Copper Thieves Target Street Lights

RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

SUISUN CITY, Calif. – Copper thieves are once again stripping street lights of their wiring in Suisun City, and the public’s help is needed to catch these criminals and safeguard our street lighting.

On April 17, the Police Department reported four street lights were not working on Railroad Avenue near Village Drive. When Public Works crews responded, they discovered the wiring had been cut and stolen from the conduit between the street lights, and found that additional lights also were affected.

Replacing street light wiring is both time-consuming and very expensive. The City does not have equipment necessary to rewire the lights so a private contractor must be hired, which is an unbudgeted expense.

For a period of more than a year, copper thieves have been stealing wiring from street lights on Walters Road and in the Peterson Ranch subdivision.

Residents should watch for unusual activity near street lights poles particularly during evening hours. Legitimate work on City street lights is normally conducted during the daytime by crews with vehicles and uniforms bearing the City emblem, PG&E logos, or a contractor employed by the City.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity is encouraged to immediately call the Police Department at 707-421-7373.

Police Department Launches Sergeant Recruitment

SUISUN CITY, CA. - The Suisun City Police Department is now recruiting for a police sergeant. Applications are due no later than Dec. 8, 2011.

The department offers a variety of specialty assignments including: Patrol, Traffic, Investigations, Canine, School Resource Officer, Marine Patrol, Major Crimes Unit / CSI, and regional SWAT Team.  The department is staffed by 24 sworn officers including Chief of Police Ed Dadisho, a Police Commander and 4 Police Sergeants. The department has its own dispatch center, code enforcement officers, and youth services bureau.  The department has the latest in law enforcement technology and equipment.

Under direction of a Police Commander, supervises, assigns, reviews, and participates in the work of law enforcement staff involved in the protection of public health, safety, and welfare and the enforcement of applicable federal, state, and local laws; assumes responsibility for assigned collateral services, special programs, projects, or department-wide functions or activities; coordinates activities with other divisions, units, watches, City departments, outside agencies, organizations and the public; and performs a variety of administrative and technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

For a full description of the position, please see the Police Department careers site.

Suspect in Early Morning Residential Burglaries Arrested

SUISUN CITY – The Suisun City Police Department arrested a 27-year-old Suisun City man on Tuesday on suspicion of numerous hot prowl residential break-ins dating back to mid-August.

After intensive targeted patrols and an extensive investigation, police collected enough evidence to arrest Jason Lee Harris for entering 11 homes on the east side of Suisun City during late night or early morning hours while the residents slept. Upon entering the home through unlocked doors, the suspect would take any accessible items of value that could be easily concealed then flee.

“This series of hot prowl burglaries was extremely unsettling for Suisun City residents, and very uncharacteristic of local criminal activity,” said police Commander Tim Mattos. “Thanks to the focused efforts of all our officers and civilian personnel on both day and night shifts, we were able to make this arrest and restore peace and safety to neighborhoods east of Emperor Drive.”

Since the burglary spree started in mid-August, the Suisun City Police Department increased enforcement in the areas of the break-ins, and assigned extra officers to special details to identify and apprehend the suspect.

The Police Department also notified all Suisun City residents asking them to be extra vigilant in securing their homes and report any suspicious activity or people to police.

Jason Lee Harris became a person of interest after officers spotted him several times during early morning hours in the area of the reported burglaries. He also lived nearby.

But police investigators were able to secure an arrest warrant for Harris on Tuesday after finding a key piece of evidence at the site of a recent break-in that linked him to the crime.

Harris was arrested and booked into Solano County Jail on multiple burglary charges, and is awaiting arraignment.

The Police Department investigation into this series of break-ins continues.  Anyone with information regarding these incidents should call Sgt. Dave Kasid or Commander Tim Mattos at 707-421-7373.

Suisun City Police Offer Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

SUISUN CITY - Nothing can ruin the Christmas spirit faster than being the victim of a crime. Unfortunately, burglars view the holiday season a little differently than most people. For them, it is an opportunity to burglarize your home for cash, credit cards and gifts.

Don’t be an easy target. Follow these simple tips and have a safe, happy holiday season.

At Home:

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave home even for a few minutes.
• Don’t openly display your Christmas tree and gifts in the front window.
• If you go out for the evening, turn on lights and a radio or television so it looks like someone’s home.
• Make it a point to retrieve your mail shortly after it is delivered. The longer it stays unattended in your mailbox, the greater the chances of someone stealing it.

Shopping:

• Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.
• Park in a well-lit space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk. If shopping near your home, consider returning home to drop off gifts. They’ll be safer there than in your car.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
• If you need to use an ATM, use one inside the mall or some other well-lit populated area.
• Accompany and supervise children in public facilities, including restrooms.

