Monterey County Grand Jury
• 2020-2021
Salinas Police Department From Traditional Policing to Community Policing
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 3 findings
F1
The CRI-SPD Report recommended that the Salinas Police Department develop programs that engage the community through in-school activities and interactions with their officers. The Civil Grand Jury believes that by implementing this
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The SPD offered their presence to all local schools. Initially, however, not every school welcomed the idea of officers’ presence on their campus, although this is slowly changing as the SPD continues to improve its relationship with the Salinas community.
F2
The Salinas Police Department has developed a Use of Force oversight committee and has adopted policies that involve a multi-step process of de- escalation before using force. The Civil Grand Jury believes that the SPD’s incorporation of these less than lethal intervention strategies into their daily practice has enhanced the safety of the community and the officers. 17
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
School programs developed by the SPD include a self-image and identity program for young women, a driver safety class, job interview preparation, “Why’d You Stop Me?”, and Salinas Police Awareness, Responsibility, and Knowledge (SPARK).
F3
A new procedure was implemented to require that officer involved shootings and use of force incidents resulting in death be referred to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for review and internal adjudication within 30 days from the incident. The Civil Grand Jury believes that this practice leads to greater transparency. INVITED RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code §933 and 933.05, the Civil Grand Jury invites responses as follows: • Salinas Police Department (F1 – F3) Photo Credit: Photos used with permission from the Salinas Police Department. Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Civil Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Civil Grand Jury. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. City of Salinas Press Release – June 12, 2019 State of the Salinas Police Department Presentation 2. City of Salinas Press Release – March 6, 2019 Salinas PD is Named the Recipient of the James Q. Wilson Award for Excellence in Community Policing 3. Monterey County Weekly – September 16, 2017 Salinas Police Re-Commit to Community Policing after DOJ Cancels Program 18 4. Santa Cruz Sentinel – July 25, 2019 Police wear Mexican charro suits to connect with community 5. Salinas Police Department Policy Manual 6. Collaborative Reform Initiative: An Assessment of the Salinas Police Department APPENDICES A. Staff Report to the Salinas City Council – June 6, 2017 Collaborative Reform Update 19
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Sergeants are required to be in the field. Officers are back on foot patrol and on Enduros (off-road motorcycles), and are conducting door-to-door visits to check on Salinas residents.
Additional Recommendations 3
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R4The SPD has a mascot, a pet dog named Buddy, who accompanies Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) officers visiting homeless encampments. The HOT officers help homeless individuals access services that are available to 16 CRI-SPD, pp. 4-5 10 them.17 Buddy plays a key role in this outreach effort by humanizing the contact interactions.
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R5The Charro18 Uniform Program was developed to unite the community by recognizing the rich culture and history of Salinas’ Mexican heritage.19 The program was jointly created by the SPD and the recently formed Police Foundation. It has achieved global recognition from the media. SPD Officer in Charro Uniform
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R6The SPD has increased the number of Spanish-speaking sworn officers and civilian staff to improve communication as well as outreach efforts. The Civil Grand Jury’s review of documents and interviews with SPD personnel substantiated that SPD achieved 100% compliance with the Community Collaboration
Conclusions 1
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CL1Today, the SPD is an example of community policing at its best as evidenced by being the recipient of the 2019 James Q. Wilson Award for Excellence in Community Policing for its program, "Community Policing in a Challenging Environment." The award honors 24 CRI-SPD, p.7 law enforcement agencies in California who have adopted the Community Policing philosophy and are doing an outstanding job in their communities. It is given by the Regional Community Policing Institute-California, a national network of training centers that provides training on region-specific community policing issues. SPD Chief Adele H. Fresé