Ventura Police Community Outreach Specialist recognized at state and international level

Ashley Bautista selected by the International Association of Police Chiefs for the 40 Under 40 Award.

Ashley Bautista has been recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the California Peace Officers’ Association for her community outreach efforts with the Ventura Police Department. Ashley is a Senior Community Outreach Specialist with the department. She is also the

police liaison for the Ventura Police Community Foundation spearheading fundraising efforts for police equipment and community crime prevention programs. In June 2019, she took on an additional role as the Acting Communications Manager for the City of Ventura.

In August, she was selected by the International Association of Police Chiefs for the 40 Under 40 Award. The award recognizes 40 law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 from around the world who demonstrate leadership and exemplify commitment to their profession. The award will be presented in Chicago in October. In August, she was the recipient of the California Peace Officers’ Association’s (CPOA) Inaugural 12 under 12 Award. She was selected for Region VII which covers San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. The award recognizes 12 individuals from the 12 CPOA regions with 12 or less years of service who represent the future of the law enforcement profession.

“In a time where the national narrative of policing in America is challenged, new and innovative approaches to bring together communities and law enforcement are as important as they have ever been. Ashley Bautista has transformed this narrative in our community,” said Police Chief Ken Corney.

Ashley joined the Ventura Police Department in July 2014. She previously served as an Associate at Paladin Principal, LLC a regional public affairs firm. She represented the Gold Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the World Affairs Council Central Coast Chapter as the Executive Director of both organizations. She also assisted in crisis communication for a variety of government, nonprofit and business clients during her time with Paladin.

“As the owner of Cole Pro Media, one of the leading firms across the country in helping law

enforcement tell their own stories using social media, there is no better partner than Ashley in this

process. She gets it, she cares, and she’s the real deal. She gives her life every day to the community of Ventura and to this great profession that protects all of us 365 days a year,” said Laura Cole, Cole Pro Media President. Since her time with the Police Department she has increased the following on social media to over 80,000 followers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Nextdoor combined. Her innovative social media campaigns have been featured on the national level. She provides presentations to community groups and high school groups on crime prevention, traffic safety and cyber safety. She also hosts the police department’s annual citizen’s academy providing an opportunity for residents to learn about police operations. She has become a resource for governmental agencies in providing community outreach strategies. She is passionate in her efforts to create a strong sense of connectivity between the police department and the community.

“I appreciate Ashley’s hard work, dedication, passion and responsiveness. She is a significant part of the

heart, compassion and devotion of our police force,” said Ventura community member Lori Steinhauer.

She was awarded the Ventura Police Support Crime Fighter of the Year in December 2016. She was nominated for employee of the year for the City of Ventura in January 2017 and January 2019. She was selected for the cover of the Ventana magazine as a “Woman of Substance” in March 2016. She has also been recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times, a tri-county central coast publication, as the “Top 50 Women in Business”, “Top 40 under 40” and “Who’s Who in Civic Leadership”. She holds a bachelor’s degree of Political Science from the University of San Diego a minor in Media Studies and her master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from California Lutheran University. She is also a graduate of the 2019 Ventura County Leadership Academy. The academy brings leaders together from various professions to address complex issues county-wide.

“I have put my heart into what I do because I am motivated to make Ventura a better place for my four sons. I am motivated to prevent crime; motivated to help apprehend suspects, who continue to victimize the most vulnerable; and motivated to change the negative perceptions about police officers. The men and women who serve our community are remarkable people and it’s an honor to be their advocate. Building the bridge between the police and the community has been an incredible

experience,” said Community Outreach Specialist Bautista.

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