ACTION:
____________________________
Clerk/Secretary
Department: City Manager Item No: D1
Prepared by:
John Boyce, SDSO Commander
John Malan, SDSO Captain
Imelda M. Huerta, Assistant City Manager Meeting Date: February 25, 2025 Approved by: John Conley, City Manager Agenda Location: Discussion SUBJECT: SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION: Continue discussion on the update from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office and provide direction to staff.
CORRELATION TO CITY COUNCIL GOALS: Public Safety.
PRIOR ACTION: On February 11, 2025 received an update from San Diego County Sheriff’s Office and began discussion. Item was continued to the February 25, 2025 regular meeting.
EXHIBITS:
1. February 11, 2025, Agenda Report
AGENDA
REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT
JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY
02/25/2025
D1
ACTION:
____________________________
Clerk/Secretary
Department: City Manager Item No: D2
Prepared by:
John Boyce, SDSO Commander
John Malan, SDSO Captain
Imelda M. Huerta, Assistant City Manager Meeting Date: February 11, 2025 Approved by: John Conley, City Manager Agenda Location: Discussion S
UBJECT: SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION: Receive an update from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office and provide direction to staff.
CORRELATION TO CITY COUNCIL GOALS: Public Safety.
PRIOR ACTION: On September 24, 2024, tabled discussion of adding a new Sheriff’s deputy for the Gang Enforcement Team until after the March 2025 Budget Workshop meeting; and directed staff to bring a needs assessment, including crime and budget data, to City Council prior to the Budget Workshop (Vote: 4- 1, Franklin opposed).
O
n March 8, 2022, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2022-25, approving the agreement between the City of Vista, the County of San Diego, and the San Diego County Sheriff for municipal law enforcement services (Vote: 5-0).
For
a comprehensive list of prior City Council actions, please refer to Exhibit 1.
S
TATEMENT ON THE SUBJECT: The City of Vista provides contracted law enforcement services through the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office (SDSO). Currently, there are a total of 96 staff members at the Vista Station, which include the following:
• 1 Captain
• 2 Lieutenants
• 8 Professional Staff
• 9 Sergeants
• 76 Deputies, which serve in the following units:
o 38 Patrol
o 8 Traffic
o 4 Motors
o 17 Special Purpose Officers (SPOs)
o 9 Detectives
AGENDA
REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT
JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY
02/25/2025
D1
EXHIBIT 1
MEETING DATE: February 11, 2025 PAGE 2
SUBJECT: SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE UPDATE
Patrol
The Patrol deputies consist of 38 Detectives and 4 Sergeants. Responsibilities include calls for service, high visibility patrols, and preliminary investigations for Penal Code (PC), California Vehicle Code (CVC), and City Ordinances. Additionally, Patrol respond to mobile field forces (MFF) – civil unrest, and natural disasters. In 2024, Patrol responded to 30,528 Calls for Service and 14,581 Deputy initiative actions.
Traffic Unit
The Traffic Unit includes 8 traffic deputies and 4 motor deputies. This unit provides traffic enforcement, traffic collision reports, DUI enforcement, and follow-up investigations.
2024 statistics include:
• 3 fatal collisions,
• 221 injury collisions,
• 296 non-injury collisions,
• 271 DUI arrests,
• 3,574 citations issued, and
• 708 tows/impounds.
Area Detectives
Area detectives include 1 Sergeant and 9 Detectives, plus one Juvenile Services Detective and an Area Investigator assigned to the unincorporated Vista community. Responsibilities for this unit include follow-up investigations for all cases, federal adoption cases, bail enhancements, proactive directed patrol/4 th
Waivers, and gun seizures.
2024 cases include:
• Approximately 6,500 cases received,
• 85 4th waivers,
• 74 search warrants, and
• 50 firearms seized.
Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) COPPS include 1 Sergeant and 7 Deputies. This team provides homeless response in partnership with the City of Vista’s Community Improvement Team and other staff. Additionally, they respond to retail thefts and offer community programs, such as the Junior Deputy Academy and Rise Above Academy. The Rise Above program is free and invites third, fourth and fifth graders with their parents to learn about various topics and introduce themselves to law enforcement programs and services. Additionally, COPPS handle ABC-related issues, tobacco enforcement, graffiti enforcement, as well as solicitation and human-trafficking enforcement.
