Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department Receives the 2006 James Q. Wilson Community Policing Award for Excellence in Community Policing

Los Gatos - On Wednesday March 8^th, 2006, the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department received official notice that it is being awarded a ‘finalist’ award within the James Q. Wilson Community Policing Award program in recognition of its excellence in community policing. This award is given in partnership between the United Stated Department of Justice, Regional Community Policing Institute- Southern California and the California Attorney General’s Office. Twenty one California law enforcement agencies applied for recognition. The Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department was one of only three California departments recognized for this achievement and was the only northern California agency to be so recognized. The other two departments receiving this award are the El Monte and Pasadena police departments.

The James Q. Wilson award is presented annually to police departments who have successfully institutionalized a community policing philosophy.  The Regional Community Policing Institute convenes a panel of area experts with no affiliation to involved contestants who review individual applications including a five page narrative and supplemental documents. The narrative outlines the steps taken in institutionalizing a philosophy of community policing as well as the department’s vision for the future in working with the community to achieve common goals.  This award signifies the police department’s commitment, success and vision of building community relationships, engaging in community problem solving and knowing everyone in our community.  Prior awards received by the police department include the 2004 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence from the League of California Cities and the 2004 International Association of Chiefs of Police Community Policing award.

The Los Gatos Monte/Sereno Department will be officially recognized at an awards ceremony during the Regional Community Policing Institutes annual executive training conference in Dana Point, California on April 24, 2006.

For further information, please contact Sergeant Matt Frisby at 408-399-5754.