Tag: Ventura Police Dept.

Bilingual report — Ventura PD honors dispatchers’ vital role in emergency response

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2025 • Comments Off

“Public safety dispatchers truly are the first responders,” said Interim Police Chief Tony Lee. “They manage intense situations with clarity, compassion, and focus—providing essential support to both the community and our officers in the field. Their work often goes unseen, but it is absolutely vital to every emergency response.”

Among VPD’s team of 17 skilled dispatchers, Megann Williams is being recognized as the 2024 Dispatcher of the Year for her outstanding contributions to public service and officer safety. With a calm, steady presence and an exceptional ability to multitask, Williams exemplifies the critical role dispatchers play in public safety.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police to hold DUI Checkpoint on Friday, Jan. 17

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed location within the City of Ventura.

Carefully chosen based on data reflecting incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, DUI checkpoints play a pivotal role in enhancing public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.

April 9 — Bilingual report — Ventura Police host Coffee with a Cop fundraiser to support Autism acceptance

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Bilingual report — Ventura Police to hold DUI Checkpoint on Friday, Dec. 20

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed location within the City of Ventura.

Bilingual report — Ventura PD urges safe driving and responsible celebrations this holiday season

by Community Contributor • December 11, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — As the holiday festivities approach, the Ventura Police Department reminds community members to celebrate responsibly and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or any over-the-counter drugs that may impair driving ability.

From December 12 to January 1, the Ventura Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. This high-visibility enforcement effort is part of the national campaign, ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,’ aimed at keeping roads safe from impaired drivers who jeopardize the safety of everyone.

Ventura Police Dept. — Bilingual report — National Teen Driver Safety Week: Parents are key to keeping teens safe behind the wheel

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 20-26 and the Ventura Police Department urges parents and caregivers to talk with their teens about the rules of the road and how safe driving saves lives.

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for teens aged 15-18 years old in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2022. In California, young drivers were involved in nearly 12% of all fatal crashes in 2022, despite accounting for only 5% of all licensed drivers in the U.S.

Bilingual report — Pedestrian safety starts with you: Stay alert to protect people walking

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — October is National Pedestrian Safety Month and the Ventura Police Department reminds drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries.

Since January 1, 2023, the Ventura Police Department has responded to 2,470 traffic collisions, including 106 involving pedestrians. These incidents resulted in 915 injuries and five fatalities. Of the pedestrian collisions, three were fatal, and 99 resulted in injury. The high number of pedestrian casualties underscores the urgent need for improved awareness and safety measures for those walking in Ventura.

Bilingual report — Protecting Ventura’s littlest passengers: Child Passenger Safety Week kicks off September 15-21, 2024

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2024 • Comments Off

“Children are especially vulnerable to injuries in a crash if they are in the wrong type of car seat for their age and size or if the car seat is improperly installed,” said Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “We are dedicated to helping parents and caregivers safeguard their children on the road.”

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Department announces DUI checkpoint on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024

by Community Contributor • September 4, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit will conduct a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoint locations are chosen based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring residents from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Dept. urges drivers to prioritize pedestrian safety

by Community Contributor • August 29, 2024 • Comments Off

“Our roadways are extremely busy, and everyone deserves to reach their destination safely,” said Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “It’s crucial for drivers to stay alert and watch out for pedestrians. Slow down, avoid distractions, and never drive impaired. Safety on our streets is a collective effort, and we all have a part to play.”

Bilingual report — Ventura PD dedicates DUI checkpoint on Friday, May 31, 2024 to the memory of Coldren Kiblinger

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2024 • Comments Off

This checkpoint will be dedicated to the memory of Coldren “Cole” Kiblinger. On December 25, 2022, Cole accepted a ride from a family friend he did not know was intoxicated. The driver went off an embankment on the Santa Susana Pass in Simi Valley. Cole was killed immediately. At the time of his passing, he was 23-years-old and looking to propose to his girlfriend the following year.

Bilingual report — Ventura PD urges California Strawberry Festival attendees to utilize alternative forms of travel

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2024 • Comments Off

“Ventura PD is fully committed to community safety, particularly during large-capacity events,” shared Traffic Unit Supervisor, Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “Our focus in encouraging ride-sharing options is to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize the potential for traffic congestion and collisions. We must work together to create a safer environment for pedestrians and drivers, recognizing that while the City does not directly organize this event, it impacts our community.”

Ventura PD holding motorcycle safety enforcement operations in May

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department will have extra officers on patrol in May looking specifically for traffic violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders.

The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common factor, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.

May 28 — Bilingual report — Ventura PD hosts Tip-a-Cop fundraiser to support local Special Olympics athletes

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department, in collaboration with Finney’s Crafthouse, is excited to announce the return of the Tip-A-Cop fundraiser, supporting the inspiring athletes of Ventura County Special Olympics. The public is invited to join officers for this community event on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Finney’s Crafthouse, located at 494 E. Main Street in Downtown Ventura.

June 6 — Ventura Police ignite community spirit for Special Olympics with Torch Run

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2024 • Comments Off

“The Flame of Hope is more than just a symbol; it embodies the resilience and dedication of Special Olympics athletes who inspire us with their commitment and perseverance,” said Sergeant Ryan Reynosa, Special Olympics Liaison with the Ventura Police Department. “Being part of Team Ventura PD, we are dedicated to raising funds and fostering awareness and acceptance for these extraordinary athletes.”

July 23 — Bilingual report — Scoop up Safety: Join Ventura Police for ‘Cones with a Cop’ at Coastal Cone

by Amigos805.com • January 1, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department invites the community to enjoy ice cream, shakes, floats, and friendly conversation at ‘Cones with a Cop.’ This sweet summertime event will be hosted on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.…

Sept. 20 — Bilingual report — Ventura Police to hold DUI Checkpoint

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed location within the City of Ventura.