The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Education Committee honored Detective David Jones for his outstanding work with the youth in our community. The award was presented to Detective Jones at the Chamber’s August 9, 2016, luncheon held at the Citrus Heights Community Center.

As an agency, the Citrus Heights Police Department continues to focus on making a positive impact on the youth within our community, both for their safety and futures.  In support of that mission, Detective David Jones coordinates our Juvenile Diversion and Education Program (JDEP) program to identify those youths who can be helped and kept out of the criminal system.  The JDEP program is designed to reduce crime by providing rehabilitative programs to juvenile misdemeanor offenders.   JDEP has moved to an eight-week cohort model, including an orientation and graduation which Detective Jones organizes.  He interviews potential candidates and their families to determine whether they will accept accountability and the commitment to the program’s requirements.  Through this program, Detective Jones works closely with allied resources, Terra Nova and A Community For Peace.

Most recently, Detectives Jones has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the newly formed Youth Leadership Academy (YLA).   The Youth Leadership Academy is an 8-week program designed to prevent youth from getting into trouble by providing leadership skills.   Some youths are on the cusp of getting into trouble, yet want to improve themselves.  Others, with the right motivation and mentoring, could potentially be our next Police Explorers.  Detective Jones played a significant role by coordinating with outside resources such as A Community For Peace and Family Tae Kwon Do Plus.  He also conducted a significant amount of outreach to our local schools and youth programs while recruiting for the program.

Before becoming a Detective, he served as a Motorcycle Officer.  During his time as a traffic officer, Detective Jones was dedicated to increasing the safety of children who were bicycling to school each day.  Detective Jones worked closely with City representatives to enhance the Sharrow Traffic program.  This program was designed to help motorist and bicyclist safely share the road, especially near the local schools.  He led school assemblies, helped design a program mascot, ensured the streets were clearly marked with the Sharrow Arrow, and utilized social media to educate the public and school personnel.  Detective Jones’ efforts greatly contributed to the reduction of collisions in the areas.  During his career, Detective Jones also served as a local School Resource Officer and Citrus Heights Police Activities League mentor and coach.

Lunches for the honoree and guests are sponsored by local businesses. Many thanks to our Community Resource Officer lunch sponsor Ken Umbach of Umbach Consulting.

Submitted by: Rosa Umbach, Education Committee Chair