Police Reform and Public Safety
We are fortunate to have a very responsive police department with officers who are appreciated by the people of Thousand Oaks. The police know how much we value their service to us. That appreciation is reciprocated by the officers who keep our city safe.
As a retired LAPD reserve police officer, I am committed to law and order, NOT looting and rioting.
My recommendations to address the root of issues facing us today regarding law enforcement abuse of power are as follows:
1. Officers are to be trained to de-escalate situations as the first option, not a show of force. This training begins in the police academy and continues through their careers.
2. Remove the primary barrier to removing bad cops – Police Unions, which protect bad officers that should be removed. The fellow officers know who the bad cops are but their hands are tied by the union who keeps the bad cop on the job. Pierce the police union’s protective shield and much will change for the better.
Strengthen public safety by stopping the return of criminals back into our communities who continue their crime spree and retaliation against those who cooperated with the police. We want our community to be safe for all residents. Embrace and place smart technology throughout the city, especially the downtown area. Such technology is a force multiplier by capturing the strengths of technology to increase public safety.