Poway no longer in command of 4S Ranch sheriff’s substation
By Elizabeth Marie Himchak
A San Diego County Sheriff’s Department reorganization means the 4S Ranch substation now falls under the Encinitas, not Poway, command.
Reorganization occurred on July 26, but officials said residents will not experience any changes in their law enforcement protection and services.
Poway, which had the 4S Ranch substation as part of its command since the latter opened in late 2007 — along with the Ramona substation — is now responsible for the rural areas. Lt. Jeffrey Duckworth said these include the Campo, Julian, Pine Valley and Ranchita/Warner Springs substations plus Borrego Springs and Boulevard/Jacumba offices. Ramona substation also remains under its command.
Encinitas is adding 4S Ranch to the communities it serves, including Del Mar, Fairbanks Ranch, Solana Beach and Rancho Santa Fe.
“There will be no changes (in protection of 4S Ranch),” said Capt. Robert Haley from the Encinitas station. “Residents’ services will not be cut. There will be the same amount of deputies, detectives and staff, but now two crime prevention specialists who work as a team.”
He called Henry Tirado and Jackie Stockholm — who will handle Neighborhood Watch and other responsibilities overseen by Poway Crime Prevention Specialist Darlene Duncan — “very active and proactive.”
Haley said the reorganization is a “pretty seamless transition.”
The captain with 28 years of law enforcement experience, including the last 13 with the sheriff’s department, said he has a community-oriented policing background and his philosophy favors being pro-active to deter crime.
He said vehicle break-ins are the most prevalent problem in 4S Ranch because criminals tend to go to “nice areas.” Haley added the crimes of opportunity are usually not committed by one’s neighbors, but outsiders looking for vehicles in which owners left belongings visible.
While a date has yet to be set, Haley said he plans to meet with residents at the coffee events he holds in the communities within his command every two or three months, alternating between morning and evening events to accommodate residents’ schedules.
Through the coffees and other opportunities to meet with the public, Haley said officials learn what is of most concern to those locals. While law enforcement may think one issue is utmost, residents might be worried about something else.
Haley said at least one 4S Ranch resident expressed concern that service would be negatively affected due to the distance to the Encinitas station versus Poway, but he said that will not be the case since there is a sergeant, patrol sergeant, detective and eight patrol officers (the latter assigned two per shift) dedicated to 4S Ranch, just as in the past.
Those who would like to reach him or the crime prevention specialists can send an email to ken.culver@sdsheriff.org, stop by the substation at 10282 Rancho Bernardo Road (it is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays) or call 858-521-5200.
As for Poway increasing its command area, Duckworth said there will be no changes at the station because the department has a contract with the city for staffing levels. In Poway there are 17 patrol deputies, eight traffic deputies plus two motorcycle officers, four detectives, two community resource officers, four specialized officers, two school resource officers, six sergeants, a lieutenant, captain, a crime prevention specialist and four professional staff members.
Duckworth said right now commercial burglaries in the business park are the biggest concern in Poway, though he also wants to remind people not to leave purses and laptops in their vehicles. He said some auto thefts occurred recently.
Haley and Duckworth said, as always, if there is an incident requiring additional support that will be provided by other sheriff’s stations or San Diego police.