If you see something that looks suspicious, call 9-1-1. For Non-Emergency calls, dial 707-421-7373.

Have a safe and joyous holiday season.

>> Read more about the Suisun City Police Department >>

Drive Carefully This Holiday Season

SUISUN CITY - With the holidays upon us and millions of Americans hitting the roads, Suisun City Police Department wants everyone to arrive safely at their destinations. Drivers and passengers need to know that officers will be out in force sending the strong message to “Click It or Ticket.”

“No one wants to start the holidays off wrong with a ticket,” said Police Chief Ed Dadisho. “Save your money for turkey and buying presents for loved ones – don’t throw it away simply because you failed to buckle up.”

While seat belt use is at a record high of 83 percent nationwide, 45 million Americans still fail to buckle up when they get in a motor vehicle. Even though in California 96.2 percent use their restraints, it still means that over 1.5 million Californians don’t buckle up.

During the holiday period, over 35 vehicle occupants who are not buckled up will be killed in motor vehicle crashes each day nationwide. Statewide, overall traffic deaths declined by 23 percent, from 3,995 in 2007 to 3,081 in 2009 due in part to the increased use of seat belts. Total traffic fatalities are at their lowest levels in six decades.

“Sadly, the holidays, which for many are the happiest time of the year, is also one of the deadliest and most tragic,” said Chief Dadisho.

>> READ MORE >>

Earthquake Drill

Suisun City is participating in a statewide earthquake drill.

Had this been an actual emergency, you would have received new updates through this channel.

>> Click here for more information on the Great California ShakeOut >>
>> Click here for disaster preparedness tips >>

New Website Alerts Public When Sex Offenders Remove GPS Devices

SUISUN CITY POLICE OFFERS CONVENIENT LINK TO NEW FREE SERVICE

SUISUN CITY, Calif. - The Suisun City Police Department is providing City residents easy access to a new free statewide alert service that notifies subscribers about sex offenders who violate their parole by removing GPS tracking devices.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation launched the new website to provide the public with the parolee’s name, physical description, picture and last known whereabouts. Alerts are updated within hours of a warrant being issued.

Anyone can via email to the alert system free of charge.

This web page was established following a directive issued earlier this month by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger that CDCR notify the public and the media whenever a paroled sex offender removes his or her GPS unit and absconds from parole.

CDRD already notifies law enforcement through the California Department of Justice’s Criminal Intelligence and Investigation system alerts.

To subscribe to alerts, visit http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/parole/GPS-Wanted-Alerts.html.

>> For more information on California parole reform and public safety efforts please visit: www.cdcr.ca.gov and click on the Parole tab. >>

GREAT Program Combats Gang Influence

POLICE TO IMPLEMENT CURRICULUM THIS SCHOOL YEAR

SUISUN CITY - The Suisun City Police Department is the first agency in the Solano County region to launch a new gang education program to help inoculate incoming sixth graders against gang lifestyles.

The Suisun City Council recently accepted a federal grant to pay for the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) Program. The curriculum, taught by specially trained police officers, will be introduced at Crystal Middle School this school year, but may expand to the three elementary schools in Suisun City depending on scheduling.

“The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District has been a great partner of ours in bringing these types of youth-oriented prevention programs to our schools,” said Police Chief Ed Dadisho. “The District recognizes the importance of implementing the GREAT Program as a preemptive anti-gang measure for our at-risk youth.”

The GREAT Program, which is administered by the federal Office of Justice Program’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, is a classroom curriculum intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership. GREAT lessons focus on providing students with life skills to help them avoid engaging in delinquent behavior and violence to solve problems.

>>Read More>>

>>About the Suisun City Police Department>>

National Night Out set for Aug. 3

COMMUNITY TO JOIN TOGETHER AGAINST CRIME, DRUGS

SUISUN CITY - The Suisun City Police Department is proud to sponsor National Night Out 2010 on Aug. 3 in Heritage Park.

One night a year, everyone in the community is invited to join with friends and neighbors in block parties across Suisun City to focus on public safety awareness and basic safety prevention techniques.

“This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and at the same time stand together against criminals who prey on the innocent,” said Chief Ed Dadisho.

It’s all part of National Night Out 2010, a nationwide effort to build safer communities through the old-fashioned small town virtues of getting to know your neighbors and watching out for each other.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and to send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and united in preventing crime, and taking back our neighborhoods.

