Category Archives: Police/Fire

Sheriff Approves Body Worn Cameras

City of Eastvale

Eastvale – Sheriff Stan Sniff has approved the fielding of Body Worn Cameras (BWC) throughout its patrol operations over the next few years, subject to county funding of the devices and storage.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has completed its field testing of Body Worn Cameras (BWC) in its patrol operations. Earlier this year the Department began “voluntary” field testing of the VieVu model BWC at its Jurupa Valley Station, deploying over 150 BWCs throughout the station’s patrol operations, including deputies, corporals, investigators, sergeants and community service officers (CSOs). The Sheriff had specified an initial test period of 60 to 90 days to determine what issues would arise in the Department’s first large scale fielding of these devices, to work through any issues that did arise, and for end-users to provide feedback on both their utility and cost-effectiveness. In addition, the Department researched and absorbed “lessons learned” and best practices from other agencies fielding various varieties of BWC technology.

Although the Department was prepared to continue testing, if required, for another 60 to 90 days, input from the Jurupa Valley chain of command has indicated they have learned what we needed to know, and recommended transition from voluntary testing of these devices to mandatory Department-wide use. The manufacturer has worked closely with the Sheriff’s Department in dealing with desired equipment modifications for problems encountered in the real-world testing and deployment of BWCs in our local patrol environment, under tactical conditions and used in our patrol vehicles. Our technology specialists have also been able to resolve issues concerning downloading and data storage to our satisfaction.

The Sheriff’s Department has refined its BWC procedures during the Jurupa Valley Station testing period, and the Department-wide document will replace the separate patrol station SOPs that have evolved over the last several years for this emerging technology. The Sheriff’s Department has notified County Human Resources that the decision on “mandatory” use in patrol operations has been made and the County remains open to meeting and conferring with the various labor groups on any foreseeable workplace impacts of that management decision.

The Jurupa Valley Station testing has validated that the known presence of BWCs has positively altered potential confrontations between deputies and the public, often gaining voluntary compliance by the public. Formal personnel complaints against our deputies at the Jurupa Valley Station during the testing period have declined 30%.

Based on the voluntary testing period input from the Jurupa Valley Station, the Sheriff has concurred that patrol deputies and other Department personnel utilizing BWCs shall continue to have discretion in deciding when to activate their cameras pursuant to the BWC policy guidance developed.

The Sheriff’s Department deeply appreciates the leadership efforts of our Jurupa Valley Station in fielding this BWC technology, paving the way for its use throughout our patrol operations over the next few years. In the interim, the Sheriff will continue to allow personal BWCs for on-duty use until full deployment of county-owned BWCs is completed. After full deployment occurs within patrol operations, only county-owned BWCs will be used.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will continue testing the potential usage of BWC technology throughout its operations outside of its patrol divisions, including Corrections and Courts, but the challenges and required stakeholder input will be somewhat different than in patrol operations.

The Sheriff will seek funding from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors in Fiscal Year 2015/16, for a phased acquisition, training, and fielding plan of BWCs, initially throughout its patrol operations, and ultimately across its other specialized jail and court areas after preliminary testing and needed guidance from our judicial officers has been completed.

In addition, the Sheriff’s Department is submitting for the FY “2015 Body-Worn Camera Pilot Implementation Program” grant through the U.S. Department of Justice. If awarded, the grant will require a 50% in-kind match for the purchase of Body Worn Cameras, but excludes the cost of data storage. Ultimately, nearly 3,000 BWCs may someday be deployed throughout all of the Department’s massive operations across Riverside County.

 

2015 Fireworks Safety

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

 

Riverside County – The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in cooperation with, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, Riverside County Code Enforcement and the Riverside County Board of Supervisors would like to remind the members of the public of the dangers of fireworks.

Avoid the Worst – Obey the Law and Put SAFETY First!

Public safety officials from the County of Riverside would like to ensure that all residents and visitors understand that fireworks are illegal in Riverside County; meaning that you may not sell, purchase, transport, store or use fireworks in the County of Riverside.

The cities of Blythe, Coachella, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Indio are the only cities which allow the sale and use of State Fire Marshal-approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks. Fireworks purchased in these cities shall not be transported, used or possessed outside of the cities in which they were purchased.

ALL fireworks, including sparklers are illegal in Riverside County. All fireworks are illegal because they cause serious injuries and very often, cause fires. Riverside County has very diverse terrain. The vegetation is very dry, and fireworks can easily start a brush fire.

Individuals who cause a wildfire by using illegal fireworks will be held responsible for all suppression costs and could be criminally prosecuted. These costs can run into the millions of dollars.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department law enforcement officers and Riverside County Code Enforcement aggressively enforce Riverside County Ordinance 858, as well as other laws pertaining to the sale, transport, manufacturing, storage and use of illegal fireworks.

In Riverside County protecting the safety of the public is a top priority and we enforce a “zero tolerance” policy with regard to citizens in possession of illegal fireworks. Those caught with illegal fireworks will be subject to fines, citations, arrest and confiscation of all illegal fireworks. We urge you to leave the fireworks to the professionals.

