Today my kids got the surprise of their lives when two police cars showed up to thank them for writing a letter of appreciation to the Lake Elsinore Police Department (Riverside County Sheriff's Department.)

Deputies Cisneros and Pasco allowed them to get into the police car and even turn on the lights. They brought out K9 Kobus and let them pet him. I didn't even know people could touch a police dog!!!

Contrary to some of the negative reviews, I have lived in this city for almost 10 years and have always had positive interactions with them. Every time I've called the police, I always get a respectful and prompt response - whether calling about suspected people doing drugs in front of our house, people loitering by our property, gunshots, loud parties, being involved in altercations, or when we called 911 for a medical emergency. I have been stopped by them as well and was treated politely and fairly, since I knew I was at fault.

The police department here is also active in the community, visiting local school fairs, street festivals, parades, community organizations, and sports events. Some may read this and incorrectly assume there are privileged demographics here, but our community is not wealthy, nor is it majority Caucasian. We are a lower middle-class area and we have problems with drugs and homelessness, as well as a mix of diverse populations and some high-poverty areas.

Without an effective and well-trained police force, this neighborhood has the potential to decline quickly. That is why I am so happy to live in a community with a proactive and comptent police department. They really improve the quality of life here, and help make our neighborhood safe.