By TR Robertson
October’s YES Committee meeting took part in a question-and-answer session with Carlsbad’s new Police Chief, Chief Mickey Williams. Chief Williams has worked for the Carlsbad Police Department for over 26 years. He has worked in all divisions of the Police Department, including patrol, investigation, traffic, and administration. Chief Williams was the Department Police Officer of the Year in 2001 and the San Diego County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2002. He is married and his two daughters attended Carlsbad High School. His wife is an instructor at Sage Creek High School.
Chief Williams began by stressing the importance of the police department developing positive community relationships and a feeling of trust in Carlsbad. He responded to a series of questions from various members of the YES Committee. When asked about his impressions of the young people in the city he said he could not be more impressed with the students throughout the community. He said it is important for students to make positive choices and develop an awareness of safety in the city. One example he pointed out was the safety of using e-bikes in the city.
Chief Williams next responded to questions about the homeless issues in the Carlsbad area. He said the department is focusing on patrolling Carlsbad areas earlier each morning where some homeless issues have become problem areas that some businesses have had to deal with. This also involves connecting with homeless individuals to help with the services that are available to assist them. He pointed out that homeless issues are a concern throughout the county in every city. Many of the situations involve dealing with mental health, addiction, and housing issues. The Chief pointed out that since 2017 the department has hired six additional officers and four social workers to assist with the variety of situations the department experiences each day. Chief Williams also pointed out that many of the issues they deal with are hard to “fix” based on existing laws and personal rights issues they confront.
In dealing with young people in the city, the Chief alluded to the 5150 law that concerns individuals that are a grave danger to themselves or others and allows the police to hospitalize these individuals if it is in their best interests. He feels there needs to be a better way to deal with children that might fall into this category.
The Chief next responded to a question about the most significant problem facing his department right now. Without hesitation, the Chief said the recruiting of new police officers and the retention of existing police officers is a major issue at this time. The recruitment and screening process is hard for individuals to go through, but it is designed to accept the most qualified individuals. The ride along program is a way for individuals to see firsthand what officers deal with on a daily basis. The Chief said a ride along years ago was what led him to choose a career in law enforcement. The San Diego Academy training officers currently go through allows officers to develop relationships with officers assigned throughout the county. This collaboration effort develops strong ties with officers in neighboring cities and provided leadership at the highest level.
Another important program is the School Resource Officers in the schools. Chief Williams said these officers are important in developing a community connection perspective and the SRO program should be continued as long as possible. Another important program the department will be offering in March of 2022 is the 5–6 week, one night a week Citizen’s Police Academy. This program will allow those that attend can hear from all the departments the Carlsbad Police Department has established. He also pointed out that the Senior Volunteer Patrol is still available for those interested, led by Chuck Hunter. Interested citizens can go to the web site to investigate the recruitment process, which includes an academy for participants. Other organizations, like the Boys & Girls Club, can also contact the Police Department about setting up programs for interactions with the department and building relationships.
Additional Community Reports
Bret Schanzenbach – CEO Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce – The Chamber recently had an Awards Ceremony honoring outstanding individuals and businesses in the community. The Chamber is also set to work with the school district in a workforce development program highlighting jobs in businesses throughout the community. They also recently filmed the Police Department Ride-along program.
Margaret Hamer – Recreation Area Manager Carlsbad Senior Center – The Senior Center is offering a series of innovative programs and are now offering in person sessions. Opportunity grants are available for application. The Carlsbad Libraries are also offering a series of new programs for students.
Samantha Sonnich – County of San Diego – A number of youth programs are now available through the Youth Leadership Team. Go to www.livewellsd.org for information. COVID-19 news updates are available at www.sandiegocounty.gov. Safe Halloween information is available at www.publichealthcollaborative.org.
Madison Coleman – Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation – The Foundation offers a 2:30-5 pm education program. Programs like a bird walk education around the lagoon is offered. The Foundation is sponsoring a Haunted Corn Maze at the Strawberry Fields. The Discovery Center is open 7 days a week. Go to www.aguahedionda.org for more information.
Gaby Beas – Mira Costa Collage – Mira Costa will be offering a free Vaccination Clinic October 27th from 10-3, open to the public. The YES collaborative is an organization started to enhance and identify local issues and improve communication among all service providers who currently work with youth in North San Diego County. Agency representatives and community members join monthly to look at Youth Development opportunities as well as community connectedness in the Carlsbad and surrounding communities. The YES meeting meets the third Thursday of each month, 8:30-9:30 am.
