Vallejo Police Department

Vallejo PD is administers a "hot zone" inhabited by over 12 criminal street organizations.
* VPD Emergency Service Unit [link]
* Vallejo PD's Militerized weapons:
** Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) [link]
** 16-ton Caiman assault vehicle [link]
* Vallejo PD aim to shoot unarmed teenagers  (2014-06-23) [link]
* VPD Officer Involved Shooting of Ever Ramon Martinez (2014-04-09) [link]

Vallejo Police Officers Union is politically influential, shown by it's ability to maintain higher-than average salaries and acceptance by public officials of their extreme human-rights abuse.
* Vallejo City Police personnel add 108% overtime to their normal work time, resulting in a 208% work rate [link]
Vallejo's crime rate is around the same as elsewhere in Solano County, yet the average cost of annual employment of a Vallejo officer is 50% more than similar position in nearby Vacaville & Fairfield. If their employment contracts were market rate for the area, the Vallejo Police Department could hire 38-57 more officers on the existing budget for 2013. During Vallejo's bankruptcy Vallejo Police Officers Union refused to make any contract concessions, and in fact, insisted on getting raises for 2 years in a row during bankruptcy.


Many evicted in Vallejo at Hogan Avenue by VPD Community Services Section, Code Enforcement officer & Neighborhood Law program (NLP) (2014-09-05) [link]


City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report, Volume 1, Issue 18, June 21, 2013. Daniel E. Keen, City Manager
[www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=47689]:
New Apprentice Firefighter / Paramedic Hires -
Scott Basset: Basset was born and raised in the Bay Area. He has an Associates Degree in Fire Technology and recived his National Paramedic Certificate and License in 2010. Bassett recently served as a member of FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 3, which responds to disasters throughout the United States.

POLICE DEPARTMENT Operation Goodwill -
Operation Goodwill officially commenced on May 15 and concluded on June 15. The purpose of the operation was to provide proactive enforcement in high crime areas and reduce violent crime. The operation consisted primarily of the following personnel:
* Sergeant Joe Iacono (Vallejo Police Department) * Corporal Les Bottomley (Vallejo Police Department) * Detective Josh Caitham (Vallejo Police Department) * Detective Jared Jaksch (Vallejo Police Department) * Sergeant Bill Hornbrook (Solano Sheriff’s Office) * Deputy Dave Curl (Solano Sheriff’s Office) * Deputy Brian Bero (Solano Sheriff’s Office) * Deputy Chad Sayre (Solano Sheriff’s Office) * Officer Mike Paulson (California Highway Patrol) * Officer Eric Girard (California Highway Patrol) * Officer Shawn Mulholland (California Highway Patrol) * Officer Mark Williams (California Highway Patrol).
The operation typicially fielded about five two-officer cars during any one shift who were able to accomplish the following: * 631 total field contacts (field interviews, consent contacts, and neighborhood interactions) * 187 total arrests (bookings and cite & release) * 121 total parole and Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) searches (residence and person) * 86 total vehicle tows * 80 total infraction citations * 7 total firearms seized from criminals.
The operation provided varying level of involvement in the following cases of interest: * Arrested 3 wanted California Department of Corrections Parolees at Large * Arrested 17 wanted PRCS suspects * Arrested a PRCS fugitive from justice after a multi-agency SWAT standoff * Arrested a sex crimes registrant for being out of compliance * Assisted with 3 vehicle pursuits * Assisted San Bernandino Sheriff on a child sex abuse case and arrested the suspect * Assisted patrol with the apprehension of a double shooting suspect * Assisted in the arrest of a murder suspect, after the murder and an officer involved shooting * Assisted patrol Officers and Detectives with a murder investigation which began 30-minutes prior ro rhe scheduled conclusion of the operation * Located a small scale methamphetamine conversion lab and arrested its owner * Located and arrested a pimping and prostitution ring at a local hotel * Located a lead on a stoeln CHP handgunand passed along information to CHP investigators * Conducted an undercover prostitution sting and arrested five suspects * Responded to calls for service following a murder and officer involved shooting * Seized approximatley $6,000 in Asset Forfeiture during a narcotics investigations * Made 13-drug related arrests at a house tagged for closure by the Neighborhood Law Program.


