K-9 Officer Blitz helps with drug prevention and awareness

When it comes to drug prevention and awareness, K-9 Officer Blitz is truly top dog.

Blitz is a Certified Narcotics Detection Dog who joined School Police Services in May 2014 as part of the district’s ongoing effort to eliminate dangerous drugs from our campuses.

Since joining the School Police Canine Program, Blitz has been working like a dog. Along with his partner and best friend, School Police Officer John Pasenelli, Blitz has conducted more than 70 unannounced sniffs on middle and high school campuses at the request of the school principals. Blitz does not sniff individuals but passively indicates that he's detected a narcotic odor if he comes across an odor, regardless of where the odor emanates. All visits are in accordance with city, state and federal laws.

Blitz and Officer Pasenelli have also been passionately sharing School Police Service’s drug prevention and awareness messages to more than 13,000 K-12 students as well as over 3,400 community members at events such as National Night Out, Crime Stoppers Light the Night, Girl Scout Troops and the Kiwanis Club of San Diego. Their message to San Diego Unified students and the community is clear: Keep our students safe and our campuses drug free.

School Police obtained Blitz through a $60,000 grant from the San Diego Police Foundation. The monies were earmarked to purchase a narcotics detection canine, equipment and training. School Police sought the grant for this program to support middle and high principals who wanted the services but could not afford them due to limited and reduced budgets. School Police is now able to provide this valuable program free to the district along with vital age-specific anti-drug education.

During the summer months, Blitz will be doing his homework by training hard for next school year. He and Officer Pasenelli are looking forward to visiting with more students next year to talk about the importance of saying no to drugs.

For more information about the School Police Canine Program and how you can invite Blitz to your school for anti-drug education and assemblies, visit www.sandi.net/Page/55995.

School Police sergeant graduates from police leadership academy

Sgt. Troy Holliday of the San Diego Unified School Police Department is now a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, a professional leadership development program for law enforcement supervisors.


“This leadership training opportunity is the perfect forum to help develop the skillsets of our line-level supervisors," said Lt. Michael Marquez, the department's operations lieutenant, "giving them the tools needed to interact with and mentor other officers on the department,”

One of the goals of the San Diego Unified School District Police Department is to consistently provide training opportunities to all sergeants.

The institute provides a forum for personal growth and development of the qualities necessary for effective public safety leadership by teaching leadership and ethical decision-making skills to front-line supervisors. The curriculum teaches students management and leadership through inspiring, challenging and developing, while providing insight on how each discipline compliments the other. The program was designed and implemented in 1988 through the efforts of California law enforcement professionals and top educators and trainers.

Students take 192 hours of course study during an eight-month period. Among the course participants were a diverse group of professionals from public entities.It is the mission of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to continually enhance the professionalism of California law enforcement serving its communities.

Lifesaving efforts bring honors to School Police Officer Daniel Acevedo

Officer Daniel Acevedo has been named San Diego Unified School District's 2014 Police Officer of the Year, earning the department's highest honor.

At the presentation, Jesus Montana (left), president of the San Diego Schools Police Officers Association, Superintendent Cindy Marten, Officer Daniel Acevido, Chief Rueben Littlejohn.

Acevedo was singled out for his efforts to help a San Diego High student in 2013.

"This lifesaving incident is only one example of a good man that has spent a career serving young people," said Chief Rueben Littlejohn. "The department was honored to select Officer Daniel Acevedo as the San Diego Unified School District Police Department's Police Officer of the Year."

While monitoring the 3,000 students dismissing from San Diego High School, in November, Officer Acevedo encountered a female student suffering from an apparent seizure. He immediately called for an ambluance and began giving first aid, but the student then grabbed her throat with both hands, indicating the universal sign for chocking. Acevedo performed the Heimlich maneuver and reopened her throat. A small piece of food had become dislodged and the young girl ended up scared but unharmed.

The victim later said how terrifying it was when she could not breathe, but that she felt instant relief the moment Acevedo’s actions dislodged the small piece of the food from her throat.

