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Monterey Police Department
351 Madison Street
Monterey, CA 93940

Records: 831-646-3830

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Community Policing Award

Eric Stidham

Public Education Officer Eric Stidham stands out as a member of the Department who embodies our community policing initiative and philosophy.  Eric is one of the officers responsible for Community Policing Area 17 in North Monterey.  He diligently works to promote and advance the purpose of the initiative, which is community outreach and education, information sharing, collaboration on issues affecting our citizen's quality of life, and the development of lasting relationships with community members.  These elements play an intricate part in the pursuit of our mission, which is to provide excellent police services, while working in unison with the community to make our City as safe as it can possibly be.

Over the past year, Eric has successfully completed numerous Community Policing projects that benefited not only his area, but also the City of Monterey as a whole.  For example, Eric worked on a situation where a mentally ill man was constantly calling 911 for assistance, each time requiring a response by our officers.  Eric brought together the appropriate community resources and the man was ultimately placed in a more appropriate housing situation, where his psychological and medical needs were better met. 

Eric also worked with residents on English Avenue who believed there was a methamphetamine lab in the garage of one of the neighborhood homes.  As it turned out, the operation was instead a glass blowing business.  Eric took the steps necessary to ensure that the City of Monterey Code Enforcement Officer and Building Inspector took appropriate action, as the operation was not permitted in a residentially zoned neighborhood, nor was it safe.

Eric is always eager to assist other officers with any type of project, particularly those related to Community Policing. He routinely helps out with research, coordinating meetings, providing crime prevention information, and by providing expert advice based on his Crime Prevention through Environmental Design training.

Eric's community outreach and involvement extend way beyond his Community Policing area.  It includes his leadership in coordinating the Department's Community Academy and participation in the Crime Prevention Officers' Association and its regular events, such as the Christmas Toy Drive.  He also participates in the annual Buzz the Fuzz event, which is dedicated to helping find a cure for cancer, and National Night Out, which promotes community involvement with police agencies, in the quest to create safer communities.

We are pleased to recognize and honor Officer Eric Stidham with the Department's Community Policing Award.