SAN JOSE – A driver suspected of being drunk struck two San Jose Police Department community service officers, killing one and seriously injuring one other.
Officers were struck by a vehicle Saturday evening while conducting a traffic stop on Monterey Road resulting from one other, unrelated automobile accident.
The driver was arrested. He is suspected of driving drunk. The other officer continues to be in hospital with serious injuries.
“Our entire police family is heartbroken over this line of duty death and our hearts go out to his family, friends and teammates as we all deal with this painful incident,” San Jose police said in a press release. “We are also praying for our other CSO who suffered serious injuries in the traffic accident and is still hospitalized. May she recover quickly.”
Deputy Police Chief Paul Joseph is anticipated to supply further information on the incident and the investigation at a press conference on Monday.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan issued a press release Sunday afternoon saying:
“Our city mourns the tragic loss of one of our Community Service Officers and the serious injuries sustained by another CSO in the line of duty. Every day, our officers put themselves in harm's way to fulfill their solemn oath to protect and serve us – they are true heroes. My prayers are with these two CSOs, their families, and our entire police department at this devastating moment, and I assure you that this selfish, reckless act will not go unpunished.”
The San Jose Police Department created the position of Community Service Officer in 2014. These officers, generally known as “CSOs,” typically assist cops by responding to lower-priority calls, freeing up officers for higher-priority calls.
Typically, community service officers write tickets, tow abandoned vehicles and investigate cases similar to burglary, vandalism, non-injury traffic accidents, crowd control and traffic control. They attend an eight-week academy (versus a 30-week academy for cops) where they learn report writing, evidence gathering, first aid and other skills.
According to the San Jose Police Department website, there are roughly 72 community service positions available on the San Jose Police Department.
CSOs work day by day of the week. Those on the day shift work from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Those on the rotating shift work from 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Originally published:
image credit : www.mercurynews.com