Familia de la Costa Central cae víctima de secuestradores virtuales

Una familia de la Costa Central vivió una verdadera pesadilla vacacionando en México y ahora esa familia está compartiendo su historia para evitar que otros caigan víctimas de una extorción que va en aumento.

Se trata de un secuestro virtual y el FBI conti...

Central Coast family falls victim to virtual kidnappers

A vacation in Mexico turned into a living nightmare for a Central Coast family and now that family is sharing their story to keep others from becoming victims of an extortion that’s on the rise.

It’s called a virtual kidnapping and the FBI continues to war...

WPD Officers now equipped with body-worn cameras

The Watsonville Police Department has officially rolled out its body-worn camera program with about 95% of uniformed personnel trained.

All officers on patrol are equipped with Axon body-worn cameras.

“If an officer comes to see you for a call for...

WPD receives additional state funding to tackle underage drinking

The Watsonville Police Department is receiving additional state funding to help keep alcohol out of the hands of minors.

This is the second consecutive year the WPD receives a state grant from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

The ABC awar...

Oficiales aumentan esfuerzos educativos y de divulgación para vendedores ambulantes

El propósito de esta nota es informar/educar a todo tipo de vendedor ambulante sobre los diferentes permisos que están requeridos tener. De ninguna forma estamos tratando de perjudicar/acosar a estos comerciantes. Más bien...

WPD increasing educational & outreach efforts for street vendors

Many Watsonville residents are expressing their growing concerns over street vendors operating illegally within the city.

While receiving numerous complaints, we realized that many of these merchants (door-to-door sales representatives, food truck vendors,...

WPD to ramp up patrol for 100 dangerous days of summer

Watsonville residents will soon see more officers patrolling the streets. The department will be ramping up its patrol for the start of California’s 100 dangerous days of summer on roadways between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends.

During this...

WPD officer reunites with toddler who suffered medical emergency

They meet face-to-face for a second time. Watsonville Police Corporal Noé Rocha first met 2-year-old Benjamin and his mother Joyce after a big scare in February.   

“While on patrol, we heard fire and AMR responding to a house for a repor...

City of Watsonville & Watsonville Police rollout safety campaign

The City of Watsonville and the Watsonville Police Department have joined forces to launch a campaign designed to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists across the city.

The first focus area is the Main Street corridor, which is one of the bu...

WPD’s youth diversion program gaining statewide attention

It’s a program aimed at giving teens a second chance while providing the resources and guidance needed to keep them out of trouble.

Watsonville Police Department’s  Youth Diversion Program Caminos Hacia el Éxito is g...

WPD launches online tools aimed to help residents & improve safety

The Watsonville Police Department has launched two online tools that provide residents with the latest information of what’s happening in the city and direct access to a crime reporting system.

WPD is the only agency in Santa Cruz County and one of the ver...

Red Curb Parking Enforcement

Red curb painting has been installed adjacent to fire hydrants, curb ramps, and crosswalks in congested areas throughout the City to improve public safety. Please be advised that curbs painted in red indicate no stopping, standing or parking under any cir...

Nixle Registration

Message from Watsonville Police Chief

Dear Community of Watsonville,

Several weeks ago I attended the Community Immigration Forum held at the Watsonville High School to help address concerns and calm fears surrounding the recent presidential elections. With the upcoming Presidential Inaugurati...