Officer Leone and King will be able to conduct narcotics searches in locations such as buildings, fields and vehicles. This is antici- pated to result in a higher number of narcot- ics seizures, and more monies seized from asset forfeiture proceedings. The inaugural year of the K-9 program has been marked by accomplishments and signifi- cant achievements. Although, the program is still in its stages of infancy it is exciting to see what the K-9 program has in store for the future of this agency and citizens of El Cerrito. Implementation of the New K-9 Program ---PAGE BREAK--- 18 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T National Night Out National Night Out is a unique annual safety event highlighting crime, drug and violence pre- vention across the country. El Cerrito's Night Out provides a unique opportunity for El Cerrito residents to connect with the Police Department and each other to learn about safety and crime prevention. In 2010, there were 28 block parties hosted by local residents. Members of the De- partment were joined by other City Staff and elected Officials and in small teams, visited each block party. El Cerrito's Night Out program has won a national award for the past six years. Community Involvement 2010 Tri-City Safety Day The El Cerrito/Kensington and Albany Fire Depart- ments' annual Tri-City Safety Day was held on Sep- tember 18, 2010 at the El Cerrito Plaza. This great an- nual event brings many of our surrounding agencies together to promote safety and inform the public about the many different services that we provide. There were free child car seat installations, CERT (community emergency response team) sign ups and the Safety Trailer which teaches kids about residential fire drills. This event has been an El Cerrito tradition for more than twenty years. Tri-City Safety Day brings together various public safety agencies to meet and talk with local residents in a fun, informative manner. Bike Rodeo On Saturday May 22nd 2010, the Police Department and the City's Crime Prevention Committee, hosted a Bicycle Rodeo for the citizens of El Cerrito to at- tend. The event took place in the basketball blacktop area of the St. John the Baptist School, adjacent to the Ohlone Greenway. The Bicycle Rodeo was de- signed to spread awareness and educate bicy- cle riders of all ages about traffic safety while riding their bicycles on city streets. ---PAGE BREAK--- 19 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T Tip-A-Cop El Cerrito Law Enforcement Officers gave a whole new meaning to "protect and serve" at a Tip-A-Cop fundraiser held at Macaroni Grill in El Cerrito, on August 7, 2010. Officers serve as celebrity waiters at and donated all the tips they received to the North- ern California Special Olympic program. Tip-A-Cop has been a favorite way for officers to raise money, and the public loves to have the officers wait on them hand and foot. El Cerrito’s Tip-A-Cop event raised $3,800. Bike the Bridges On Sunday, June 6, 2010 the “Bike the Bridges” fundraising event, to support Special Olympics of Northern California, was held for the first time. This was the result of a partnership between the El Cerrito, Hercules, Martinez, and Oakland Police Departments. The concept for the event was for riders of all levels, including those assigned to ride bicycles at their respective police departments, to cross the Carquinez and Benicia Bridges along the scenic bicycle route connecting both bridges. Over 400 riders registered and rode in the event and raised $62,245. Over a dozen vendors including local bicycle shops; The Peddler and the Wheel Peddler, provided support for the participants. Support for Special Olympics Special Olympics is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. ---PAGE BREAK--- 20 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T Awards & Recognition Richmond Elk’s Lodge Police Officer Appreciation Special Recognition for Police Officers from the seven agencies in the Elks Lodge Area Traffic Officer John Molica Albany-El Cerrito Exchange Club Office of the Year Honoring Law Enforcement Officers of the Year Detective John-Tracy Wahrlich Distinguished Service Award Recognition for dedication and commitment to the El Cerrito Police Department and the community Sergeant Shawn Maples Mother’s Against Drunk Driving Award (MADD) Awards an Officer for their DUI statistics during the year Office Mike Hernandez 10851 Award CHP developed this award to recognize superior efforts made by law enforcement personnel who have met specified criteria toward the re- duction of stolen vehicle crimes Officer Robert Chalk Officer Paul Cooper Officer Terry Schillinger California Law Enforcement Challenge A competition between similar size agencies that recognizes and rewards the best overall traffic safety programs in California 1st Place El Cerrito Police Department National Law Enforcement Challenge Sponsored by the International Association of Police Chiefs A competition for Law Enforcement agencies to be recognized for their traffic safety accomplishments 3rd Place El Cerrito Police Department Avoid the 25 A Statewide campaign to crackdown on the drinking driver and reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by alco- hol related crashes Sergeant Ian Wong Officer Gutierrez Office Chalk Corporal Caputo Lane Matsui ---PAGE BREAK--- 21 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 0 E l C E R R I T O P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T Sylvia M. Moir Chief of Police Special thanks to everyone who helped contribute to creating our Annual Report Samantha Smith—Executive Assistant Michael Regan — Captain Steve Bonini—Lieutenant Robert De La Campa—Lieutenant Paul Keith—Lieutenant Scott Cliatt—Detective Sergeant Shawn Maples—Patrol Sergeant Ian Wong—Patrol Sergeant Gilbert Tang—Police Corporal Loralee Palfini—Records Supervisor El Cerrito Police Department • 10900 San Pablo Ave • El Cerrito, CA 94530 • [PHONE REDACTED] Committed to service, safety, and enhancing the public trust through professionalism and leadership