The Depoe Bay City Council meeting on November 12, 2024, spotlighted a critical discussion on enhancing local law enforcement coverage, particularly during nighttime and weekends. Council members expressed concerns about current patrol schedules and the implications of recent news regarding the sheriff's office potentially not issuing citations due to fears of escalation.
Councilor Casey indicated a willingness to adjust his schedule to provide more flexible patrol hours, suggesting he could start later in the day. This proposal was met with interest from other council members, who recognized the need for improved coverage, especially during times when community activity increases.
The council debated whether to formalize this discussion as an agenda item for future meetings, emphasizing the urgency to address scheduling before the new year. There was a consensus that exploring options for enhanced patrols could be beneficial, particularly in light of public safety concerns raised by recent media reports.
As the council prepares for the transition to a new council in January, they aim to finalize decisions on law enforcement scheduling to ensure community safety remains a priority. The council plans to gather more information on potential scheduling flexibility without the need for a new bidding process, with the goal of implementing changes as soon as possible.