"I'm excited to be here," Cardenas said. "It's a new program. My function is best categorized as a community policing role."

Cardenas started on Sept. 17, the same day as Celebrate Saratoga!, which made for a busy, but fun, first day, he said.

Cardenas is responsible for a variety of community-based issues, such as Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch and traffic-related issues at local schools. He is the coordinator for the Community Emergency Response Team for Saratoga and will also be addressing community concerns regarding city ordinance violations.

"He's a liaison with the neighborhoods, the merchants, the schools the city and the sheriff's office," Capt. John Hirokawa said. "He reports out of the sheriff's office but has an office in the city administration building."

"I think this position will be a definite plus for the city," Hirokawa said. "Our philosophy has always been community oriented policing. Jim is part of that philosophy."

The creation of a neighborhood resource officer comes after a series of budget cuts last year that eliminated several law enforcement positions. "We've lost two traffic officers, the school resource officer and the DARE officer, and the city has lost code enforcement positions due to fiscal restraints on the budget," Hirokawa said. "[Cardenas] is trying to fulfill a role to help in all these different areas."

The position of neighborhood resource officer is being funded by a federal grant from the Community Oriented Policing Services Office, which provides funds for a variety of community policing programs.

Hirokawa said that most crimes are solved by neighbors watching out for neighbors. "That's how we solve crimes and prevent crimes," he said. Through Neighborhood Watch, Cardenas will help members of the community watch out for one another.

Cardenas brings six years of experience as a deputy to the position. He served three years as a patrol officer in Cupertino and three years as a canine handler in San Jose.

He said he looks forward to working with the people of Saratoga as their neighborhood resource officer. "Anyone can feel free to give me a jingle," he said.

To contact Cardenas, call the Sheriff's Office West Valley Division at 408.868.6623, or the city of Saratoga at 408.868.1294.