ATHERTON DEPARTMENT OF
POLICE
2023 Annual Report
ci.atherton.ca.us/635/Police-Department | 650-688-6500
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 2023 Annual Report
2023 Annual Report.....................................................................................3 Atherton By the Numbers ..........................................................................3 A Message from the Chief..........................................................................4 Our Vision & Values .....................................................................................6 Department Divisions..................................................................................7 Administration ......................................................................................7 Dispatch/Records .................................................................................7 Investigations........................................................................................7 Property/Evidence................................................................................7 Traffic .....................................................................................................8 Code Enforcement...............................................................................8 Patrol ......................................................................................................8 Communications...........................................................................................9 Residential Alarms............................................................................. 10 Response Times ................................................................................. 10 Traffic........................................................................................................... 11 Traffic Enforcement.......................................................................... 12 2023 Dashboard ........................................................................................ 13 2023 Crime Summary ............................................................................... 13 Property & Evidence ................................................................................. 14 Investigations............................................................................................. 15 Investigative Team ............................................................................ 16 School Resource Officer (SRO)............................................................... 17 School Stats 2023.............................................................................. 17 Code Enforcement .................................................................................... 19 2023 Violations .................................................................................. 20 Canine Team............................................................................................... 22 Training........................................................................................................ 24 Community Engagement......................................................................... 26 Shop With A Cop................................................................................ 28 Coffee With A Cop............................................................................. 30 Bike Safety Rodeo ............................................................................. 31 Conclusion .................................................................................................. 32 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Atherton Police Department 3
ATHERTON BY THE NUMBERS
Incorporated
1923
Land Area
5.0 SQ MILES
2020 Population
7,188
2023 Full-Time
Police Employees
29 4 2023 Annual Report
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
It is with great pride and gratitude that I present
the annual report of the Atherton Department
of Police for the past year. Throughout 2023,
our dedicated officers and staff have worked
tirelessly to uphold our commitment to
community safety, foster trust, and address the
evolving needs of our residents.
Community Engagement
One of our primary goals this year was to
strengthen the bond between law enforcement
and the community we serve. We organized
various community events, town halls, and
outreach programs to engage in open dialogue
with residents. Through these efforts, we
have gained valuable insights, built trust, and
developed collaborative strategies to address
shared concerns.
Crime Prevention
Our proactive approach to crime prevention yielded positive results, with the number of residential burglaries maintained at a level of 20 for 2023. Through targeted initiatives, community patrols, resident volunteer patrols, and partnerships with local organizations, we have successfully mitigated risks and enhanced public safety. We remain committed to addressing emerging challenges and adapting our strategies to ensure the continued well-being of our community.
Training and Professional Development
Investing in the continuous training and professional development of our officers and professional staff is a top priority. This year, we implemented new training programs focused on de-escalation techniques, cultural sensitivity, and emerging technologies. Our officers are Atherton Police Department 5
equipped with the latest tools and knowledge to handle diverse situations while upholding the highest standards of professionalism.
Technology Integration
We continued to embrace cutting-edge technologies to enhance our operational efficiency and response times. The integration of license plate reading cameras, officer body cameras, and our drone program are all tools that better help us each and every day.
Community Safety Initiatives
Collaborating with local schools, and community organizations like the Atherton Disaster and Preparedness Team (ADAPT), we launched several safety initiatives aimed at creating a secure environment for everyone. Whether through educational programs, neighborhood watch groups, or safety seminars, we are dedicated to empowering residents with the knowledge and resources to contribute to a safer community.
Community Partnerships
Our partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, schools, and nonprofits have played a crucial role in our collective efforts to address social issues, promote inclusivity, and foster a sense of unity. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient community.
As we reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the past year, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the residents of Atherton for their unwavering support. Our commitment to serving and protecting this community remains steadfast, and we look forward to building upon our successes in the year ahead.
Chief of Police
Steven D. McCulley
6 2023 Annual Report
OUR VISION & VALUES
Organizational Vision:
We will perpetuate a strong work ethic that
fosters pride in ourselves, in our careers, and
in our Department. We will be a model agency;
integrating the most suitable technology and
proactively providing services. Our values will
be reflected in the decisions we make and the
actions we take.
Additionally, we shall consider our
responsibilities and obligations as a vital
measure for every action within our
Department.
