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Interim police chief cites crime drop, equipment purchases; commission approves new cadet scholarship and CBA changes
Summary
Interim Chief Juan Penaas reported a 24% reduction in crime for 2024 and new equipment and staffing plans. Commissioners approved a collective-bargaining ratification (including COLA and assignment‑pay changes) and added a scholarship program for law‑enforcement education and cadet support funded via coastal contractor donations.
Interim Police Chief Juan Penaas presented the department’s annual overview on Dec. 17, citing a reported 24% reduction in crime across major categories in 2024 and outlining equipment and staffing updates.
Penaas said the department added 47 patrol vehicles, two Polaris all‑terrain vehicles, two high‑tech drones, and new Motorola radios, and credited expanded training and a newly formed tactical-investigations unit with improvements in arrests and case work. Penaas said the department currently has 93 sworn officers of a 107‑position authorized complement and expects to swear in seven new officers in January after COPS grant hiring support.
During legislation, the commission ratified a collective bargaining agreement with the police union that adjusts wages and assignment pay: officers will receive a 5% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) plus one step in 2025, and 4% plus a step in each of 2026 and 2027; off‑duty staffing pay and holiday overtime rates were increased. Human Resources and police staff said the assignment pay structure will shift from fixed dollar amounts to percentage‑based supplements for specialty assignments (K‑9, motor, crisis response), aligning with regional practice.
Separately, the commission approved a framework to direct Coastal Waste contractual donation funds toward rent and utility assistance, a John Fallon scholarship fund and community initiatives; the police‑related scholarship component was set to provide up to 10 awards of $1,500 each to support academy cadets or education in criminal‑justice fields, with a three‑year service or reimbursement requirement for sponsored cadets.
Commissioners asked for implementation details and for programs to include clear eligibility, an application process and verification; staff said the scholarship and assistance programs will start by January and that the cadet stipend will include a clawback if a sponsored recruit leaves before three years.