COPPS deputies operate under a philosophy to promote quality interaction between law enforcement and the community.
2024 statistics include:
• 134 field interviews,
• 174 4
th Waiver contacts,
• 608 unhoused contacts,
• 136 homeless operations,
• 140 cleanup operations, and
• 12 successfully housed individuals.
Gang Enforcement Team (GET)
The GET team includes 1 Sergeant and 6 Deputies. GET addressed violent crimes and gang activity in the city.
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MEETING DATE: February 11, 2025 PAGE 3
SUBJECT: SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE UPDATE
2024 statistics include:
• 327 arrests,
• 93 gang-related arrests,
• 84 probation/parole contacts,
• 319 investigative contacts, and
• Narcotic seizures: 2,435 grams of Methamphetamine, and 185.86 grams of Fentanyl.
Street Narcotics Gang Detectives (SNDG)
SNGD include 1 Sergeant and 3 Detectives (1 gang detective, and 2 narcotic detectives). This unit oversees advanced narcotics and gang investigations and support directed patrol operations.
2024 statistics include:
• Approximately 200 documented gang members in the City of Vista, • 40 gang cases assigned, and
• 10 gang cases reassigned to Area Investigations.
Law Enforcement Services Bureau (LESB) Direct Support
Investigations – Major Crimes Division address homicides, child abuse, sexual assault, elder abuse, internet crimes against children (ICAC), and financial crimes. The Emergency Services Division further addresses/oversee emergency planning detail, search and rescue, bomb/arson, ASTREA, Special Enforcement Detail (SED) (SWAT), and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
Year-to-Date Statistics
• Overall crime numbers were down 18.3 percent when comparing to January through November 2024 to January through November 2023.
• Crimes Against Persons decreased by 11 percent.
o Forcible Sex Offenses decreased by 40.5 percent.
• Crimes Against Property decreased 22.6 percent.
o Vehicle Theft decreased 32 percent.
o Theft from Vehicles decreased 22 percent.
o Burglary/Breaking & Entering decreased 39 percent.
• Crimes Against Society increased 22 percent.
o Drugs/Narcotics Offenses increased by 24.3 percent
o Weapon Law Violations increased by 4.2 percent.
2024 Cities Comparison (SANDAG Crime in San Diego Region Mid-Year 2024 Report) • Crimes Against Persons decreased 6 percent from 2023 to 2024. o San Marcos increased 14 percent
o El Cajon increased 2 percent
• Crimes Against Property decreased 24 percent from 2023 to 2024. o San Marcos increased by 13 percent
o El Cajon increased by 7 percent
• Crimes Against Society increased 35 percent from 2023 to 2024. o San Marcos increased 2 percent
o El Cajon increased 56 percent.
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MEETING DATE: February 11, 2025 PAGE 4
SUBJECT: SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE UPDATE
SafeStreets Program
SafeStreets is a collaboration between the community, businesses, cities, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office (SDSO) that allows law enforcement to address community safety matters in real time. Built on a foundation of technology the reinforces community policing, SafeStreets allows members of the community to participate and work toward enhancing the community’s quality of life by sharing home security video feeds directly with SDSO.
Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) Cameras
ALPR technology captures images of license plates and allows law enforcement agencies to identify and compare plates against those cars driven by people suspected of being involved in illegal activities. ALPRs are high-speed computer-controlled camera systems that communicate with law enforcement databases to aid in investigations. Currently, all other cities, including unincorporated areas, in San Diego County utilize this technology.
Some benefits to ALPR cameras include their efficiency regarding case closure rates, detection of crime suspects, missing persons and vehicles, while providing deputies with real time alerts, and the timeliness aspect when it comes to public safety. Additionally, this tool increases investigative abilities of detectives handling missing and abducted persons, arsonists, violent felonies, and series-related crimes. Further, the technology enhances agency coordination and intelligence-led policing, while providing policy safeguards.
Policy safeguards include training, access to information, audits, retention, and community awareness.
Vista Street Narcotics and Gang Teams (SNGT)
The Vista Street Narcotics and Gang Teams (SNGT) unit plays a crucial role in solving gang-related crimes, preventing gang violence, training patrol personnel, and providing expert advice to prosecutorial, law enforcement, and governmental bodies. The positive effects of successful gang investigations on crime rates and quality of life in the affected communities are well documented. Before 2009, two contracted detectives handled gang-related investigations, but budget cuts led to the elimination of one position, leaving only one gang detective alongside two narcotic detectives.