Officer Acevedo, along with nominees from other local law enforcement agencies, was honored recently at the San Diego Police Officer's Association's "Officer of the Year" program.

The San Diego Unified Police Department is a fully accredited police agency employing full-time sworn police officers, community service officers, and a full complement of support staff. While our primary role is to maintain order and security on and near school facilities, school police officers provide far more than standard law enforcement efforts. It also takes a leading edge, proactive role in creating the positive learning environment in which superb education is not only possible, but also probable.

Learn more about the department at its website.

Bullying on the run at Mann Middle School

Learning to get along is a part of growing up and Mann Middle School in City Heights works to teach its students about bullying -- how to avoid it, how to prevent it, and how to get along.

The school's recent Anti-Bullying week brought staff from around the district to help students learn these important lessons. Amir Rahim of the district's Race and Human Relations Department and Officer Flores of our San Diego Unified School Police opened the week with a motivating assembly about the effects of bullying and ways to stop it on and off campus. The message, “Stop Bullying,” was clear.

Lunchtime events included students signing anti-bullying pledges and created a photo journal which shows students covering their mouths with the “words hurt” written on their hands.

Other activities included writing an essay to a bully from the prospective of the victim; Principal Courtney Young will be selecting the essay winner and the winning essay will be available on the school's website. Other students worked in groups with Crawford High School students to discuss the effects of bullying and how to stop a bully. They also placed anti-bullying posters around campus.

For more information on the program, contact Young at (619) 582-8990.

Shaky day tests preparedness for earthquakes and emergencies

The 2013 Great American Shakeout is scheduled at 10:17 a.m. today as students throughout the district practice duck-and-cover drills, as well as school evacuation procedures.

Many schools also took the opportunity to use the drill as a teaching topic, helping students learn about how to handle emergencies, what causes earthquakes and other related subjects.

All district schools and sites have emergency response plans in place and are prepared should an earthquake or other disaster strike during school hours. Schools routinely practice emergency drills, including earthquake and fire.

For information on how to plan for and survive a 'quake, go to the district's Earthquake Preparedness page.

Parents, be sure that dropoff and pickup are done safely

Here's a reminder to parents and guardians who drive their children to school to be sure to observe traffic patters and rules in and around your child's school.

Traffic can be an issue during the busy morning and afternoon hours, creating a mix of carloads of children, kids walking to school, kids riding bicycles to schools, school buses and other general neighborhood traffic.

"Most of our schools have specific traffic rules and routes for dropoff and pickup," said Chief Ruben Littlejohn of the San Diego Unified School District School Police Department. "These rules are designed to keep not only our students safe, but the drivers and vehicles moving in an orderly fashion."

For example, some schools have specific drop off and pickup areas. Parents are reminded to use these areas only, even if it seems an alternative might be just as safe or quicker. "Cutting" the line or dropping off children in the middle of the street are dangerous practices.

Drivers also need to observe not only student Safety Patrol traffic guards where on duty, but school staff directing traffic. The rules and situation at each school are unique to that campus.

"In many cases, traffic engineers have created the flow that is safest," said Littlejohn. "We ask that parents and guardians dropping off students be patient and follow the procedures."

Many schools are participating in the International Walk and Bike to School Day on Oct. 9. Your school's principal is a good place to start to find out more information about traffic plans and safe walking routes.

Smart Start Program from San Diego County Sheriff brings together new drivers and parents/guardians

The Start Smart Program is an opportunity for new drivers and their parents/guardians to clearly understand their responsibilities when a teen starts to drive. Taught by trained law enforcement personnel, it creates awareness of possible consequences, both financial and physical, of distracted or impaired driving, and provides applicable information about collision prevention.

The class also clarifies the restrictions of the Provisional License Law and touches on social host ordinances. The often-graphic videos and daunting statistics provide a powerful reality check that lingers long after the classroom instruction.

Following the two-hour class, each teen is presented a certificate of completion along with a custom-designed key-chain bearing the theme of the Teen Safe Driving Program, which will serve as a reminder each time he or she starts the car. This is a concerted effort intended to reduce the risks associated with teen driving.

