Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
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By Jana Seshadri The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety is taking steps to ensure that it continues to receive a positive response to the question, "If you can't trust a police officer, who can you trust?" The Sunnyvale City Council's unanimous approval of Public Safety 's work plan on July 16 will begin the department's process of critical communications skills training and building community trust. "Without a certain level of trust from the community, we will not be able to provide community members with the service that they need," said Public Safety Chief Irwin "Ernie" Bakin at the meeting. He added trust is at the core of their problem-solving, crime-prevention and crime-fighting strategies. Previously approved project funds amounting to $40,000 will be used to explore ways to improve and increase communication between the residents of Sunnyvale and the department, Bakin said. With the help of an outside consultant, Bakin said, he hopes the department can find methods to improve communication, build trust and increase knowledge in the community about public safety operations. Public Safety received a 94 percentÑhigh satisfaction—rating from the community in the most recent citizen satisfaction survey. Bakin said the most important goal of the work plan is to ensure that the department maintains its reputation for excellence. "Sunnyvale is home to many people born in foreign countries," Bakin said. "In some of those countries, suspicion rather than trust in government prevails, and the police are often seen as the most visible agent of that government." The initial study will address such factors as demographics, the aging community, urbanization and other changes that Sunnyvale is undergoing. The study will examine the department's current methods, as well as measure and enhance officers' knowledge of Sunnyvale's various cultures, he said. Kevin Jackson, a member of the Sunnyvale Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, supported Public Safety's work plan but felt inclined to add one more location to Bakin's list. Jackson said that he hopes Public Safety will work closely with the bike committee on this work plan and provide bike training to its patrol officers. Bakin said he was not sure about the possibility of fulfilling Jackson's second request. |
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