Santa Rosa Police Officers Association warns of risks from proposed police department cuts

The Santa Rosa City Council convened on April 15, 2025, to address pressing issues concerning public safety, housing, and budgetary constraints. The meeting featured public comments from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Police Officers Association and local service organizations.

The session began with a call for continued support for legal aid services in Sonoma County, emphasizing the significant savings these services provide to the city. Following this, Brian Fix, representing the Police Officers Association, highlighted a concerning trend in staffing levels within the police department. He reported a 12.5% reduction in sworn personnel and a staggering 21% decrease in civilian staff since 1990, despite population growth. Fix stressed that the increasing complexity of modern policing, coupled with a rise in calls for service, has led to an overworked police force, which struggles to respond effectively to all incidents. He warned that inadequate staffing could lead to higher crime rates and diminished public safety, referencing past increases in homicides when the department faced cuts.

Christopher O'Neil, also from the Police Officers Association, echoed these concerns, particularly regarding the absence of a School Resource Officer (SRO) program. He argued that significant budget cuts would hinder the city's ability to reinstate this program, which is crucial for ensuring safety in schools, especially as campuses become more crowded.

Public comments also included a plea from a representative of Catholic Charities, who expressed commitment to collaborating with the city on homeless services. They emphasized the importance of maintaining support for unhoused individuals and the need for fiscal responsibility in service provision.

Council member Krepi concluded the public comment section by stressing the need for a unified definition of "core services" as the council prepares for upcoming budget discussions. He suggested that known retirements within the police department could be leveraged to avoid direct cuts to personnel, allowing for a more strategic approach to staffing reductions.

The meeting underscored the challenges facing Santa Rosa as it navigates growth, public safety demands, and budgetary limitations, setting the stage for critical decisions in the upcoming budget sessions.