How do we build trust in communities where it has been tested for decades? Join David Alvarez for a powerful conversation with retired SDPD Officer Carlos Lacarra, a man who spent 31 years—nearly 23 of them in South San Diego—redefining what it means to protect and serve.

In this episode of Dreaming Big | Working Hard, Carlos shares his journey from being the son of Mexican immigrants to becoming a cornerstone of community relations in San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, and Nestor. We dive deep into the reality of community policing, the impact of traumatic calls on officers, and how simple acts—like food distributions and "Santa" visits—can bridge the gap between law enforcement and residents.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The difference between traditional patrol and Community Relations Officers (CRO).
• How relationship-based policing helps solve crimes and increase community cooperation.
• The role of technology and AI in modern law enforcement.
• What it takes to maintain mental health while dealing with high-stress situations.

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Intro: The fragile nature of community trust.

02:40 – Family Roots: From Tijuana to San Diego.

05:40 – What exactly is a Community Relations Officer?

09:47 – Creating partnerships: The "Get It Done" app & community empowerment.

12:06 – Marquee Events: Food banks and National Night Out.

14:30 – Addressing "Over-policing" vs. community needs.

19:08 – Mental health and coping with traumatic calls.

21:40 – Technology in Policing: Cameras, AI, and the human element.

24:45 – The most touching moment of Carlos’s career (Santa Claus).

27:40 – Challenges at the Border: Illegal transportation and solicitation.

32:10 – The future of the San Diego Police Department.

34:30 – Key takeaways: Why relationship building is a public safety strategy.