After a thorough and rigorous background check, along with the psychological and physical screening that is mandated by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), the Yuba Community College District has chosen Law Enforcement veteran John Osbourn as their new Chief of Police. Chief Osbourn was the local candidate that beat out candidates that were recruited both statewide and nationally.
Officially hired on August 8, 2011, Chief Osbourn came from the Marysville Police Department after 14 years where he had began his career in law enforcement as a patrol officer. Being a dedicated law enforcement officer, Chief Osbourn made his way up the ranks and experienced many different jobs within the department. These include: Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Narcotics Agent, Police Sergeant, Administrative Sergeant, and his last position as one of only two Division Commanders. Chief Osbourne was also a Crisis Negotiator and Tactical Officer of the Twin Cities SWAT Team; a position that is added additionally to the primary law enforcement position. Just becoming a member of the Twin Cities SWAT Team involves a rigorous and demanding selection process which includes: a physical agility test, the successful completion of the FBI’s basic SWAT course, an oral interview, ongoing peer and supervisory review of job performance, and finally an appointment by the city’s Chief of Police.
Our new Chief has an understanding of what it is like to attend a community college having received his Associate of Science Degree in Administration of Justice from the College of the Redwoods and graduating from its Police Academy. He has also attended additional classes at the Marysville campus, giving the Chief an idea of what the campus was like before applying for the position.
Outside of law enforcement Mr. Osbourn is a member of the Exchange Club of Marysville where he has been its past president. According to the National Exchange Club website it describes itself is a national organization that promotes Americanism or national pride, supports youth programs and community service, and has a national project for the prevention of child abuse. Mr. Osbourn is also a husband and father of three that stays busy working on his family’s little ranch in the Yuba-Sutter area.
When discussing what Chief Osbourn would like to see changed and what plans he has for our campus, the Y.C.C.D.’s dwindling budget was mentioned and what the Police Department can still accomplish on that budget. The emergency phone system is one of the examples that the Chief used, explaining that by just looking at what phones we have now and where they are currently located may seem like a little thing now but if someone needs that phone in an emergency and it is much more accessible, the safety on campus goes up. This is only a small part of what the new Chief is looking into. He is looking at both the good and the bad when it comes to safety throughout the Y.C.C.D. but also looking at what is the best way to accomplish those goals without going over budget. Chief Osbourn seems very confident in accomplishing those goals with safety being one the most important aspects of his changes throughout the District.
After not having a Chief of Police for a year, the experience that Chief Osbourn can bring will be a great asset to the Y.C.C.D and the safety of its many different campuses in the region.
I have been attending Yuba College for since Fall of 2010 and have been on the The Prospector staff for two semesters. As a Political science major, I am interested in every aspect of politics, especially how our society responds to politics and politics to society.
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