The Brown Field Station Community Relations Unit is committed to promoting a positive relationship with area residents, community groups, local businesses and law enforcement agencies. We utilize the concepts of community policing, community relations and professional liaisons to accomplish the Border Patrol's mission and improve its positive impact on the community. We receive and evaluate feedback in order to address all issues concerning the residents, businesses and law enforcement concerns within the Brown Field Station area of operations. We also work with school administrators in order to help with existing programs and implement new presentations.

Education is the primary goal of the Brown Field Community Relations Unit. We accomplish this by setting up displays at community events, such as Chula Vista Harbor Days, Bonitafest, Chula Vista Orange Crate Derby, Poway Days, and Adam's Avenue Street Fair, to name a few. We also participate in local parades and races. The Community Relations Unit utilizes the Border Patrol Canine Unit to give anti-drug presentations. Other specialized units, such as the All Terrain Vehicle Unit, the Horse Patrol Unit, the Mountain Bike Unit, and the San Diego Sector Helicopters are also available for displays and demonstrations. We give border tours to the principals and teachers that we deal with on a routine basis. These tours have been a huge success and contributed greatly to understanding the Border Patrol and its functions. Additional ways we lend support to the community are by participating in Shop-With-A-Cop, assisting Mothers Against Drunk Drivers with their Victim Impact Panels and MADD Mobile, and volunteering for various community improvement projects, such as Hands On San Diego and Adopt-A-Highway.

A large portion of our audience is children. We believe a positive introduction of the Border Patrol to children can curtail many of the negative stereotypes and misunderstandings about the Border Patrol, as well as about law enforcement in general. We strive to build lasting relationships with the children. At local elementary schools, we participate in the Rolling Reader programs, conduct after school homework labs, and oversee after school sports programs. We are also available to help chaperone field trips or any other event where additional adults are needed.

The direction of the Community Relations Unit is guided by feedback from the people with whom we work. Any comments or questions for the unit can be directed to (619) 661-3140 ext. 174. Please contact us if you have an event or a school that you would like us to visit. Though logistics prohibit giving tours to individuals, we are looking at giving additional border tours to groups and organizations in the community.

For information about other San Diego Sector Community Activities, please check our Community Activities page.