We shall be attentive to the needs of the
community by interacting, listening and
responding to our citizens. We choose to
go the extra mile and take the extra time
to provide special service with a personal
touch for our community. In essence, we
will have a readiness to do without being
asked and to do more than would be asked.
We will treat one another with respect
and dignity, and resolve issues openly in a
timely manner.
We will always give each other the benefit
of the doubt, creating a working climate of
genuine teamwork and conscientious support.
Core Values:
• We will constantly strive to attain
the highest standards of honesty and
integrity.
• We will share ownership, as a team, for
the outstanding service we provide to
the community.
• We will aspire to sustain a trusting work
environment built upon dignity, courtesy
and mutual respect.
• We will always remain accountable to
one another, our Department and our
community for our performance.
• We will appreciate that the origin and
responsibility for leadership rests within
each of us in the organization no matter
what our rank or position.
• We will endeavor to respect and honor
those who have come before us and the
traditions they have established, and to
set an example for those who will follow.
• We will increase and expand our
personal and professional growth
through continued education and
involvement in our community.
“To Serve with Honor, Integrity, and Professionalism.”
Atherton Police Department 7
ADMINISTRATION
The Atherton Police Department is committed
to providing exceptional public safety
services and believes in taking a leadership
role in fostering community partnerships. By
cooperating to identify and solve issues we can
make this great town even greater. This unit
includes the Chief of Police, Police Commander
and the Assistant to the Chief/Training Manager.
DISPATCH / RECORDS
The Police Communication Center is located at
the front of the Town Center and operates 24
hours a day, 365 days a year. Citizens who call
the Police Department talk to a dispatcher who
immediately radios the reported information
to officers in the field, thus enabling a very fast
response time. The Communications Center is
a modern facility utilizing the latest technology
to efficiently and effectively handle complaints
and concerns. Residents with alarm systems
connected to the Police Department have their
alarms monitored in the Center.
INVESTIGATIONS
The Investigation Division is responsible for
investigating cases reported through the Patrol
Division. Some of the crimes investigated include
thefts, home and auto burglaries, identity theft,
crimes against children, and sexual assaults.
PROPERTY / EVIDENCE
Atherton Police Property section collects and
recovers many items of property each week.
Once items are submitted as evidence or booked
into the Property Room, only the property officer
can handle or release items. All property releases
are done by appointment only.
DEPARTMENT DIVISIONS
8 2023 Annual Report
In addition to our police personnel, we
are fortunate to have a drone program.
Drones provide a bird’s eye view of a
situation, allowing law enforcement
to gather valuable information during
investigations, search and rescue missions,
or other emergency situations.
Drones can quickly and efficiently
document crime scenes from above,
helping investigators to reconstruct events
and gather evidence.
Drones can be used to monitor traffic flow
and identify potential traffic violations,
improving overall road safety.
Drones can be deployed in hazardous
situations, such as fires, chemical spills, or
other emergencies, to assess the extent of
the danger without putting officers at risk.
TRAFFIC
The Department has a specialized unit of
motorcycle officers who primarily focus on
reducing traffic collisions and improving the
adherence to traffic laws within the Town of
Atherton. The traffic officers investigate traffic
collisions, educate the public about traffic safety,
and work with the Town staff and Town Engineer
to improve the overall safety of motorists,
bicyclists, and pedestrians who use our roadways.
The traffic officers also attend community
events, deliver presentations on traffic safety to
students at local schools, and assist the patrol
division as needed to reduce and prevent crime.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
In addition to inspection and investigation of
properties and buildings, a code enforcement
officer’s job description includes determining
the nature of environmental or health hazards,
nuisance violations and unsafe building
conditions.
PATROL
The backbone of a police organization, patrol
officers and supervisors handle day-to-day
calls on the radio, attend public meetings,
perform inspections of citizen’s homes for
crime prevention preparedness, handle traffic
collision investigations, write citations for moving
violations and vehicle equipment violations, and
conduct highly visible patrols throughout the
Town. Patrol Officers are always uniformed and
work 7 days a week and 24 hours a day. This is
designed to deter criminal opportunity and leave
our residents with the sense of security they have
come to know and expect in Atherton.
Atherton Police Department 9
COMMUNICATIONS
The Communications Center staff of
our unit are the first friendly faces you
see when you enter the Atherton Police
Department. The staff consists of a
Dispatch Supervisor along with 4 full-time
Dispatchers/Records Assistants.
