New Community Services officer ready for the task
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

BILL SPARKES/ Acorn Newspapers WELCOME ABOARD- Moorpark Police Community Services Officer Senior Dep. Bob Berger says his primary function is the Community-Oriented Policing and Problem Solving program. Local police officers endeavor to work in partnership with their communities to lower crime and resolve issues because, as Berger says, "One officer can't do it all."

The new Community Services Officer for Moorpark is already hard at work on new policing programs that will improve public safety in the city.

"I'm striving to work toward resolutions to problems that exist in our community and prevent additional issues from arising," said Senior Dep. Robert Berger.

He replaces Senior Dep. Ed Tumbelson, who transferred to Thousand Oaks last month.

Berger, whose responsibilities include overseeing the Community-Oriented Policing and Problem Solving program, brings energy to every job assignment, said Moorpark Police Chief Jeff Matson.

"The community officer position requires someone who is organized, has a strong understanding of community-oriented policing and is people-oriented. Bob has these qualities and will do an excellent job for the city of Moorpark and the Moorpark Police Department," Matson said.

Berger will also oversee the Neighborhood Watch program and manage police volunteers.

"I am very committed to the community I work in and treat my community as if it were my own hometown," said Berger, who believes in the oldfashioned police concept that officers should get out of the patrol car so they can be "in touch" with their beat.

Since walking is not practical in Moorpark, Berger is putting together a bike team to patrol the downtown area in the summer. The team may be dispatched to other areas from time to time.

Because it enables officers to connect with residents, Berger said, "the bike is an awesome tool."

A bicycle presence also curbs crime because the two-wheelers can navigate through small streets, sidewalks and neighborhoods easily and quickly. Narcotics and graffiti arrests increase because officers can approach people without being heard, the senior deputy said.

Berger, 43, has been with the Ventura County Sheriff's Department for 18 years. He served as a jail training officer and has mentored young deputies throughout his career. As a trained Emergency Medical Technician, Berger also taught first aid and CPR to department personnel.

When he was assigned to work on patrol in Camarillo, Berger continued to train and mentor others. He served as a law enforcement Explorer advisor for the Boy Scouts of America. He also spent time as tactical officer at the Explorer Academy, teaching community youth about law enforcement, leadership and teamwork.

When Berger was transferred to Fillmore, he formed a bike patrol team that eliminated much of the graffiti and drug problems in the downtown area.

Berger has also worked closely with the fire department as the Arson Task Force Liaison and has been involved with many search and rescue operations.

He transferred to the Moorpark station in 2004 and patrolled the unincorporated areas of the city until his recent assignment to work for the city of Moorpark.

Berger is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where he received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

He lives on a 10acre avocado ranch in Fillmore with his wife, Amy, and their two daughters, Katie Leora, 5, and 3weekold Lauren Grace.

Although he's busy with work, family and managing a ranch, Berger is also studying to earn an MBA.