What if you called 9-1-1 and there was no one to help?
Imagine for a moment a city where there were no Police Officers working to respond when you call 9-1-1. A timely response to emergency calls is essential. Without it, criminals would have a free pass and could take advantage of anyone they choose. Eventually the word amongst criminals would spread and the result would not be a pretty. But what about non-emergency calls? Are these any less important to the people involved? Although we are still able to respond to emergency calls, there will very likely not be any Officers available to answer the non-emergency calls to the Community Policing Unit this summer. Staffing shortages have continued to plague our police department and Chief Bryden has announced internally that two of the three sworn officers assigned to the Community Policing Unit will been transferred out to patrol duties. This adjustment for the summer months will allow us to meet minimum patrol staffing levels. Fortunately, Chief Bryden has made patrol staffing a priority. We are all working to minimize the “felt impact” of these shortages to the community and to ensure that we can still respond when someone places an emergency call to 9-1-1. … [Read More]
Have you met your Walnut Creek Police Officers?
Police Officers are the most visible form of government that you’d be likely to spot when out and about around town. Watch any evening news broadcast, or open any newspaper, and I would bet “The Police” are mentioned at least once or twice in every broadcast. Although we frequently hear a lot about “Police Officers” and may frequently see them driving around town, I would venture to … [Read More]
WCPD Short 25 Cops?
The FBI recommends a staffing level of 1.5 Officers per 1,000 residents, based upon an analysis and average of staffing levels for local cities in the Western United States. As of 2008, the nearby City of Brentwood adopted this recommendation as part of their city ordinance (Section - 2.28.030). Making this ratio a matter of law was a conscious decision those city leaders made, to ensure their … [Read More]