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Watsonville officials report full police staffing, new tech and multiple public‑safety grants
Summary
Police and fire outlined staffing gains and programs: police said the department is fully staffed, cited Flock and fleet cameras, and announced OTS and ABC grants totaling roughly $327,000 and $136,000; fire described paramedic sponsorships and recruitment progress.
Public‑safety leaders used the workshop to report on staffing, new technology and grant awards that they said have boosted operations.
Police presenters told council the department is effectively fully staffed after recent hires and returns: "We're fully staffed," one presenter said, adding that the department has adopted Flock camera technology and installed fleet cameras with license‑plate reading capability. Staff said the Flock program and the mobile fleet cameras work together to improve investigations.
Staff also said the department received multi‑year grants: two Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) awards totaling roughly $327,000 and two Alcoholic Beverage Control grants totaling about $136,000. Police characterized both as more than enforcement programs, stressing education and community engagement as primary objectives.
Fire Division Chief Tom Adelook described facility upgrades, community events and a paramedic sponsorship program that partners with local colleges to train EMTs; he said several sponsored trainees have completed paramedic school and are entering upcoming academies. Fire staff noted steady recruitment results and plans to continue academy cycles in spring and fall.
Council praised improved staffing and community programs and asked staff to keep bringing back detailed grant reporting and program outcomes as part of the work plan.
