Council approves VCSD study on contracting police services

February 20, 2004
Santa Paula City Council

The City Council agreed to fund a Ventura County Sheriff’s Department study – what Mayor Dr. Gabino Aguirre said is part of a “fact-finding mission” – on the costs of contracted policing services while the leader of the Santa Paula Police Officers Association said the union is supportive of the study.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe City Council agreed to fund a Ventura County Sheriff’s Department study – what Mayor Dr. Gabino Aguirre said is part of a “fact-finding mission” – on the costs of contracted policing services while the leader of the Santa Paula Police Officers Association said the union is supportive of the study.“We’re not worried about our jobs,” said SPPOA President Sgt. Ish Cordero, who noted that all officers must meet the same requirements and mandates set for law enforcement professionals.“Hopefully, we can address the recommendations,” in the management audit of the SPPD while “looking forward to the results of VCSD feasibility study.” Overall, Sgt. Cordero added, “We’re here to do a job and we do it well. . .”The council approved of the $22,500 study at the Feb. 17 meeting.City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz noted that the council had been “considering options” for beefing up public safety since September.“. . .it’s been a difficult road at some times,” he noted, but “it’s important that we provide the most appropriate police and fire services to the community.”Bobkiewicz said his study recommendation does not mean a contract with the VCSD is forthcoming, but would rather provide general information and comparisons of policing services.Ed Beach offered public comment noting that although he found the 70-plus page SPPD management audit prepared by Arroyo Associates, Inc. “fair and objective” he remains skeptical of some department statistics.
“. . .a strong thread,” throughout the report is that the “police department has strong support in the public sector. . .by and large, people are very confident” in the SPPD, Beach noted. “…no bureaucracy is perfect” but the “feeling out there is that people do not want the sheriff’s department.”Beach said that although the VCSD is “excellent” losing local control and a “local voice in police activities” would be detrimental by the “loss of the loyalty of the cop on the beat who has a true investment in my town.”“Nobody is saying anything about going to the sheriff’s department, this is just a study. . .yes, it could be but we don’t know,” said Councilman Ray Luna.Vice Mayor Mary Ann Krause said that to fulfil the audit recommended addition of seven officers, “we’re going to have to find another way to fund them and the most likely way is to go the voters for the cost. If we want to sell something to the voters we have to make sure of the best deal we can get” and fully inform voters of costs. “The amount of money you spend to get on the ballot is worth spending the money to make sure you have good information.”Councilman John Procter reiterated that he has been “very hesitant to support this” and funding the study should not be interpreted as “an explicit endorsement of going to the sheriff’s department. I’m confident the study will show we’re getting a great bargain. . .” while providing information for a ballot measure.Councilman Rick Cook noted that SPPD costs have risen with stronger department benefits while services, such as community policing, have not been implemented, but “whatever is best for the entire community we’ll do.”Community knowledge is a key, said Luna. A SPPD officer recognized a criminal with an outstanding warrant, demonstrating that local “police know our citizens and our citizens know our police. . .that’s customer service you can’t buy.”Voters must have complete information, said Aguirre. “We’re on a fact-finding mission and the more information we have will enable us to make a much better argument,” for measure passage.



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