"Operation I.D: Another deterrent to “would be” burglars is Operation Identification"
from the report for the Police Department, published in the “City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report”, Volume 2, Issue 4, December 6, 2013, from Daniel E. Keen, City Manager, City of Vallejo:
The best crime prevention tool which exists is simply a “Good Neighbor”! Law enforcement officers cannot be everywhere at once, but you and your neighbors can. You are the ones who really know what is going on in your neighborhood.
Put that neighborhood “know–how” to work. It is simple: just use your eyes and ears—then your telephone. If you spot something suspicious, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Neighbors working together in cooperation with law enforcement make one of the best crime fighting teams around. Consider becoming involved with Nextdoor.com which will allow you and yourneighbors to share valuable safety tips and real-time information related to your specific neighborhood, and communicate neighborhood concerns with the VPD.
For more information on how to start your own Neighborhood Watch Group, or to find out more about Nextdoor.com, contact Christina (Tina) Encarnacion at cencarnacion@ci.vallejo.ca.us, or call (707) 553-7218. The VPD’s success depends on the ability to establish strong and trusted police and community partnerships which will reduce criminal activity and victimization.


Community Services Unit (CSU)
from the report for the Police Department, published in the “City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report”, Volume 2, Issue 4, December 6, 2013, from Daniel E. Keen, City Manager, City of Vallejo:
The CSU, under the watchful eye of Captain Jim O’Connell, has started to take shape. With the launching of Nextdoor, increased personnel have been assigned to establish Neighborhood Watch Groups, in addition to police collaboration with the Neighborhood Law Program, significant progress is being made.
On December 2, Lieutenant Sid DeJesus and Community Services Associate Tina Encarnacion, met with John Dinga of Garthe Ranch who put together a Neighborhood Watch meeting which was attended by approximately 20 individuals. The meeting was a great success, as Tina provided Neighborhood Watch handouts, answered questions related to starting and maintaining a successful Neighborhood Watch Group, and how to successfully log on and create a Nextdoor neighborhood group.
Dear Tina and Lt. Sid, Many thanks for attending our first meeting last night, and for providing so much helpful information to help us get started with our Neighborhood Watch Group, which will be called "Highlands at Garthe Ranch" on the Nextdoor.com website. [signed] John Dinga.
Future meetings are already scheduled, and if you or anyone in your specific neighbor-hood would like information on how to start a Neighborhood Watch Group, please contact Tina Encarnacion or Retired Officer Mary Pedretti at (707) 553-7218

