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Police chief reports about 206 calls in June; department at four officers and recruiting
Summary
Vernonia's police chief told the council that June saw about 206 calls for service and that code enforcement opened 26 new cases; the chief said the department is 'technically' at four officers and a hiring process has started to fill a medically absent position.
The Vernonia police chief reported to council on the department's June activity and staffing status on July 6.
"What you have in front of you is our June, 2026 patch, which are about 206 calls for service last month," the chief told the council and noted that code enforcement opened 26 new cases related to debris and yard maintenance. When asked about staffing, the chief said the department is "technically" at four officers but that one officer is on medical leave and the department has advertised and begun a hiring process.
Councilors discussed enforcement tactics for sidewalk electric bikes and community concerns about patrol presence; the chief and council emphasized that presence and citations are tools to change behavior. The meeting included a reminder from staff and the police that photographic or video evidence helps substantiate complaints for enforcement purposes.
