The City of Poway announced that Captain Jeff Duckworth has been assigned to lead the San Diego Sheriff’s Poway Station. Duckworth previously worked in Poway in 2013 as the station’s lieutenant.
“Captain Duckworth knows Poway and we know Jeff,” said City Manager Tina White. “It’s a great match. His enthusiasm and regard for the community are notable, and he is highly responsive. Captain Duckworth also understands Poway’s priorities centering around quality of life.”
Captain Duckworth began his career with the Sheriff’s department in 1986. During his 31-year tenure he has gained valuable experience through assignments in the Sheriff’s Detentions, Courts, Human Resources and Law Enforcement bureaus.
He has worked as a patrol deputy, K-9 handler and detective. He has been a part of specialized investigations focused on major drug cartels, money laundering, violent crime, gang and outlaw motorcycle clubs. He has supervised court security, patrol, detectives and was an internal affairs investigator.
In 2013, Captain Duckworth served as lieutenant at the Poway Sheriff’s station during his first assignment as a manager. His management assignments have since included unit commander for Child Abuse, Elder Abuse, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Cyber Crimes, Juvenile, Internal Affairs and Criminal Intelligence.
Q&A with the Captain
What interested you in the opportunity to become Captain of the Poway Sheriff’s station?
I served as the Poway Station Lieutenant in 2013. I enjoyed working with and serving the community then, so when the opportunity opened to serve here again I was very honored to be selected.
You’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of departments and locations with the Sheriff’s department. What one or two assignments have had the biggest impact on how you view law enforcement and why?
All of my assignments have affected how I view law enforcement. Over the years, I learned about the challenges that face law enforcement officers. My biggest source of satisfaction in my career is working with dedicated professionals in varied assignments.
That said, it is easy to pick one assignment that had the most profound impact for me. That assignment was as the commander of the child abuse unit. The challenges for child abuse detectives are tenfold compared to other assignments. As I observed the dedication of those investigators with whom I worked, I gained a higher level of respect for the dedication and tenacity of those investigators.
Poway was recently named one of the safest cities in America (and continues to be the safest city in San Diego County and among the safest in the state). How does this distinction make providing law enforcement easier (or harder)?
My mission is to preserve this distinction. I view effective law enforcement as a partnership between the community, community leadership, this office and other allied agencies. Working with the great community members in Poway, the Sheriff's Department will continue to provide the best quality public safety services for this city.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
When not on the job, I like to spend time with family and friends.