Q: What's the Purpose of the Sheriff's Castroville Field Office? - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

Q: What's the Purpose of the Monterey County Sheriff's Field Office in Castroville?

A: Our KION Question came from Benn in Castroville.  He asked, "What's the purpose of the Monterey County Sheriff's Field Office on Merritt Street in Castroville?" Benn said, "It's very seldom used."

For the answer, we spoke to Monterey County Sheriff Scott Miller and Dave Crozier, a crime prevention specialist, who works out of the Castroville office.

The office is open to the public 8:00 a.m -5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and anytime a deputy is on location.  There is a substantial amount of walk-in traffic daily that requires crime reports, signing off citations and answering questions.  Sheriff Miller said the office "provides an opportunity for members of the community to contact us during those hours we are present."

According to Crozier, "The public also utilizes the large quantity of literature and brochures regarding crime prevention programs."  Crozier also said his function as a Crime Prevention Specialist is to incorporate crime prevention programs in the community with schools, businesses, community organizations and citizens. 

In addition to deputies taking reports from citizens, they are able to type and print reports and have a finished product (instead of going to Salinas to conduct business).  This keeps the deputies in their beat area longer.  Additionally, the computer access at the office allows them to address business on their county email accounts.   

The Castroville field office also functions as a meeting place to collaborate with other agencies.