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Police report shows crime declines and describes riverfront sweeps, resource offers for unhoused residents
Summary
The police chief reported reductions in several crime categories and described regular patrol sweeps at the riverfront offering resources and voluntary transport to services; the department emphasized humane outreach and participation in the upcoming point-in-time homeless count.
The Waterford Police Chief reported reductions in several crime categories year over year and described ongoing outreach to unhoused people along the city—s riverfront, including voluntary offers of transportation to services and regular "protective sweeps" to remove hazardous debris.
The chief told the council that Part I crimes decreased year over year and that auto thefts fell substantially. "Big reduction in auto theft this year," the chief said, noting a roughly 46% decline in stolen autos compared with the previous year. The department reported average non-emergency response times of about four minutes.
On outreach to people living near the riverfront, the chief said deputies routinely "sweep the area for unhoused and homeless," aiming to provide resources and options rather than punitive responses. The department said it documents voluntary transports and offers resource cards during contacts. "I recently offered, 1 of our unhoused individuals... a bus ticket out of my own pocket if that would help her get off the streets," the chief said, noting the offer was declined but remained available.
The chief also described coordination with county and regional services: staff will hand out resource cards and comfort kits during the point-in-time count scheduled in two weeks, and the police will assist with volunteer-led outreach where possible. The chief emphasized that voluntary transports are offered only when the individual agrees and when there is no custody or outstanding warrant.
Council members asked about available shelter beds and resources; the chief said most beds are in Modesto and that the department will continue to refer people to those services when available.
Clarifying details: - Reported crime figures: Part I crimes decreased (numbers provided on the record), and auto thefts showed a large reduction (around 46% according to the chief). - Response time: average non-code-3 response approximately 3:58 minutes, rounded to four minutes. - Homeless outreach: staff conduct sweeps, hand out resource cards and comfort kits, and sometimes offer voluntary transport to services; the point-in-time count was noted as upcoming and volunteers were being recruited.
No formal council action was taken on public-safety items during the meeting; the report was informational.
(Quotes are from the police chief as reflected in the meeting transcript.)
