INDIAN WELLS POLICE DEPARTMENT

Indian Wells is a city in the Coachella Valley that’s located between Palm Desert and La Quinta. Every year, it plays host to the famous Indian Wells Masters (also known as the BNP Paribas Open), one of nine tournaments in the Masters 1000 operated by the Association of Tennis Professionals.

The event is held in the 16,100-seat stadium of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden – which could seat the entire town of 5,000 residents!

The Indian Wells Police Department takes care of its residents with Community-Oriented Policing.  This is a problem solving style of law enforcement that involves being in a partnership with communities, government agencies, citizen groups and individuals to fight crime and improve the quality of life for Indian Wells locals.

Officers are assigned to a specific geographical area on a permanent basis, and they partner with citizens to identify and solve problems. To do this, the city of Indian Wells contracts with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for its services.  Their department is staffed by twelve sworn officers and five Community Service Officers.

Five of these deputy positions are for the patrol division, with the remaining deputies taking on other assignments within the Traffic Division and the Special Enforcement Team. The police contract also contains several non-sworn personnel positions that assist with the station’s daily operation and field services. The Indian Wells police are active 24/7 and they also have two full-time motorcycle enforcement officers and two full-time Special Enforcement Team officers.

The IWPD Patrol Division handles initial investigations of thefts, burglaries, robberies, assaults, and all other felony, misdemeanor and public service calls. All patrol officers are further supported by sworn supervision, investigators, and administration.

The Motorcycle Enforcement Officers perform several different functions. In addition to enforcing traffic laws they investigate major traffic collisions – even those that involve vehicular manslaughter and homicide. They also create traffic plans for all major events held in the city.

In order to maximize efficiency, this division uses a Crossroads Database System that rapidly displays statistical data compiled from citation and traffic collision reports.  Using this information allows deputies to create a picture of specific areas, including time of day and day of the week, so they can pinpoint where the most accidents are occurring.

The Special Enforcement Team, which consists of one Sergeant and six deputies, serves as an adjunct to the Patrol Division with an emphasis on additional patrol services. They investigate burglaries, thefts, and other localized crimes, as well.

This team gives patrol officers the freedom to remain in the field and available for service calls. The Special Enforcement Team also conducts security for Indian Wells civic and community events, like the LG Skins Game golf tournament and Desert Town Hall–Indian Wells lecture series.

AVOID THE THIRTY

The 30 local law enforcement agencies of Riverside County have joined together to promote this message: If you drink or take drugs and drive, you will be arrested for driving under the influence.  They call this program:  “Avoid the 30” and they hope to make an impact on impaired drivers via enforcement, education, and media support.