Sheriff Bill Gore's Holiday Watch is underway to keep you safe during this busy shopping and traveling season. The countywide program runs through January 1st. Expect more patrols in your neighborhoods, malls, trolleys, coasters, parking lots and other hot spots for criminals. Deputies will also conduct undercover operations to identify repeat offenders who may be in violation of their probation or parole conditions. To watch the Sheriff's Vista Station Holiday Watch Operation in action during a warrant sweep, follow us on . 

Ramona Substation Mounted Unit

The Ramona Sheriff's Substation is conducting horse and bike patrols as part of Holiday Watch. The Mounted Unit started back in 2000. Now there are 10 volunteers who patrol shopping areas and trails in Ramona. You may also see them on patrol during rodeos, fairs and high school football games. They also provide support in emergencies such as wildfires as well as search and rescue operations.  Each member of the volunteer unit goes through a background check and a mounted academy where they learn departmental procedures, radio codes, CPR and first aid. Riders must be at least 18-years-old and own a horse and trailer. They must pass an annual Horse Qualification test to demonstrate conditioning and safety. Each member attends monthly meetings. To learn more on how to volunteer, call (760) 789-1716.  To watch the Mounted Unit in action, click here.  

You Are Not Alone (YANA) Program 

Senior Volunteer Patrol (SVP) members are making sure the season is merry and bright for seniors living by themselves. They will be delivering holiday baskets this month to seniors enrolled in the Sheriff's You Are Not Alone or YANA program. The program ensures daily telephone calls and a weekly visit from a Senior Volunteer Patrol team year-round. The gift of a personal visit is heartwarming to many seniors enrolled in the program who appreciate the companionship. This is a FREE service. If you have a loved one, relative or friend who would like to enroll in our YANA program, please call (858) 565-5200. 

Free Vacation Checks  

Going on that dream cruise? Taking some time off to visit your family this holiday season? The Sheriff's Department's got your back. We offer FREE vacation checks. Let us know when you're leaving and Senior Volunteer Patrol members will perform security inspections outside your home Monday through Saturday. They will check if your doors, windows and garage are locked. They will also hide your newspapers and packages in your side fence or back patio. If they see anything suspicious, they will call for the assistance of a deputy who will determine if there's been a break in. You will get a welcome home letter upon your return with a list of the days your home was checked and observations made during the visit. To take advantage of this free service, complete and return a vacation check form to your nearest Station or Substation.

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