The unit is responsible for handling
a multitude of tasks and services for
the Department, including all 911 and
non-emergency calls for service, report
processing, telephone calls, citation
processing and fulfilling records requests,
just to name a few.
Listed are the statistics for what is handled in the division and continues to focus on providing a high level of customer service and professionalism to members of the community.
Dispatch/Records 2023 2022
Total Calls for Service 9,937 9,931
Total Number of Cases 590 606
Cases Sent to the D.A. 203 232
Misdemeanor Arrests 193 201
Felony Arrests 36 39
Citations Processed 6,776 5,123
Parking Citations Routed 246 142
Records Checks 90 140
Warrants Entered/Updated 141/45 183/58
CAD Entries 27,609 26,051
Phone Calls Handled 25,412 26,778
Dispatcher Gutierrez is handling a
call for service. Our dispatchers work
12 hour shifts and are the first voice
you will hear when you call us for any
emergency or non-emergency call.
2,804 Total Alarms
Processed
1,474 Total Alarms
Officers Responded
27 New Alarm Permits
CASES
REPORTED
IN 2023
Compared to 2022
1,388 Total Alarms
Processed
1,017 Total Alarms
Officers Responded
12 New Alarm Permits
10 2023 Annual Report
RESIDENTIAL ALARMS
In general, there are three types of Calls for Service from the Police Department. In order of priority: High, Medium, and Low.
High Priority calls are in-progress events where persons or highvalue property are in immediate danger and require a multipleofficer response. This is a lights and siren response to a crime in progress, injury collision, or medical emergency.
Medium Priority calls are in-progress events without an immediate danger to persons or property. Multiple officers may be necessary for these calls. These calls take precedence over all other calls for service and require an immediate police response (non-lights and siren), but the incident may not be in progress.
The most common medium priority calls are burglary, robbery, sexual assault, and residential burglary alarm activations. The latter is the most frequent call in Atherton.
Low Priority calls are other calls for service. This includes events that may no longer be in progress, so immediate response is less urgent. Normally, they require a single officer. Officers may or may not be immediately dispatched to these calls. Low priority calls are dogs off leash at the park, parking violations, construction noise or activity, and follow-up police reports.
Priority Level Number of calls Average Response Time Goal High 59 1:55 <4 minutes
Medium 2,366 4:52 <6 minutes
Low 4,980 6:20 <8 minutes
Response times are calculated from the time the call is dispatched until the time the officer arrives on the scene.
OFFICER RESPONSE TIMES
42 Non-Injury
19 Minor Injury
0 Severe Injury
0 Fatality
61 Total
TRAFFIC COLLISIONS IN 2022
Atherton Police Department 11
TRAFFIC
38 Non-Injury
26 Minor Injury
0 Severe Injury
0 Fatality
64 Total
TRAFFIC COLLISIONS IN 2023
2 Driver at Fault
1 Bicycle at Fault
3 Total
CAR VS. BIKE COLLISIONS IN 2023
Left to Right — Officer Rojas and Officer MacDonald
Meet our Traffic Motor Team (Left to
right)— Officer MacDonald, Sgt. Metzger,
Officer Rojas, Officer Gatto. All assisted
San Francisco with the Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation— (APEC) event in
November 2023.
12 2023 Annual Report
Traffic Citations/Warnings 2023 2022
Other Moving 1,488/1,634 725/1,056
Speed 863/1,672 637/1,354
Bicycle 17/90 4/9
Pedestrian 0/1 13/9
Unlicensed Driver 415/49 258/0
Insurance 1/0 12/17
Suspended Driver 96/0 73/0
Drugs 25/0 24/0
DUI 23/0 47/0
Mechanical 920/785 308/281
Parking 214/50 117/0
Truck Route 24/11 4/9
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT
0 Car vs. Pedestrian
Collisions in 2023
Atherton Police Department 13
Murder — There were no murders in 2023.
Sex Offenses — This category includes the crime of rape. There were two cases reported in 2022 and 0 in 2023.
Robbery — There were zero robberies in 2022 and six in 2023.
Aggravated Assault — There were two aggravated assaults last year. Aggravated assault is similar to simple assault. It is an attempt to cause serious injuries to another person without any regard for human life. Elements that raise any simple assault to an aggravated assault typically include the use of a weapon, the intent of the perpetrator, the degree of injury caused, and the status of the five in 2023. Simple assaults are defined as an intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to another person, coupled with an apparent ability to carry out the threat, and which creates a wellfounded fear in such other person that violence is imminent.