If you would like to report the use or sales of illegal fireworks within the County of Riverside please call 1-800-950-2444, or call one of the non-emergency phone numbers list at the right.

You may also report the use of illegal fireworks via the Fireworks Report (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/fireworks/) web form. This form will be available Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at 6:00 AM until Monday, July 6, 2015 at 6:00 AM.

Vandalism Arrest

Norco Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Vandalism Suspects

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale Vandalism Suspect Blake Wilson

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale
Vandalism Suspect Blake Wilson

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale Vandalism Suspect Gregory Stoddard

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale
Vandalism Suspect Gregory Stoddard

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale Vandalism Suspect George Zavala

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale
Vandalism Suspect George Zavala

Staff Reports

Eastvale – During March and April, the Norco Sheriff’s Office investigated a series of vandalisms committed by individuals who spray-painted on a number of businesses located in the 2500 block of Hamner Avenue, in the city of Norco. These same vandals also spray-painted on the Riverside County Flood Control Channel that paralleled the rear portions of these businesses. The vandalism was visible from different views of the city, and caused thousands of dollars in damage.

The Norco Sheriff’s Office Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving team (COPPS) assumed the investigation and was able to gather evidence which led to the identification of the three suspects as a result of a lengthy investigation. On Mon., May 18, a Norco COPPS Deputy authored and served a search warrant in the 6100 block of Camino Real, in the city of Jurupa Valley, which resulted in the arrest of Blake Wilson, 18, of Jurupa Valley.

The two remaining suspects were identified as Gregory Stoddard, 21, of Riverside; and George Zavala, 19, of Eastvale – they were also arrested.

All three suspects were linked to similar vandalisms in the cities of Jurupa Valley, Eastvale, and Riverside, and the investigation into these additional incidents is continuing. All three suspects were transported to the Robert Presley Detention Center where they were booked on charges related to felony vandalism.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is committed to the safety of the citizens of Norco and will be vigilant in investigating all crimes of this nature. This investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information is urged to contact Deputy R. Ghiliotty at the Norco Sheriff’s Office at (951) 270-5673.

A Special Thank You

PrintBy Patricia Flinn

Eastvale – The Wives of Law Enforcement and Firefighters (W.O.L.F.F.) recently had the pleasure of recognizing and remembering law enforcement officers and firefighters who have spent countless days and nights protecting our local communities.

On May 7, W.O.L.F.F. – along with the Cities and Chambers of Commerce for Norco and Eastvale – honored the men and women who fought the recent Highway Fire in the City of Norco. Members of the Norco and Eastvale stations of Riverside County Cal Fire, and the Corona Fire Department, were presented with plaques and certificates to show appreciation for their diligent efforts in fighting this fast growing fire. In addition, the Stonebridge Christian Academy students created banners and wrote thank you notes for our local fire stations, while Eastvale Elementary’s 1st Grade class presented thank you cards to one of our own, Battalion Chief Robert Harris, who led a team to Nepal for earthquake relief efforts.

On May 20, members of W.O.L.F.F. attended the L.A. County Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony, which recognizes law enforcement officers who have recently lost their lives, including Lieutenant Patrick Libertone, an Eastvale resident. Lieutenant Libertone suffered a fatal heart attack during a traffic stop on Aug. 12, 2014.

If you are interested in joining W.O.L.F.F., a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting public safety officer and firefighter families through volunteering, fundraising, and collaborating with local communities, please email us at eastvalewolff@gmail.com, or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wolff.eastvale.

CPD Places 3rd @ B2V

Staff Reports

Corona – On the weekend of March 28 – 29, the Corona Police Department participated in the 31st Annual Challenge Cup Relay Race, which started in Baker, California, and ended in Las Vegas, Nevada.
After 120 miles of pavement, running all day and all night, the official results are in. Out of 265 teams, the Corona Police Department placed 74th overall and 3rd overall in the 500 Invitational Division, which was the best finish in CPD history. The official finishing team time was 16:33:33, which was an approximate 8:15 per mile pace.
This collaborative team effort would not have been possible if it was not for the hard work by all the runners and support personnel, but more importantly, the staff left back to keep the City in full operation.
Congratulations Team Corona!

 

Body Worn Cameras Begin Deployment at Jurupa Valley Station

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff's Department

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Courtesy of the Riverside Sheriff’s Department

Update as of May 7, 2015:

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department began the latest ongoing testing of the use of body worn cameras (BWC) at our Jurupa Valley Station on March 16, 2015. The testing is designed to solicit confidential feedback about the usage and effectiveness of devices in a field setting by making these devices available voluntarily to members of three different county labor groups, RSA (deputies, corporals, and investigators), LEMU (sergeants), and LIUNA 777 (community service officers). Those participating are providing confidential surveys about their experience using BWCs for management’s consideration in reaching any final decisions about the use of BWCs and governing policies. The Sheriff’s Department has over 300 BWCs in use, and has conducted testing for nearly 7 years. The Jurupa Valley Station is the latest and largest testing effort to date, and involves the very latest technology; over the past 7 years the BWCs have decreased in size, increased in high definition capability, increased storage capability and battery life, and dramatically dropped in cost as technology in this particular arena has rapidly exploded.

