Lodi conference calls
Hundreds of law enforcement volunteers gather
Approximately 561 law enforcement volunteers from across California and even Nevada gathered at Hutchins Street Square in Lodi on Tuesday for the 19th Annual Law Enforcement Volunteers of California (LEVOC) Conference.
“The biggest thing is the amount of people who give their time and efforts in their communities to make them a safe place to live,” Lodi Police Chief Tod Patterson said. “They come to see our community, see our city and go back to their communities with the experiences they get here. We appreciate them for everything they do for us and for giving a great amount of service to departments around the region.”
After a welcome speech by Patterson and a presentation by keynote speaker Erik Upson, chief of the Benicia Police Department, the volunteers attended seminars on topics such as the changing laws surrounding medicinal and recreational cannabis, street crimes and more.
Sandy Simmons, a volunteer with the Lodi Police Department’s Partners Program, particularly enjoyed the presentation on elder fraud and senior scams.
“It was really interesting, learning about the different types of scams they try to pull on us older people,” Simmons said.
Cpl. Manuel Ramirez of the Mareda County Sheriff ’s Department said he enjoyed the camaraderie between the different agencies gathered in Lodi.
“Just being able to network and share ideas,” Ramirez said.
Eugene Baxter, a senior volunteer with the California Highway Patrol, Newhall Office, said he learned a lot from the “Below 100,” a program taught by Sacramento CHP Officer Michael Mitchell as a way to reduce preventable deaths of on-duty officers.
“It’s honoring the fallen officers in training the living,” Baxter said.
Mitchell, who has taught the program for the past six years, said the primary causes of death the course tries to prevent include speeding, not wearing seat belts, being struck by vehicles and distracted driving by citizens as well as officers and volunteers.
“It’s just trying to encourage safe behavior,” Mitchell said. “I usually teach this class to officers, this is the first time I’ve done it with volunteers.”