Behind the Badge
The Westminster Police Department launched a bicycle patrol unit tasked with policing Little Saigon, an area officials say presents a unique challenge for law enforcement.
The eight-person patrol is designed to keenly navigate the enclave that is home to a rich Vietnamese culture and many residents with a significant language barrier.
“They need a specific type of policing that we know how to do,” said Sgt. Cameron Knauerhaze. “We are constantly trying to cultivate a productive, effective and accountable method of communicating with the Vietnamese community.”
Despite some challenges, Westminster police officers focus on building relationships with the community, and keeping crime down.
“Crime statistics are rather low,” Knauerhaze said. “Over the past two years, they’ve continued to drop due to the heavy policing effort.”
