Scotts Valley Police Report Highlights Staffing Success and Assault Increase

The Scotts Valley City Council held a regular meeting on May 7, 2025, where key discussions centered around the annual report from the Scotts Valley Police Department (SVPD), crime statistics, and community safety initiatives.

The meeting commenced with a presentation highlighting the SVPD's achievements over the past year. The Chief of Police noted that the department responded to over 5,000 calls for service in 2023, maintaining an impressive average response time of 2 minutes and 20 seconds. The Chief emphasized the proactive measures taken by officers, who engaged in over 14,000 self-initiated activities aimed at crime prevention.

A significant focus of the report was on crime statistics, particularly the increase in assaults, which rose by 34% year-over-year. This spike was attributed largely to a rise in assaults against officers, with incidents increasing from 4 to 15. The Chief indicated that the department would review these cases to identify underlying issues and improve officer safety.

Additionally, the report addressed a notable increase in larcenies, linked to statewide trends and changes in law enforcement policies. The passage of Proposition 36 allowed the SVPD to arrest habitual shoplifters, which the Chief hopes will lead to a decrease in theft-related incidents in the coming year.

The meeting also highlighted the department's commitment to community engagement and transparency. The Chief reported on the collection of demographic data from traffic stops, which has been consistently monitored for over 20 years to ensure fair policing practices. The data has shown stable trends, aligning with the demographics of Scotts Valley.

In terms of staffing, the department welcomed four new officers and a dispatcher, achieving full deployment readiness for the first time in 25 years. The Chief expressed gratitude for the city council's support in the budget, which facilitated these hires.

Traffic safety remains a top concern for residents, and the department has implemented various initiatives, including a recent DUI checkpoint that resulted in multiple arrests. The Chief noted that community feedback has been positive regarding increased visibility and enforcement efforts.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the recent tornado that impacted Scotts Valley, where the Chief praised the collaborative response from various city departments and first responders. He expressed hope that such an event would not occur again.

Overall, the meeting underscored the SVPD's dedication to maintaining public safety, addressing crime trends, and fostering community relations, while also acknowledging the challenges faced by law enforcement in the current climate. The council and Chief of Police remain committed to ongoing improvements and responsiveness to community needs.