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on August 3rd, the Suisun City Police Department will host a community block party at Heritage Park located on Village Drive between Merganser and Pintail drives .
>> Click for map>>

The event will bring together various organizations committed to promoting community unification. This extraordinary event will include a free BBQ, children’s jump houses (sponsored by Code Kid), as well as other youth games and activities. There will be informational booths and safety demonstrations by local public safety agencies. All residents are invited to attend and join in the festivities.

In addition to the community block party, various Neighborhood Watch groups also will host localized block parties for their areas. City leaders, Firefighters and Police Officers will visit such parties throughout the evening. To register an individual block party, contact Pam Greenwood at 707-435-2748 or pgreenwood@suisun.com by July 27.

Lock your doors, turn on your outside light and spend the evening with your neighbors, your friends and your public safety officials. We all have to start somewhere, let’s make this the first step together.

>>Click for event information>>

Suisun City Police Launch Program to Combat DUI Deaths and Injuries

New enforcement measures to combat impaired driving are coming in 2010 as a result of the Suisun City Police Department being awarded a $97,827 traffic safety grant for a year-long anti-DUI program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways.

“Keeping our streets safe from drunk drivers is one of the Department’s top priorities this year. Our officers will be on patrols looking for drunk drivers and we will have a zero tolerance,” Suisun City Police Chief Ed Dadisho said.

The special DUI Enforcement and Awareness grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety will assist in efforts to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in collisions related to alcohol and other drugs.

Grant activities will specifically target impaired driving offenders as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. This will be done through the use of DUI/driver’s license checkpoints, warrant searches and stakeouts for repeat DUI offenders, saturation patrols, and court stings targeting DUI offenders with suspended or revoked driver licenses who get behind the wheel after leaving court.

During a recent DUI/driver's license checkpoint operation, the Suisun City Police Department

• Screened 964 vehicles
• Conducted 4 field sobriety tests resulting in one arrest
• Issued 12 non-DUI related citations
• Towed 12 vehicles
  

Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. In 2008, over 11,700 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

“Last year in California 1,029 died in alcohol impaired crashes, a 9 percent reduction in deaths from 2007,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the Office of Traffic Safety. “This grant will help keep that trend going by getting drunk drivers off the roadways of Suisun City, making it safer for everyone.”

New this year is the addition of special Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operations. Motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in California, increasing 175 percent statewide in the last decade, from 204 killed in 1998 to 560 killed in 2008.

Suisun City police officers will be conducting specialized enforcement efforts throughout the course of the next year. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcycles. Officers will be cracking down on traffic violations made by motorcyclists, and other vehicle drivers, that result in far too many motorcycle collisions, injuries and deaths.

Funding for the grant comes from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Crime Drops 20% in First Half of 2009

Significant improvement a result of new beat system and proactive policing

SUISUN CITY — Crime in Suisun City declined 20 percent in the first six months of 2009, with 30 percent declines in violent crimes and property crimes leading the way, according to a recent study by the Suisun City Police Department.

Violent crime, such as rape, robbery and aggravated assault, was reduced by 30 percent or more, while burglaries declined by 30 percent and thefts were down by 28 percent.

This significant reduction in Suisun City’s overall crime rate is the result of a Beat System that enhances street patrols and crime response, as well as the continued proactive work by police officers and civilian staff during the past three years, Police Chief Ed Dadisho said.

>> Read more about the crime rate and the new Beat System >>

Solano County police departments seek $1 million in federal stimulus

SUISUN CITY POLICE TO ADMINISTER GRANT

The County of Solano and the Cities of Dixon, Vacaville, Fairfield, Suisun City, Vallejo and Benicia have been allotted $1,014,930 by the Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance under the 2009 Recovery Act: Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Formula Program.

The Suisun City Police Department will act as fiscal agent and administer the grant for each agency, which have developed individual plans to spend the money according to specific local needs. >>Click here for agency-specific information>>

The primary goals for this funding, consistent with the Recovery Act, are to create and retain jobs to support law enforcement programs, stabilize local budgets, and provide supplies and equipment to increase and enhance the capabilities of local law enforcement.

The public is encouraged to review the application, and provide comments and input on the intended uses of the funds. Contact Sergeant Andrew White directly by phone at (707) 421-7386, or by e-mail at awhite@suisun.com.

The application must be filed with the Bureau of Justice Assistance no later than May 18, 2009. >>READ MORE>>

Violent Crime Drops in Suisun City

INCIDENTS OF MOST THE MOST SEVERE CRIMES DROP TO 5-YEAR LOWS

Violent crime in Suisun City has declined to a five-year low, with significant declines in assaults of all categories including aggravated and simple assault, and rapes, the Suisun City Police Department recently announced.

