Consent Item 3h
STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: May 19, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Matthew A. Eberhardt, Interim Chief of Police
THROUGH: Amy Nilsen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Police Department Monthly Report for April 2025 STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report as an informational item.
Patrol Statistics:
During the month of March 2025, the Fortuna Police handled 1,305 calls for service. 49 arrests were made including 15 felony arrests and 34 misdemeanor arrests. A total of 59 citations were issued for traffic offenses or other miscellaneous violations. Crime statistics and information on calls for service are available at forpd.crimegraphics.com.
Staffing:
• Recruitment Update: A lateral retired annuitant reserve law enforcement officer with local area experience is progressing through the pre-employment background investigation process.
• Academy Training: Two Police Officer Trainees are currently enrolled at the College of the Redwoods Police Academy, with an expected graduation in July. • Staffing and Recruitment: The department currently has three vacant sworn officer positions and is actively recruiting to fill these roles. • Operational Impact: Due to the Police Officer Trainees still in training and the existing vacancies, sworn patrol officers are currently operating with five fewer personnel than full staffing levels.
• Field Training Program: Officer Humphrey successfully completed the Filed Training Program on April 3, 2025.
Training:
• Sergeant Charlton completed the 8 month Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBLI) on April 26, 2025.
• Public Safety Dispatcher Johnson completed the 4 week POST required Dispatch Academy Training. This training was attended remotely.
Funding Applications:
Chief attended and spoke at the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting regarding the City’s FY25/26 Measure Z funding requests for the Eel River Valley School Resource Officer position and the department’s Humboldt County Drug Task Force Agent position. The Board of Supervisors approved the funding.
Consent Item 3h
Employee Recognition:
• Filed Training Officer Moore was recognized as the Employee of the 3rd Quarter for his work ethic.
• Officer Gier was recognized as our department’s Officer of the Year at the 48th Annual Officer Appreciation Night, hosted by the Elks Lodge.
• Public Safety Dispatchers and Animal Control Officers were recognized during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and National Animal Control Officers Week.
Promotions/Transfers:
• Sergeant Kadle was promoted to the position of Lieutenant. • Field Training Officer Palmer was promoted to the position of Sergeant. • Officer Burley was transferred to the position of Eel Valley School Resource Officer. • Officer Gier was transferred to the position of Field Training Officer.
Enforcement/Community Engagement:
• Detectives, Officers and K9 unit collaborating with Rio Dell Police, executed a search warrant in Rio Dell arresting subjects and seizing illegal narcotics and firearms, affecting our communities.
• The city experienced a rash of theft. Investigators identified the suspect, recovered stolen property and an arrest was made.
• School tours and presentations were conducted at the department. • Chief Eberhardt participated in TalkShop Radio.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Receive Police Department Monthly Report (April). Consent Agenda vote.