Pleasanton Police Department reports decrease in violent and property crimes for 2024

During the Pleasanton City Council meeting on June 3, 2025, the police department provided a comprehensive update on its operations, highlighting significant changes in crime reporting and trends, staffing challenges, and community engagement efforts. Police Chief Tracy Avelar, along with key department personnel, presented data from 2024, marking a pivotal year as the department transitioned to the California Incident Based Reporting System (CIBRS), which offers a more detailed view of crime incidents compared to the previous Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) system.

The report revealed a notable decrease in both violent and property crimes, with Part 1 violent crimes down by 10% and Part 2 property crimes down by 15%. However, the report also indicated an increase in robberies, primarily attributed to retail theft. Chief Avelar emphasized the department's commitment to crime prevention, which includes the addition of a crime prevention officer and a crime analyst, as well as the integration of advanced technology to enhance policing efforts.

Despite the positive trends in crime statistics, the department continues to face staffing challenges, with a current deployable strength of only 80%. The chief noted that the absence of a dedicated traffic unit in 2024 significantly impacted traffic enforcement activities, which traditionally account for a large portion of the department's citations. This absence was due to ongoing staffing shortages that have persisted for nearly four years.

The police department also reported on its response times, with an average of 5 minutes and 16 seconds for emergency calls. However, Chief Avelar clarified that these figures do not always reflect high-priority responses, as many calls do not require lights and sirens. The department's Alternative Response Unit (ARU) has been active, averaging 5.1 calls per day and collaborating with local nonprofits to address community needs, particularly during extreme weather conditions.

In terms of use of force, the report indicated that force was documented in 87 incidents, with a majority of interactions resolved without physical force. The department maintains a rigorous review process for all use of force incidents, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement in training and practices.

The council members engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the implications of the staffing shortages on traffic enforcement and the overall effectiveness of the police department. They expressed interest in future reports that would include data on traffic collisions and the city's strategies to address these issues through education, engineering, and enforcement.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the police department's ongoing efforts to adapt to new reporting standards and improve community safety amidst staffing challenges. The council's inquiries highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in policing, as well as the need for continued support in addressing the city's public safety needs. The police department's next steps will likely involve ongoing recruitment efforts and further analysis of crime trends to enhance service delivery to the Pleasanton community.