2015 July PASO Magazine

NIGHT OUT from page 24
assistant is a big job description
unto itself but the equally-busy
Mary also wears many other hats
(like the 9-1-1 coordinator) in our
police department. Mary came
to our PD from Morro Bay and
that’s where she learned about
NNO. It has long been an annual
event they hold there. Mary
brought the idea to the Chief last
year and he thought it was terrific
and the exact right time to begin
hosting the event in Paso. Almost
200 residents showed up and by all
accounts, the evening and ensuing
results were great successes.
This is a great opportunity to
meet the police men and women
of the department without the
sinking feeling coming from having
just seen the flashing red lights
in your rear view mirror. Bring your
questions and your ideas of how to
strengthen the community’s bond
with the PD. But, equally or perhaps
even more important, is to
bring your neighbors and children.
With your neighbors gathered at
the event, you’ll probably meet
“your own personal neighborhood
cop.” For children of all ages,
Community members
connect with our local
police officers during
National Night Out
and explore ways to
prevent crime.
meeting a police man or
woman and knowing his
or her name and understanding
that they are not
the boogeyman – well, that has to
be a good thing! With Paso’s population
at about 30,000, chances
are you’ll meet some folks that you
didn’t know before – they might
even be your neighbors from just
down the street.
The police officers can’t be in
all places at all times so it is the
neighborhood folks that keep their
eyes open to thwart crime. Neighborhoods
with neighbors who
know neighbors and watch out for
themselves are just generally better
at crime prevention. Solidarity also
tells criminals that neighborhoods
are fighting back. Organizations
like NNO and NextDoor.Com
are making real inroads to community
safety. Check them both on
line for more details.
Paso’s police department is
pro-active and it is friendly; and yes,
of course, the men and women are
very serious about their commit-
ment to our safety as their #1 top
priority. The plain fact is that police
departments work better when
there is a community partnership.
There might be a hundred different
things we’d like to know, so ask
yourself a few questions: Of the 33
officers, do I know any of them?
Have I ever seen the dogs? When
should I report what I think is a
crime? Am I “bothering” the 9-1-1
operators if I call in? What’s the
difference between a Paso police
person and a sheriff? How does one
become a policeman – and all those
related questions? How really safe
is Paso? What can I do to make my
own neighborhood safer? Would
a police person come to my neighborhood
for a “neighborhood-specific”
meeting at one of our homes?
Ms. Sponhaltz has arranged for
hot dogs, burgers and beverages
to be served. NO CHARGE
– FREE! These are through the
generosity of local sponsors. A big
thanks to them! There are also giveaways
and games for the children.
Hey Paso – let’s learn together,
grow together and be safer together.
Thank you Mary! This is a great
opportunity for all of us to raise
the bar of safety!
MATT
Speci
Bevan
26 Paso Robles Magazine, July 2015