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Salas, Diana <br />From: Nathaniel Greensides <mynci90@gmaii.com> <br />Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2020 11:08 PM <br />To: eComment; Villegas, Juan <br />Subject: Public Comment for Agenda Item No. 25C <br />I am Nathaniel Greensides and I oppose item 25C of May 19 City Council agenda. <br />Costing the City approximately $37,000 per month (which happens to be approximately the same amount it <br />costs to attend a UC for one year), helicopter policing services does not improve the quality of life for residents. <br />To the contrary, Helicopter policing causes disruption and criminalization of the lowest income portions of the <br />City. The use of police helicopters does not reduce crime either - the 'crimes" occur irrespective of helicopters <br />flying overhead. The noise, disruption, and criminalization (not to mention the fear) caused to neighborhoods <br />and residents by the use of helicopters are detriments far outweighing any purported benefits of using helicopter <br />policing. <br />Exhibit A of the staff report offers that "Due to the inherent unknown nature in the need for airborne law <br />enforcement service, SHERIFF will adjust daily service levels to coincide with the above table". This one <br />sentence alone offers two things: 1. we have no idea if we will need helicopters for law enforcement, and 2. the <br />SHERIFF will still be receiving the money anyway. I urge the city council to prioritize funding initiatives which <br />allow for better economic opportunities for residents instead of increasing police spending which further <br />criminalizes our city and communities. <br />Best regards, <br />Nathaniel Greensides <br />Ward 5 Resident <br />