Captain Jackson reported a 12.6% citywide decline in crime and a 9.4% decrease in Ward 1; he said all sworn officers were on the road for the holiday season and noted trends of petty theft at general gas stations. The police department is recruiting (master police officer, senior police officer, police officers) and the fire department continues hiring firefighter paramedics.

Interim City Manager and Fire Chief summarized fire department accomplishments: multiple promotions, service recognitions (including 5, 10, 25 and 30 years), six members completing advanced EMT certification, four members completing paramedic certification, and awards such as paramedic of the year, firefighter of the year and officer of the year. The department ran its third annual all-girls fire camp (12 attendees) and launched a junior fire marshals program at Unidos Dual Language School that graduated 50 students.

Officials encouraged residents to apply for posted openings via the city website and said code compliance will assign officers to each ward in the New Year for quicker responses to complaints.