A total of 139 personnel have volunteered to participate in the Jurupa Valley Station program, now about 6 weeks old; only 3 members of the station have voluntarily opted not to participate.

The “Vievu“ brand body worn camera is an ultra-durable on-officer camera designed to balance both simplicity and performance. Continued testing is expected to last an additional 45 days. Without disclosing any details of the confidential input and surveys, initial results show that the BWCs have enthusiastically embraced by participating Sheriff’s personnel at our Jurupa Valley Station.

Since the beginning of the testing phase, Jurupa Valley Station administration has encouraged all participants to provide weekly anonymous and forthright feedback, both individual and collective, of their use of the BWC. The ongoing survey feedback questions are designed to capture our staff’s candid opinions and experiences on their ability to both deploy the BWC effectively coupled with the operational aspects of routine processes like downloading and retrieval procedures at the end-of-shift. Participants have rated the BWC very highly in most areas. Staff continue to use their discretion on filming incidents they deem appropriate, but BWC’s have been found to be powerful tools used by station’s patrol staff to calm situations down rather dramatically-and this has accelerated their optional use in routine calls of all types. The public is well aware of the cameras being used in the station’s area of service and ask questions about the devices, easily noticed on our staff’s uniforms.

Although not originally envisioned, personnel at the investigator rank assigned to the station’s detective bureau have now asked to be included in the ongoing testing of BWCs, further expanding their use in the test period while receiving information about the devices on a confidential basis to encourage forthrightness. BWCs have been tested by a few investigators utilizing cameras to film interviews and citizen contacts in areas away from the station. Staff working in the following assignments at the Jurupa Valley Station are currently volunteering to participate in using the BWCs: patrol, special enforcement team, traffic team, and the school resource officer team.

The ongoing testing process at Jurupa Valley Station has also revealed a few areas identified for improvement or modification to any final BWC decision or policy. The vendor continues to work closely with our Technical Services Bureau personnel to resolve any minor remaining issues or concerns. Staff have also been adapting to the BWCs on their uniforms and while on duty.

Overall, participants in the testing program overwhelmingly report positive feedback and enjoy having the option to be equipped with a BWC while working patrol related duties. Our staff are directly involved in the ongoing development and refinement of the station’s BWC SOP, and the station’s efforts and “lessons learned” will be incorporated into the Department’s finalized policies and procedures before Sheriff Stan Sniff makes the decision to either expand their use or mandate department-wide patrol use of BWCs. The Sheriff’s Department also continues to monitor lessons learned from other agencies testing BWC’s as well.

The Sheriff continues to believe that the use of BWC technology will provide value in enhancing officer safety, officer accountability, reduction of liability, assist with prosecution and case resolution, and further promote professionalism and accountability with the communities we serve. These devices are also expected to enhance community policing methods and strengthen relationships with the public and law enforcement. But the Sheriff also repeatedly warns that they are not a “panacea” in reducing liability or making incidents always clearer.

The use of body worn camera information is freely allowed by deputies in preparation of their routine reports, just as any other information maintained by our deputies is utilized. The only narrow exceptions to that procedure are “critical incidents” that involve in-custody death/injuries and officer-involved shootings or the use of deadly force, where the Department must lawfully conduct objective and credible investigations of our involved officers and staff. A major concern about providing video camera information to deputies involved in a critical incident before they report it, is that it can be argued to undermine the credibility and objectivity of those investigations. This could subject the Department and every officer to allegations that their reports or statements were coached by reviewing the video, rather than documenting their own perception of the incident.

The Sheriff’s Department continues to believe strongly that the conduct of its investigations-especially in the areas of the use of deadly force-must have credibility and objectivity to the public we serve as well as best serving the interests of the department and its deputies. This is especially critical in the context recently of the national discussions on creditability, transparency and accountability of law enforcement agencies to the very communities we serve. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department views this as critical, and has staked out the “high moral ground” on one of the key issues of the day across our nation in that very debate.

 

Original Details:

On Monday, March 16th, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department continues with its uninterrupted voluntary testing program of the body worn cameras (BWC) at the Jurupa Valley Station. Body Worn Cameras began being issued to Sheriff’s staff this morning at the Jurupa Valley Station.

The Sheriff’s Department has conducted testing of BWC for a number of years, with over 200 of these small cameras in voluntary use throughout Riverside County patrol station operations. It has continued refining the program over time and adopted local and nationwide procedures based on the experience of these numerous agencies. As BWC technology has rapidly increased and been refined, especially over the past year, more and more police agencies have seen these devices fielded, and many of these same procedures have been adopted as agencies share insights, challenges and best practices.

In early November 2014, the Board of Supervisors authorized $384,000 to purchase BWCs in addition to the necessary data storage/retrieval equipment at Jurupa Valley Station to further expand the voluntary testing efforts of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. The Department purchased and took delivery of the BWCs at the end 2014. To accommodate the storage of the video recorded by these additional devices at the Jurupa Valley Station, a request for quotes (RFQ) for additional hard drive storage was created. The responses to this request were far in excess of the projected budget, so the RFQ was canceled, revised and reposted. This has caused a delay in the Sheriff’s Department being able to begin fully deploying the new BWCs. The closing date on the newest RFQ was in February 2015. Late this past month, the best and lowest bidder was selected, with the hardware costs finally in line with the original cost estimates of $200,000, and finally met the budget adjustment authorized by the Board of Supervisors for this project this past November.

