In a recent presentation to the city council, the chief of police for the Calexico Police Department outlined the department's budget proposal for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, emphasizing the need for increased staffing to meet public expectations for police services. Currently, the department operates with 19 sworn officers, with an approved increase to 20. However, the chief highlighted that this number falls significantly short of the national standard, which recommends 1.5 officers per 1,000 residents. With a population of approximately 40,327, Calexico should ideally have between 67 and 93 officers.

The chief presented data showing that Calexico has only 0.50 officers per 1,000 residents, which is substantially lower than the state and national averages. He noted that the department's limited staffing directly impacts response times and overall service delivery, as only 2 to 3 officers are typically on duty at any given time, with several positions currently vacant.

To address these challenges, the chief proposed a \"wish list\" that includes hiring six additional officers, which would bring the total to 32 and improve the officer-to-resident ratio to 0.82. This increase would allow for better coverage, including dedicated school resource officers and investigators, which are crucial for addressing crime effectively.

Additionally, the chief discussed ongoing projects related to animal control, including facility upgrades and staffing changes, indicating a broader commitment to improving community services. The presentation underscored the department's dedication to maintaining public safety despite current limitations and the pressing need for additional funding to enhance operational capacity.