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Rohnert Park public safety highlights Measure H hires, motor officer pilot and new technology
Summary
Police and fire leaders described recent staffing gains funded by Measure H, plans to add motor traffic officers and a drone first‑responder program, and technology upgrades including a new training/complaint platform and upgraded radio infrastructure.
Rohnert Park’s public safety leadership used the council’s budget workshop to highlight recent operational changes and near‑term plans tied to Measure H revenue.
Chief Tim Matts told council the department finished a major software migration for training and accountability, fully staffed the department in early 2024, and deployed a motor‑traffic training program to produce two motor officers slated for July/August shifts. The chief said Measure H funds will add nine bodies to fire staffing once full training is complete; staff projected the five‑year Measure H revenue will be used for personnel, capital and station condition improvements.
Council members questioned academy and FTO costs; staff said the one‑year fully loaded cost for a trainee in the academy is approximately $140,000 (academy, equipment, salary and benefits) and that recruitment costs tied to Measure H were built into the draft budget. The chief also described a planned drone first‑responder pilot for rapid scene assessment in floods, traffic collisions and fires, and said staff will return with a program rollout that includes community engagement around privacy and operational limits.
Public safety has also requested additional traffic‑safety hardware (license‑plate reader cameras and a speed trailer) and recommended two motor units, which staff said could be purchased from the traffic‑safety fund rather than the general fund if council approves. Multiple council members pressed staff on retention strategies and whether the city can recover training costs when recruits leave; staff indicated recovery through civil claims is rare and the city relies on hiring bonuses and retention practices rather than bonding employees to service commitments.
No final budget vote occurred on public safety items during the session; staff asked for direction to proceed with allocations tied to available Measure H funding and existing traffic‑safety fund balances.
