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Wasco police report: officers responded to 1,654 incidents in July; Powell youth center opens
Summary
Sergeant presented July public-safety statistics, reported arrests and stolen-vehicle recoveries, and updated council on the Powell Building youth program and PAL activities; councilmembers praised patrol visibility and discussed school-day officer rotations.
Sergeant Galatera of the Wasco Police Department briefed the council on July public-safety activity, reporting 1,654 incidents for the month and describing recent youth-program activity at the newly opened Powell Building.
"Throughout the month, our officers responded to a total of 1,654 incidents," Sergeant Galatera told the council. He reported 1,084 calls from the public and 570 officer-initiated activities, 119 arrests in July (656 year to date), and eight vehicles reported stolen during the month with eight recoveries. Year to date, the department has handled 11,526 incidents and 83 stolen-vehicle reports with 74 recoveries.
Galatera highlighted community engagement by department staff and volunteers at the Powell Building, which opened in July. "About 25 to 30 kids have been coming in regularly and actively participating in the boxing and fitness programs," he said, crediting coaches, officers and the Path director for connecting with youth.
Councilmember Raya praised the department's patrol visibility and the PAL (Police Athletic League) program, saying residents and participants "love it." Raya and other council members discussed operational questions including a request for a rotational plan to increase officer presence near schools during start and dismissal times.
A resident raised a public-safety concern about what sounded like gunfire east of Westside Park and said she had reported the incidents to police. Councilmembers and staff acknowledged the report and reiterated the department's ongoing patrol activity.
City staff announced a back-to-school event connected to PAL at the Powell facility the following week and requested additional volunteers and coaches; staff said PAL hours may be extended after school depending on staffing.
The briefing was received by the council; no formal action or vote was taken during this item.
