CORRESPONDENCE - 19J - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

In coverage by CBS Los Angeles in February of 20168, Chief Rojas is quoted saying, brazen individuals are assaulting police officers and members of our community. Chief Rojas also says he "believes the police and community can come together to take back the streets." Clearly, by the chief's own admission, he's lost control of the streets. In another article by the Orange County Register Chief Rojas is quoted saying "it's been a violent start to the year, I haven't seen this level of violence in recent times." In regard to total number of police officers, the author of the memo surreptitiously hides the truth. Yes, the city has increased the number of sworn positions by 44 officers since 2012, but the truth is we have fewer officers in 2016 than in 20128 (see chart below). However we are being told that the city has increased staffing levels by 13% and 44 officers. For the first time in a generation, officers are leaving Santa Ana for other cities and officers eligible to retire are leaving as soon as they qualify. Since 2013, eighteen (18) officers are now working at other police departments and more are in the process and or considering leaving for other agencies°. Actual Number of Sworn Officers 2012 as Compared to 2016 (Comparing August 20th, 2012 to August 20th 2016) * ....... ...... .. ....... ...... . .... _..... .... .... 309 SSS :.___..._..._ ...-._..........._..............._.._..__..__....__....._......._.,... 310 ..__ 4 - I 305 {..__ __._._.... .. .........._. .._. _.................._...., ___.___.___._____...._...................__.._ 300 ._. ........_........ .. 0 2012 295 —.:—_._._..____.....__................_. ....._......__.._._.......^�('� ... ............._.........__ Y 2016 272 i290 j._........— ._......------ ... _. I 285 4 .._ _...._........ 280 +__........___......----.._.-'-- .__..... Sworn Offlrerz * Sworn Officers count includes all sworn personnel below the rank of Lieutenant, however it should be noted we actually have less sworn management as well. The Department currently has 5.5%less officers then it had in 2012 even with the large volume of hiring as reported by the City Manager and the Chief of Police. Patrol staffing has been a grave area of concern to our membership and plays a vital role to officer safety and the ability to provide the quality service the families and business community of Santa Ana deserve. According to the Santa Ana Police Department's scheduling system and minimum staffing limits8 (see schedule printed below), in May of 2016 on a dayshift nine (9) police officers were scheduled which was eight (8) less than minimum staffing recommendations. Page 4 of 5