Police report Safety Town graduation and strong CIS assessment score; early warning system recommended

Police Chief Gwen Johns updated the council Tuesday on community outreach and a departmental best-practices assessment. Chief Johns said Safety Town graduated 39 five- and six-year-old campers and that 18 middle- and high-school volunteers supported the program. She credited library and other community partners, Metcom, San Am Hospital and city staff for supporting the week-long program.

Chief Johns said the department had completed a CIS (Center for Public Safety Excellence/insurance best-practices) assessment and received a 95 on a 63-page report covering policies, practices and risk factors. She said the assessment highlighted three primary needs: a secure vehicle/storage lot, a continuity-of-operations plan (already underway with the city's emergency-management staff), and an early warning system to track trends and surface emerging risks.

"The three things that were big takeaways were us needing a secure lot...continuity of operation plan...and then, an early warning system," Chief Johns said.

Chief Johns also said officers are increasing visibility around schools during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up and that the department has pursued partnerships that broaden volunteer and community engagement. Councilors praised Safety Town as both a child-safety program and an opportunity for youth leadership development.

No formal action or funding decision was recorded Tuesday; Chief Johns said the department and city staff are already working on continuity planning and other recommendations.