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Desert Hot Springs police report 27.5% drop in major crimes, outline staffing and vehicle replacement plans
Summary
Chief Stephen Shaw told the commission May Group A offenses fell about 27.5% year over year; the department reported 3,500 calls for service, 64 arrests and 217 citations, plans to overhire toward a 33-officer target, and has budgeted for a multi-year patrol vehicle replacement and outfitting program.
Police Chief Stephen Shaw told the Public Safety Commission on June 12 that Group A offenses were down roughly 27.5% compared with the same period last year. Shaw said the department logged about 3,500 calls for service in May, made 64 arrests and issued 217 citations.
Shaw summarized the department’s staffing and budget posture: the city has a two-year balanced budget cycle with general-fund figures presented to council (about $30.8 million in revenue and $30.7 million in expenditures for FY25–26; a projected $32.3 million in revenue and $32.2 million in expenditures for FY26–27). He told commissioners City Council has authorized overhiring to reach a 33-officer staffing target and that POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) will conduct an on-site visit starting July 10 to produce a staffing and professional-staffing analysis within about 60 days.
On fleet needs, Shaw said the department is starting a replacement plan after years of keeping vehicles past their usable life; the department was able to obtain three vehicles through regional contacts and will outfit cars with police packages and equipment. He estimated outfitting costs at $30,000–$40,000 per vehicle (lights, radios, cameras, cages) and said a fully outfitted patrol vehicle can total roughly $100,000 when acquisition and accessory costs are combined. Shaw also noted training funding (about $50,000–$55,000 annually) and several infrastructure projects including Palm Drive improvements and the planned opening of Fire Station 98 in late summer.
City manager and finance staff were mentioned as having worked on the budget presentation to council; the council is scheduled to vote on the budget at an upcoming meeting. The POST review and vehicle-replacement funding will inform subsequent staffing and procurement decisions.
