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Wasco promotes three officers; police chief reports increases in calls and multiple crime categories
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Summary
Wasco promoted Sergeant Roman Nunez, recognized Ethan Alegria and swore in Officer Cristel Cristerna at a badge‑pinning ceremony, and Police Chief Moore presented partial 2024–2025 data showing increases in incidents, calls for service and several crime categories while noting reduced fatal collisions and zero homicides.
Wasco leaders on Tuesday night promoted three members of the Wasco Police Department and heard a data‑heavy briefing from Chief Moore on crime and enforcement trends.
At a badge‑pinning ceremony, Sergeant Roman Nunez was formally promoted and pinned by his daughter. Chief Moore also recognized Ethan Alegria for a senior officer role and introduced Cristel Cristerna as a newly sworn patrol officer. Chief Moore framed the promotions as part of internal advancement and community trust building: “Our mission here in Wasco is simple. We preserve life, we keep the peace, and we protect property,” he said, introducing the officers.
The mayor and council members offered congratulations; Janet Tapia, district representative for State Senator Hurtado, brought ceremonial certificates and praised the department’s internal promotions. Council members emphasized that promoting from within strengthens departmental continuity and community relations.
Following the ceremony, Chief Moore presented partial statistics covering late 2024 and 2025. He told the council that incidents were up about 50% and calls for service up about 52%, while officer‑initiated activity had also increased. Moore reported rises in several enforcement categories he attributed partly to increased response and reporting: pursuits up 59%, arrests up 47%, DUI arrests up 131%, aggravated assault up about 60% and shoplifting up about 100%. He also said use‑of‑force incidents were approximately 5% and noted reductions in some areas: burglaries down about 45%, auto thefts down about 10%, and fatal traffic collisions reduced by about 66%. He reported zero homicides for both years covered.
Chief Moore cautioned that percentage increases can reflect both higher underlying activity and better reporting or capture by the department after the local PD resumed operations; he welcomed further data collection as full‑year comparisons become available. Council Member Martinez asked about radar training and equipment; Chief Moore said roughly four to five officers are radar trained, the department has in‑car radars and some handheld units, and staff are applying for grants to buy additional lidar equipment.
The ceremony and briefing concluded with council praise for the department’s community events and outreach programs, including Coffee with a Cop and youth engagement activities. The council recessed briefly for photographs before continuing regular business.
