21st Century Policing

It’s called 21st Century Policing.

“Instead of us as a law enforcement group going to the public and telling them what the issues are, we want to know what the public considers their own issues,” said Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Roy Morales.

The new form of policing was initiated by executive order from President Barack Obama, after the fatal shooting of Michael Brown and protest’s that followed.

“There’s several events obviously around the nation. For us more importantly we want to become better,” said Sgt. Morales.

Which is why the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is rolling out the program by holding the first of many meetings Thursday.

“We put together a panel of different people from the office in both English speaking, Spanish speaking, because we want to reach our entire community,” said Morales.

Sergeant Morales said it’s all about improving relations with the community.

“We want people to feel comfortable in asking us questions and asking us for our input, and giving us their input,” said Morales.