PISMO BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #12.D
SUBJECT/TITLE:
POLICE DEPARTMENT SEMI-ANNUAL UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive Police Department Semi-Annual Update.
BACKGROUND:
The Police Department will provide an overview of activity from January 2023 through August 2023. The City Council will review information regarding crime trends/statistics, staffing, and the benefits of new technology that has been implemented by the Police Department. Overviews of the new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS), License Plate Readers (LPR) and the City community camera program will be provided. The City Council will be briefed on the many accomplishments the department has achieved during this calendar year.
Semi-Annual Department Update
From January 2023 through August of 2023, the Police Department noted a 23% decrease in reportable incidents. Of these reportable incidents, the Police Department saw a 32% decrease in Part 1 crimes and a 16% decrease in Part 2 reportable FBI crime offenses. There are several factors that may have contributed to this reduction in reportable incidents. These factors may include the increased amount of rain during the winter, reduction in hotel occupancy and visitors to the city, and staffing vacancies within the Police Department.
The City Council has been very supportive of the Police Department’s pursuit of new technology, which has allowed the department to become more efficient in how it provides services to the community. It has also given Police Department personnel the tools to better address crime and bring those to justice who have victimized those within the community. This update will review the CAD/RMS system and many of the efficiencies it has created for dispatch and officers. Staff will also review the new citizens crime mapping program that can be found online. The report will cover an overview of the newly installed LPRs and some of the success the department has seen with this technology. Finally, staff will give an update on the community camera program and the recent success it has had within the city.
During the remainder of 2023, the Police Department will continue to focus on the hiring and training of the open police officer and dispatcher positions. Department staff will also be preparing to move out of the existing police department, in anticipation of relocating to the three designated temporary locations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact from this report.
Council Agenda 11-7-2023 12.D-1
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Receive briefing and ask questions to staff.
2.Receive briefing and direct staff for items to be presented at next briefing.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. None
Submitted by: Jeff Smith, Police Chief Meeting Date: November 7, 2023 City Manager Approval:
Council Agenda 11-7-2023 12.D-2