Officer John Wilkey is 30 years old, was raised onthe Ridge and graduated from Ridgeview High School in 1999.  After high school he enlisted in the United States Army where he served 9 years, which included a tour in Iraq during "Operation Iraqi Freedom".  Officer Wilkey separated from active duty and entered the Butte College Police Academy in 2008.  Officer Wilkey successfully completed the academy, then applied in his hometown of Paradise and was hired later that year.  Since becoming a police officer, Officer Wilkey has volunteered for several additional assignments which include being appointed as one of the Department's Gang Officer,s Field Training Officers, and most recently was assigned as one of two department Canine Handlers.

On September 21, 2011 Officer Wilkey picked up the newest member of the Paradise Police Department, Cash, an 18-month old German Sheppard who arrived in the United States the evening prior from the Netherlands.  Officer Wilkey and Cash are scheduled to begin a rigorous 5-week basic course, which will train them to work closely and safely together.

Officer Wilkey is honored to serve the Town and looks forward to spending many years with Cash, meeting Paradise residents and business persons providing an increased sense of safety and security.

Detective Unit 

The Detective Unit investigates major felony crimes and is comprised of one Sergeant, three officers and one community service officer.  The Detective Unit particpates and contributes to the local narcotic task force (BINTF),the Butte County Anti-Gang Enforcement Team (BCAGE)  An officer is assigned exclusively to BINTF and  an officer is assigned as the School Resource Officer at the high school. A Community Service Officer is assigned to the middle and elementary schools.  During 2010 the Detective unit worked and solved a variety of complex cases.    

School Resource Officer

The Paradise Police Department, along with the Paradise Unified School District, receives federal funds through a grant in order to provide a full-time School Resource Officer at Paradise High School and a full-time Community Resource Officer at the intermediate and elementary schools. The grant focuses on increasing academic motivation and achievement; and for reducing school violence, drug use and delinquency.

The purpose of the School Resource Officer program is to be a liaison among the staff, students and parents, promoting healthy and orderly educational environment.

BINTF 

The Paradise Police Department is a member of th Butte Interagency Nrcotic Task Force and assigns one police officer to the task force.  BINTF agents, as well as patrol officers, continue to work to lessen the impact of drugs in Paradise.  Aside from BINTF cases, a large number of narcotic arrests resulted from the effective investigation of officers while performing ordinary patrol duties.

Gang Officers

The department continues a pro-active program to identify and track gang members and their activity within theTown.  During 2010 the department saw an increase in gang related contacts and as a result, has documented 177 gang members/assoiates in Paradise.  The department works closely with other law enforcement agencies to address this trend. 

 COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDS 

Public Safety Dispatch and Records personnel continue to efficiently and effectively receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for service along with dispatching police and fire units safely to those who need help.  The Communications Unit staff maintains continuous telephone and radio dispatching while coordinating all Police, Fire and Medical responses within the Town.   During the year, this department answers approximately 165,595 phone calls, including over 12,809 9-1-1 calls.   

The Public Safety Dispatchers for the Town of Paradise perform an integral part in the day-to-day Public Safety operations in the Town of Paradise. 

The Public Safety Dispatchers are hired and professionally trained according to stringent California Standards.  They are on-duty answering your calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  The Commnications Center is staffed on all holidays and weekends.  

The Records Unit is staffed by two part-time records clerks and is reponsible for all aspects of document control.   

The Paradise Police Department would like to remind the public when

calling 9-1-1 to be prepared to tell the 9-1-1 dispatcher......

• The location of the emergency (address, street intersection, landmarks etc.)
• Your phone/cell number and name
• What the emergency is and what type of assistance is needed

Remember.....

• Stay calm and speak clearly!
• Do not hang up until the 9-1-1 dispatcher has obtained all of the information that is needed
• When calling from a cell phone, your call may be disconnected if the signal is lost.  Be sure to call back if you are cut off as the dispatcher may be busy and unable to immediately call back.

Emergency 9-1-1

Non-Emergency, 24-hour 530-872-6241

 CHAPLAINS 

A police department chaplain is a highly specialized position, requiring individuals who are trained and dedicated.  Paradise like many police agencies has a chaplain program.  The chaplains are recognized, ordained ministers, who care for the emotional and spiritual well-being of our staff, their families and members of the public who desire their services.  Chaplains are called out to critical incidents and crime scenes such as homicides, suicides and serious traffic accidents to assist and counsel involved police personnel and citizens with trauma of such events. 

  If you suspect criminal activity in Paradise,
call the Paradise Police Department TipLine  

 895-7611

Your call can be kept confidential

Paradise Police Officer's Association - http://paradisepoa.com/index.html         Job Opportunities