Our Community-Oriented and Problem Solving (COPPS) unit is a team of officers who solve countless issues in our neighborhoods. Here's what this week looked like:

First, the COPPS unit partnered with our very own Youth and Family Services to provide rehabilitation services to four troubled teens in the community. Three probation searches occurred, and as a result, outreach workers and COPPS officers counseled the teens on healthy alternatives.

The unit then did what they call "knock and talks" at two residences that neighbors had complained about for parking issues and people coming in and out of the residences at all hours of the day and night.

After resolving that case, the unit did an undercover operation at an apartment illegally set up as a brothel. One pimp was arrested, along with two sex workers, who were also given counseling. 

Later, the unit headed over to Delaine Eastin Elementary to educate children about gun safety and the proper use of 9-1-1. Finally, the unit spent the afternoon at the Masonic Home with the elderly for a "Coffee with Cops" event.

And then... just kidding. No really, all in a typical week’s work, right? That’s why we love them. Thank you for keeping our neighborhoods safe, COPPS Unit!

It makes us feel warm and fuzzy to get compliments about the work we do, just as we did when the Project Manager for Pulte Homes told us, “I have been in construction longer than I care to admit… that being said I can’t remember working with a better inspection department than yours. It has been a pleasure working with all of you and I will look forward to working with you again should Pulte find more projects in Union City." 

All the props go to our inspection department: Chief Building Official Kevin Reese and Building Inspectors Valerie Avendano and Darryl Riddle. The three of them have been working for Union City for over 60 years combined!

Thank you Kevin, Valerie, and Darryl for working so well with builders to create new housing in Union City!

Last week, UCPD received a call about a suicide in a local home. They responded immediately and found the body of a deceased 19-year-old woman, along with her mother, who was distressed to the point of possibly needing hospitalization. The officers quickly turned to Youth and Family Services (YFS) for help.  YFS provided the mother and her friend with emotional support for several hours, which included notification to relatives, friends and other necessary contacts including the coroner’s office. 

Their job wasn’t done at that point.  Since the mother had expressed thoughts of ending her own life, YFS established a support network for her that included her friend, a co-worker and a few of her daughter’s friends. YFS coached them on ways to provide ongoing care for the distraught mother. If you or someone you know is suffering through a crisis, call Youth and Family Services at (510) 675-5817. 

In March, Union City's Hoopahs basketball team competed at the Special Olympics Regional Basketball Tournament. Our local team has three teams that compete in different divisions, and at the regional competition, one team won the Bronze Medal while the other two teams both brought home Gold Medals for their divisions!

Congratulations to the program's athletes and coaches on another outstanding season!