Help can be on the way to the Antioch police department as it manages a significant, as well as long-running, staffing concern.
So numerous police officers are out on leave, a few of them as a result of the racist texting rumor, that policing in the city has actually ended up being really tough. But wheels remain in movement to generate help.
“Our traffic unit went from having more than five traffic units out there to zero. No gang enforcement, no narcotics enforcement. My understanding is the swat team is down to dismal numbers if we ever need a tactical response,” claimed councilmember Mike Barbanica, explaining the staffing at the Antioch Police Department.
This week, the acting police principal oriented the city board on simply exactly how tough it’s been
“It is a public safety issue. I have no doubt it’s a public safety issue,” claimed Acting Police Chief Joe Vigil.
He claimed that throughout some changes, there are just 4 police officers on patrol, as well as criminal offense is on the increase. Burglaries have actually climbed 62%, as well as vehicle burglary are up a massive 85%.
The principal states police are doing the ideal they can.
“I think the biggest thing for us, and our agency right now is for all of us to keep our tight bond together, keep showing up for one another in the community and keep forging forward as we work ourselves out of everything that’s going on right now,” claimed Vigil.
But the department may quickly obtain a staffing increase. The principal as well as city leaders are consulting with the Contra Costa County Chiefs Association on Monday. They stand for all the police divisions in the region as well as may be able to help fill out the spaces.
“My hope Monday is that we can fill an immediate need for bodies. We can work with a local agencies nearby and work out a shift in memorandum of understanding with these other communities to get officers on the street,” claimed Barbanica.
This previous week, 6 brand-new Antioch law enforcement agent were promised in, however it will certainly take a number of months prior to they’re ready to strike the roads full-time. The principal states he’s anticipating discovering what help various other police divisions can offer, as well as is asking the public to be person.
Barbanica claimed he likewise wishes the CHP will certainly send out help. He states it can take years prior to the Antioch Police Department is completely staffed.
