Promotions, New Assignments and New Hires
The Police Department is proud to announce the following new promotions, assignments, and employees:
• Sergeant Jose Delatorre took on the new position of Administrative Sergeant to provide additional support to the Administrative Division.
• Corporal Michael Hernandez was promoted to Sergeant and is assigned to the weekend night shift.
• Traffic Officer Sidney Hubbs put his motorcycle uniform away and was promoted to Corporal. He is also assigned to the weekend night shift.
• Elizabeth Vera joined the department as the Public Safety Executive Assistant. Ms. Vera comes to the Department with municipal experience from the City of San Pablo.
• Lieutenant Robert De La Campa was promoted to Captain on January 15, a couple of days short of 20 years from his first day of work at the ECPD.

New Law Regarding Juvenile Custodial Interrogation
In January, a new law took effect that requires all juveniles, 15 years of age or younger, to consult with an attorney before a custodial interrogation. The Public Defender’s Office is working to create solutions to this legislative mandate. If Police Officers are unable to arrange for an attorney consultation they are prohibited from interrogating the juvenile about the crime.

Robbery Spree Ended
Early in the month, a suspect drove into the drive thru lane of a local fast food restaurant and robbed it at gunpoint. The next night, an El Cerrito officer learned that someone tried to rob two fast food restaurants in San Pablo. The officer staked out a freeway off ramp and nabbed the suspect as he exited the freeway. During the car stop, the officer located the firearm used in the robbery. The arrest cleared five fast food restaurant robberies in the Bay Area.

Burglars Identified
On January 30, a group of five juveniles burglarized a house near El Cerrito High School. Officers investigated the incident and identified the suspects responsible for the burglary. Later in the week, on Friday, three of the suspects returned to the same block and burglarized another home. Officers arrived in time to detain the suspects.

Public Outreach Event – Boba with a Badge
El Cerrito and Richmond Police Officers partnered together to host a community engagement event at the Pacific East Mall. Officers enjoyed Boba beverages with community members and talked about police work, crime and how to partner together for safer neighborhoods.