The department saw decreases in burglaries to a three-year low, and auto thefts to levels not seen in five years. The only crime categories showing an increase were robberies and simple thefts, a trend typically associated with a downturn in the economy and consistent with the experience of other local law enforcement agencies, Suisun City Police Chief Ed Dadisho said.

The decrease in violent crime is attributed to several factors, but primarily the following:

• New beat structure where each beat is composed of one sergeant as a Beat Coordinator and four officers assigned to the specific beat.
• Creation of a new Special Enforcement Detail that is composed of two sergeants and six police officers working as a task force targeting high crime areas during peak crime days.
• Funding from the Department of Justice to target violent crime associated with gang members.
• Eighteen live feed surveillance cameras located strategically throughout the City, a network that is very rare in cities of 27,950 residents.
• Aggressive community-oriented policing style that is focused on increasing Neighborhood Watch programs and using Code Enforcement to target blighted areas.

"The Police Department will continue to use these programs and strategies to reduce violent crime even lower, but we will begin focusing out attention on robberies," Chief Dadisho wrote in a City Council update. "Our task force will concentrate its efforts to areas prone for robberies to prevent and deter, and hopefully capture the suspects."

To learn more about crime patterns in your neighborhood, click the iMap link on the Police Department's web page.

Police Seek Help Identifying Suspects

VICTIMS TARGETED IN ARMED CONFRONTATION

SUISUN CITY — The Suisun City Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying two men responsible for an armed confrontation at a Suisun City home on February 5, 2009. Police have released sketches of the suspects in the hope someone will identify the men and come forward with information to assist in the investigation.

The first suspect is described as a Hispanic man approximately 35 to 45 years of age with an average build who stands about 5-feet, 8-inches tall. He wears his black hair combed to the left, and has a distinctive scar on his right cheek.

The second suspect is described as a Hispanic man approximately 23 to 28 years of age who stands about 5-feet, 10-inches and weighs about 180 pounds. He wears his dark brown hair combed back.

The pair allegedly knocked on the front door of a Suisun City home. When the victims answered the door, the suspects entered the house, pointed the gun and threatened the victims. There was a struggle over the weapon, and one of the victims wrestled away the gun.

Both suspects ran from the house, and fled in a white Chevrolet Astro van with blue stripping waiting nearby. The victims were not physically injured.

Police do not believe this was a random incident. The initial investigation indicates that the victims were purposefully targeted by the suspects.

Anyone with information regarding these suspects is urged to contact Suisun City Police Detective Eric Vera at 707-421-7361.

Designate a Driver

DON'T DRIVE DRUNK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The holidays are a terrific time for family and friends to gather together and celebrate. The Suisun City Police Department urges you to take a simple step to keep yourself and other motorists safe: Designate a driver.

A Designated Driver refrains from drinking alcohol, and is responsible to getting their riders safely to their destination. This is a statewide effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related collisions and fatalities on California's streets and highways.

The California Office of Traffic Safety even offers some great recipes for festive non-alcoholic drinks so designated drivers can celebrate without becoming impaired.

In 2007, 1,616 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in California. Additionally, 203,866 people were arrested for driving under the influence.

If you've had even one drink, don't risk getting behind the wheel. The Suisun City Police, California Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies will heighten their vigilance for drunk drivers during this holiday period.

If you see a suspected drunk driver, call 911 to alert the Highway Patrol.

Helping Neighbors Keep Suisun City Strong

Suisun City has a tradition of working with neighborhoods and the community to ensure the quality of life for our residents.

Nowhere is this stronger than in the Police Department, which has worked consistently to arm residents with the tools they need to be proactive in ensuring crime does not become a significant problem in any neighborhood. Suisun City has a network of neighborhood watch groups that organize residents to work constructively with police.

On Tuesday December 23, the Police Department will host a general neighborhood watch meeting to bring together residents from across the City to coordinate efforts.

The meeting, which is open to anyone in Suisun City, will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Suisun City Library Community Room, 601 Pintail Drive. The new library is located between Suisun Elementary School and the Fire Station.

Plan to attend this important meeting on Dec. 23 because building a safer city means building safer neighborhoods, and now is the time to work together.

Police Make Burglary Arrests

SUISUN CITY POLICE ARREST SEVEN IN TWO SEPARATE CASES

On December 1st, Suisun City Police Department Officers arrested seven individuals on two separate cases. The arrests began just after 3 a.m. when officers were dispatched to the area of Klamath Dr. regarding a report of juveniles looking inside parked cars. The suspects ran once the officers arrived, but the officers were able to apprehend them. The investigation confirmed various acts of theft and vehicle tampering. Four 16-year-old boys were arrested. Two reside in Suisun City; the third resides in Vallejo; and the fourth resides in Fairfield.

