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Police chief reports hiring gains, training expansion and low complaint rate in annual oversight update
Summary
Chief Kelly Gordon told the council the department reduced vacancies, expanded training and community engagement and reported 11 community complaints in 2025 (three sustained, four open); she said department activity produced complaints in 0.02% of contacts.
The Santa Barbara Police Department reported hiring gains, expanded training and steady complaint rates in its annual update to the city’s Fire & Police Commission and City Council on April 14.
Chief Kelly Gordon told council members the department handled over 69,000 calls for service in the prior year, recorded more than 21,000 officer‑initiated actions and closed more than 1,000 cases in the investigations bureau. Chief Gordon highlighted recruitment improvements—14 new officers in 2025 and a…
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