News Flash

Born and Raised, featuring Corporal Naim Figueroa

BORN & RAISED The strong work ethic instilled by his parents helped him overcome several obstacles on his journey to becoming a police officer.   

Meet Corporal Naim Figueroa, a 13-plus-year veteran of our department. With tw...

WPD Pink Patch Project continues to support local families

We did it!  

We are happy to announce that the Watsonville Police Pink Patch Project raised more than $19,000 during this year’s campaign, bringing our total to nearly $109,000 since 2017.   

The money will be used to he...

Fake parking warning notices found

Over the holiday weekend, we were made aware of fake parking warning notices placed on cars on Clifford Avenue.  

It’s important to note that our Parking Enforcement Officers do not issue the green notice seen on the top right of this ph...

Local businesses cited for selling alcohol to minors

The Watsonville Police Department, along with agents of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), have cited four clerks for selling alcohol to minors on 11/17/2023. The actions were the result of a Minor Decoy operation in which mino...

Protecting yourself from porch pirates this holiday season

They strike every year, so do what you can to not become a victim of porch pirates!   

Here are some tips to help secure your packages from thieves this holiday season:  

• Schedule the delivery for when you’ll be home&...

Safety travel tips for Thanksgiving

The holidays are approaching along with travel rush!

More than 55.4 million people are expected to travel for Thanksgiving. This is 2.3% increase than last year and marks the third-highest since 2000, according to AAA. Most travelers will drive to their de...

Honoring Watsonville Police Officer Kraig Kliewer

Some of our officers gathered to say their final goodbyes this past weekend at our beloved brother Kraig Kliewer’s memorial service in Nevada. Our officers who were on-duty, the day of his service, wore a unique memorial pin on their uniforms in his honor...

WPD awarded grant from the Office of Traffic Safety to improve safety on Watsonville roads

The Watsonville Police Department was awarded $128,410.00 in grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). The funding will support our ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths...

Rain safety tips

Rain is coming our way!   

We would like to remind residents to be extra careful while driving and to be safe this rainy season.   

Here are some tips to keep in mind before you hit the road:  

? Slow down, the ro...

Agua con la Chota program continues to thrive

A program involving law enforcement and local farmworkers continues to break barriers and build strong relationships.    

Our Agua con la Chota, or “Water with a Cop” outreach program, established in 2017, provides loc...

WPD acquires new technology to help combat crime

The Watsonville Police Department is the latest agency in the region to acquire a highly advanced tool to help officers combat crime and keep the community safe.   

Nearly two dozen automated license plate reading cameras were recently in...

Officer Uribe represents WPD at Police Officers Memorial Run

Watsonville Police Officer Armando Uribe proudly represented our department during the 2023 Police Officers Memorial Run in Modesto.   

Armando completed a half marathon in full police gear in 2 hours, 58 minutes, and 49 seconds. &nbs...

WPD unveils “Copsicle” Cart

It’s more than just a sweet treat- our Copsicle Cart is helping us connect and build positive relationships with our residents!   

Our custom-made and fully licensed popsicle cart made its debut at the Santa Cruz County Fair in ...

Nearly $10,000 raised during annual Watsonville PAL Golf Tournament

We are incredibly grateful for all the support we received for our 13th Annual Watsonville Police Activities League Golf Tournament!  

Thank you to the players, sponsors, staff, and volunteers for their contributions on and off the greens. &nb...

Sgt. Ridgway graduates from Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute

Join us in congratulating Sergeant Michael Ridgway on his latest accomplishment and commitment to his professional growth.  

Earlier this month, Michael graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, an eight-month-long, nearly...

Officer Kliewer retires after nearly 30 years of service to Watsonville community

We’d like to congratulate Officer Kraig Kliewer on his well-deserved retirement!  

Throughout his 29-plus years of service, Kraig exemplified what it truly means to be a guardian of the community.  

He joined the Watsonville Poli...

WPD Officers take part in annual Active Shooter Training

Watsonville Police Officers came together with law enforcement agencies, fire departments, dispatchers, and medical staff from across the Central Coast to train to properly respond to critical incidents such as an active shooter with mass casualties.&...

2023 Watsonville Police Youth Academy Sponsors

The Watsonville Police Youth Academy is set to start first thing Monday morning!  

The weeklong summer program allows local teens to gain insights into the work of law enforcement, the various roles and responsibilities of police officers, and a d...

WPD to establish Chief Advisory Board as part of ongoing efforts to connect with community

Our commitment to better connect with our community continues!  

We are currently in the process of establishing a Chief's Advisory Board to bring together a diverse group of community members who can provide advice to our organization and help ou...

Watsonville Police helps raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics

Participating in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run is always an honor!  

On Thursday morning, Watsonville Police officers, cadets, and professional staff helped raise awareness and funds for athletes with special needs.  

They...

County and 9-1-1 launch improved alert and warning system

The County of Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 have launched CruzAware, an innovative and comprehensive community alert and warning system designed to keep residents informed and safe.   

CruzAware represents a significant upgrade...

Gustavo Zamora promoted to Police Sergeant

Moving on up and taking the next big step in his career!   

Congratulations to our very own Gustavo Zamora, who was recently promoted to Sergeant.    

“I’m excited to see Gustavo succeed in this new ro...

New engagement tool to help bridge gap between WPD and residents

Charla con la Chota program helps WPD connect with residents & organizations