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Council adopts police military-equipment policy and advances reserve-officer ordinance
Summary
The council adopted Ordinance No. 856 confirming the police military-equipment use policy (adding three rifles and three pepper-ball guns) and introduced Ordinance No. 854 to establish a reserve-police officer program, with chief and city attorney outlining training, equipment and cost implications.
The Crescent City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance confirming the Crescent City Police Departmentmilitary-equipment use policy and advanced an ordinance to establish a formal reserve-police officer program.
City Attorney Rice summarized the policy and the ordinance (No. 856), saying it is required by law and must specify each piece of equipment, authorized uses, training and complaint procedures; the current update adds three rifles and three pepper-ball guns to the list. After a brief discussion and a motion to waive full reading, the council adopted the ordinance by unanimous vote.
Chief Griffin then proposed a reserve-officer program to allow up to two reserve positions. He described three reserve levels tied to POST academy modules, expected one-time equipment costs (uniforms, vests, duty gear and background checks), and ongoing insurance costs estimated around $3,200 annually. He said reserves are volunteers required to meet minimum monthly hours, can augment staffing at events and could fill emergency shifts if properly certified. The council voted to introduce and read by title only Ordinance No. 854 to add the reserve program to the municipal code and will consider adoption at a future meeting.
Council members requested clarity on duties, training modules, and plans to limit the number of reserves; the chief said he expects to add no more than two positions now and will coordinate required training and POST approvals.
