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March 21, 2017 SANTA ANA POLICE 1607 NORTH SYCAMORE [714] 836-1211 SANTA ANA CITY COUNCIL 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA P.O. BOX 1988, M31 SANTA ANA, CA 92701 Honorable Mayor and City Council Members, OFFICERS ASSOCIATION SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92701-3513 FAX [714] 836-6108 On behalf of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association, I write because it seems that in all the noise surrounding your consideration of the jail issue and financial implications of it, an important fact has been overlooked. Contrary to the way we are characterized by some activists who disrupt your meetings, we truly care about the people who live and work in Santa Ana. As many of you know, if you talk to a police officer and ask why he became an officer, the answer you are most likely to hear is, "I want to help people." Sure, it is a well -paying job. However, in over twenty years, I have never heard an officer say they do it for the money. The job is dangerous, especially in today's political climate; you risk your life every day. Is there a dollar amount that you can put on your life? Please recall all the ways that the police reach into the community that do not involve arresting someone. Santa Ana P.D. is a national leader in community oriented policing; we listen to our neighbors about their problems and make it our business to find ways to solve those problems. We recognize and support the diverse elements of our city. What other police department in the county had a Hispanic Affairs Officer assigned full-time to community relations? I would highly support and encourage this position be reestablished. We want the best for our members, but we recognize that community outreach programs benefit the police in the end. We can successfully address more of the problems that confront our neighbors when our presence in the community is welcomed. Just like the more enlightened police departments in the country, we do not arrest people for immigration violations. We want to encourage people to seek our help when they need it. I have a suggestion. The current climate lends itself to the creation of an "Immigrant Affairs Office." Such an office could provide services and referrals to those in need, those who are the most vulnerable population in our community. County services, city services, and attorneys should work together for those most in need. Let us keep our youth programs, many of which our officers participate in as coaches and mentors. Our members give their time, both on the job and on their days off, to keep the dialogue on going. Currently, the Santa Ana P.D. has a Police Athletic & Activity League [PAAL] program that works in the community with our youth in providing homework assistance and extracurricular activities. The PAAL program is a great youth program that the Association would love to see expanded to all parts of the city,