We encourage you to contact your local Sheriff’s station to sign up for a Start Smart class in your area. See the Sheriff's Department website for locations and times»

Officers respond to call for help from Special Olympics

Officers from the San Diego Unified School District Police Officers participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting the Special Olympics of California.

“Our School Police Officers were honored to participate in the event and help raise awareness for Special Olympics,” said Michael Marquez, School Police Operations Lieutenant.
School Police participants in the May 28 event included Officers Luis Espinoza, John Ross, Cain Arrelano, Bashir Abdi, and Jenifer Gruner.

The officers joined more than 120 law enforcement agencies participating in the Torch Run, which began in Chula Vista on May 28 and will end in Los Angeles Saturday, June 8.


The southern leg route of the Law Enforcement Torch Run includes police officers, staff and law enforcement from the cities of San Diego, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad and Orange County.

The goal of the Special Olympics Torch Run is to raise awareness and raise funds for community-based support programs that help benefit people with intellectual disabilities. San Diego County Special Olympics reaches athletes from Oceanside to San Ysidro. The money raised helps pay for free, year-round sports programs and competitions.

U.S. Senator Boxer promotes school safety bill in SD

IN THE NEWS: Mayor Filner, Senator joined by Board Members Beiser and Evans at Perkins K-8 to talk about school security.

Coverage

• UT San Diego»
• NBC San Diego»
• Fox 5 San Diego»
• KPBS»
• 10 News»
  

Two Veteran Law Enforcement Officers Join School Police

Henry Ramelli, Moises Arellano

For the first time in four years, San Diego School Police added two officers to its ranks.

Moises Arellano and Henry Ramelli took an oath of office and were sworn in by Chief of Police Reuben Littlejohn during an official ceremony attended by Superintendent Kowba and others. The ceremony culminated with the badge pinning, during which Ramelli’s badge was pinned on by his wife, a recently retired San Diego Sheriff’s Department lieutenant; Arellano’s badge was pinned on by his daughter.

Moises Arellano moved as a kid from Los Angeles to San Diego and attended Clairemont High School. Passionate about serving his community, Arellano began his career as a campus security assistant with the San Diego Unified School District. He then joined the San Diego County Probation Department in 2004, spending most of his time mentoring and working with troubled youth in detention settings. In 2007, he was hired by the Calexico Police Department as a patrol officer.

Henry Ramelli began his law enforcement career with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department. He later transferred to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, where he recently retired after 25 years in the department. During his service, Ramelli worked detentions, uniform patrol, juvenile services, and on the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving team. He was also a platoon leader on the County’s Mobile Field Force, a multi-agency unit that responds to regional emergencies.

The San Diego Unified School District would like to congratulate and welcome Officers Arellano and Ramelli.

Ibarra Elementary Students Learn the Importance of Being Drug Free During Red Ribbon Week

Students at Ibarra Elementary School in City Heights attended a special Red Ribbon Week Kickoff Assembly on Monday with special guests Rueben Littlejohn, Chief of Police, San Diego Unified School District, Community Service Officer Patrick Wafer and McGruff the Crime Dog. A special thanks from Principal Susie Sovereign went to to Crawford students Kaitlyn Connally and Cuong Pham for their participation.

Schools across the district are participating in the annual Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31.

Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. Formally designated as Red Ribbon Week in 1988, this event serves as an annual opportunity for communities and individuals to affirm their commitment to healthy and drug-free lives. The theme of Red Ribbon Week for 2012 is “The Best Me Is Drug Free.”

For more information, go to http://redribbon.org/about/.   

Observe Teen Curfew, Driving Rules This Summer

Curfew and driving laws in the State of California and the City of San Diego can affect teens' time off and should be known by students and their parents, according to San Diego Unified's School Police Chief.

"Curfew enforcement is intended to protect children from dangerous circumstances and people," said Rueben Littlejohn, police chief. "While it may be an inconvenience, it's important to make sure at home when the curfew starts at 10 p.m."

