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Police chief introduces new deputy chief as department reports declines in violent and property crime
Summary
Chief Shaw introduced new Deputy Chief Jeff Hattersley and told the Public Safety Commission that November showed a 26% drop in violent crime and a 32% drop in property crime compared with last November; he described ongoing staffing increases and equipment needs tied to growth.
Chief Shaw introduced Deputy Chief Jeff Hattersley, who joined the Desert Hot Springs Police Department last week, and outlined the department’s November activity and staffing plans.
“Jeff has a tremendous amount of experience,” Chief Shaw said, introducing Hattersley. He told the commission the department recorded a 26% reduction in violent crime in November compared with the same month last year and a 32% decrease in property crime. “Our group A offenses are down 18% for the month of November compared to November 2024,” Chief Shaw said, and the city is tracking toward an overall annual reduction.
The chief also reported operational activity: about 2,900 calls for service in November, 110 arrests and 159 citations. He said narcotics-related arrests rose roughly 20% over last November, a category that contributed to “crimes against society” in the department’s reporting.
Chief Shaw described recent hires that brought the department to full staffing and outlined near-term personnel moves: two new lieutenant slots, two sergeant promotions and internal reassignments within the detective bureau and community response team. He said the city received council approval to expand authorized positions and has one recruit currently in the police academy who is expected to graduate next spring.
On budgeting, the chief warned that increased staffing will require more vehicles and equipment: “There’s a lot of stuff that goes with that body to to equip an officer and and get them the training and supplies,” he said. He said the department expects to see overtime and equipment-cost impacts in upcoming midyear budget reports and is awaiting a staffing study from an external contractor expected by year‑end.
Chief Shaw also announced community items including a holiday parade and downtown festival and noted construction of a new police facility projected for completion in March 2026.
The commission did not take further action on the report; next steps include the staffing‑study brief and midyear budget comparisons when figures are available.
