Cotati Police Department reports 557 arrests and increased DUI enforcement for 2024

The Cotati City Council meeting on March 25, 2025, highlighted a significant rise in police activity, with a total of 12,610 events reported in 2024, marking an increase of 1,393 from the previous year. Officer-initiated events surged by over 1,100, while calls for service rose by nearly 300.

Arrest statistics also saw a notable uptick, with 557 arrests in 2024 compared to 382 in 2023, reflecting a 75-case increase. Police Chief emphasized that these figures represent actual bookings into county jail, clarifying that they do not include citations for minor offenses.

A key focus of the meeting was the department's proactive approach to traffic safety, particularly concerning DUI enforcement. The department recorded 224 DUI arrests in 2024, with Officer Cunningham achieving the highest number of DUI arrests in a single year across Sonoma County. This heightened enforcement is credited with contributing to the overall increase in arrests and police contacts.

Interestingly, while DUI arrests rose, the number of written warnings and citations for moving violations decreased. This shift suggests that officers are prioritizing serious offenses over minor infractions, as many traffic stops led to DUI arrests rather than citations for lesser violations.

The meeting also addressed community relations, with only five citizen complaints filed in 2024, a mere 0.04% of all events handled. The complaints were minor and did not warrant extensive investigations, indicating a generally positive perception of the police department's conduct.

In addition to crime statistics, the council discussed the department's collaboration with the South County Safe Team, which focuses on outreach for the unhoused and those facing mental health challenges. This partnership aims to allow officers to concentrate on public safety while specialized teams address quality-of-life issues.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Cotati Police Department's commitment to proactive policing and community engagement, with a focus on traffic safety and maintaining low complaint rates. The council anticipates continued efforts to enhance public safety and community relations in the coming year.