Ocean Shores police report 613 calls in March; chief outlines succession and traffic plans

Police Chief Esco told the Public Safety Committee on April 21 that the department handled 613 calls for service in March, including three burglaries, 141 traffic stops, 37 citations, eight arrests and 15 beach incidents.

Chief Esco said recent burglaries appear to be opportunistic rather than carefully targeted, noting a seasonal pattern in late winter and early spring. "Most of the burglars that we've had here in the past are people that know what they're doing... they're scouting, they're marking," she said, but added that build-out in town has reduced isolated-target opportunities.

The chief also said a deputy chief candidate recently withdrew and the department will "sunset" the deputy chief position for now. She recommended creating a lieutenant rank to provide upward mobility and to support succession planning: "I'm looking forward to long-term succession planning and exploring the reintroduction of the lieutenant rank," she said.

To address a vacant traffic position the department has temporarily redirected patrols to perform directed traffic enforcement in problem locations, including Dolphin and Albatross avenues, using radar and tag checks during peak complaint windows. The chief said the enforcement effort has only been active about a week but is spread across shifts: "we're getting coverage 24/7 which is great."

On community outreach, Chief Esco said a "Coffee with a Cop" event drew strong interest (60 of 75 RSVPs) and that the department has helped the high school band with a "flamingo flocking" fundraiser, where officers stood by to ensure residents were not alarmed by the activity.

No formal motions or votes were taken on these topics during the meeting.

Sources: Police Chief Esco remarks at the Ocean Shores Public Safety Committee meeting, April 21.