Crime Stats: Will Your Car Be Stolen?

In 2005 the San Diego Police Department answered 1.3 million calls and dispatched officers to 644,000 of those calls. The rate of violent crimes is down 2.5% from 2004 and officers arrested an average of 234 criminal suspects each day.

However, one crime that San Diegans still need to watch out for is motor vehicle theft. Vehicle theft increased 9% from 2004 to 2005. Most vehicle theft can be prevented.

According to the FBI, 80% of all cars stolen last year were unlocked. The San Diego Police Department offers some tips to prevent vehicle theft:

1. Lock doors. Roll up windows. Don´t leave a spare set of keys in the car.
2. Park in open, well-lit and populated areas.
3. Buy a vehicle with interior hood and trunk lock releases.
4. Turn wheels sharply toward the curb when parking in a street.
5. Buy a vehicle with a locking ignition or steering column.
6. Consider having your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) etched on all windows.

Source: http://www.sandiego.gov/police/prevention/autotheft.html

Adopt a School Safety Patrol
The School Safety Patrol Program operates in 85 elementary schools around San Diego County. The program is run by dedicated 5^th and 6^th graders under the supervision of police officers.

These safety patrol members are responsible for maintaining control of hundreds of vehicles before and after school hours. They are crucial to increasing the safety of children.

The program needs uniforms, equipment, and summer camp funding.

Will you (your service organization) consider “adopting” a school safety patrol? Call (858)453–5060 or email wenda@sdpolicefoundation.org for information.

Retired Seniors Volunteer Patrol (RSVP): Volunteers Needed
The Retired Seniors Volunteer Patrol is an important service provided by the San Diego Police Department. Among RSVP duties are regular visits to elderly persons who are living alone, daily home security checks for persons who are away, and patrolling schools and banks for suspicious activity.

RSVP also monitors disabled parking spaces and cites violators.

RSVP members dedicate 24 hours (3 days) per month and they patrol in pairs, in uniform, in marked police cars. Minimum age is 50 and applicants must be retired.

If you, your family or friends are interested or would like more information, please contact Officer Pete Zajda at (619)531-1507.

March 25 Benefit for Officer Dan Walters
San Diego Chargers´ current players and legends will be on hand to sign sports memorabilia at the Mission Valley Resort on Sat., March 25, with 15% of merchandise sales benefiting SDPD Officer Dan Walters. Dan was shot and paralyzed by a criminal suspect while on duty.

Helping raise money to fund improvements to make Dan´s home more accessible will be Chargers Phillip Rivers, Shawne Merriman, Luis Castillo, and former greats Charlie Joiner, Kellen Winslow, and Wes Chandler.

Sweet Sport Signatures and The Autograph Zone, LLC are the event sponsors. Admission is $10. For more information, call (973)320-9002.

$8,500 per dog???!! What is the value of the K-9 Unit?

One bag of dog food — $33
One police service dog — $8,500
One life saved — Priceless

The Program:


Breakfast with K-9
Thursday, April 20, 2006

The SDPD Canine Unit is renowned for its outstanding training and results. Daily obedience is the key to training and is based on the idea that “work is fun.” Please join the San Diego Police Foundation and officers from the San Diego Police Department as we host Breakfast with K–9 where you´ll learn about some of these innovative training techniques, and the amazing services provided by police service dogs.

K-9 in Action
SDPD patrol officers responded to a call regarding a mentally ill person with a knife. The individual did not cooperate with officers’ requests to drop the knife — seemingly ignoring the command. Subsequently, an SDPD canine officer and his dog “Rhando” approached the individual with “Rhando” barking. The individual looked at “Rhando” and dropped the knife.

Program: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Location: Qualcomm Stadium Training Field
Cost: FREE!!
RSVP: (858)453-5060 or info@sdpolicefoundation.org.

Location and parking details will be forwarded to you upon receipt of your registration. In the meantime, feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Click here to register.

• Why are people with “toy” guns being shot by police?
• When law enforcement uses lethal force, do they fire more shots then necessary?
• What are the applicable laws? Department policies?
• What are the alternatives to lethal force?
• Vehicle stops are so common, why do officers seem difficult to deal with?
• What’s the value of a K–9 unit?

These questions and many more may come to mind when you read the news, watch cop shows, or encounter the police. At Inside SDPD you can discover the truth.

San Diego Police Sgt. Shaun Donelson instructs participants on SDPD force options and policies.

The Program:



Saturday, May 6, 2006

Please join the San Diego Police Foundation and officers from the San Diego Police Department when we host another of our popular Inside SDPD programs. You’ll participate in reality–based scenarios and learn about the important role of the K–9 unit.

Date/Time:
Check in: 9:00 a.m.
Program: 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Location: Miramar College
Cost: $15 ($10 seniors and students over 18)
RSVP: (858)453–5060 or info@sdpolicefoundation.org. Location and parking details will be forwarded to you upon receipt of your registration. In the meantime, feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Register for Inside SDPD