During a recent city council meeting, the Buena Park Police Department presented a comprehensive assessment of its patrol staffing and deployment model, highlighting critical needs for improvement in response times and overall public safety. Chief Kriens expressed gratitude towards independent assessors Joe and Rick for their constructive feedback, emphasizing the importance of transparency and community trust in law enforcement.

The patrol bureau's primary mission is to disrupt crime and maintain order, with officers responding to a wide range of service calls, from violent crimes to medical emergencies. Despite ongoing staffing challenges, the department has prioritized patrol units, often leaving other divisions understaffed to ensure adequate coverage.

The current patrol model requires a minimum of 2 watch commanders, 6 sergeants, and 37 officers, supplemented by K9 units and civilian officers for non-emergency calls. The city is divided into five geographical districts, with resources allocated based on call volume assessments conducted biannually.

The chief noted that the department operates on a hybrid shift model, which has remained unchanged for nearly three decades. However, he acknowledged that staffing levels are below recommended thresholds, particularly as emergency calls have surged by 15% over the past year. The report indicated that the city experienced over 2,000 incidents of burglary, theft, and vehicle theft, alongside an increase in violent crime.

To address these challenges, the department proposed recommendations that could cost between $5 to $6 million annually, solely for staffing, excluding additional expenses for vehicles and equipment. The chief underscored the necessity of recruiting and retaining experienced officers, as many are leaving for neighboring agencies.

In response to council inquiries, the chief also discussed the decline in participation in neighborhood watch programs, attributing it to the busy lives of community members. He assured that efforts are being made to revitalize these programs through dedicated outreach.

The council expressed appreciation for the department's transparency and commitment to improvement, with plans to further discuss the recommendations in future meetings. The assessment will also extend to other city departments, aiming to enhance overall service delivery to the Buena Park community.