Council extends support to new police program

Police Chief Richard Standridge told the City Council that, due to an increase in citizen complaints, the Tehachapi Police Department has recently been trying to be more proactive on traffic enforcement within the city limits. Officers, in trying to turn traffic stops into more positive encounters, will be taking time to educate the public about traffic issues and the laws that make up the California Vehicle Code.

Pat Doody.

Mayor Protem Joan Pogon-Cord, Councilwoman Jeanette Pauer, Mayor Michael Davies, Maryann Paciullo, Police Chief Richard Standridge and Councilman Phil Smith.

Standridge asked the City Council to support this effort, and to recognize and publicly thank local McDonald's owner Maryann Paciullo for her partnership with the Police Department in this program. Paciullo will be supplying 30 McDonald's gift cards that can be given out by officers during routine traffic stops. Paciullo has often hosted community public safety events at the local McDonald's.

This program is planned to join Coffee with a Cop as a way for the community to get to know Tehachapi's Police officers.

The Tehachapi City Council meets on the first and third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. They are currently meeting at the Police Department Community Room, 220 W. C St.