Alumnus to Become On-Campus Officer

A Moorpark High School alumnus has been chosen as the school’s new on-campus police officer.

Juan Ponce, a longtime Moorpark resident, has served the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department since 1995. He begins his new assignment Monday.

“It came down to basically two applicants and it was a very tough decision,” Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Nelson said. “Both were highly respected officers and both were bilingual.”

Ponce’s local experience and educational background weighed in his favor, Nelson said. Ponce, 27, has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in public administration, both from Cal Lutheran University.

“With his education, it would be very easy for him to be a guest lecturer in classes on the high school campus in civics and criminal justice,” Nelson said.

As a high school resource officer, Ponce’s duties will include responding to emergencies, assisting teachers and administrators in dealing with problems, and being a guest lecturer. His most important job, Nelson said, is as a role model and on-campus resource for students.

When school is not in session, Ponce will have other law enforcement duties in the city.

Ponce formerly worked in two County Jail facilities and served as a patrol deputy in Moorpark. He also served on the Moorpark police bike detail and as a public information officer.

The city and Moorpark Unified School District split the cost of the campus police position, along with a $10,000 contribution from the Moorpark Rotary Club.

The $74,000 tab for the position includes Ponce’s salary, equipment and training.

The City Council recently approved $18,000 in general fund money to finance the position. The school district contributed $41,000 via federal and state grants. The rest came from money the city budgeted for the position.