CSU November Status Report -
Over the last month, Retired Sergeant Jim Coughlin, in collaboration with the Neighborhood Law Program, researched over 230 problem addresses and/or names associated with these same locations which have resulted in VPD having to respond to 1,705 calls for service, authoring 381 crime reports, an unlimited drain of police resources.
As a result of this same research, Retired Officer Mary Pedretti and Tina Encarnacion, along with uniformed patrol officers and other City Departments, made contact with the following problem locations:
* 1120 Cunningham Street – Retired Officer Pedretti responded to the above address with Patrol officers and the Water Division to shut off water due to water theft and perform an inspection. There was no answer at the door. Concerned neighbors were asked to contact VPD regarding activity and to alert patrol. Two days later neighbors called 9-1-1 and officers were able to make contact with four individuals and recover three vehicles. One arrest was made.
* 119 Aragon Street – The CSU was contacted by two citizens regarding a residence taken over by squatters. The CSU tracked down the property owner with assistance from the NLP (Neighborhood Law Program of the Office of the City Attorney) and met the owner at the residence and along with Patrol officers, were able to make contact with three individuals. One arrest was made due to a warrant. The house was fully furnished and the squatters were stealing electricity; PG&E has since terminated power and rendered the location safe. The squatters were removed from the property, all trash was cleared, and the homeowner boarded up the property.
* 107 Lilac Court – A 94-year-old chronic victim of vandalism was contacted regarding a report she filed with the police. The CSU contacted the Graffiti Abatement Program and the graffiti was painted over within 24-hours. They also canvassed the neighborhood while providing crime prevention tips and contact numbers for the VPD.
201 Tamalpias Drive – The CSU was contacted by an out of state homeowner regarding her property being taken over by squatters. The homeowner was advised of the proper steps to take while assigning a property manager to represent her move toward eviction of the squatters. The CSU and the property manager made contact with the squatters and they were served a 24-hour notice to enter. The property manager was able to enter the property the next day, the squatters were removed, the property was boarded up and an alarm was installed.
* 859 Palou Street – Tina Encarnacion witnessed squatters jumping out of the windows at the location while in the area on unrelated business. She alerted the NLP regarding the property and requested for neighbors to contact VPD when they observed activity. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, officers contacted four squatters and were able to safely remove them from the property. The homeowners were contacted who then secured the property, installed an alarm and provided neighbors with their contact information for any future activity.
* Mini Drive – CSU was contacted on Nextdoor regarding Mini Drive Neighborhood Watch wanting help with crime prevention tips for their neighborhood. CSU is setting up a meeting after the New Year and will be sending out invitations to host a gathering for all the neighbors to attend and build interest in community involvement.
* 148 Plov Way – Neighbors called regarding squatters breaking in and robbing property from the above location. The home owner was contacted and is securing the property.
* 321 Mooreland Street – A neighbor called to complain about squatters at 321 and 330 Mooreland Street. CSU is still attempting to contact the homeowners of 321 to assist in securing the property. Both properties have been turned over to the NLP.
* Highway 37 Bridge – There is a Homeless Encampment located under the Highway 37 Bridge. CSU is working with the Code Enforcement Division to clear the homeless encampments under the bridge and surrounding areas.
* Southport Way/Georgia Street – CSU was contacted regarding trash being dumped on a vacant lot located at Southport Way and Georgia Street. The Grounds Division was contacted and immediately removed the dumped trash.
* Farallon Drive – CSU was contacted regarding several abandoned vehicles having been dumped in the area. The Unit contacted the Traffic Division and Police Assistant Ryan Burger abated all of the vehicles.


Community Services Section (CSS)
[2 Florida St.] [707-553-7218] [COMMUNITYSERVICES@CI.VALLEJO.CA.US]
Nextdoor account - Vallejo Police Department
How to contact Vallejo Police CSS
For those wishing to contact the CCS directly for problems or concerns and need a reply, please call 707 553 7218 and leave a message, or email us at communityservices@ci.vallejo.ca.us
Someone will get back to you. If you have an emergency, DO NOT leave a message or email us - dial 911.
 This should only be used for non-emergency calls and issues that do not need a report. Dial 911 if you need an Officer to respond.


"Vallejo Police- Minutes from the Neighborhood meeting on Nov 7"
from Vallejo Police Department, City of Vallejo, using Glen Speckert’s notes from the November 7 - Neighborhood Watch Team Leader’s Meeting. Shared with 82 neighborhoods in City of Vallejo in Crime & Safety.