The Department expects to take delivery of the selected hardware, which is compatible with Hewlett Packard, in late April or early May. In the meantime, the Department was able to create a temporary storage location to store the data that has now allowed the Sheriff’s Department to move forward with its voluntary testing program until that ordered hardware is delivered. The funding for this entire project was approved by the Board of Supervisors as recommended by the Sheriff to come from the Department’s Asset Forfeiture accounts, and without the use of any new General Fund monies being added.

This next phase of the ongoing testing program will help the Department continue evaluating how best to equip deputies in other communities of Riverside County and in our other areas of operation, once this Jurupa Valley test phase is completed. The cameras are expected to add to our existing arsenal of cutting edge technology.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s use of BWC technology will provide value in enhancing officer safety, reduction of liability, assist with prosecution and case resolution, and further promote professionalism and accountability with the communities it serves. These devices are also expected to enhance community policing methods and strengthen relationships with the public and the law enforcement. But the Sheriff also warns that they add considerable complexity in fielding, and are not a panacea in reducing liability or making incidents always clearer.

The “Vievu” brand body camera was selected through an earlier testing phase that included several other brands of cameras. The Vievu camera is an ultra-durable on-officer camera designed to balance both simplicity and performance. The Vievu camera will provide our members with a core unibody design for easy deployment.

This testing phase at Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station is expected to last between 90 to 180 days. As has been the ongoing practice, input on these BWCs by end-users from a variety of labor groups will be collected as will changes to refine the department’s SOPs, as we continue to assimilate lessons learned from other agencies.

One of those labor groups, the Riverside Sheriffs’ Association (RSA) filed suit in January 2015 alleging that the voluntary testing of BWCs could not proceed without the union’s approval, arguing this was a new program. Upon learning that the Department has issued hundreds of BWC over the past 7 years, RSA recently withdrew and watered down its allegations in the lawsuit. The matter will be resolved in court sometime later this year. In the interim, the RSA action has had no impact on the Department’s voluntary testing program. Contrary to RSA assertions, the use of body camera information is freely allowed by deputies in preparation of their routine reports, just as any other information maintained by deputies are. The only exceptions to this procedure are critical incidents that involve in-custody deaths/injuries and officer-involved shootings or the use of deadly force, where the Department must lawfully conduct objective and credible investigations of our involved officers and staff. Providing video camera information to our involved deputies in those narrow circumstances before they make a statement undermines the public credibility and legal objectivity of those investigations in the Department’s view, allowing the deputy to be coached by having access to the evidence at hand.

Point of Contact: Chief Deputy Kevin Vest

Welcome to W.O.L.F.F.

Print

By Patricia Flinn

Eastvale – W.O.L.F.F. (Wives of Law Enforcement and Firefighters) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting public safety officer and firefighter families through volunteering, fundraising, and collaborating with local communities.

We realize that it is not easy being a first responder’s wife, and it is our goal to provide a support system for those that can relate to our lifestyle. W.O.L.F.F. members have been establishing bonds and building relationships with wives of law enforcement and firefighters since 2010.

W.O.L.F.F. hosts many events throughout the year, which include police and fire recognition, mixers, holiday socials, paint night, and wine tasting – along with various fundraisers that support our organization and local charities.

On Thurs., May 7, at 4 p.m., the Wives of Law Enforcement and Firefighters, along with area service organizations, will present Cal Fire and City of Corona Firefighters with a plaque thanking them for their hard work, bravery, and dedication during the Highway Fire. This wild fire, which started in the Prado Flood Control Basin, burned over 1,000 acres and threatened over 300 area resident homes. The Stone Bridge Christian Academy, which is a local pre-school, was also threatened and saved by firefighters.

The communities of Norco, Corona, and Eastvale will gather at the Norco-Cal Fire Station #47, located at 3902 Hillside Ave in Norco, and present firefighters with heartfelt tokens of their appreciation. Local Girl Scout troops, as well as area residents, will join us to give thanks to these brave men and women. We invite the communities of Norco, Corona and Eastvale to join us in this event.

L.A. County Search & Rescue Task Force #2 is an elite team that has been utilized in Haiti, Japan, Hurricane Katrina and other disasters around the world. One of our own – Battalion Chief Bob Harris – is leading a team that arrived in Nepal. We will be honoring his wife, Nachet, at this event also. Both are local residents who are active in our community.

The magnitude of stress that wives endure from the realization that there is always a possibility that their loved one may not come home, increases substantially when they volunteer to rescue people in other countries.

If you are interested in learning more about W.O.L.F.F., or would like to join our organization, please email us at eastvalewolff@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wolff.eastvale.

