65C - PARK RANGER OPTIONS - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: JANUARY 20, 2015 TITLE: PARK RANGER /AMBASSADOR PROGRAM POLICY OPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATION FROM CITY MANAGER {STRATEGIC PLAN NO. 1, 1B} ::1z z _ CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDED ACTION CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: APPROVED ❑ As Recommended ❑ As Amended ❑ Ordinance on 1$ Reading ❑ Ordinance on 2ntl Reading ❑ Implementing Resolution ❑ Set Public Hearing For CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER City Manager recommendation of Option A is described below as well as two other options for City Council consideration. OPTIONS: A. Begin the Park Ambassador Program and the Police Department's Park Enforcement Liaison Program. B. Continue the existing armed Park Ranger Program. C. Begin recruitment of new armed Park Rangers, such as retired Sheriff Deputies. DISCUSSION The Park Ranger Program began in 1981 and evolved from Rangers who carried no weapons to Rangers carrying guns beginning in 1991. In the last 10 years, crime in the city including crime in the parks has decreased. At the same time, the need to enhance customer relations with park and recreation users and the ability to immediately report on needed repairs, graffiti removal, and vandalism in the City's park and recreation facilities has increased. Quickly responding to park and recreation customer needs is a key strategy in keeping the park system safe and wholesome for the public. In the last 12 years there were several recruitment efforts to hire retired police officers as part time Park Rangers. Most of the applicants that applied and passed the background and got hired were retired Police Officers from the Santa Ana Police Department. The City currently has five 20 -hour part time Park Rangers that carry guns and report to the Parks and Recreation Agency. Four of the five Rangers are CalPERS retirees. In 2012 the City was put on notice by CaIPERS 65C -1