Residential Burglary — There were 20 residential burglaries reported in 2023.
Larceny — Larceny is defined as the wrongful taking of the personal goods of another with the intent to convert them to the taker’s own use. In other words – it’s theft. We had 48 cases in 2022 and 57 cases in 2023.
Motor Vehicle Theft —There was one report of a stolen vehicle in 2022 and two in 2023.
Arson — We had one report in 2022 and zero in 2023.
Cases Reported 2023 2022 Difference
Homicide 0 0 0
Rape 0 2 -2
Robbery 6 0 +6
Aggravated Assault 5 2 +3
Simple Assault 11 9 +2
Burglary 20 16 +4
Larceny 57 48 +9
Stolen Vehicle 2 1 +1
Arson 0 1 -1
Total Violent Crimes 17 4 +13
Total 101 79 +22
2023 APD CRIME DASHBOARD
2023 CRIME SUMMARY
14 2023 Annual Report
Evidence sent to lab analysis
Type of Testing 2023 2022
Toxicology 10 68
Drug Testing 5 11
Firearms 1 8
Fingerprints 6 3
DNA 15 14
Total 37 104
Items managed within the police department
Type of Property 2023 2022
Firearms 30 26
Currency 15 6
Narcotics 52 58
Other—ID, Credit Cards, Weapons, Clothing 537 378
Total 633 536
PROPERTY & EVIDENCE
6 Fingerprints 15 DNA 1 Firearms 5 Drug Testing 10 Toxicology TYPE OF TESTING IN 2023
30 Firearms 15 Currency 52 Narcotics 537 Other
TYPE OF PROPERTY IN 2023
Atherton Police Department 15
62 Total Cases to
Investigations in 2023
The Investigation Division is responsible
for investigating cases reported through
the Patrol Division. Some of the crimes
investigated include thefts, home and
auto burglaries, identity theft, crimes
against children, and sexual assaults. The
goal is to arrest the person(s) responsible
for the alleged crime. In addition, the
Investigations Division works closely with
the San Mateo County District Attorney’s
Office to assist in the prosecution of the
investigated cases.
The Investigations Division is also
responsible for keeping updated on legal issues and disseminating that information to the Patrol Division. Detectives also work closely with the community to ensure they are informed of current crime trends.
INVESTIGATIONS
Investigation Type 2023 2022
Information Only 0 0
Suspended Cases 29 29
Referred—Hillcrest Juvenile DA 2 3
Referred—Outside Agency 5 4
Adult Arrest 4 3
Referred—Adult DA 5 7
Located—Returned 5 1
Cited—Juvenile 0 6
Juvenile Arrest 3 6
Active Cases 9 11
Total Cases to Investigations 62 40
16 2023 Annual Report
INVESTIGATIVE TEAM
Our Investigations Division is made up of Det. Sgt. Jeff Taylor along with Detective Gina Dutta. In 2023, 62 cases were sent up for follow-up.
Atherton Police Department 17
Safety and Security
One of the primary roles of an SRO is to
ensure the safety and security of students,
staff, and visitors within the school premises.
They are trained to respond quickly and
effectively to any potential threats, helping to
create a secure learning environment.
Crime Prevention
SROs play a crucial role in preventing and
addressing criminal activities on school
grounds. Their presence can deter potential
offenders and contribute to maintaining a
safe atmosphere conducive to learning.
Building Positive Relationships
SROs have the opportunity to build positive
relationships with students. By interacting
with them in non-confrontational situations,
they can become trusted figures, making
students more likely to approach them with
concerns or information.
Mentoring and Counseling
SROs often serve as mentors and counselors,
providing guidance and support to students
facing personal or behavioral challenges.
They can help address issues such as bullying,
substance abuse, or other social problems.
Emergency Response
In the unfortunate event of a crisis, such
as a school shooting or other emergencies,
an SRO is trained to respond quickly and
effectively, potentially minimizing harm and
ensuring a coordinated response with other
emergency services.
Community Policing
SROs often engage in community policing
efforts, fostering a sense of community and
collaboration between the police department
and the school. This approach can enhance
communication and trust between law
enforcement and the community they serve.
