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Library pilot with National City Police Department credited with reducing on-site incidents; trustees ask for evaluation and budget update
Summary
Library staff reported a month-long pilot with National City Police Department officers on site has reduced staff calls for police and improved staff sense of safety; trustees requested a six-month evaluation and were told the current security budget may require an additional $20,000–$25,000 next year if the pilot continues.
Library staff told the National City Library Board of Trustees on March 5 that a pilot placing National City Police Department officers at the library has coincided with fewer staff calls for police and a stronger sense of security among employees.
The presenter reported the police began the pilot in early February and that officers ‘‘greet the community,’’ handle medical calls and ‘‘we haven't had to call the police at all in the month that we've had them,’’ a change staff have noticed. Trustees asked whether the presence had reduced overall patron visits; the presenter said there was no decline in patronage but that some individuals who previously caused problems appeared to avoid the library when officers were on-site.
On budget, staff said the library used a preexisting security budget of $75,000 to cover the pilot and that, if the program continues into the next fiscal year, the library would likely request an additional $20,000–$25,000 from the city council. Staff also said total annual costs could vary widely depending on staffing and closures and offered a range of higher possibilities discussed during the meeting.
Trustees requested a formal review at the six-month mark or at fiscal-year end that would include police activity data and staff surveys; staff agreed to provide a summary report to the board. No final decision was made to extend the program beyond the pilot period; any sustained expansion would require a request to city council for funding.