At about 10 a.m. a resident in the 1100 block of Lawler Ranch was awakened by a subject ringing his doorbell. Before he could answer his door, the subject began kicking the door to gain entry. The resident yelled out and the subject fled. The resident captured a good description of the getaway vehicle and called the Suisun City Police Department.

Suisun City Police Department Officers located a vehicle on Hwy 12 that was similar to what the resident had reported. A stop was made and three suspects were detained. The investigation confirmed the burglary attempt. The investigation also confirmed that numerous residences in that area had previously been identified as potential target homes. John Alcutt, a 25-year-old resident of Richmond, was arrested on charges of burglary, conspiracy, and a violation of probation. Garland Callum Sr., a 39-year-old resident of Berkeley, was arrested on charges of burglary and conspiracy. Callum’s 17-year-old son, a resident of Fairfield, was also arrested on charges of burglary and conspiracy.

These acts of theft and burglary are a reminder of the increase in crime many cities experience during the holidays. To help deter these types of crimes, residents are always encouraged to immediately telephone the police if unknown or suspicious vehicles or people are observed. It is exceptionally helpful when citizens are able to safely provide detailed information to the Dispatch Center about the suspicious vehicles or persons observed, as illustrated by the Lawler Ranch incident above. Further deterrent is realized by knowing and talking with your neighbors, starting or joining a neighborhood watch program, and by using quality theft prevention devices.

Anyone with information about these crimes can telephone Suisun City Police Department at (707) 421-7373.

Suisun City Tops in National Night Out

The 2008 National Night Out rankings are out & Suisun City ranked No. 2 IN CALIFORNIA and N0. 20 IN THE NATION for our terrific community event and neighborhood block parties!

National Night Out is an annual tradition here in Suisun City. On the first Tuesday of August each year, the entire community comes together to unify around the conviction that criminals do not run our neighborhoods - residents do!

A very special thanks to the Suisun City Police Department for organizing this terrific annual event, which is recognized regularly for its high quality and broad public support and participation.

For more information on how to get involved in a Neighborhood Watch where you live, contact Community Services Officer Pam Greenwood at 707-421-7373.

Statement regarding Officer Engelberto Rubio, Jr.

February 5, 2009 Update:

In January, a Colusa County jury acquitted Mr. Rubio on all counts.

Source: Colusa County Sun-Herald.com

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December 1, 2008 Update:
Officer Rubio resigned his position with the Suisun City Police Department for personal reasons in early November, and is no longer an employee of Suisun City.

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On Oct. 16, Suisun City Police Officer Engelberto Rubio Jr. began a 30-day unpaid administrative leave after the Suisun City Police Department learned of impending child abuse charges in Colusa County, his county of residence.

Rubio surrendered to authorities on Oct. 22 in Colusa County on allegations of felony infliction of corporal injury upon a child and misdemeanor child endangerment charges.

"This is a very difficult situation for the Suisun City Police Department, as it is with any employer," said Public Information Officer Scott Corey. "We can't control what happens to our employees during their off-duty hours. Obviously, we expect them to conduct their affairs in a lawful and ethical manner."

Rubio was hired approximately three months ago and was in the midst of an 18-month probationary assignment standard for all newly hired Police Department employees.

When the Colusa County District Attorney's Office contacted the Suisun City Police Department earlier this month to notify officials regarding the allegations, Rubio was removed from street patrols and assigned to administrative duties.

On Oct. 16, the Colusa County District Attorney Office indicated there was sufficient evidence to bring charges. Rubio began an unpaid leave to provide time to resolve the matter.

If the charges are not resolved during his leave, Rubio may either resign or be terminated from his Suisun City employment.

Police Warn Residents of Phone Solicitor Scam

GROUP CLAIMS TO RAISE MONEY FOR NON-EXISTENT SUISUN P.A.L.

SUISUN CITY — Residents should be alert for a fund-raising scam purporting to be raising money for the “Suisun P.A.L.”

The Suisun City Police Department was contacted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008, in reference to a group of individuals soliciting monetary donations for the Suisun P.A.L. or Police Athletic League.

“The City of Suisun City does not sponsor or participate in a Police Athletic League and has not requested assistance with fund-raising from any organization or group,” said Police Operations Commander Tim Mattos.

The Police Department urges anyone who is contacted with a request to donate money to “Suisun P.A.L” to obtain any contact information from the solicitor, and notify the Suisun City Police Department at (707) 421-7373.