Criminals take note: Orinda's welcome mat has unceremoniously been rescinded. Orinda Police Chief Scott Haggard recently announced the arrival of new, no nonsense anti-crime crusaders. "Due to the spike in residential burglaries, I requested the help of the Sheriff's Specialized Patrol Services Unit 'J Team' to assist us," said Haggard.
The "J" in J Team stands for justice, he explained, noting that contracts between the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and cities of Orinda and Lafayette give both communities a power boost by providing access to special emergency and support personnel, K9 units, helicopters, and other resources at no extra cost.
J Team members have actually been on the case since Christmas, quietly working with the Orinda Police Department to interview informants, conduct surveillance and undercover operations, increase the saturation of police coverage, and help burglars firmly grasp the concept that the "Home Shopping Network" has now closed in America's second friendliest city. While it's still too early to gauge the impact of the extra eyes and ears on Orinda's streets, the last time the J Team helped out, residential burglaries dropped dramatically. So, it's a safe bet to estimate that more and more burglars will be taking their tools elsewhere - if they haven't already been booked for extended vacation stays at one of the East Bay's finer correctional facilities.
In addition, Orinda police officer Dustin Gregory was recently recognized for helping the district attorney to file charges against a man suspected of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old. According to Sheriff David Livingston's office, "Officer Gregory obtained a confession from the [19-year-old] suspect of two sexual encounters, and presented the case to the D.A., who filed two charges on the suspect."
To help Orinda's finest and their J Team associates continue to keep Orinda safe, call police as soon as you see anything suspicious: (925) 254-6820.
The "J" in J Team stands for justice, he explained, noting that contracts between the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and cities of Orinda and Lafayette give both communities a power boost by providing access to special emergency and support personnel, K9 units, helicopters, and other resources at no extra cost.
J Team members have actually been on the case since Christmas, quietly working with the Orinda Police Department to interview informants, conduct surveillance and undercover operations, increase the saturation of police coverage, and help burglars firmly grasp the concept that the "Home Shopping Network" has now closed in America's second friendliest city. While it's still too early to gauge the impact of the extra eyes and ears on Orinda's streets, the last time the J Team helped out, residential burglaries dropped dramatically. So, it's a safe bet to estimate that more and more burglars will be taking their tools elsewhere - if they haven't already been booked for extended vacation stays at one of the East Bay's finer correctional facilities.
In addition, Orinda police officer Dustin Gregory was recently recognized for helping the district attorney to file charges against a man suspected of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old. According to Sheriff David Livingston's office, "Officer Gregory obtained a confession from the [19-year-old] suspect of two sexual encounters, and presented the case to the D.A., who filed two charges on the suspect."
To help Orinda's finest and their J Team associates continue to keep Orinda safe, call police as soon as you see anything suspicious: (925) 254-6820.
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA