Chief's Corner

Welcome to the May/June edition of  The Dispatch , the Rancho Cordova Police Department's (RCPD) e-newsletter.

I am proud to announce that we are growing our team at RCPD with the addition of another Assistant Chief of Police, Lieutenant  Jeff Schelldorf, to serve the residents of Rancho Cordova and our law enforcement family. Learn more about our two Assistant Chiefs of Police and how they support our community below.

As we head into summer, RCPD is looking ahead to the Fourth of July festivities and pool safety for our youth. This issue includes helpful tips to help keep you and your family safe as you enjoy the season.

Thank you for reading this edition, and we hope to see you at an upcoming neighborhood meeting or event!

Chief of Police Chris Pittman
Meet Our Assistant Chiefs of Police

RCPD is proud to announce we now have two Assistant Chiefs of Police to serve our growing community - Lieutenant Chad Lewis and Lieutenant Jeff Schelldorf!

Our Assistant Chiefs are responsible for managing and overseeing the units and officers at RCPD, as well as serving as liaisons between the units and Rancho Cordova's Chief of Police. A second position was added to further increase the level of support for our team at RCPD. Meet our Assistant Chiefs of Police!
New Youth Services Unit Created

Meet RCPD's Youth Services Unit! RCPD created a Youth Services Unit to enhance our efforts to build relationships with local schools and youth through youth-focused programs.

The Unit is comprised of a Sergeant, two School Resource Officers, a Youth Services Officer and a Rancho Cordova Police Activities League (PAL) Coordinator.

The Unit manages three primary programs: School Resource Officer program, Rancho Cordova PAL, and Adopt-a-School program. In this edition, we are introducing you to our School Resource Officer program.  Learn More and Meet Our School Resource Officers
Crime Prevention Tips

Bicycle Safety Tips
RCPD and the California Office of Traffic Safety call upon bicycle riders and motorists alike to be cautious not just during May's National Bicycle Safety Month but every month during the year. For riders and drivers, "Roll Model" means actively decreasing the risks of traffic crashes, preventable injuries and deaths. Learn About Bicycle Safety Tips

Motorcycle Safety Tips
RCPD conducted a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation during the month of May in an effort to decrease the number of deaths and injuries. Additional officers were on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Officers looked for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes. Learn About Motorcycle Safety Tips

Click It or Ticket
It only takes two seconds to buckle up. Two seconds! And those two seconds could literally save your life. As summer kicks off and families hit the road for vacations, RCPD and the California Office of Traffic Safety want to remind motorists to Click It or Ticket. Aimed at enforcing seat belt use to help keep you and your family safe, the national seat belt campaign will take place May 20 through June 2, concurrent with one of the busiest travel and holiday weekends of the year. Learn More
Fireworks Safety

The City of Rancho Cordova, RCPD and the Sacramento Metro Fire District encourage residents to be safe when using fireworks this Fourth of July season. All legal fireworks in California are called Safe and Sane Fireworks and have the State Fire Marshal's seal. They may be sold only from noon on June 28, 2018 through 10 PM on July 4, 2018.

In Rancho Cordova, use of fireworks is allowed between noon on June 28, 2018 through 10 PM on July 4, 2018. Click here for fireworks safety tips to ensure your July 4th celebration is safe for everyone.

RCPD will have extra patrol officers working on July 4, 2018. The use of illegal fireworks is prohibited by law, with punishment up to a year in county jail and up to a $1,000 fine. If you suspect the use of illegal fireworks, report incidents to RCPD by dialing 916-362-5115.
Pool PALs Teach Rancho Cordova Kids to Swim

Free swim lessons are available to Rancho Cordova youth through the Pool PALs program! Rancho Cordova PAL and the Swimstitute have teamed up to provide youth ages 4-12 with swim lessons year round, at no cost to them. Each child receives one lesson per week for six weeks. Learn More and How You Can Sign Up
Crime Suppression Unit

Story of the Month
On May 3, 2018, Rancho Cordova Police Department Officers assigned to the Crime Suppression Unit were conducting proactive enforcement in the Lincoln Village area when they observed a vehicle operating on the roadway in violation of traffic laws. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, which was occupied by two people.