Prado Fire Extinguished

Photo By: Felicia Oblea

Photo By: Felicia Oblea

By Randi Hauser

At 6:12 p.m. on Sat., Apr. 18, Riverside County firefighters responded to reports of a cooking fire that began at the Prado Dam Flood Control Basin near the 91 and 71 freeway interchange in Chino Hills. The fire quickly spread southeast along the Santa Ana River as the thick vegetation had not burned in decades.

12 fire crews and two water-drop helicopters fought the flames through the night as the fire continued. Rough terrain and thick brush made the battle difficult for crews on the ground.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for Bluff, Homestead and Stagecoach roads in Norco. Evacuation centers were set up at Riley Gym for residents and Ingalls Park for animals, including horses.

Local businesses stepped into action to support their community in distress. It is reported that McDonald’s in Norco provided hundreds of hamburgers and apple slices to evacuees and firefighters battling the flames.  EZ-Ups provided shade to residents who were temporarily without a home.  Tractor Supply in Norco provided materials needed for the horse evacuation area set up at Ingalls Park.

According to Cal Fire, evacuations were lifted on the morning of Mon., Apr. 20 as the blaze was contained to 35%.

A smoke sensitivity warning remained in order for a few days more as smoke lingered over Norco and Corona and ash continued to fall. The total, approximately 1,050 acres were burned, but no structural damage was reported.

Active School Shooters Are Not “Campus Visitors”

By Warren Pulley

CEO, RyPul Threat Assessments

RyPulSecuring school campuses around the country has become a major point of contention, with each side of the debate entrenched in the fact that they believe their ideas are the best and most reasonable. But the first thing school systems need to do is to stop designing protection plans as if active shooters are merely visitors to our campuses, when, in fact, they are killers at large.

Both sides do have some degree of support in their respective circles of influence, and in some cases, what each side is proposing just may work on a small, district-sized scale.  For instance, I often hear gun rights advocates supporting the idea of arming teachers as one of the most effective means of protection for our children while at school.  While this approach may have some effect on the active shooter, that shooter would have to encounter the armed teacher who is adequately trained to square off and stand in the line of fire with an armed intruder, and fire well-placed, consistent shots under pressure.  If all of those factors can be achieved them there is room for a measure of success.

However, in my professional opinion as a former police officer and current worldwide protective specialist, training a teacher to that level of profiency may require more instruction than most teachers or school systems are willing to dedicate.  On the other hand, I do support the deployment of more armed school resource officers and directed police patrols as a way to help in the deterrence of armed violence.  But in most cases, there are just not enough police professionals available to make a noticeable difference in the response times needed to make this approach effective as anything other than highly visible window dressing.

Then we come to the other side of the debate that insists on increased video surveillance, key card scanners, mental health legislation, limited entry and exit ways, metal detectors, student badges, etc.  Now, all of these things can make a difference – if used correctly all of the time, maintained in proper working order, are fully funded, and are used in conjunction with armed security staff.  We must remember that active shooters or armed intruders do not follow the standard protocol of using designated entry ways, nor do they wear badges that can be scanned, or stand in line to be processed into the school campus, or even really care about the presence of school video surveillance systems.  Active shooters arrive on our campuses with one single-minded purpose:  to inflict as many causalities as possible in the shortest amount of time before the arrival of highly trained, paid and competent security professionals.

And while the argument continues to rage about who is right or wrong, or best suited to draft policies that mitigate the loss of life and property damage on our school campuses, the active shooter is only doing one thing:  planning their next attack regardless of school policy, procedure or practice.

The active shooter will engage our children while they stand outside in perfect lines to be processed into our wholly unsecure campuses. The active shooter will do the evil deed of killing our children while being watched by the overpriced, high-definition camera systems that our school systems have purchased to watch and record the murder of our children.  And afterward, parents, educators and security professionals will launch into the debate about what to do.

I recently learned that a school system in this great nation came to the conclusion that the best way to deter a school shooter is to simply “move the doors on each of its campuses to a new location within the building.”  I am supposing that this idea will somehow confuse the shooter and cause them to just forego their intent?  I shook my head in disbelief while reading the article, and wondered just how idiotic we as a society have become.  And don’t get me started on one Alabama school district’s idea of simply having its children “throw canned goods at its armed intruders;” what poppycock.

The answer to our questions is extremely simple.  Let’s no longer debate the issue about the so-called “militarized look of our campuses,” as we already have that in place in nearly every school in the country with our high wire fences, armed security staffs, metal detector entry points, roving armed patrols, locked metal gates, key carded entryways and high frequency radios. Let’s simply utilize the current technology in place today.  Passive ballistic protection products are on the market which are already offered to police officers, food service workers, airline pilots and bank employees.  This low visibility and high protection option has become the gold standard for protecting against gun violence around the world.  Passive ballistic protection works.  Debate over.

