Consent Item 4g
STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: June 16, 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 May 2025
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report as an informational item.
Patrol Statistics:
During the month of May 2025, the Fortuna Police handled 1,396 calls for service. 56 arrests were made including 16 felony arrests and 40 misdemeanor arrests. A total of 78 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.
Employee Recognition:
• National Police Week was recognized from May 11th through May 17th. Employees wore black mourning bands across their badges honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. During this week the officers received recognition and support from many members of our community, thanking them for what they do. • A badge pinning ceremony was held for promotions that took place in March and April.
Employees were honored to have their family and friends present while their loved ones pinned their new badges.
Enforcement/Community Engagement:
• Eel River School Resource Officer along with fellow officers participated in 8th grade orientation and the club fair at Fortuna Union High School, sharing details on the Police Explorer Program.
Consent Item 4g
• Detective presented to a class at Fortuna Union High School discussing Major Crimes Investigations and the many steps that go into investigating them. Police Sergeant also presented at the class discussing the effects of drug and alcohol use on the body as well as the dangers of driving under the influence.
• Officer investigating a suspicious vehicle arrested a subject in possession of narcotics (approximately 9 grams of suspected fentanyl and approximately 4.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine).
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Receive Police Department Monthly Report (May). Consent Agenda vote.