Building Strength and Trust, Reducing Crime - Sergeant Roberto Morales
- Aug 27
- 4 min read
This month, we are proud to spotlight the leadership of Sergeant Roberto Morales, whose service shows the dedication he has to our community.
Sgt. Morales recently led a Women’s Self-Defense class at the DSAL Fitness Arena for residents of Ashland and Cherryland - a powerful example of how law enforcement can empower our citizens, and strengthen our communities safety at its roots.
In the following interview, Sgt. Morales details how when law enforcement, residents, and local partners work together, we move closer to our shared vision of healthier, safer, and more resilient neighborhoods.
"Investing in our community is a vital component in fostering stronger, more trusting relationships between law enforcement and the public we serve. This is especially crucial when engaging with our most sensitive and vulnerable populations, such as the youth.
"By actively investing time, resources, and personnel into community programs, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations, law enforcement demonstrates a commitment that goes beyond traditional policing. This approach shifts the focus from reactive enforcement to proactive engagement by creating opportunities to build rapport, identify community needs early, and develop collaborative solutions.
"When officers are visible in non-enforcement roles in mentoring youth, participating in neighborhood clean-up events, or collaborating with social service providers, trust begins to grow. These positive, everyday interactions help to humanize the badge and break down the barriers that often exist between law enforcement and historically underserved or marginalized communities.
"When the community sees law enforcement as a true partner rather than an outside force, they are more likely to cooperate in investigations, share information, and engage in joint problem-solving. This collaborative dynamic is essential for long-term crime reduction and the overall health of the community.
"When I was a young deputy, I volunteered as a boxing coach with the DSAL Boxing Program. That experience gave me a firsthand understanding of how deeply investing in our youth and our communities can change lives, not just for the individual, but for their entire family.
"One particular story has stayed with me over the years. I responded to a patrol call involving a juvenile who was beginning to spiral by acting out at home, skipping school, and getting involved in risky behavior. It was clear he was headed in the wrong direction. After speaking with his parents, and with their permission, I brought him to the DSAL boxing gym.
"Alongside Coach Manny, we didn’t just teach him how to throw punches. We taught him why it was important to control them. We focused on discipline, accountability, respect, and emotional control. He learned to manage his anger in a healthy way and discovered a sense of self-worth that he hadn’t experienced before.
"The impact was real and measurable. Over time, his behavior at home improved. He began respecting boundaries, following rules, and most importantly, he started to believe in himself. His school performance improved as well—which showed in his grades, and his attitude changed. The young man who once seemed lost found purpose, structure, and positive role models to look up to.
"I honestly believe that this early intervention helped steer him away from potential criminal behavior. It was a reminder that youth sports programs like DSAL aren't just recreational, they are transformational. They provide an alternative to the streets, a community of support, and the kind of structure that some of these kids are desperate for.
"This experience solidified for me that law enforcement’s role in the community must extend beyond enforcement. It must include mentorship, intervention, and connection. Programs like this bridge the gap and build the trust needed to truly serve and protect.
"Consistent access to programs like those offered by DSAL is truly life changing. Not only for individual youth, but for the broader community as a whole.
"When young people are given safe spaces to grow, positive role models to learn from, and structured programs that promote discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence, it sets them on a path toward success.
"For many of the youth we engage with, programs like DSAL may be the first time they experience consistent mentorship, stability, or a sense of belonging.
"On an individual level, these programs help prevent negative behaviors before they start. They reduce the likelihood of involvement in criminal activity by providing healthy outlets for emotions, promoting accountability, and reinforcing positive values. We've seen firsthand how a young person, when given the right tools and support system, can turn their life around—improving in school, building stronger family relationships, and setting meaningful goals for their future.
"But the impact doesn't stop with the individual. Over time, the ripple effect of these programs is felt throughout the community. Youth who once may have contributed to neighborhood crime or disorder become leaders and role models. Families become more stable. Schools become more engaged. And law enforcement is able to focus more on building relationships rather than reacting to crises.
"From a public safety perspective, consistent access to programs like DSAL leads to fewer calls for service, reduced juvenile crime rates, and stronger community trust in law enforcement. It shifts the dynamic from enforcement to prevention and that shift has long-term benefits that statistics often don’t fully capture.
"The future is here. It is now - and that’s what excites me most about the partnership between ACSO and DSAL. We are not talking about plans that are years away, we are actively building something powerful right now.
"The momentum we have created through this collaboration is already changing lives, and the potential to expand that impact - to reach even more people, especially those who have historically felt disconnected or underserved—is what truly inspires me.
"As ACSO and DSAL continue to align our efforts, we are breaking down traditional barriers between law enforcement and the community. We are not just showing up after something goes wrong, we are showing up before, to be a part of the solution.
"Together as a team, we are improving the quality of life, enhancing public trust, and promoting the health and safety of the communities we serve. That is not just exciting, it is transformational!
"Programs and non-profits like DSAL play a vital role in supporting the health, safety, and overall well-being of our community. It is essential that initiatives like these continue—not only to uplift individuals, but to strengthen society as a whole and create lasting, positive change in people’s lives.
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