Negative publicity and, some would say, biased media coverage of police departments across the country, impacts how they are perceived by the communities in which they serve. In the age of Facebook, YouTube, and other social media platforms, there seems to be no shortage of stories depicting police officers in a negative light. But there are thousands of additional stories out there reflecting police in a positive manner which never see the light of day.

The interactions I’ve had with my local police department in Temecula, California have been limited. I’ve never had any type of emergency where I felt the need to dial 911. This is a good thing! I have however, called the non-emergency number to report suspicious activity from time to time. In these non-emergency situations, I’ve been treated efficiently and respectfully by the responding officer whether it be a member of the Temecula Police Department or the Riverside Sheriffs Department, which contracts with the city of Temecula.

As a documentary photographer, I’m used to focusing my camera on global social issues impacting third world countries. After being inundated by the negative media coverage regarding police departments across the country, I wanted to put my hometown police department in front of the camera for a couple of weeks and try to show the citizens of this community a small slice of the work that is done by these men and women that wear the Temecula Police Department and/or the Riverside County Sheriff Department uniform each day.

The police have a difficult job keeping the city of Temecula within the ranks of Americas safest cities. They deserve appreciation for this. These pictures were captured during a series of ride-alongs, walk-alongs, and a day in the field with the P.O.P team.