FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: April 25, 2017 

MEDIA CONTACT: Spencer Critchley
CONTACT TITLE: Acting PIO
EMAIL: [email protected] 
PHONE: (831) 998-3000
2016 Civilian Employees of the Year:
Betty Wilder and Jesse Gilpas

Salinas, CA -- Chief Adele Fres� today announced the Salinas Police Department's employees of the year. The chief issued the following statement:

Salinas Police Department is proud to announce Betty Wilder and Jesse Gilpas as Employees of the year for 2016. This amazing duo constitutes the full time component of our Evidence and Property unit within the Department. Together they are responsible for the processing, organizing, safekeeping, and lest we forget, purging of evidence that comes in each day. Last we checked, it was over 50,000 items to keep track of.

They have a plethora of experience between them. Betty has been with the Salinas Police Department for 34 years, 16 of them as the Senior Evidence Technician. Betty truly loves and appreciates her job which she does with a great attitude. She never hesitates to stay over to keep up with the workload. She is first to help if needed no matter where the request is coming from. She greets each person, a fellow employee or a member of the public, with a smile, even on days that are never ending.

Jesse has been with Salinas Police Department for 31 years, 22 of them as an Evidence Technician. His experience has made him adept at identifying the various types of evidence submitted, which at times can be challenging. Jesse speaks with members of the public frequently who request to have their property returned to them. Often they are frustrated at the time it takes for property to be returned. Jesse remains professional and courteous at all times.

Working closely with other internal units as well as with outside agencies is key to this unit. The District Attorney's office releases evidence or requests to view evidence as does our City Legal Department. Consistently we hear Betty and Jesse have a great rapport with everyone. Phrases used to describe Betty and Jesse are: "welcoming and helpful," "always going above and beyond," "positive attitudes," "professional and hardworking," and "their positive attitudes really help stressful situations."

 
Many civilians do not realize that when you hear about a case on the news, the impact to support staff like Betty and Jesse is grand. Every case has evidence and each item must be cataloged, tagged, and stored. When that case is adjudicated, then it must be purged. It can be overwhelming, depending on the case or the day, especially when you don't have sufficient staff and are challenged with facility or storage issues.   

Betty and Jesse have a great attitude, are helpful, and have jovial personalities that make them a pleasure to work with and to have as part of our SPD team. They are completely deserving of this award. Thank you both for all that you do!

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Salinas Police Department
222 Lincoln Ave.
Salinas, CA 93901
www.salinaspd.com
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