SEBASTOPOL POLICE STATISTICS
2015 - 2025
OCTOBER 7TH, 2025
Presented by Chief of Police Sean McDonagh
CRIME TRENDS 2015 TO 2025
1. Legal Changes
• Prop 47 (2014): Reduced many theft/drug felonies → misdemeanors • Prop 57 (2016): Expanded parole/credits → more offenders supervised locally • AB 109 Realignment: Shifted inmates to county jails/probation
CRIME TRENDS 2015 TO 2025
2. Staffing & Resources
• Ongoing officer shortages & recruitment challenges
• Rising overtime → higher costs, reduced effectiveness
CRIME TRENDS 2015 TO 2025
3. Fiscal Impacts
• Budget constraints → hiring freezes, reduced investigations
CRIME TRENDS 2015 TO 2025
4. Pandemic Disruptions (2020–21)
• Arrests, stops, and court activity dropped sharply
• Backlogs slowed prosecutions
CRIME TRENDS 2015 TO 2025
5. Diversion & Social Programs
• Expanded treatment/mental health diversion programs
• Lower arrest counts but more caseloads outside the criminal system
CRIME TRENDS 2015 TO 2025
6. Crime-Specific Dynamics
• Retail and catalytic converter theft spikes
• Some traditional property crimes declined
CRIME STATISTIC IMPACTS
• Higher property theft, burglary, shoplifting, trespass when homelessness rises • More calls for service tied to encampments, substance use, disorderly conduct • Resource strain: policing shifts toward homelessness response, less capacity for proactive crime prevention
• Policy & resources matter: expanded shelters/outreach reduce unsheltered populations, lowering exposure to both committing and being victims of crime
OVERVIEW
• Why Calls for Service Remain High While Crime Decreased (2015–2025) • Broad Service Role: Police respond to quality-of-life, welfare checks, mental health, and homelessness issues, not just crime.
• Homelessness & Behavioral Health: Rising visible homelessness and crisis calls significantly increased non-criminal service demand.
• Policy & System Changes: Prop 47, Prop 57, AB109 reduced custodial arrests, shifting workload toward repeat service contacts.
• Community Expectations: Continued reliance on law enforcement for social, medical, and public nuisance problems.
• Resource Strain: Staffing and budget limits mean fewer officers handle more servicerelated workload, even as serious crime declined.
QUESTIONS?
Presented by Chief of Police Sean McDonagh