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Davis police outline event-security plans and new downtown strategy ahead of Picnic Day
Summary
The Davis police chief briefed the Police Accountability Commission on large-event permitting, mutual-aid limits and a stepped-up enforcement posture for Picnic Day, and presented downtown safety data showing calls rose to 9,685 in 2024 even as robberies and assaults declined; the department emphasized coordination with UC Davis and social-service partners.
The police chief told the Davis Police Accountability Commission on Dec. 1 that the department uses a standardized risk-assessment and permitting process for large events, and that Picnic Day — which draws an estimated 70,000 people — poses exceptional staffing and public-safety challenges.
The chief said organizers seeking permits are evaluated on attendance estimates, alcohol service, event timing and prior incidents, and that the city can attach conditions such as fencing, vetted security or contracted off-duty (extra-duty) police officers. "We always do kind of a risk assessment process," the chief said, explaining that extra-duty officers work under contract at a fixed rate and must provide insurance but retain full authority while in uniform.
Why it matters: Picnic Day and similar large…
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