The passenger identified himself as 33-year-old Christopher Dyer of Rancho Cordova. It was discovered Dyer was currently on searchable probation and also had two felony warrants for his arrest. Learn How the Story Ends
Meet Your New Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Officer

RCPD is proud to introduce you to our new Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Officer William Winton! Officer Winton serves residents in the Anatolia, Cordova Meadows, Kavala Ranch, Lincoln Village, Somerset Ranch and Sunridge Park Neighborhoods. Read His Story
From Mather Air Force Base to RCPD

Rancho Cordova resident Karen Donovan moved to our community with her late husband, Don, in 1959 from Hastings, Nebraska. The two were looking to join family in what was at the time the new and small community of Rancho Cordova. Since then, Karen served a 33-year career at Mather Air Force Base and is celebrating her 25-year anniversary volunteering for RCPD and the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department.  Read Her Story
Apply Now for Summer  Citizen's Academy

Apply now for RCPD's  Summer 2018 Citizen's Academy! The seven-week course will provide local residents with information about the police department and its proactive policing programs, as well as tools and resources residents can use to help prevent crime. The academy will be taught by police executives and veteran officers on Wednesdays from July 18 through August 29, 2018 from 6 - 8 PM. Applications are due by 5 PM on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. Learn More and Apply Now
Event Lineup

Neighborhood Watch Meeting
Tuesday, June 19, 6 PM
No meeting will be held during the month of July
Rancho Cordova Police Department, 2897 Kilgore Road
Join us for a Neighborhood Watch Meeting to learn about proactive policing programs in our community, ask questions, and get resources to start a neighborhood watch program in your area. Learn More

Unity in the Community Event
Sunday, July 1, 10 AM - 2 PM
Village Green Park, 3141 Bridgeway Drive
Join the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department and RCPD for a Unity in the Community event! Enjoy a FREE and fun day of family-friendly activities, including a bounce house and face painting, and a barbecue lunch. Plus, July 1 is the City of Rancho Cordova's 15th birthday so celebrate with a birthday cupcake! Learn More

4th of July Celebration
Tuesday, July 3, 4 - 11 PM
Wednesday, July 4, Noon - 11 PM
Hagan Park, 2197 Chase Drive
Join us for Rancho Cordova's two-day Fourth of July festival and fun! Stop by RCPD's booth to pick up special giveaways. Learn More

Wednesday, July 4, 10 AM
Coloma Road from McGregor Drive to Chase Drive
Kick off your Fourth of July with a patriotic parade that is famous for its hometown flavor. Enjoy floats and performances from local organizations, including RCPD officers, a float by Rancho Cordova PAL, and a special appearance by the Batmobile! Learn More

Star Wars Night at Raley Field
August 24, Pre-game tailgate party starts at 4 PM, 1st pitch at 7:05 PM
Raley Field, 400 Ballpark Drive, West Sacramento
Rancho Cordova PAL is partnering with the Rivercats for Star Wars Night at Raley Field and hosting the pre-game tailgate party! Enjoy the Rivercats vs. the Las Vegas 51's, live music, giveaways, fireworks show and more. Tickets are $25 and include senate seats by 3rd base through RCPD by contacting Tina Aldama at (916) 704-1462 or Officer Jose De La Cruz at (916) 717-2348. Learn More
FAQ of the Month

Q:  How can I keep my home secure while I am on vacation?
A: Schools are letting out for the summer, and vacation season is starting! In addition to securing your home by locking your doors and windows, consider signing up for a Residential Security Check. RCPD's Volunteers in Partnership with the Sheriff will perform vacation checks for its residents at no cost. Residential Security Check forms can be found on the RCPD website or by visiting our station at 2897 Kilgore Road, Rancho Cordova, Monday - Friday from 9 AM - 5 PM.
Connect With Us

RCPD wants to connect with you on social media!  Every month, we will highlight one of our posts from RCPD's social media channels.  Recently, we highlighted a story on RCPD's Facebook page about an investigation into stolen credit cards by RCPD Detectives that led to a large amount of stolen property being recovered and returned to victims, and the suspects being taken into custody.  Read the Full Story Here

Click the icons below to visit RCPD's many social media channels:

Like us on Facebook     Follow us on Twitter     View on Instagram   
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Emergency: Please call 9-1-1
Non-Emergency (need an officer): 916-362-5115
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