| San Diego County Sheriff - Semptember 2013 |
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Welcome to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Newsletter
You don't have to be a deputy to help us fight crime. A grand gesture is not necessary to have an impact in your community and help improve public safety. It just takes one step at a time.
This edition of our e-newsletter has information about our partnerships with San Diego County Crime Stoppers and Mothers Against Drunk Driving or MADD.
We lost one of our own due to the careless decision of a drunk driver. I hope you can join us for Walk like MADD to help stop drunk driving.
You can also support a reward fund for the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line by running or walking at the annual Light the Night Against Crime.
Every contribution counts and your presence at these events sends a message to criminals that we will not tolerate crime in our neighborhoods.
Stay safe,
Bill Gore, Sheriff
San Diego County |
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Light the Night Against Crime
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You can make a difference in making San Diego County safer. Join us for Light the Night Against Crime on
Saturday, October 26
5:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m.
Park Boulevard, Balboa Park
1549 El Prado, San Diego
(619) 275-8240
Your participation at the run or walk will help catch criminals. Money raised at the event will be used for the anonymous tip line, community events and school programs.
This year's theme is "Cops and Robbers." Participants can dress up as a cop or robber. The run will start with the sound of an alarm followed by robbers making a break for it. Three minutes later cops will start the race after receiving a call about a robbery in progress. Jaywalkers will then follow the cops. There are prizes for the top finishers. You can also dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and win prizes. For more information, click here. |
Sheriff's Deputies risk their lives every day in the line of duty. On February 28, 2010, Deputy Ken Collier was killed while trying to stop a drunk driver who was going the wrong way on Highway 52 in Santee.
Help us stop drunk driving by joining our team in the Walk Like MADD. We will walk in honor of Ken and deputies who took the oath to serve and protect our communities at all costs. To learn more about Ken and other deputies who made the ultimate sacrifice, visit our website.
Saturday, October 12
NTC Park
2455 Cushing Road, San Diego
Registration: 7:00 a.m.; Walk: 8:30 a.m.
Register here |
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Every month, the Sheriff's Department works with the Fugitive Task Force (FTF) and Crime Stoppers to apprehend people wanted for committing crimes.
Take a good look at the photo of Araceli Chavez Diaz. She is wanted on charges of possessing, transporting and selling drugs while in possession of a firearm.
Diaz frequents the Fallbrook, Rainbow and Temecula areas.
If you see Diaz, do not approach her. She should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information that leads to an arrest is eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Just call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. |
It is a simple, free and easy way to get moving. Walking can help improve your health. Sheriff Bill Gore does it and he is encouraging San Diegans to keep on moving with this wellness video from the county. Click on the image above to watch the video or follow us on  . |
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Rescue Riders
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A Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) Sergeant, the owner of an embroidery business and a retired Marine now working in health care. Why are they training together on mountain bikes? It's a passion they all share that could someday save your life.
Click on the image above to watch a special feature on the Search and Rescue Mountain Bike Rescue Team or follow us on .
The Sheriff's Search and Rescue is an all-volunteer unit. Together, they perform wilderness and urban rescues and search for missing and at-risk persons. Teams are available 24 hours a day to respond to local, state and federal agency requests. To learn more about SAR, click here. |
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is hiring. Recruitment for Law Enforcement, Courts and Detentions Deputies is open on the first business day of each month starting September 2. This means you can go online at www.joinsdsheriff.net to apply for a position and register to take a written exam. Applicants will be required to complete a comprehensive background check.
Newly hired employees will help fill staffing needs at patrol stations, court houses, and detention facilities. We are expanding, with the new Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station expected to open in November. The expansion project at the East Mesa Re-entry Facility in Otay Mesa and the first phase of construction for the new San Diego County Women's Detention and Re-entry Facility in Santee are expected to be completed in the spring and summer of 2014. While the department welcomes all applicants, there is currently a specific need to hire female deputies for the new women's jail.
Click on the image above to see our new recruitment video which will also be shown in local movie theaters or watch it on . |
Shut the Door on Repair Scams
The Sheriff's Financial Crimes Unit is urging you to shut the door on repair scams. Here's how it works. You get a knock on the door and someone is offering to repair the cracks on your driveway for a very low price. Here are some red flags and tips so you don't become a victim.
- Left over materials from another job - scammers use this ploy to explain why they can provide you a huge discount. In reality, contractors know, with great accuracy, how much material is needed to complete a project.
- Deal is only good today - beware if you're being pushed to make a quick decision. Trustworthy
 contractors provide a written estimate that will be valid for days or weeks. - Cash only - most reputable contractors will take checks or credit cards and provide a written statement of the repair work and total price.
- Full amount - by law, only 10% of the total repair can be requested as a down payment. Do not pay for any materials or repair in advance.
- Do not sign anything even an estimate. The fine print may authorize repairs you did not approve.
