February ..... National Heart Month.... I think you might find the "heart healthy" theme running through this issue of Beyond the Badge - you will see articles that highlight our community partnerships, an article on prevention of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, and several articles on volunteerism at work. A healthy heart requires care and attention - the studies tell us that diet, exercise, and stopping or not starting smoking are key in maintaining a healthy heart, as is a lower stress lifestyle.This month, I wanted to introduce a program that we use to ensure our local businesses are not selling tobacco products to underage youth in our community - our tobacco decoy program. 

Several times each year, we use our Explorer Scouts as decoys in undercover operations to attempt tobacco purchases at our local retailers.Understanding that our decoys are typically 14 years old, it is hard to imagine that any retailer would make the sale.... but it happens.With close supervision by officers, our decoys hit about 35 of our local point of sale locations - and I am proud to say that each year our completed sales numbers are getting lower and lower - last year, only 2 stores violated the law and sold to our decoys. 

I am also proud to say that last year; the Santa Clara County Tobacco Coalition gave Public Safety an "A Rating" for our efforts to eliminate the sales of tobacco products to kids under 18 years old!These decoy operations, in combination with our education efforts in the schools, are our first line of defense in ensuring our kids have the best chance for maintaining their own Healthy Hearts. - Look for our decoys at your favorite retailer.... Happy Heart Month.