Consent Item 4f
STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: July 21, 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 June 2025 STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report as an informational item.
Patrol Statistics:
During the month of May 2025, the Fortuna Police handled 1,245 calls for service. 48 arrests were made including 8 felony arrests and 40 misdemeanor arrests. A total of 40 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 ongoing training requirements for Police Officer Trainees, existing sworn officer vacancies, and two employees on unanticipated leave, the department is operating with seven fewer sworn patrol officers than authorized staffing levels. In response to this significant shortfall, I formally declared a staffing crisis and implemented mandatory weekly overtime for sworn personnel to ensure continued patrol coverage and maintain public safety.
Enforcement/Community Engagement:
• Management coordinated with many of the organizations that put on our summer events to ensure proper planning.
• Officers investigated numerous crimes, notably, one Officer initiated a vehicle pursuit involving a stolen vehicle but discontinuing the pursuit due to safety concerns. Continued investigation led to the recovery of the stolen vehicle and arrest of the suspect.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Receive Police Department Monthly Report. Consent Agenda vote.