School Security
Checks (2023)
Community
Outreach (2023)
Traffic
Enforcement (2023)
Cases (2023)
Adelante 300 8 12 3
Encinal 454 35 23 4
Las Lomitas 309 19 11 1
Laurel 138 16 0 2
M-A HS 713 217 2 43
Menlo College 494 8 0 11
Menlo School 139 12 1 2
Sacred Heart 123 13 1 3
Total 2,670 328 50 69
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO)
A School Resource Officer (SRO) is a sworn law enforcement officer responsible for providing security and various services within a school environment.
The presence of an SRO can be important for several reasons:
18 2023 Annual Report
SRO D. Andruha works closely with all 9 schools in Atherton to include school events, activities, and student interactions.
SRO Andruha attends functions at Sacred Heart Prep to stay connected to students and families.
Atherton Police Department 19
CODE ENFORCEMENT
2023 2022
Cases Opened 491 242
Cases Closed/Compliant 384 161
Cases Pending/Active 107 81
Written/Formal Notices Issued 108 58
Total Citations Issued 100 145
Total Amount in Citations Issued $103,600 $171,800
Total Amount in Citations Paid $87,900 $130,400
Citations Rescinded $13,600 $11,100
Heritage Tree Penalties Paid** $28,600 $95,000
Compliance Rate 78.2% 66.5%
Citation Collection Rate 97.6%++ 75.9%
Code Enforcement is one of the many functions that local governments perform, and which citizens consider important for accomplishing community goals. The Municipal Code’s purpose is to protect property values and the environment by providing requirements for all property owners to follow, thereby creating a standard of living that everyone in the community can enjoy.
Our Code Enforcement Officer Lisa-Marie Daley strives to achieve voluntary compliance by educating the public on the codes. Although most issues are resolved through this method, Code Enforcement also employs a variety of enforcement tools to facilitate compliance.
Commonly requested compliance services are as follows:
• Animal Issues (dogs off leash, nuisance barking,
unsanitary conditions, etc.)
• Zoning and Land Use Issues (home occupations,
set-backs, fences, etc.)
• Health and Safety (trash accumulations, debris, pest
and vector issues, etc.)
• Construction Regulations (building permits, start
times, parking, noise, etc.)
• Encroachments (permits, items in right-of-way, etc.)
• Landscape Issues (heritage tree trimming and
damage, maintenance, permits, etc.)
** Amount is included in the total amount of citations issued ++ Total amount of citations paid divided by total citations issued minus citations rescinded Code Enforcement Officer Lisa-Marie Daley.
20 2023 Annual Report
Atherton Municipal Code Violation (AMC) # of Violations Trash Receptacles 202
Heritage Trees 47
Encroachment: Existing Landscaping creating a Hazard 41 Nuisance: Weeds/Vegetation 40
Construction: Vehicle Parking 39
Encroachment 36
Building: Permit Required 35
Construction: Hours 25
Nuisance: Public right-of-way 19
Construction: Weekends/Holidays 18
Signs 15
Construction: Operation and Parking Plan (COP) 15
Exemption Permit Request 14
Nuisance: Private Property 11
Alternate Parking Request 9
Fencing & Walls: Permits Required 8
Accessory Structures 7
Encroachment: Permit Required 7
Animals 6
Construction: Pick-ups & Deliveries 5
Business License Required 4
Zoning 4
AMC Question 3
Encroachment: Landscaping 3
Encroachment: Physical Obstruction 3
Maintenance: Fences & Walls 3
Nuisance: Construction Equipment/Building Supplies 3
Noise Exception: Power Garden Equipment 2
Swimming Pool Fences 2
Arborist Report (Overdue) 1
Home Occupation Permit 1
Noise Exemption: Social Gatherings 1
2023 CODE VIOLATIONS
Atherton Police Department 21
CODE VIOLATIONS BY CATEGORY
Trash Receptacles
31.6%
Construction
19.5%
Encroachment
15.6%
Nuisance
11.4%
Heritage Trees
7.5%
Construction
6.7%
Zonning/H&S/Misc.
5.3%
Signs
2.3%
ACTIVITIES PERFORMED IN 2023
0 4
11 17
31 43
30 129 120
92 37
57 54
85 31
242
27 95 14 20
43 42
106
39 Notice Issued Inspection Completed
300
200
100
0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
22 2023 Annual Report
Officer Romero with K9 Jessie completed
156 hours of training, completed 39 training
events, performed 79 patrol exercises and
was deployed 8 times.
Police canines, also known as K9s, are specially trained dogs used by law enforcement agencies for various tasks. These highly skilled animals play a crucial role in supporting police officers in their duties. Here are some key aspects of police canines:
Officer D. Romero with K9 Jessie.
