Community Safety
Something New About Police Services in Our Area By Aaron “Wally” Barger, Resident since 2012
I
am sure that you have seen Blackhawk police cars cruising our streets. What you may not know is the important role a small group of residents provides as an advisory service to the community. In the early 1980’s, during the development of the Blackhawk area, there was recognition for the need for an accessible, effective law enforcement program to protect life and property in our communities. The Board of Supervisors, in 1984, approved a county ordnance to enhance police services in our unincorporated region, referred to as the P2-A Service Area. By early 1985, the County Sheriff’s office formed the “Blackhawk Police Department.” Funding for the Service Area is through a Parcel Tax approved by homeowners and business owners as part of their annual property tax. The service area includes the following homeowner’s associations: Silver Maple, Blackhawk, Live Oaks, Tennis Villas, Saddleback, and Hidden Oaks as well as the businesses in the Blackhawk Plaza.
The County also formed a P2-A Advisory Committee in 1985. Today, the Advisory Committee is composed of seven volunteer homeowners who reside within the service area. The member’s hold a two-year term with the opportunity for reappointment. The Advisory Committee is appointed by the County’s Supervisor in District 3. A Sheriff Lieutenant is assigned to supervise deputies assigned as the P2-A Service Area. The primary purpose of the P2-A Advisory Committee is to provide input to the Board of Supervisors for use in the Board’s decision-making process. The Advisory Committee serves as a conduit for citizen input by gathering, analyzing, and recommending options to the Board of Supervisors . The P2-A Advisory Committee added six new members in addition to the one member from the prior advisory committee. The current Advisory Committee members would appreciate your input on police services and other issues of concern to residents, club members, and business owners in the service area. Our Police Department, residents, business owners, and Country Club members must have an Advisory Committee that is transparent and accountable. A positive working relationship is necessary for the police, the advisory committee members, and the community to achieve their objectives. This can only occur through active participation and dialogue. Over the coming months, the Advisory Committee, in cooperation with the Blackhawk Police Department and County staff, will be seeking residents and Country Club members’ participation in developing an effective network within the P2-A Service Area. All residents, HOA managers, and Neighborhood Watch Captains are encouraged to participate in establishing a strong commitment to law enforcement in our service area. This can only happen through targeted discussions that result in the sharing of information to assist our Police Department in reducing crime and ensuring safety. All residents are welcome to attend the P2-A Advisory Committee meetings. For more information, contact Alicia Nuchols, District Representative to Supervisor Burgis at 925-252-4500 or email her at Alicia.Nuchols@bos.cccounty.us
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