You're invited behind the scenes on July 12 You have a unique opportunity to test your law enforcement mettle in use-of-force, vehicle stop and firearms training scenarios. Some of “America’s Finest” police officers will participate and share their knowledge and experience. Learn more about the challenges officers face on the street and crime-fighting techniques. This fast-paced program is an eye-opening experience. Bring a friend! Space is limited and advance registration is required by July 9. Check In: Program: Location: Cost: RSVP: 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Miramar College Suggested donation $20 ($15 seniors and students over 18) Online or print registration form Questions? Please call 858.453.5060 or email info@sdpolicefoundation.org. Directions and parking information will be provided with your confirmation.

Looking for work that matters? You can have a job where every day is an opportunity to improve lives. The San Diego Police Department is seeking men and women of high integrity who want to make a difference. For more information, visit http://www.sandiego.gov/ police/recruiting/join/ testschedule.shtml.

Police believe there may be more victims
June 18 – SDPD Mid-City Division detectives arrested three suspects for a series of crimes including forgery, theft, robbery and elder abuse. The suspects are Keona Smith, 19; Aishah Meals, 20; and James Pearson, 52. 

In February, a series of crimes occurred that involved elderly female victims ranging in age from 70 to 88 years.  In each case, the victim was shopping alone at the time of the incident. The crimes occurred inside large retail stores in shopping malls throughout the county, including San Diego, La Mesa, Chula Vista and National City.  Target and Wal-Mart stores were most prevalent.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims in these cases who have not yet come forward. If you believe you were the victim of one of these suspects, please contact the Mid-City Division at (619) 516-3000.

The suspects were described as two young black females, one of whom was pregnant until the end of March 2008.  The two females used a variety of ruses to gain the attention of the elderly victims, at which time they would distract them and remove the wallets from the victims’ purses. In many cases, the victims' credit cards were used extensively within the first several hours of the crimes and then discarded.  The credit cards were used at restaurants and gas stations in National City and La Mesa.

The San Diego Police Foundation joins SDPD officers and citizens throughout the region saddened by the recent loss of an SDPD service dog. We strongly believe in the role of police service dogs and appreciate your continuing support.

SDPF receives $400,000 grant from
the Gary and Mary West Foundation

The Gary and Mary West Foundation (GMWF) selected the San Diego Police Foundation as recipient of a $400,000 grant to expand and enhance the work of police and fire canine units throughout San Diego county.

“Gary and Mary West are dog lovers. But most importantly they believe in the tremendous community benefits made possible by supporting public safety,” said Program Officer Erin Spiewak.  “The grant provides for training, equipment and the replacement of retiring dogs who have served their communities well.”

But it’s not meant to replace growing community support. In fact, the GMWF hopes its contribution will broaden awareness and support.

Included in the grant award is a $60,000 fundraising challenge. If the SDPF raises $60,000 for equipment by Dec. 1, a matching gift of $60,000 from the GMWF will further expand the funding resources.

Make your contribution today: http://www.sdpolicefoundation.org/Donate/canine.php.

The San Diego Police Department is extending a one-month grace period and will begin issuing citations to violators August 1.

Overview

• Drivers are prohibited from using a handheld wireless phone while operating a motor vehicle.
• Motorists 18 and over can use a hands-free device.
• Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a cell phone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle.

Additional details

• Drivers can make emergency calls to emergency service agencies even if they do not have a hands-free device.
• A minimum fine for the first offense (in San Diego County) is $97 and a second offense is $211.
• Other law enforcement agencies in our county may or may not exercise a grace period.
• These laws apply to anyone driving in the state of California; passengers are not affected.
• The speaker function of your wireless phone is acceptable to use as a hands-free device.
• Push-to-talk type phones are not acceptable to use under these laws.
• It is acceptable to dial a cell phone but it is not recommended that drivers dial while driving.

If you are cited, the violation will appear on your driving record and remain there for 36 months.  However, a “point” will not be added to your record.

Bridging the Digital Divide:

What parents need to know
One of the Foundation’s newest initiatives is a public education campaign in cooperation with regional law enforcement’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Funding support from AT&T, and a three-year grant from the Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention, make it possible for SDPF to work with law enforcement and provide parents tools that help untangle the web of confusion they often feel about their children’s cyber activities. 

The first phase is an outreach education program, which is receiving outstanding reviews from participating parents, educators and other adult caregivers. Topics include:

More than 200 adults have participated in four preliminary outreach workshops.

Beginning in the fall, teens and tweens will have opportunities to hear law-enforcement’s message about risky cyber activities.

We’re partnering with school districts, workplaces, foster family services, and community organizations.

A media campaign, and related fundraising, are also in development.

For more information about this exciting initiative, please contact us at icac@sdpolicefoundation.org or 858-453-5060.

In San Diego, the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation is a name long-recognized for advocacy and action in the protection of children. We’re proud to count CAPF as a key partner in our efforts to bring cyber safety solutions to parents and children. A $15,000 grant that helps fund the public education campaign website is one of our cooperative efforts.

A $15,500 gift from The Thursday Club Foundation and The Thursday Club Juniors will allow the SDPF to purchase new horses for the Mounted Enforcement Unit. The replacements facilitate some well-earned retirements. We are so grateful for this continuing support from one of the region’s most active service organizations.

Police service dogs are efficient and an alternative to lethal force. SDPF was selected as a Jewel Ball beneficiary and awarded $18,318 to purchase two young police dogs that will replace retirees. The ongoing need is approximately 10 dogs each year.

Please plan to join San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne and SDPD officers for a one-hour look “Beyond the Headlines” Wednesday, October 1. Enjoy a free lunch while officers share their experiences and respond to your questions. You’ll see how San Diegans are improving law enforcement efficiencies through their support of the San Diego Police Foundation.

Special thanks to:

While police respond to emergencies and crises, you and the San Diego Police Foundation help cover their back, providing equipment and crime-prevention tools that extend their reach and effectiveness. Look no further for a donation that will work hard to protect your family and friends.  We’ll show our thanks by sending you our 2008 “Proud Supporter” window decal.  http://www.sdpolicefoundation.org/ donate_now.shtml

8910 University Center Lane, Suite 455
San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 453-5060
http://www.sdpolicefoundation.org
e-mail:info@sdpolicefoundation.org