When the police officer pulled you over and handed you a citation for a burned-out taillight or turn signal, missing front license plate, tinted windows or other vehicle equipment violation, the officer should have informed you that if you corrected the problem, you could avoid a court visit or costly fine by having any law enforcement officer sign off on the repair and pay just a $10 administrative fee by mail.
You’ve made the repair, but now you can’t find an officer to “fix” the ticket. What can you do?
The easiest thing to do is to stop by one of the San Diego Police Department’s (SDPD) convenient storefront offices, explained Billie Crow, who volunteers at the Pacific Beach Storefront, located at 4439 Olney St. at Balboa Ave., through the Volunteers in Policing (VIP) program.
Crow, one of the first three civilians hired as an SDPD dispatcher, served 45 years with the department and began volunteering at the storefront after her retirement.
“Most people think (the city) closed all the storefronts, but we’re still open. It would save people a lot of time if they knew we’re there,” Crow said.
Trained VIPs can approve repairs and sign off on infractions or “fix it” tickets, such as equipment violations, but not on parking tickets.
The Pacific Beach Storefront, like the Peninsula Storefront at 3750 Sports Arena Blvd., Suite 3, and the Balboa Park Storefront at 1549 El Prado, is staffed by volunteers Monday through Friday. Hours vary according to location and volunteers’ availability. Crow recommends calling ahead to check office hours. A complete list of police storefronts is available on the SDPD Web site.
Storefront volunteers also provide local public service information and problem solving assistance, explained Lt. Marvin Shaw, administrative officer for SDPD’s Northern Division, which includes Pacific Beach and La Jolla.
Among the topics VIPs routinely field are queries about neighborhood watch programs, noise and house parties, crime reports and statistics, “stranger danger” and wanted suspects.
“The storefront is in the community to address quality of life issues,” Shaw said.
The VIPs can connect residents with community liaison officers, who are familiar with local problems and issues. One is assigned to Pacific Beach and La Jolla. These officers provide continuity between the community and the police department.”‚
Community liaison officers and the storefronts are critical components in the SDPD’s community policing strategy, designed to enhance safety and improve communications between residents and the police department.
“The key thing to remember is that the city and the police department benefit from this direct relationship. Any information from residents is unfiltered and goes directly to the captain, the commanding officer of the division,” Shaw said.
For a list of neighborhood police storefronts and other community resources, visit the SDPD website at www.sandiego.gov/police.
For the PB Storefront, call (858) 581-9920; the Peninsula Storefront, (619) 531-1540; and the Balboa Park Storefront (619) 685-8206.