The firsthand knowledge required for these types of investigations is diminishing due to a single detective approach, which damages succession planning in this highly specialized field of work. Without this strategic staffing increase, it makes it increasingly difficult for Vista SNGT to maintain the community specific knowledge needed to effectively manage gang investigations with regular detective turnover. 02/25/2025
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MEETING DATE: February 11, 2025 PAGE 5
SUBJECT: SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE UPDATE
To address the ongoing threat and impact of gang-related crime on Vista's quality of life, it is imperative to increase Vista SNGT's staffing by adding a second gang detective (Special Purpose Officer). Successful investigations require substantial time, intelligence maintenance, and feasible caseloads, none of which are supportable under current personnel conditions. Enhancements in staffing will prevent burnout of competent detectives, improve continuity, and ensure the team’s continued effectiveness in combating gang activity for the city of Vista.
FISCAL IMPACT: The approximate costs for a Special Purpose Officer for the Streets Narcotics and Gang Team, with a truck for Fiscal Year 2025/26 is $444,710.68; an officer with an SUV is estimated at $423,322.26. A breakdown is included below and attached as Exhibit 2.
There is no fiscal impact associated with this discussion item. Any direction regarding the addition of any officer(s)/deputies will be brought forward during the March 2025 Budget Workshop.
EXHIBITS:
1. Prior City Council Actions
2. Special Purpose Officer Cost Breakdown
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SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE UPDATE
PRIOR CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS
On September 24, 2024, tabled discussion of adding a new Sheriff’s deputy for the Gang Enforcement Team until after the March 2025 Budget Workshop Meeting. Directed staff to bring a needs assessment, including crime and budget data, to City Council prior to the Budget Workshop (Vote: 4-1, Franklin opposed).
On March 8, 2022, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2022-25, approving the agreement between the City of Vista, the County of San Diego, and the San Diego County Sheriff for municipal law enforcement services (Vote: 5-0).
On September 14, 2021, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2021-140, amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2021/22 and 2022/23, with the revised appropriation of the $275,000 allocated for one Sheriff’s Deputy to the Lighting Landscape and Maintenance line item (Vote: 3-0, Ritter and Green absent).
On June 27, 2017, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2017-102, approving an agreement between the City of Vista, the County of San Diego, and the San Diego County Sheriff for general and specialized law enforcement and traffic services, and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement (Vote: 4-0, Rigby absent).
On January 22, 2013, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2013-12, approving an agreement between the City of Vista, the County of San Diego, and the San Diego County Sheriff for general and specialized law enforcement and traffic services, and authorizing the Mayor to execute the agreement (Vote: 5-0).
On May 27, 2008, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2008-108, approving a five-year agreement with the County for law enforcement services (Vote: 5-0).
On June 25, 2002, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2002-166, approving a five-year agreement with the County for law enforcement services (Vote: 4-0, one vacancy).
On June 26, 2001, adopted City Council Resolution No. 2001-120 approving a one-year extension of the agreement for law enforcement services (Vote: 4-0, McClellan absent).
On July 9, 1996, approved a five-year agreement with the County of San Diego for law enforcement services (Vote: 4-0, Packard absent).
On March 26, 1996, approved an extension of the Sheriff’s contract through June 30, 1996 (Vote: 4-0, McClellan absent).
On June 27, 1995, approved a three-month extension of the law enforcement agreement with the County of San Diego (Vote: 5-0).
On December 13, 1994, approved a six-month extension to the law enforcement agreement (Vote: 5-0).
On July 12, 1994, approved a six-month extension to the law enforcement agreement (Vote: 5-0).
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SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE UPDATE
PRIOR CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS
On July 10, 1989, adopted Resolution No. 89-126 approving a five-year Sheriff’s Department contract and Joint Operating and Financial Plan for Fiscal Year 1989-90 (Vote: 5-0).
On June 24, 1986, adopted Resolution No. 86-161 approving a three-year agreement with the Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement and traffic enforcement services (Vote: 5-0)
On July 23, 1985, adopted Resolution No. 85-169 approving a one-year agreement with the Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services (Vote: 5-0).