As teens have more free time during the summer, it means they have more opportunities to run afoul of these laws, which also include restrictions on teen drivers. The rules are enforced by the San Diego Police Department, California Highway Patrol and other local police agencies. A conviction can put a mark on a young person's record that might otherwise be clean, he said.

"The regulations also have sections with that affect parents," he said. "A teen who breaks the law may face punishment -- and so can their parents."

More information on the local laws

• City of San Diego curfew» Parents  Teens
  
• California teen driver laws» Teens and Parents
  

Observe Teen Curfew, Driving Rules This Summer

Curfew and driving laws in the State of California and the City of San Diego can affect teens' time off and should be known by students and their parents, according to San Diego Unified's School Police Chief.

"Curfew enforcement is intended to protect children from dangerous circumstances and people," said Rueben Littlejohn, interim police chief. "While it may be an inconvenience, it's important to make sure at home when the curfew starts at 10 p.m."

As teens have more free time during the summer, it means they have more opportunities to run afoul of these laws, which also include restrictions on teen drivers. The rules are enforced by the San Diego Police Department, California Highway Patrol and other local police agencies. A conviction can put a mark on a young person's record that might otherwise be clean, he said.

"The regulations also have sections with that affect parents," he said. "A teen who breaks the law may face punishment -- and so can their parents."

More information on the local laws

• City of San Diego curfew» Parents  Teens
  
• California teen driver laws» Teens and Parents
  

School Police Take The Torch Run for Special Olympics

 School police carry the torch.

Officers from the San Diego Unified School District Police Officers participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting the Special Olympics of California.

“Our School Police Officers were honored to participate in the event and help raise awareness for Special Olympics,” said Michael Marquez, School Police Operations Lieutenant.

School Police participants in the May 29 event included: Luis Espinoza, University High School campus police officer, John Ross, Mission Bay High School campus police officer and Michael Marquez, Operations Lieutenant.

The officers joined more than 120 law enforcement agencies participating in the Torch Run, which began in Chula Vista on May 29 and will end in Los Angeles this Saturday, June 9.

The southern leg route of the Law Enforcement Torch Run includes police officers, staff and law enforcement from the cities of San Diego, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad and Orange County.

The goal of the Special Olympics Torch Run is to raise awareness and raise funds for community-based support programs that help benefit people with intellectual abilities. San Diego County Special Olympics reaches athletes from Oceanside to San Ysidro. The money raised helps pay for free, year-round sports programs and competitions.

Anti-Synthetic Drug Bill Supported By School Police

 Officer Montana

San Diego Unified School District Police Officer Jesus Montana recently represented the department in a news conference announcing a bill now in the state legislature that would ban sales of synthetic drugs, including the well-known "spice."

Assemblymember Ben Hueso announced the proposed law March 9, which bans possession of synthetic drugs in California. The bill, co-authored by Senator Juan Vargas (D-Chula Vista) and Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher (R-San Diego), and sponsored by the community group People Against Spice Sales, serves as testament to its importance and broad support.

“This bill fulfills a promise I made to the community last year when we first took on this important public health and safety issue,” said Hueso. “I am committed to taking every step necessary to protect our youth and taking these dangerous drugs off the streets.”

Montana added that the bill includes provisions for education and cooperation. It will also allow schools to discipline students for possession on school grounds.


"This bill will allow schools and law enforcement work together to educate and protect our students from getting themselves into our hospitals and our morgues."
Synthetic drugs, commonly known as "Bath Salts” or “Spice” simulate the effects of other dangerous substances such as methamphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, PCP, and other drugs. However synthetic drugs are made up of powerful and toxic chemical compounds, and their use has been known to cause deaths, seizures, hallucinations, paranoia, panic attacks, increased heart rates and suicidal thoughts.

Last year, Hueso authored Assembly Bill 486, a new law that made it a misdemeanor to sell synthetic drugs. The law went into effect in October of last year. AB 2420 will provide additional protections to our communities by clarifying that possession of these toxic chemicals is illegal and ensuring that law enforcement has the ability to prosecute those who possess these dangerous drugs in our communities.