* Pizza, Cookies, Coffee, and water were available as people filed in to the Vallejo Library meeting room.  Captain James O’Connell opened with an introduction of the team for community outreach. He introduced the VPD team and the neighborhood law team. He introduced the new division - Community Service Section (CSS) with Mary, Tina, and Jim.
* Kenny as the day shift watch commander. Gatekeeper.
* Dana Trio - Dispatch supervisor
* Neighborhood Law attorneys Ryan Griffith ( ryan.griffith@cityofvallejo.net ) and Eli Flushman (eli.flushman@cityofvallejo.net ) got the most applause during the introduction.
* When citizens have quality of life complaints, contact CSS: 707-553-7218 or Communityservices@ci.vallejo.ca.us
* Captain O’Connell guaranteed that they will call you back, and will respond to e-mail directly.
* While the VPD is still low on staff, but they have a plan. Will answer questions and connect with citizens relative to quality of life issues.
* They are making it a priority to connect with the community.
* After introducing the police staff, Jim introduced the star of the show, Chief Kreins.
* Welcome Message - Chief Joseph Kreins
* The Chief handed out VPD Lapel pins and stated that in 35 years in law enforcement he had never been more challenged.
* He extended kudos to Caudia, who created the neighborhood law program. Code enforcement is also on the team and helps.
* The Neighborhood Law program is the legal hammer to deal with these issues.
* They are setting up the Community Service Section (CSS) specifically to address these issues of quality of life.
* Jim Coughlin was coaxed out of retirement, and has a role gathering records, advising neighborhood law, assisting. He fosters collaboration amongst many departments.
* Chief Kreins is a huge believer in interactions to gain input. Engaging the community, hearing what is happening NOW, not 5 years ago, is important.
* VPD is doing the best we can. Showing up each and every day. Tough challenges every day.
* VPD needs to hear from YOU.
* VPD is 82 strong today. this includes 7 in training, 7 out on disabilities
* We can still partner with the community, can still do the best we can with the resources we have.
* CSS promises that someone will get back to you.
* Chief Kreins then took Questions. Q’s for the Chief - When do you expect to fill the 30 vacancies? Last year there were 16 new hires and 25 retires. It will take at least a year to bring VPD up to full strength.  Authorized up to 110 - or 116 or 106 - depending on how you count, when you include matching federal funds.
* Retirements will slow looking forward.
* Much new technology coming online. A new Records Management System (RMS) is on the horizon, along with a modern Dispatch system, which includes trending, analysis, forecasting,
* Next system - upgrade the mobile data computers in the police vehicles. This includes in-car digital cameras, and Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs).
* The Participatory Budgeting Whole Bunch of Cameras and Intelligent Archives will be coming online early next year, joining the existing surveillance camera.
* Q for the Chief - What is the effect of AB 109? AB109 is the state law on prison parolees. - We could spend hours - CCR - Community Corrections partnership - 7 members on the governing group. Sheriff judge, public defender DA, and health and human services oversee the CCR. The realignment of prisoners from state to county jails. AB109 gave us a better tracking mechanics. Established a compliance team. Representative from VPD into the compliance team. Southern California has it worse.
* Summary: The police are the public, and the public is the police. We really have to be working together. We will be doing more prevention and community policing.
* Introduction to Neighborhood Law: Jim Coughlin. There are 2 attorneys to work on civil cases. They look at historical issues relying on the record built up when citizens call. This is a civil action. We can go after squatters - there is a process - need to continue to call 911 Dispatch, to show the record of contacts. The way we can all help is by calling. Build a case. Needed police reports. No shortage of evidence in many properties. Health and safety receiverships - courts take over the property. We are pumping the civil lawsuits out. Now that the judges are familiar with the program, things are going smoother. 7 cases went all the way through the courts. 318 Kentucky street was the prototype case. Getting compliance by hitting in the owners in the wallet. Program is working and working effectively. You have to call. You need to show a history. With a history, the attorneys can do their job.
Q - what about drug house?  A - Need the calls for service against the drug houses.
205 properties - 350 reports - discuss. The important message is to call in to 911, leave a history.  There has to be a pattern. There have to be multiple calls. The ones that are changing the quality of life for the whole neighborhood, are the ones that will be addressed soonest.
Q - What about burned out buildings. A - health and safety receivership. They are seeing many “zombie foreclosure”. The process includes a notice of default. Receivership takes a while - issue a notice - notify petition, trial date, receiver is appointed, property begins to come back.
Q - How much longer will Neighborhood Law continue? A – We’ve been here 10 months, of a 2 year program.
* If you like what they are doing, tell their boss - Claudio
* Jim O’Connell - Receiving Community Input: Captain Jim O’Connell then led the community input process, talking individually with everyone present. Everyone gave their name and their home neighborhood, and a brief summary of problems. The VPD team took notes. Some people promised to follow up by e-mail (for example Tess will send in the 12 points from the St Vincent’s meeting at the Vallejo Yacht Club )
* NextDoor was confirmed to be the system of choice for sharing information. For example when posting pictures or video of suspicious people.
* The effect of “know you neighborhood” whether it is with phone trees, or NextDoor, was quite apparent. It doesn’t matter how big a neighborhood is, because it is a Local effect. It is scaled across a large number of disparate neighborhoods.
* In many neighborhoods, things are better now than they were “before” everyone got to know their neighbors. In others, organized neighbors are making progress, but there is much to do.
* The Neighborhood Watch effect is strong, and now, backed up with a partnership with the VPD and Neighborhood Law, is much stronger. This was the first meeting with representatives from neighborhoods across the entire city of Vallejo.
* Who What When Where Why Weapons - 911 Etiquette - When reporting shots fired - If you just heard them, report and be done. If you saw the car or have other information, let them know.
Jim O’Connell suggested a contest for the coolest neighborhood name.
* To volunteer, contact Lt. Sid DeJesus [707 649 3570] [SdeJesus@ci.vallejo.ca.us] (don’t ever get a job you don’t love)