On June 26, 1984, adopted Resolution No. 84-115 approving a one-year agreement with the Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services (Vote: 4-0, Neal absent).
On July 11, 1983, adopted Resolution No. 83-104 approving a one-year agreement with the Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services (Vote: 5-0).
On August 23, 1982, adopted Resolution No. 82-145 approving a one-year agreement with the Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services (Vote: 5-0).
On September 14, 1981, adopted Resolution No. 81-187 approving the 6 th amendment to the
agreement with the Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services (Vote: 5-0).
On October 1, 1980, adopted Resolution No. 80-176 approving the 5th amendment to the agreement with the Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services (Vote: 5-0).
On December 10, 1979, adopted Resolution No. 79-210 approving the 4 th amendment to the
agreement with the Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services (Vote: 5-0).
On November 13, 1978, adopted Resolution No. 78-195 approving the 2 nd amendment to the
agreement with the Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services (Vote: 5-0).
On June 27, 1977, adopted Resolution No. 77-102 approving the 1st amendment to the agreement with the Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services (Vote: 5-0).
On March 8, 1976, adopted Resolution No. 76-35 approving an agreement with the Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services (Vote: 5-0).
On July 14, 1975, adopted Resolution No. 75-103 approving the 2 nd amendment to the
agreement with the Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services (Vote: 4-0, Mihalek absent).
On August 12, 1974, adopted Resolution No. 74-105 approving the 1st amendment to the agreement with the Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services (Vote: 5-0).
On April 22, 1974, adopted Resolution No. 74-54 approving an agreement with the County and Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services (Vote: 5-0).
On July 1, 1973, approved an agreement with the County and Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services for F/Y 1973-74.
On April 3, 1973, approved an extension of the Sheriff’s contract through June 30, 1973. 02/25/2025
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SAN DIEGO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE UPDATE
PRIOR CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS
On August 11, 1970, approved an extension of the Sheriff’s contract through June 30, 1971.
On July 22, 1969, adopted Resolution No. 69-38 approving a one-year contract with the Sheriff’s Department through June 30, 1970 (Vote: 5-0 Tanner absent).
On August 6, 1968, adopted Resolution No. 68-64 approving a one-year contract with the Sheriff’s Department through June 30, 1968 (Vote: 4-0, Smith absent).
On July 18, 1967, adopted Resolution No. 67-49 approving a one-year contract with the Sheriff’s Department through June 30, 1968 (Vote: 5-0).
On August 2, 1966, adopted Resolution No. 66-47 approving a one-year contract with the Sheriff’s Department through June 30, 1967 (Vote: 5-0).
On August 10, 1965, adopted Resolution No. 65-63 approving a one-year contract with the Sheriff’s Department through June 30, 1966 (Vote: 5-0).
On July 14, 1964, adopted Resolution No. 64-50 approving a one-year contract with the Sheriff’s Department through June 30, 1965 (Vote: 4-0 Cunningham absent).
On July 16, 1963, entered into a County Contract for Sheriff Department services for one-year from July 1, 1963 to June 30, 1964.
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FY 2025-26
City of Vista
Cost estimate for 1 Special Purpose Officer (SNGT)
*with the assumption that the position will be filled by 7/1/25 With a truck With a SUV
Salaries & Benefits Salaries & Benefits
Regular Time 236,553.16 Regular Time 236,553.16 Overtime 0 Overtime 0
Sub-Total 236,553.16$ Sub-Total 236,553.16$ Services & Supplies Services & Supplies
Radio Replacement Cost 678.53 Radio Replacement Cost $678.53 Sub-Total 678.53$ Sub-Total 678.53$ Equipment: Equipment:
Estimated purchase price of a truck 67,224.00 Estimated purchase price of SUV 52,836.00 Vehicle Mgmt. & Maintenance 41,223.92 Vehicle Mgmt. & Maintenance 34,223.50 Sub-Total 108,447.92$ Sub-Total 87,059.50$ Departmental Overhead 29.3% 69,310.08$ Departmental Overhead 29.3% 69,310.08$ Start-up Cost 29,721.00$ Start-up Cost $29,721.00 Total FY25-26 Estimated Cost 444,710.68$ Total FY25-26 Estimated Cost 423,322.26$ 3:23 PM 2/4/2025
02/25/2025
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