The men and women of the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department are closing out a significant year in terms of improvement in our critical service plan. After years of climbing statistics in the area of violent crime, we were able to effectively implement a new effort to reduce violent crime and restore quality of life in the diverse communities we serve.

The new effort included deployment of a High Impact Team of uniformed deputies working in close conjunction with the Gang Suppression Unit. The combination of enhanced uniformed presence, readily deployed to various parts of the county has created a comforting presence to those who comply with the law, while discouraging lawlessness from those who would otherwise be so inclined. The sharing of intelligence data between the two teams working together serves as a force multiplier and has clearly contributed to significant improvements in nearly all categories of crime.

Unfortunately, on Wednesday December 19, 2007, a brave and enthusiastic young detective assigned to the Gang Unit paid the ultimate sacrifice when he pursued an armed gang member through a residential neighborhood in south Sacramento. The detective, Vu Nguyen was shot and mortally wounded by the 16 year old gang member. Sheriff’s Deputies, and officers from other law enforcement agencies in the region, quickly took control of the neighborhood and developed the intelligence necessary to identify the suspect and bring him to justice.

Detective Nguyen served his community in the highest tradition of the Sheriff’s Department, and will be remembered as a hero who added to the quality of life and safety in this community.

The Sheriff’s Department is absolutely committed to fulfilling the continued effort to create a better life for all in Sacramento County. It is our pleasure to serve you.

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