Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Long Beach police report higher July 4 call volume, equipment needs including boat engine and ATV replacement
Summary
The Police Department reported responding to 94 calls over the July 4 weekend (up from 79 in 2024), two arrests for underage drinking, a new patrol vehicle in service, a police boat with a possibly irreparable engine (estimated $38,000+), and plans to seek assistance to buy a replacement ATV estimated at $15,000.
The Long Beach Police Department told commissioners on July 17 that the July 4 weekend passed safely but saw an uptick in calls for service. The department reported responding to 94 calls, up from 79 calls in 2024, and said it made two arrests for ABC violations/underage drinking. The department said its visible patrols across the three communities drew compliments.
The department said a 2025 Dodge Durango assigned to Sergeant Sightes arrived in May and is now in service with updated Police Department graphics. Separately, the department reported that its 1999 Boston Whaler police boat had been towed to B&E Marina for service; the engine currently appears to be out of service, parts for the older engine are hard to locate, and B&E provided an estimate of $38,000 or more for a replacement engine. No repair or replacement decision has been made while marina vendors search for parts.
The Police Department also said the 2009 Yamaha 550cc ATV is experiencing transmission shifting issues and the department would seek assistance to replace it with a 750cc Yamaha similar to a 2024 unit; the total cost with equipment and emergency lighting is estimated at $15,000. The minutes note the Long Beach Civic Association previously assisted with a purchase in 2024.
Commissioners discussed other operational items: the annual golf cart permit program is open at a fee of $100 for two years (no proration) and expires Dec. 31, 2026; all drivers must have a valid driver’s license and children are not permitted to operate golf carts on Town roadways. Commissioners Colleen Lane and Megan Applegate noted seeing young children operating golf carts during the July 4 holiday and said officers stopped numerous carts during the busy weekend. On a separate item, Commissioners Applegate and Lane asked whether a mirror or other safety device could be added near the blind hill where Chasleton Drive meets Oriole Trail; Chief Swistek said he will consult Street Superintendent Tom Dolph and follow up with a Civic Association member named Carl about purchasing a mirror.
No formal votes were recorded on equipment replacements or the mirror; the department will continue pursuing quotes and vendor options. The meeting adjourned at 3:34 p.m.; the next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 18, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
