Behind the Badge
Following a stabbing in a La Habra neighborhood, Det. Noah Daniels, who is part of the department’s gang unit, was having trouble finding witnesses to step forward and assist in his investigation.
Then he had an idea.
“I’m expecting these people to come out and talk to me … but in reality it’s my responsibility to have them feel comfortable with me,” said Daniels, who’s been at the La Habra Police Department for 5 1/2 years and a detective for the past year and a half. “That’s on me.”
La Habra Det. Noah Daniels accepts the Community Policing Award from Lin Fujitsubo, board member of Orange County Human Relations, and Dr. Jerry Hunter, chancellor emeritus of NOCCCD (North Orange County Community College District), right, during the OC Human Relations Awards 46 Gala at the City National Grove of Anaheim.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
So, along with Det. Mucio Sanchez, the two went door-to-door, handing out English-Spanish fliers, while introducing themselves to community members. The fliers were an invitation for residents to attend an informal meeting later that day. Fifteen people attended that first meeting – and the number has grown to more than 50 over the year since the meetings began.
A video introduction is played of La Habra Det. Noah Daniels.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“These people live here – they are the eyes and ears of their area,” said Daniels, who was honored May 4 by OC Human Relations at its AWARDS 46 Celebration. Held at City National Grove of Anaheim, the function provided an opportunity to formally recognize and award those individuals, groups and businesses making a difference in the county.
Daniels received the Community Policing Award for those initial outreach efforts that also led to regular meetings of community members, police and other city departments – code enforcement and parks and recreation, for example.
La Habra Det. Noah Daniels, center, accepts the Community Policing Award from Lin Fujitsubo, board member for Orange County Human Relations, left, and Dr. Jerry Hunter, chancellor emeritus of NOCCCD (North Orange County Community College District). Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
He said quickly he began to see there were more than just police matters of concern to the residents, which is why he invited other members of the city.
A block party was held, in conjunction with parks and recreation, to further bolster the outreach. Police and city members helped beautify the neighborhood via activities like tree planting during the event. It’s something residents had requested during the community meetings.
La Habra Det. Noah Daniels, left, walks off stage after being presented with the Community Policing Award from Lin Fujitsubo, board member for Orange County Human Relations and Dr. Jerry Hunter, chancellor emeritus of NOCCCD (North Orange County Community College District).
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Though “still a work in progress,” he said, the community outreach is paying off.
“So far I think the response has been really positive,” said Daniels. “I believe that crime has dropped in that area. I believe that resident response to us has become much more positive. People have been more keen to come in and report crimes.”
He’s having residents walk up and talk to him, telling him about their day, and their community.
“That’s awesome,” he said of the increased involvement.
In this file photo, La Habra PD Sgt. Jose Rocha, left, and Officer Noah Daniels talks to Alma Reed of La Habra, her husband Michael Reed, and their three kids, Maya, 3, Miguel, 8, and Diego, 6, at the conclusion of a community gathering for La Habra PD officers.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Now that community involvement is up and meetings are going strong, Daniels indicated that the police department is taking this pilot model and utilizing it in other neighborhoods in the city. The agency wants to be a positive force for change in the community, in addition to crime management, he said.
And while he realizes he got the ball rolling for this outreach program, he calls himself “a very small cog in this.”
“The main credit goes to all the people [involved]that did this,” he said. “They really are the true heroes in this.”
In this file photo, La Habra PD Officer Noah Daniels goes down a water slide to the cheers of the kids.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