Sexual Assault Arrest

(Photo Courtesy: Corona PD) Shawn Edward Shaffer

(Photo Courtesy: Corona PD)
Shawn Edward Shaffer

Staff Reports

Corona – On Fri., Mar. 6, the Corona Police Department was contacted by multiple male adults who stated that they had been victims of sexual abuse as juveniles in the City of Corona.
Corona Police Detectives began an investigation into the allegations and on Mon., Mar. 9, arrested Shawn Edward Shaffer, 54, of Corona, for multiple counts of sexual molestation on a juvenile under 16 years of age. Shaffer is currently being held in the Robert Presley Detention Center on $3 million bail.
It has been reported to the Corona Police Department that Shaffer may have been conducting youth Bible studies in his home in Corona, and that he frequents local skateboard parks.
Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about any contact they may have had with Shaffer, and to call the Corona Police Department if they feel that their children may be a victim of abuse.

This is an ongoing investigation and any information concerning possible victims and or witnesses is appreciated. Please contact Detective Martin Vega at (951) 871-5796.

Local Heroes Save A Life

CPD Officer and Good Samaritans rescue driver from burning car

Photo Courtesy: Flickr.com

Photo Courtesy: Flickr.com

Staff Reports

Corona – On Thurs., Mar. 5 at about 11:53 p.m., the Corona Police Department dispatched an Officer to the 1100 block of E. Foothill Parkway regarding a vehicle fire.

Upon arrival, Officer Michael Neff observed a white Ford Escape crashed into a tree with its engine compartment fully engulfed in flames. Two citizens were already on scene trying to render assistance to the trapped driver.
Officer Neff obtained a fire extinguisher from the trunk of his patrol vehicle and attempted to extinguish the fire.  Neff, citizen Kenneth Lee, and an unidentified person had just enough time to rescue the driver from the burning vehicle.

The Corona Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire.

The driver was later identified as Nicole Edson, 35, of Corona. She was transported to Riverside Community Hospital with major injuries related to the traffic collision. Edson was the sole occupant of the vehicle, and was later arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Officer Neff, Kenneth Lee, and the unidentified citizen were not injured during the incident and are being commended for their actions.

The Corona Police Department is seeking information that will help identify the unknown person who assisted with the rescue. Please call Sergeant Paul Mercado at (951) 736-2280.

 

Meet Lt. Scott Forbes

(Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale) Eastvale’s newest addition, Assistant Chief of Police, Lt. Scott Forbes

(Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale)
Eastvale’s newest addition, Assistant Chief of Police, Lt. Scott Forbes

Staff Reports

Eastvale – Lt. Scott Forbes has been selected to serve as the new Police Lieutenant and Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Eastvale.

Lt. Forbes earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from San Diego State University before starting his law enforcement career at the Banning Police Department in 1995. He worked assignments in patrol, schools, and investigations, and promoted to the rank of Sergeant before coming to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 2002.

Within the Sheriff’s Department, Forbes has worked assignments in patrol, traffic, contracts, and investigations at the Southwest Station, Perris Station, and Sheriff’s Administration.

In 2014, Forbes promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and transferred to the Jurupa Valley Station where he oversaw the school resource officer and traffic divisions before taking on his current assignment as the Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Eastvale.

Please join us in welcoming Lt. Forbes to the City of Eastvale. He may be reached at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station at (951) 955-2600, or via email at SForbes@riversidesheriff.org.

 

WOLFF Holds Ceremony For Fallen Heroes

By Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

Image Courtesy: www.facebook.com/WivesOfLawEnforcementAndFireFighters

Image Courtesy: facebook.com/WivesOfLaw EnforcementAndFireFighters

Eastvale – On Fri., Jan 9, WOLFF (Wives of Law Enforcement and Firefighters) held an event to honor the memory of the 118 Peace Officers killed in the line of duty in 2014.

The public gathered at Eastvale’s Fire Station #27, where 118 American flags were placed in front of the station.  In addition, Eastvale Firefighters displayed a blue light at the firehouse to remember the men and women who have sacrificed their lives.

Citizens line up in front of Eastvale’s Fire Station #27 to honor our fallen heroes on Jan. 9. (Photo Courtesy: WOLFF)

Citizens line up in front of Eastvale’s Fire Station #27 to honor our fallen heroes on Jan. 9. (Photo Courtesy: WOLFF)

This event coincided with a national movement to support law enforcement officers as they serve and protect citizens in the United States in the hope of bringing communities together and awareness to a worthy cause.

During the ceremony, Bagpiper, Terri McCarthy – a retired Los Alamitos Police Officer – played taps and other significant music, while members of the community, Police Officers, and Firefighters took turns placing a flag along the sidewalk in front of the station.

It was truly a community event, and WOLFF would like to give a special “Thank You” to the City of Eastvale and the surrounding communities that have been supportive of our fallen Heroes.

WOLFF will be putting on many future events to support our Law Enforcement and Firefighter families, as well as the Eastvale community.

DUI Saturation Patrol in Corona

Staff Reports

Photo Courtesy: Google Images

Photo Courtesy: Google Images

Corona – The Super Bowl is America’s most watched national sporting event. On Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1, there will be lots of game day socializing that may include drinking. That’s why the California Office of Traffic Safety and Police, Sheriffs, and the CHP are urging football fans to choose sides now: drinking or driving. If you plan on drinking on Super Bowl Sunday, designate a sober driver to get you home safely.

The Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign encourages people to make plans ahead of time that will prevent them from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment effects. Driving impaired could result in injury or death for you or others on the road.

The Corona Police Department will be deploying Roving DUI Saturation Patrols during and following Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup. The DUI operations will be at undisclosed locations within the City where collision data reveals high incidents of DUI crashes and arrests.

According to data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2013 there were 867 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in California – 29 percent of all crash fatalities in the state. A driver is considered alcohol-impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit. This Sunday, don’t become another tragic Super Bowl stat, “Drunk driving is completely preventable,” said Sergeant Randy Wambold of the Corona Police Department. “All it takes is a little planning. We want fans to remember that it’s a choice. Drink or drive…but never do both.”

For those who plan to drink, leave your keys at home. Designate a sober driver, whether it’s a friend, relative, taxi, or public transportation. For those who plan to drive, refrain from any
alcohol. Instead, enjoy the game with food and non-alcoholic drinks. Being a sober, designated driver is a key role on Super Bowl Sunday. You might just save a life.

Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. OTS is offering a free mobile app – DDVIP – aimed at thanking the sober designated driver with perks and free offers at area bars and restaurants, available for iPhone and Android. Never let friends drive if they have had too much to drink.

Eastvale: What It Means To Be A Police Officer

By LEAFF (Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters)

 

leaff-logo            Eastvale – Have you ever heard the saying, “If you want to be loved, be a firefighter; and if you want to be hated, be a cop?”  It seems that in today’s world and with recent cases in the news – including the brutal execution of two New York Police Officers – this has never been more true. However, let us take the time to really think about what it takes to be a Police Officer and reflect on that this year.

In 2014, 113 police officers were killed in the line of duty. These courageous men and women will never see their families, friends, or co-workers again and all for the service of others. While there may be “bad apples” in the bunch, the facts are that there are far more “good” cops that go to work each day and work vigilantly to uphold the law.

Representatives like Officer Stacy from Alabama, who caught a women stealing from a grocery store to feed her kids because she was short 50 cents to buy a dozen eggs. Instead of arresting her, he went back into the store and bought her a carton of eggs. Later, he brought her two truckloads of food. These stories don’t always get told.

What about Hamburg Officer, Joe Bloom, who helped a family with a disabled child get her medicine during the terrible storms on the East Coast?  Or Officer Briggs, who talked a man out of jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge.

Police Officers do much more than arrest criminals, write tickets and patrol the streets. Often, they go above and beyond to keep your family safe and to help those that others may walk by.

On behalf of all citizens, THANK YOU to our Law Enforcement Officers who go out and do the right thing each day. We appreciate what you do.

In 2015, take the time to be thankful for all the good Police Officers out there who deserve your respect and admiration.

 

Five Holiday Safety Tips To Keep Pets Safe

By LEAFF (Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters)

 

LEAFF Law Enforcement and Fire Protection

L.E.A.F.F. Eastvale

Eastvale – The holidays are a time of family and celebration, and that celebration also includes the family pets. While most of us know the holiday dangers in regard to keeping our homes and families safe, pets are just as likely to be injured from owner negligence. Follow these important tips to ensure that the holidays are a time of joy for all the members of your family.

  1. Secure Your Christmas Tree:Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pets. This will also prevent the tree water – which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset – from spilling. Stagnant tree water is also a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should they ingest it.
  2. Avoid Tinsel on Trees: While sparkly and eye-catching, tinsel can beswallowed by pets, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery.
  3. Holiday Food is Not Pet Food: Chocolate and anything sweetened with Xylitol is very dangerous for animals. Keep in mind, animals will go to great lengths to chomp on something tasty. Be sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and secure the lids on garbage cans.
  4. Holiday Lights: Keep wires, batteries, and glass or plastic ornaments out of the reach of paws. An exposed wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock, and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus. Shards of breakable ornaments can also damage your pet’s mouth and digestive tract.
  5. New Year’s Celebration Noise: As you count down to the New Year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in an animal’s intestines, if ingested, possibly necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. Just like the Fourth of July, the clanging of pots and pans, firecrackers, and other loud disturbances can cause outside pets to become fearful and attempt to leave your yard in search of shelter. Keep pets safely inside as midnight approaches.

 

Tips Courtesy of the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

Prop 47: What Does It Mean For Eastvale?

By Lt. Joseph Pemberton
City of Eastvale, Co-Chief of Police

Eastvale – In a nutshell, Proposition 47 permits resentencing for several convicted felons who are currently in custody, and reclassifies existing felonies as misdemeanors for specified offenses that are currently charged in our county. These resentencing and reclassification changes are not available for persons who are required to register per Penal Code (PC) Section 290, or have prior convictions for offenses listed in PC Section 667(e)(2)(c)(iv). These changes take effect immediately.

The theft offense of shoplifting (PC 459.2) is changed to punish commercial burglary as a misdemeanor if the offense occurred during business hours, and if the suspect entered the commercial building with the intent to take property that does not exceed $950 in value.

Furthermore, Subsection (b) of PC 459.2 precludes charging a defendant with both burglary and theft of the same property. We will no longer be able to charge a qualifying offender with felony burglary if the defendant enters a store during business hours to steal merchandise with a value of less than $950.