- Check the contractor - scammers can easily buy disposable phones and logos to look professional. Check the license of the contractor on the California Licensing Board website.
- Write down the plate number of the vehicle and call the Sheriff's Department at (858) 565-5200.
Bottom line, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Reputable businesses will not go door-to-door to pressure you into sales. |
Pine Valley Substation Groundbreaking
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A groundbreaking ceremony was held in August for the new Pine Valley Sheriff's Substation. Sheriff Bill Gore, Supervisor Diane Jacob, and community members took part in the event. Click on the image above to watch the video.
The $3.3 million project is expected to be completed in spring 2014. The new substation will more than triple the size of the current building and will accommodate Sheriff's Deputies and Senior Volunteer Patrol (SVP) members, and will include meeting spaces that can be shared with other law enforcement agencies.
The Pine Valley Sheriff's Substation serves an area of more than 400 square miles including Pine Valley, Guatay, Descanso, Mount Laguna, Boulevard and Jacumba.
During construction, the Pine Valley Sheriff's Substation is in a temporary location at 28914 Old Highway 80 Suite 106, Pine Valley. The phone number is still (619) 473-8774. |
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Cold Case Murder
Murder Victim Daniel Rodriguez
Help us get justice for murder victim Daniel Rodriguez. The 20-year-old South Bay resident was found lying on the shoulder of I-8 and Tavern Road in Alpine on October 13, 2005. He was taken to a hospital where he later died. Initially, it was thought Rodriguez jumped from an overpass or been the victim of a hit and run. Medical personnel however discovered that Rodriguez has been shot in the head.
To print a flyer and see a bigger photo of the murder victim, click here.
Anyone with information on this case should call the Sheriff's Department Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321. Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest in this case. You can remain anonymous by calling (888) 580-8477. |
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Spring Valley Robbery
Detectives from the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Station want your help in identifying and finding a man wanted in connection with a robbery in Spring Valley. The robbery happened at a Subway in the 600 block of Sweetwater Road on Thursday, August 22nd just before 1:00 a.m.
The suspect had a gun and ski mask during the robbery. He demanded money from the employee and took off. Once outside, the suspect removed the ski mask. Surveillance cameras from a nearby business captured the suspect's face. Take a good look and see if you recognize him. If you see the suspect, do not approach him.
To see bigger photos of the suspect, follow us on  .
Anyone with information on the identity and/or location of the suspect is asked to call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest in this case. |
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Use Caution on Craigslist
Be cautious when buying or selling items on Craigslist or any other online advertising site. Just last month, a Craigslist ad for a cell phone lured a man to 4S Ranch where the supposed sellers tried to rob him at gunpoint. The victim ran away. Both suspects were laters arrested. Take note of the following safety tips for arranging meetings.
- Set up meetings during the day
- Insist on a public meeting place
- Never go to a second location
- Don't go alone
- Bring your cell phone so you can call 9-1-1 if necessary.
- Trust your gut - If it doesn't feel right; if it makes you feel uncomfortable, just leave.
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Speak Up, Reach Out
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Every day, family, friends and co-workers struggle with emotional pain. And, for some, it's too difficult to talk about the pain, thoughts of suicide or the need for help. Though the warning signs can be subtle, they are there. By recognizing these signs, knowing how to start a conversation and where to turn for help, you have the power to make a difference -- the power to save a life.
If you or someone you care about needs to speak to someone or is in crisis and needs immediate help, call the Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240. Trained and experienced counselors are available 24 hours per day, seven days a week to help you. You don't have to suffer in silence, make a FREE call. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Source: County Health and Human Services |
Prescription Drug Deaths 
For the second year in a row, deaths due to suicide and prescription drug overdoses were at record highs in San Diego County in 2012. The trends are detailed in the San Diego County Medical Examiner's 2012 Annual Report.
The Medical Examiner's Office says 269 deaths were related to prescription drugs, a record number, an increase compared to 267 last year, and part of a disturbing trend seen over the last seven years.
*Remember, you can drop off your unused, unwanted and expired prescription drugs at any Sheriff's Station or Substation Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. no questions asked. For more information on the locations click here. |
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Avocado Thefts
Avocado theft is a crime. Avocado theft is greatest during bright nighttime conditions around full moon. Thieves often turn the fruit into quick, untraceable cash. An avocado grove in Fallbrook was targeted in July. The loss is estimated at $37,000. Under California law, avocado theft is punishable with up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Take steps to secure your property and be especially vigilant when thefts are more likely. For thefts in progress, do not confront suspects, call 9-1-1.
- Fence your grove and secure all access roads to make it harder to get into your property and harder to get out with stolen fruit.
- Visit your local Sheriff's Station or Substation and request extra patrol during the days leading up to when the crop is picked. You can also request a security consultation with a Crime Prevention Specialist who will walk through your property through the eyes of a thief and make suggestions to help prevent theft.
- Always report suspicious activity, call (858) 565-5200.
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