New Cop at Los Gatos Library?

The Los Gatos Library and the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department have hired a part-time community resource officer who will be working at the new facility during peak hours.


Stephanie Massoud could be seen this week greeting busy teenagers and parents on the second floor of the library, 100 Villa Ave.

According to police and library officials, Massoud will help provide safety and security in the vibrant library and offer outreach services to the community for the police department.

What kinds of problems have there been at the library to warrant Massoud's hire at a cost of $30,000 a year?

According to town government officials, while the majority of library patrons are respectful and follow rules, some don't, either knowingly or unknowingly.

They cite a number of incidents such as vandalism and graffiti on library furniture and fixtures, unruly or intimidating patrons who don't respond to requests to observe the rules and youth riding skateboards and scooters on library and Pageant Grounds structures or climbing over walls and up window louvers.

"Both the Library and the Police Department have seen clear benefit from the creation of this position, even in these first few weeks," said Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Chief Scott Seaman.

"We modeled the program after a similar position in Mountain View and expect that Ms. Massoud will be very effective as a resource to youth and in creating a peaceful, healthy environment for youth to study and learn," Chief Seaman added. 

Massoud is a senior at San Jose State University studying psychology and justice studies. In 2010, she graduated from the South Bay Regional Public Safety Consortium Law Enforcement Explorer Academy with an award for top academic achievement.

She has worked with the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Explorers since 2010. She speaks fluent German.

Massoud will enforce the library's behavior policies, making rounds, both inside and outside the library, assisting staff when problems arise and contacting the police department if needed.

Massoud will also offer police information and resources such as crime prevention tips and bullying prevention as well.

Massoud doesn't carry a weapon and will not be making arrests, but has direct radio contact with the police department for back-up.