CANINE TEAM
Tracking: Police dogs are trained to follow the
scent of a person, which is especially useful in
locating missing individuals or suspects.
Narcotics Detection: Some police dogs are
trained to detect the presence of illegal drugs
by sniffing vehicles, luggage, or other areas.
Explosives Detection: Specialized K9 units
are trained to identify explosives or explosive
materials in public spaces, airports, and other
critical locations.
Patrol and Protection: Dogs are used to
assist officers in apprehending suspects,
providing a physical presence, and deterring
criminal activity.
Breeds: German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois,
and Dutch Shepherds are commonly chosen
for police work due to their intelligence,
agility, and strong work ethic.
Training: Police canines undergo rigorous
training to develop specific skills based
on their intended roles. Training includes
obedience, agility, tracking, and scent
detection. Handlers (police officers) work
closely with their K9 partners, forming a
strong bond that enhances communication
and teamwork.
Equipment: Police dogs are equipped with
specialized gear, such as harnesses and
vests, to aid in their work and protect them
in dangerous situations. Vehicles used by
K9 units are often equipped with specialized
compartments for transporting the dogs
safely.
Health and Care: Regular veterinary care is
essential for police canines to ensure they
remain in good health. Proper nutrition,
exercise, and mental stimulation are crucial
for their well-being.
Legal Considerations: The use of police
canines is subject to strict guidelines and
regulations to ensure the ethical and humane
treatment of the animals and to protect the
rights of individuals.
Atherton Police Department 23
Meet our newest K9 Handler Officer Davidovich with
canine Maverick, who is new to police work. Both are
attending the Basic K9 Handler course which is over 300 hours before both can be certified to work together in
a patrol capacity. The cost of a K9 is over $15,000 which includes the initial training and cost of the dog. We are grateful to the generous donor who has funded many of
our dogs, training and ongoing maintenance skills.
Police canines are valuable assets to law enforcement,
providing unique abilities that complement human officers and enhance the overall effectiveness of police operations.
Officer Davidovich and K9 Maverick.
Officer Romero with K9 Jessie.
K9 Maverick. Officer Romero and K9 Jessie heading for a call.
The Police Budget is robust for training and in FY 22-23 we invested over $70,000 to send our personnel to training sessions for a total of 3,010 hours of training. We also received $23,154 in reimbursement from POST.
The Atherton Police Department prides itself in recruiting and hiring the highest caliber of individuals. Providing initial and ongoing training to allow officers and civilian staff to excel is a top priority of our agency allowing the Department to better serve and protect our community. 24 2023 Annual Report
TRAINING UNIT
Firearms training at Coyote Pt. Range
in San Mateo.
Public Safety
Well-trained police officers are better
equipped to protect the public. They learn
how to respond to various situations,
assess threats, and make split-second
decisions to maintain order and safety.
Legal and Ethical Standards
Police training emphasizes the
understanding of legal principles and
ethical standards. This helps officers
navigate complex legal situations, respect
individuals’ rights, and maintain the
public’s trust in law enforcement.
Use of Force
Training is essential to teach officers
appropriate use-of-force techniques and
strategies. This includes de-escalation
tactics, conflict resolution, and nonlethal
methods to minimize the need for force
while ensuring officer and public safety.
Crisis Management
Officers are trained to handle various
crises, including domestic violence, mental
health crises, and terrorism. This training
helps them approach these situations with
the appropriate skills and sensitivity.
Community Relations
Training programs often include
community policing strategies, fostering
positive interactions between police
officers and the communities they serve.
Building trust and understanding helps
prevent conflicts and improves overall
community safety.
Mental Health and Wellness
Policing can be emotionally and mentally
challenging. Training programs often
include components focused on mental
health and wellness to help officers cope
with stress, trauma, and the demands of
their profession.
Teamwork and Communication
Effective communication and
collaboration among law enforcement
officers are vital for successful policing.
Training emphasizes teamwork, clear
communication, and coordination to
enhance the overall effectiveness of
the police force.
Adaptability
Societal and legal landscapes change over
time. Continuous training helps police
officers stay adaptable and responsive to
evolving circumstances, ensuring they can
effectively address new challenges and
maintain public safety.
Overall, comprehensive and ongoing
police training is essential for creating
a professional, accountable, and
community-oriented law enforcement
system that upholds the principles of
justice and public safety.
