2016-09-06 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Councilmember Benavides, noted that City Council received communication from the Police Officers Association (POA) that challenges the data presented by the City; noted that City statistics relied on FBI statistics that have been validated. City Manager Cavazos, thanked POA, highlighted quality service by our police staff; acknowledged that City in need of additional officers in addition to improvement to technology to improve response times; number of shootings not captured, only number of homicides (as validated by the FBI); City has lower crime rate in comparison to Long Beach and Anaheim. Councilmember Martinez, opined that residents do not feel safe; perception is important; need to make public safety a top priority for all employees; roads need to be safe for bicyclist and pedestrians alike; need to review traffic speeds at main arterials; thanked staff for applying for grant funding, but need enforcement and education programs; response times need to improve; request consideration to reinstate the Vice Unit. City Manager Cavazos, indicated that number of officers is relative, active recruitment efforts ongoing. Councilmember Martinez, would like to have transparent information on the City's website such as Open Data Platform. Mayor Pro Tern Sarmiento, agreed that trends may indicate reduced crimes, but perception does not coincide with statistics; need to make the Police Department whole and address the deficiencies; opined that we are not able to make true comparisons with other cities; police calls need to be a priority; need more officers; request that the Public Safety Council Committee review data including hiring efforts. Mayor Pulido, requested more recent information than 2009 statistics than was presented on page 6 and 7; asked for the number of homicides in 2016 (Police Chief Rojas indicated it is 18 thus far); requested 2014 and 2015 FBI data; agreed that Propositions 46 and 47 are impacting crime; asked for clarification of response times; asked what is the estimated increase of violent crimes; concerned that number of officers assigned to gang and patrol units have been reduced. Police Chief Rojas, indicated that 310 officers on payroll, project net 30 by the end of the year; highest number of officers was 379. Mayor Pulido, asked City Manager for budget comparisons; request that Public Safety Committee consider budget surplus funding; suggested that surplus funds be appropriated to the Police Department. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 15 SEPTEMBER 6, 2016