News

At the Ukiah Police Department (UPD), we get calls for lots of different reasons. They basically fall into three categories: the first tier is crimes against people, such as robberies, murders, and assaults. These calls get top priority. The second tier is property crime, like theft and vandalism; and the third tier... (Read more →)

Thank You Sergeant Marcus Young

Last week marked the ten-year anniversary of Ukiah Police Sergeant Marcus Young’s life and death struggle in the Wal-Mart parking. Even after having his hand almost cut in half, and being shot with a .38 caliber pistol five times in the face, arm, and body; Sergeant Young found the courage and strength to protect... (Read more →)

Transients, Crime and Your Safety

As the weather gets nicer, transients tend to become more visible, and that’s been the case in Ukiah lately. I’ve written about the transient problem before, but I think it’s important to talk about it again because I still see well-meaning people giving handouts that encourage bad behavior. When I talk about... (Read more →)

Baby Safe Haven Laws

Not too long ago, we welcomed a minister carrying a newborn baby into our police department lobby. The minister was at the department because of a California law that allows newborn babies to be given up safely and legally – the law is commonly called the Baby Safe Haven Law. The minister was helping a young woman... (Read more →)

Gun Safety – What to do?

While gun legislation is hotly debated among national, state, and local lawmakers right now, I thought I’d share some information to help gun owners and others to be as safe as possible with firearms. ProjectChildSafe.org is sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and recommends the following steps to... (Read more →)

Concerning Behavior – What to do?

It seems that more and more, we are seeing news stories about senseless acts of violence by people who are mentally ill, including some recent incidents here in Ukiah. And, in the wake of the recent Sandy Hill school shootings, lawmakers and others are pushing for legislation to improve mental health services in... (Read more →)

Teen Peer Court

Young people today face many challenges in their journey from young childhood through their teen years and into healthy adulthood. Teens face choices that affect their lives personally, academically, and socially; and unfortunately, this process often includes making mistakes. Sometimes young people make such poor... (Read more →)

Kids and Cellphones: Keeping our kids safe from danger

A while ago, our family bought an internet connection for our TV, and I quickly discovered Hulu, an internet site that allows you to watch TV over the Internet. Along with discovering Hulu, I discovered that you could watch old TV shows like The Bob Newhart Show. I just loved The Bob Newhart Show growing up in the... (Read more →)

Stop Speeding Before We Stop You.

These last few weeks sure have been cold here in Ukiah. In this weather, it seems like everything takes a little longer in the morning: we wait for our cars to warm up, for the windows to defrost, and then we decide to run back inside to grab an extra sweater, scarf, or jacket. Because it takes a bit longer to get... (Read more →)

Social Media Safety

Keeping kids safe online is tough to do when we, as parents, don’t really understand what’s out there. On Wednesday, January 30 at 6:00 p.m. the Ukiah Police Department (UPD) and Ukiah High School (UHS) are teaming up to present, “Digital Safety,” a program to educate parents about how to keep their teens and... (Read more →)

Cyber Bullying: How To Protect Your Children

In a world where people use technology to stay connected; understanding that technology—and how to protect young people who use it—is more important than ever. To help parents, the Ukiah Police Department (UPD) and Ukiah High School (UHS) are teaming up to present, “Digital Safety,” a program to educate... (Read more →)

Impaired Drivers: It’s Not Just Alcohol That’s Dangerous

I hope everyone had a safe and very Merry Christmas. Right around the corner is New Year’s Eve and, like every year, our Ukiah Police Department (UPD) officers will be out in force to deter drunk driving. In early December some of you may have witnessed a horrific car crash on North State Street. A car drove off... (Read more →)