Citizens on Patrol (COP)
from the report for the Police Department, published in the “City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report”, Volume 2, Issue 4, December 6, 2013, from Daniel E. Keen, City Manager, City of Vallejo:
The VPD’s COP were very active during the month of November, specifically around the Thanksgiving holiday. COP’ers were able to circulate many busy shopping centers throughout the city and responded to multiple non-emergency events as directed by the Communications Section, which allowed uniformed officers to focus on the more important duties associated with in-progress calls and traffic related incidents. Their effort resulted in over 50 volunteer hours being dedicated toward the citizens of Vallejo. Over the next month, COP’ers will join uniformed officers who will present an increased presence in the busy shopping centers of Vallejo; including, Four Corners, Target Center, Gateway Plaza, Safeway shopping center on Admiral Callaghan Lane, and the downtown area of Vallejo. This is all designed to increase public safety and ensure the shopping experience is pleasant.
VPD Volunteers and Citizens on Patrol will be preparing for the 2013 Annual Toys-for-Tots campaign hoping to collect toy donations for under-privileged kids throughout the community. Volunteer Coordinator Bill Donovan and Officer Jeff Tai will be working again with Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, who has been very generous with toy donations in previous years and has proven to be a great partner with the VPD in making the holiday seasons a bit merrier for many of Vallejo’s children.
Those wishing to make a donation, please contact Bill Donovan at (707) 648-4052, or email him at WDonovan@ci.vallejo.ca.us


"Police Explorer", from the report for the Police Department, published in the “City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report”, Volume 2, Issue 4, December 6, 2013, from Daniel E. Keen, City Manager, City of Vallejo:
The VPD is actively seeking applicants for the volunteer position of Police Explorer. The Vallejo Police Explorer Program is part of the Vallejo Police Activities League (PAL) and designed for youth of Solano County that may be interested in a career in the law enforcement field. Explorers participate in a variety of activities throughout the city and department. Some of those activities include: monthly police trainings, weekly meetings, “ride -a-longs” with patrol officers, assistance at DUI checkpoints, holiday de- tails and parades, local fundraisers, community events, and statewide police explorer competitions.
Requirements for the program include:
* Must be 14-20 years of age and have completed the 8th grade at time of appointment,
* Resident of Solano County,
* Maintain a 2.0 GPA, average in high school,
* Contribute at least 10-hours of volunteer time to the program per month.
Contact the explorer program advisors for additional requirements. Interested and qualified persons must submit an Explorer application which is available at the Vallejo Police Department main station located at 111 Amador Street. Instructions for completion and return are on the application. If you have any questions regarding the program, please feel free to email the program advisors: Corporal Bob Knight bknight@ci.vallejo.ca.us, or Officer Sean Kenney skenney@ci.vallejo.ca.u