Police training is crucial for several reasons, as it plays a significant role in ensuring law enforcement agencies operate effectively, ethically, and responsibly. Here are some key reasons why police training is important:
Atherton Police Department 25
26 2023 Annual Report
We are fortunate to have highly engaged community members, police employees and philanthropists to partner with on so many exciting activities in our Town.
National Night Out is an annual community building campaign that promotes police community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
• Atherton Disaster and Preparedness
Team-ADAPT
• Adelante Selby Lane Toy Drive
• Bike Rodeo
• Coffee with a Cop
• Halloween Spooktakular
• Holiday Good Driver Rewards
• National Night Out
• Police Tours
• Resident Volunteer Patrols
• Shop with a Cop
ADAPT runs drills, exercises and monthly meetings for emergency preparedness.
The Tonellis at National Night Out with
Red E Fox who teaches 911 to kids.
Atherton Police Department 27
Pictured Above—Chief McCulley with one of our trick or
treaters. This year’s Halloween event was a grand time
with fun and games at the library along with candy fun at the Police Department
Police Dispatcher Gutierrez helps out the little ones with arts and crafts.
Menlo Park Cub Scout Pack 565. Visiting a police department can be an educational and engaging experience for a scout troop. It provides an opportunity for scouts to learn about law enforcement, community safety, and the role of police officers in society. We offer scout tours to see our facility, meet our staff and see some of our equipment and vehicles. We love our thank you notes!
Sgt. Fong with Pack 419 for a police tour.
2023 Shop with a Cop.
28 2023 Annual Report
This is our sixth year of this program. Each year, three kids from Encinal, Las Lomitas and Laurel School receive $200 to shop for family and friends.
Officer MacDonald with one of our winners
who is interested in riding his police motor.
SHOP WITH A COP 2023
Once we have purchased
the gifts, the children and
Officers head back to the
Target Store breakroom
to wrap each present
to take home to their
families. Thank you Target
Redwood City!
For over a decade, the
Atherton POA and PAL along
with Town residents and the
Menlo Circus Club generously
donates new toys, books and
bicycles to the Adelante Selby
Lane School.
Families are chosen by the
school to pick up toys, meet
our police personnel and have
some refreshments.
Each year donations for new
toys can be dropped off at
the Police Department in
December.
Sgt. Taylor helping to wrap gifts
Atherton Police Department 29
Left to Right — Officer Gatto, Officer Andruha, Officer MacDonald & Sgt. Metzger all pose with kids who enjoyed the shopping toy drive!
SOOOOO many toys to choose from with
smiles ear to ear!
Traffic Officer MacDonald giving out toy store gift cards for good driving habits! Keep up the great work motorists!
During the holidays, Atherton Officers were pulling over motorists who were driving safely while not only thanking them for their good driving habits, but rewarding them
with a gift card to a local toy store as a thank you.
30 2023 Annual Report
Left to Right — Officer Yamsuan, Sgt. Fong & Commander Larsen with local residents and owner Mademoiselle Colette.
COFFEE WITH A COP
Mademoiselle Colette hosted our 2023
Coffee With A Cop—our new café next to
the Atherton Library.
Atherton Police Department 31
BIKE SAFETY RODEO
The Atherton Police Department held its annual Bike Rodeo on September 30, 2023 at Menlo-Atherton High School.
The Atherton Bike Rodeo emphasized
the importance of bike safety, featuring a
dedicated safety zone where participants
learned bicycle safety tips and guidelines.
32 2023 Annual Report
CONCLUSION
The annual report for the Atherton Police Department serves as a comprehensive overview of the department’s activities, achievements, challenges, and initiatives over the past year. As we conclude this report, it is evident that our commitment to ensuring public safety and fostering community trust remains unwavering.
Throughout the year, the police department has demonstrated dedication to proactive crime prevention, effective law enforcement, and community engagement. Our officers have worked tirelessly to address emerging issues, respond to incidents promptly, and collaborate with the community to enhance overall safety.
The police department remains dedicated to transparency and accountability. We value the trust placed in us by the community and recognize the importance of open communication.
In conclusion, this annual report serves as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of the police department. As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission of protecting and serving the Atherton community, embracing innovation, and fostering partnerships that contribute to a safer and more secure environment for all.
Atherton Police Department
2023 ANNUAL REPORT
ci.atherton.ca.us/635/Police-Department | 650-688-6500