Currently, police officers are under increasing public scrutiny. At the same time, being professional and compassionate, they must uphold the laws of this country. We may not always like the laws they enforce, but it is simply their job to do so. Perhaps understanding what exactly Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) experiences on a regular night will enhance your understanding of our police officers and their responsibilities.
Chula Vista ranks among one of the safest cities in the nation which is attributed in part to the work of our police department. While CVPD officers are committed to keeping our community safe, a special group works the night duty while you are comfortably sleeping. Called the “Six Shift,” they begin their work week at 6:30 p.m. until 7 a.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday plus an additional Thursday once a month. This squad of dedicated men and women are the ones patrolling Chula Vista, keeping our city safe and sound during the night when stores are closed, bars have emptied and it’s dark and cold.
On a recent Friday night, part of one patrol officer’s shift consisted of:
6:30 p.m. Roll Call: The first order of duty for every shift is roll call just like when you were in school! At this meeting, information is shared of major instances that occurred during the last 24 hours including watching for missing persons and specific suspects. Officers are then assigned their area for the night. Chula Vista is divided into four CVPD sectors: two west of I-805 and two east of I-805.
7 p.m. Equipment and Vehicle: Each officer is assigned a police vehicle for the shift. By the time the night shift officers get in their vehicles, they have seen many hours of constant use by the previous shifts. Each officer is responsible for thoroughly checking the vehicle making sure everything is in working order and that they have all supplies they may need (caution tape, evidence bags, etc.).
8 and 8:30 p.m. The first call of the night for this officer is a report of shop-lifting at a local department store. After talking to store security and viewing video, the officers leave to look for the suspects. But suddenly, Dispatch issues a Priority call sending all local patrols to the trolley station for an uncooperative person under the influence. The situation quickly escalates as the suspect gets combative and verbally assaults the officers who have their body worn cameras rolling and continue to maintain their composure. The suspect is handcuffed and taken away.
10 p.m. CVPD Dispatch reports a domestic violence situation which several officers respond to. Sadly, domestic violence is the largest number of calls coming to CVPD and this is a repeat location. Maintaining a calm, non-threatening manner, the officers explain various options to the residents and no arrests are made.
11:30 p.m. A vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed is reported on Broadway. Officers follow and pull the driver over. He is given a field sobriety test and a field breathalyzer test and fails – at twice the legal limit! Off to jail for this driver.
12:15 a.m. Seeing a car driving with no headlights on with another car following it, the officer follows when suddenly, the second car pulls a U-turn right in front of the police vehicle! On come the patrol vehicle lights and the driver pulls over. After making sure the driver was not DUI, he receives a ticket for one open container of alcohol, parks his car and walks away.
12:45 a.m. While patrolling a strip mall that has issues with homeless, a man is spotted sitting on the sidewalk. As they always do, CVPD officers tell the homeless what services are available to them. This man did not want the help offered and was asked to leave the area.
1:15 a.m. Numerous officers respond to the second domestic violence call of the night involving several people. After questioning all parties involved, CVPD officers determine there was no need for any arrests.
2:30 a.m. Arriving at a local night club, officers learn a patron had pulled a knife on a security officer and then fled the scene. A report is filed after interviewing the staff and witnesses. The suspect does not return.
2:50 a.m. Another officer calls for back up after he was flagged down by a pedestrian on the street. A man is searching for his adult daughter who had been drinking. Officers patrol the area but do not find the daughter.
And the night goes on. More calls come in and the Six Shift responds. The officers are dedicated, disciplined and considerate, with integrity and a big heart.
How can you help the CVPD, you ask? Many ways….next time the Citizens Police Academy has classes, sign up to attend; teach young children to respect police and explain to them that officers are here to help; or there are several volunteer opportunities such as the Explorer Program, Senior Volunteer Program, and general volunteers to assist in the property room, police records, crime lab and others. And monetary donations are always welcomed to the CVPD Foundation, http://www.chulavistapolicefoundation.org/
Sleep well, Chula Vista!
Howell is a city of Chula Vista employee.
