01-16-2007 - Park & Commercial Crime TeamCity of 66'est Covina
`Memorandum
TO: Andrew G. Pasmant, City Manager
and City Council
FROM: Frank J. Wills; Chief of Police
SUBJECT: PARK AND COMMERCIAL CRIME TEAM
ITEM NO. C-3
DATE January 16, 2007
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the formation of a Park and Commercial Team, authorizing four new sworn
Police positions (3 Officers and 1 Corporal) for three years.
2. Authorize a three-year budget appropriation, initially $120,000 for the remainder of this
fiscal year, from the General Fund Reserves to 110.31.3120.5XXX.
DISCUSSION:
At the December 19, 2006 regular meeting, the City Council expressed initial support for the
addition of four new sworn police positions. These new positions are to be used to prevent crime
and promote a safer and more welcoming environment in major commercial areas and parks in
the City.
If implemented, this team will build upon and enhance the feeling of safety by citizens using out -
parks and shopping at major retail centers. This will be accomplished by an increased and
consistent uniformed presence and increased interaction with citizens. Their mission will be law
enforcement, providing a highly visible presence to deter crime and promote safety, and working
with citizens. Their success will not be measured simply by, arrest statistics, but by the absence
and reduction of crime and the overall feeling of safety by our community.
This unit will be in a distinctive uniform identifying them as Park and Commercial Crime Team
members. Summer uniforms may include shorts and polo shirts for park duty, and a softer
version of our uniform for working major commercial areas and events. The purpose of this
uniform is to project a more approachable appearance to the public and to reinforce this special
team's existence in the community.
The Police Department's Graffiti Abatement Team and now Neighborhood Crime 'Unit has been
very successful working as a four officer team. The Park and Commercial Crime Team will also
be comprised of four police officers, one of whom will be the rank of Corporal. Having a
Corporal on. the team extends responsibility and provides supervision in the absence of the
team's regularly assigned Sergeant. The Corporal will report directly to the team Setgeant and
be involved in operations planning and oversight.. Having four officers provides for team
autonomy, safety, and the ability to address any range of issues.
The hours of the team will vary week to week but they will be on a 10 hour day, 40 hour
workweek. Their deployment will be dictated by the needs of the community and identified
crime trends as they arise. In the absence of any identifiable crime trends, their schedule will
still vary to provide for a feeling of omnipresence in the community.
The team's sole responsibility will be to City parks, paseos, and major commercial areas. Their
presence in City parks will act as a deterrent to crime while providing a feeling of security to
those using the facilities. Besides law enforcement, their responsibility will include non law
enforcement tasks related to the peaceful and safe operation of our public parks. These tasks
may include reporting or clearing hazardous conditions, reporting maintenance issues, and
assisting in the monitoring of park reservations. Regular interaction and presence at major
commercial areas will also impact crime as well as deter those determined to disrupt lawful
activities.
This team is not an extension of any existing unit or patrol force in the police department, but an
independent team designed to address specific issues. They may be used in emergency situations
to augment and work with patrol, but are not intended for use as a manpower resource.
u
FISCAL IMPACT:
The addition of four new Police positions will cost. approximately $480,000 annually including
salary and benefits. Funding may be provided through use of General Fund Reserves. Police
Department grant funding may be available for vehicle purchases. Equipment needs (besides
vehicles) will come from existing funding.
It is recommended that a three-year pilot program be approved to allow for a comprehensive
evaluation of the program, to be presented at that time. An appropriation of $120,000 will -be
needed in the current fiscal year, allowing for a feasible start-up timeframe. Additional
appropriations of approximately $480,000 annually will be incorporated into subsequent budget
processes and adjustments.
Prepared b
Mark Dettor
Lieutenant
Reviewed/Approved by:
Frank J. Wills, hief of Police Finance