“As a parent and a legislator, I feel a sense of obligation to do everything we can to protect our children. I am proud to support this tough measure to provide better protections and enforcement against the use of harmful substances that have taken lives,” said Fletcher. “It’s critical legislation necessary to keep San Diego’s communities safe.”

“I’m pleased to be working with bipartisan members of California’s Legislature to ensure that public safety continues to be a top priority!” said Senator Vargas. “We were fortunate to get these dangerous substances off the shelves. Now, it’s time to eradicate them all together.”

AB 2420 has already received support from several local officials and law enforcement agencies such as the San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox, San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne, Chula Vista Police Chief David Bejarano, and the Mayor of Poway.

District-wide Earthquake Drill is Oct. 20

On Thursday, Oct. 20, all district schools and central office work sites will participate in the 2011 Great California Shake-Out earthquake preparedness drill. The district will join millions of Californians as we practice the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” procedure and other aspects of site emergency plans. Read more about the district's Earthquake Preparedness program.

Alert Officer Connects On-Campus Taggers to Off-Campus Vandalism

School Board Member Shelia Jackson, left, Officer Ivan Picazo, and Chief Don Braun.

Office Ivan Picazo of the San Diego Unified School District Police Department has been recognized by San Diego County Crimestoppers for his work in helping solve a vandalism spree in Ocean Beach.

The case involved suspects etching windows in the beach community, with damages exceeding $100,000.
Officer Picazo, who is assigned to Mission Bay High School, connected the incidents with taggers at the school, where arrests had been made. Using his excellent relationship with students, Picazo identified the primary suspect, who is now facing an 18-year jail term.

By his alert actions, Officer Picazo showed how school policing can help the community at large.

On hand at the Crimestoppers "Enough is Enough" luncheon on May 26 were San Diego Unified Board of Education Member Shelia Jackson, and SDUSD Police Chief Don Braun. Congratulations to Officer Ivan Picazo for a job well done!


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Construction Under Way On Emergency Operations Center

Still a construction zone at the Emergency Operations Center expansion.

Construction is under way on School Police's Emergency Operations Center expansion, with the September opening on track.

Funded through a $400,000 homeland security grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, the new facility will serve as an emergency dispatch center, centralizing public safety communications during a state of emergency.

The new EOC is be a self-contained building, equipped with a bathroom and sleeping facilities to house key officials during an emergency. The building will include one large conference room with air conditioning and new technology, as well as two additional private interview rooms.

Once construction is complete, parking will be restored and restriped, resulting in a dozen new open parking spaces for visitors.

Rooms may be used by other departments for meetings, training, conferences, etc. School Police Services will regulate use of the space when not in use for public safety matters. To request a room or for more information, contact School Police Services at (619) 725-7088.


For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.

School Police Chief Helps Raise Funds for STAR/PAL

Don Braun, San Diego Unified's Police Chief, recently waited tables and collected tips for one of the region's premier programs that helps kids, STAR/PAL.

The eleventh annual "Superheroes for Youth" Celebrity Waiter Luncheon was a fun-filled fundraiser which brought out local celebrities to "wait" on tables and entertain their guests in exchange for "tips" (donations)…all to benefit youth. Through the generous support of sponsors and attendees, STAR/PAL is able help kids stay safe, in school, and away from crime and violence.

STAR/PAL (Sports Training, Academics, Recreation/Police Athletic League) is a unique nonprofit organization which provides more than 10,000 youth services annually in inner-city neighborhoods throughout the city and county of San Diego.

For more information, contact Chief Braun at (619) 725-7000 or dbraun@sandi.net.

School Police Receive Federal Security Grant

San Diego Unified School Police Department has been awarded $116,750 for the purchase of a replacement power generator for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), as well as bulletproof blankets to be used during the rescue of students and staff in the event of an emergency.

The grant was received as part of the recent award of $7.7 million to San Diego county agencies to coordinate and improve response to homeland security and other catastrophic events, such as wildfires and earthquakes. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provided the funds to the California Emergency Management Agency.

For more information, contact Lt. Rueben Littlejohn, San Diego Unified School Police, at (619) 725-7036.



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