2014-01 map showing a selection of Neighborhood Watch groups southern Vallejo:



2014-09-05 from City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report, Vol. 2, No. 23, by Daniel E. Keen, City Manager:
New Hires -
Police Officer Gary Jones

Officer Gary Jones, Badge #674, was born in Redding. He graduated from Mesa Verde High School in Citrus Heights and attended San Francisco State University, Foothill College, Na-tional University and Los Medanos College. He graduated from the POST Basic Academy at the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Law Enforce-ment Training Center.
Prior to coming to the VPD, Jones was most recently a Deputy Sheriff for Sonoma County. He is described as a team player, possessing a positive attitude, is calm under pressure and is a quick learner. He desires to work for a more active agency and is proud to be part of the Department.

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2014-09-05 from City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report, Vol. 2, No. 23, by Daniel E. Keen, City Manager:
New Hires -
Shannon McCarthy, Communications Operator II.
Shannon was raised in San Mateo County. She graduated from Aragon High School and successfully completed the Public Safety Dispatcher course at Na-pa College.
Before coming to the VPD, Shannon worked as a Communications Operator for the Davis Police Department. She is described as confident, calming, hav-ing excellent people skills and able to handle high-stress scenarios.


2015-01-09 from City Manager’s Bi-Weekly Report, Vol. 3, No. 6, by Daniel E. Keen, City Manager:
Police Office Wesley Simpson
Officer Simpson, Badge #682, was formerly a Vallejo Police Department (VPD) Cadet since 2008. He earned his Bachelor of Science from CSU Sacramento and was later hired as a Police Trainee and enrolled at the Napa Valley College Police Academy in July 2014.
Officer Simpson donates his personal time to underprivileged and misguided youth for an organization named “If Given a Second Chance Foundation.” He has been described as a mature, responsible person, with an excellent work ethic and a positive attitude.
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Police Officer Jade McLeod
Officer McLeod, Badge #683, graduated from high school in Georgia where he participated in many sports and was an accomplished athlete. He attended the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, CA, earned an AA Degree from the Community College of the Air Force, and is continuing his education at the Uni-versity of Phoenix in pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree.
Officer McLeod, until just recently, was a member of the U.S. Air Force, 60th Security Forces and was deployed to Afghanistan between 2003 and 2006, and had been stationed at Travis Air Force Base since August 2006. Officer McLeod is a re-cipient of many commendations and medals in-cluding an Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expedi-tionary Medal. He continues to serve our country as part of the Air Force Reserves.
Officer McLeod was hired by the VPD and was enrolled as a Trainee at the Na-pa Valley Police Academy in July 2014. Officer McLeod enjoys exercising, playing softball in the Air Force League and otherwise spending time with his family. He is described by his close friends and family as a team-oriented, thoughtful and highly professional individual.
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Police Officer Kenneth Jackson
Officer Jackson, Badge #684, graduated from the Napa Valley Academy in 2007, and is the son of retired Vallejo Police Captain David Jackson and broth-er to Kristin Jackson, Vallejo Police Communication Operator II.
Officer Jackson began his career at the Martinez Po-lice Department in 2008 before moving on to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office in 2009. During his tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, Officer Jackson was assigned as a uniformed patrol deputy and utilized as a Field Training Officer, EVOC Instructor, Report Writing Instructor and Officer-In-Charge during the sergeant’s absence.
Officer Jackson has been described by friends and family members as being mature, having a calming personality, a good problem solver and a dependable professional. He decided to join the VPD because he felt a sense of loyalty to the city where he was born and to the organization where his father worked for more than 30 years.