Last weeks article entitled, "Crime in 4S Ranch" generated a buzz of emails and several phone calls. (Click here to read last week's story).
People asked me several questions including, what is the level of law
enforcement in 4S Ranch? In an effort to find out, I met with SDSO
Lieutenant Scott Miller and a Detective assigned to investigate crimes
in 4S Ranch. They are both "straight shooters" and explained they are
providing the best level of service with the resources we have assigned.
Early area
residents might recall when the Sheriff's Department substation was
first built, it was staffed with Deputies, Sergeants, an Investigator
and a Lieutenant. In 2009, SDSO reduced our staffing to two deputies per
shift and the Deputies now attend line-ups at the Poway sub station..
Not the best of scenarios or service level. I know we all pay a great
deal of taxes and yet our previously allotted Lieutenant and Sergeant
were both moved out to work in a higher crime area or another assignment.
I think allot of
people are confused exactly how our local area is patrolled. Adding to
the complexity, on the same day, or night you are likely to see a San
Diego Sheriff Deputy, a San Diego Police Officer, or a California
Highway Patrol Officer taking enforcement actions in our community.
Let's help sort this out. First, the basics.
In the below map, San Diego Sheriff Department is responsible
for the yellow portions and SDPD has the white areas. 4S Ranch is
technically located in an unincorporated area of the County of San
Diego. Thus, California Highway Patrol is responsible for all traffic
related investigations. In case you may be wondering, "yes" CHP, SDSO,
or San Diego Police Department can all write you a ticket in our
community. They all have jurisdiction. It is not like "Dukes of Hazard" where if you can just cross the county line. you will not be ticketed!
Despite
Del Norte High School, being mostly in the County of San Diego, (the
jurisdictional line goes down the middle of the Nighthawks football
field), under mutual agreement, San Diego Police Department accepted
responsibility for the school. Any crime at Del Norte High School and
SDPD has the lead.
I
hope I have not confused you but, It is also interesting to note the
apartment building directly behind the Sheriff's 4S Ranch sub station is
the responsibility of SDPD. Why is this all so important? It is
because 4S Ranch is unique and complex enough that we need a
quarterback. A law enforcement officer with enough, "juice" and
experience to help us through our approaching challenges.
I
don't know about you, but I want Sheriff Gore to give us back our
Lieutenant and support personnel. This area has changed a great deal in
the last few years. Let's not wait until a crime is so tragic that it
awakes this community after the fact. If you have an interest in
learning more about our law enforcement staffing and pursuing additional
law enforcement personnel for our community, please submit an email to editor@trustshay.com. We will add you to the interest list.
We
will keep you updated on crime in the area and our progress in getting
back what we lost. It will lead to a safer and more vibrant 4S Ranch.
Enjoy your week,
Ray & Theresa Shay
Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved. No duplication of this material without written consent of Shay Realtors.