PC Sections 473 and 476 regarding Forgery will be amended to punish violations only as misdemeanors; however, if the defendant is also convicted of identity theft in violation of PC Section 530.5, neither conviction will be reduced to misdemeanor.

PC Section 490.2 regarding Grand Theft (catch-all) will take effect to ensure that all grand theft violations – including those outlined in Section 487 – will only be punished as a misdemeanor. As a result, even grand theft of a firearm will no longer qualify as a strike offense, assuming the defendant is eligible for Proposition 47 relief (i.e., has no disqualifying priors or registration requirements).

PC Section 496 regarding Receiving Stolen Property will be amended to punish this crime as a felony if the receipt of the stolen property exceeds a value of $950.

PC Section 666 regarding Petty Theft with Prior Conviction is amended to prohibit felony punishment for any repeat theft offender, unless the defendant is ineligible for relief as a result of a disqualifying prior conviction.

For drug offenses, simple possession offenses in violation of Health &Safety Code sections 11350, 11377, and 11357 will only be punishable as misdemeanors unless the defendant has a disqualifying conviction listed in PC Section 667(e)(2)(c)(iv), or are required to register per PC 290.

In response to Proposition 47, for the City of Eastvale Police Department it will be business as usual. We are still going to enforce these violations and use proactive, targeted enforcement to arrest offenders and get them into the court system. In order to achieve this, we will maintain high visibility around our City and increased patrols around our shopping centers and commercial areas to help keep the community safe during the holidays.

This year our City will also see an increase in Police Officers on bike patrols around our shopping centers that will specifically be looking to enforce many of these restructured theft offenses. This will allow our Officers to be more visible and accessible to the public, and help dispel any concerns that these changes will affect the delivery of our Police services.

 

Eastvale Police Department Receives Traffic Grant

Staff Reports

 

Eastvale – The Eastvale Police Department has been awarded a $125,000.00 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program of special enforcements and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries. The Eastvale Police Department will use the funding as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both enforcement and education.

After falling dramatically between 2006 and 2010, the number of persons killed and injured in traffic collisions saw slight increases in 2011 and 2012. Particularly worrisome are recent increases in pedestrian and motorcycle fatalities and the dangers of distracting technologies. This grant funding will provide opportunities to combat these and other devastating problems such as drunk and drugged driving and speeding.

“California’s roadways are still among the safest in the nation,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “But to meet future mobility, safety, and sustainability objectives, we must create safer roadways for all users. The Jurupa Valley Police Department will be using these and other resources to reach the vision we all share – toward zero deaths, every one counts.”

Activities that the grant will fund include:

 

  • DUI Checkpoints
  • DUI Saturation Patrols
  • Traffic Enforcement Operations
  • Distracted Driving Enforcement
  • Night-Time Click It Or Ticket
  • Pedestrian Safety Enforcement
  • Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets,” identifying worst-of-the-worst DUI offenders
  • Specialized DUI and drugged driving training, such as Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE)

 

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Halloween Safety Tips

By LEAFF (Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters)

 

leaff-logoHalloween is just around the corner, and with this fun holiday comes a lot of excitement, activity, and children combing the neighborhoods looking for treats. In order to keep everyone safe, review these safety tips and have a Happy Halloween:

 

  • Be aware of your surroundings. If it doesn’t look right, it isn’t right.
  • Have children wear bright clothing, reflectors or carry light sticks so that they are easily seen by drivers. Try decorating costumes with reflective tape or stickers, if possible.
  • Make sure costumes do not obstruct vision, are flame resistant, and fit well to avoid falling or tripping.
  • Stay out of the street and be on the lookout for cars.
  • Make sure to cross streets at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks, and make sure to make eye contact with drivers if you need to cross in front of them.
  • Drivers: Slow down on neighborhood roads and watch for kids who may be in dark clothing. Take extra time when entering or exiting driveways and alley ways.
  • Kids: Trick-or-Treat with an adult or a responsible buddy.
  • Only visit houses with porch lights on, and do not enter any home.
  • Plan Trick-or-Treat routes ahead of time, and if children are old enough to go out on their own, make sure an adult knows where they are going to be and when they are expected back.
  • Check all candy – every single piece – before allowing children to eat it. If it is unwrapped, discolored or looks funny in any way, discard it.

 

Chino: Man Arrested For Lewd Acts

Staff Reports

 

Chino – At approximately midnight on Tues., Sept. 30, a Chino Police Department patrol unit approached a parked vehicle at Mountain View Park, at 13351 Mountain Avenue. Upon contact, officers witnessed two individuals in the vehicle. The occupants were identified as Emmilio Segovia, a 24-year old Chino resident, and an unidentified 15-year old minor from Chino.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Segovia used a social networking site to connect with the victim and lure him to the park with the intent of engaging in sexual acts.

Segovia was arrested and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for oral copulation of a person under 18, contact with a minor with the intent to commit sexual acts and arranging to meet a minor for the purpose of committing sexual acts with a prior sex offense.

This is an ongoing investigation, anyone with information is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.