The Santa Cruz (CA) Police Department posted an image to Facebook of a handwritten note it received from an individual that agency had previously arrested for undisclosed crimes.

"I am writing this letter to make amends to the officers on patrol in the downtown region of Santa Cruz, California," the letter begins. "I am not here to admit to any crimes I've committed but simply want to apologize for making your jobs harder."

The letter described how the writer was homeless and "living a life of destruction and failure" and in almost constant fear.

"I know now the impact you've made on my life," the note says. "Every time I was in fear, you weren't far. I now realize how much I appreciate that. I can imagine your job can be very heavy. May God bless you and stay blessed."

The writer says they are now in treatment and planning to leave the coastal California town in search of a new life.

The letter ends, "Thank you for your service and protecting our beautiful town."