Officer Carlos Ourique has been selected as the Vernon Police Officer of the Year for 2016. Carlos was recommended for this award by his peers, supervisors, and ultimately by the award selection committee.

Carlos initially started his career with Vernon PD in 2008 as a Community Service Officer and did very well in this position. Unfortunately, in 2011 he accepted a Police Officer position with LAPD due to a Citywide hiring freeze. However, in 2015 when Carlos learned Vernon PD was recruiting once again, he jumped on the opportunity and came back home to Vernon.

Since his return, Carlos has been a great asset to the police department. He is well respected by his peers and has a reputation as a very proactive patrol officer and investigator. He is by far a leader and productive with regards to field activity and the number of arrests for the past two years.

Carlos is a true professional and cares about the organization and people he represents day-in and day-out. His level of professionalism, work ethic, and integrity clearly embodies the Department core values. He knows how to adjust his approach and not just tactfully, but when speaking with victims, suspects, distraught people, or whatever the situation may be. These skills have served him well in both comforting victims and obtaining confessions from suspects.

Over the past two years Carlos has clearly demonstrated his leadership skills by always being available when needed. He never complains about a task or assignment and is eager to take on new responsibilities such as his involvement with the Homeless Outreach Program. In addition, he is a person that can be counted on to participate in special traffic operations to address traffic issue concerns.

During this period Carlos received an award for his efforts in combating auto theft in the Vernon community. He also received a life-saving award for his actions in providing immediate medical aid to a victim who suffered cardiac arrest.

It is truly an honor and pleasure to name Officer Carlos Ourique as the Vernon Police Officer of the Year for 2016!