Police report: one use-of-force incident in December, traffic stops increase; 25-mph signage still pending

The police chief reported December enforcement and body-worn-camera data and answered council questions about traffic signage and enforcement of the citywide 25-mph speed limit.

The chief (identified in the meeting as Juan) said department body-worn-camera reviews did not identify training or discipline needs for December. He reported one use-of-force incident involving officers displaying weapons when told a subject had a gun; no injuries were reported. The department recorded 16 arrests and 30 charges, 12 calls for emotionally disturbed persons and one overdose call, the chief said.

The chief also noted that traffic-ticket counts understate enforcement because officers began logging non-citation traffic stops in August. "From August to December, there are a total of 307 additional, including the 23, but for that specific quarter, it was an additional 95 traffic stops that were conducted," he said, meaning warnings and non-ticket stops are not reflected in citation totals.

Council members pressed on enforcement of the citywide 25-mph limit and missing signage at some entrances. The chief said sign placement has been delayed by invoicing and budget timing; staff are waiting for an outstanding invoice before ordering additional passive speed signage at identified locations such as Power Avenue and Fairview. "We still are waiting for an invoice on the patient study, but we need to put up those passive signages at, our power, for example," the chief said.

No formal action was taken. Council members asked staff to confirm sign locations and remaining budget for signs and enforcement.