Pleasanton Police Department Reports on Crime Rates and Staffing Challenges
PLEASANTON, CA — The Pleasanton Police Department (PPD) recently provided an update to the City Council on crime statistics and internal operations, highlighting a mix of positive trends and ongoing challenges.
Staffing Issues Persist
During the briefing, Police Chief Tracy Avelar disclosed that two officers and a captain have retired, creating three vacant positions in the department. According to Chief Avelar, recruitment efforts are ongoing, although the department is not as aggressive in hiring as in the past. “Since I started here, over 50% of our staff has turned over in the last four and a half years,” stated Councilmember Craig Eicher, a retired captain, emphasizing the substantial impact this turnover has on departmental efficiency and community policing.
Currently, the PPD reports that 80% of sworn officers are deployable, with a target of 91% by the second quarter of 2025. This is critical for tackling crime proactively rather than merely responding to incidents.
Crime Trends Show Promising Signs
Crime statistics reveal a general decline in violent offenses, with crimes against individuals, including assaults and homicides, down by 10%, while property crimes decreased by 15%. Notably, however, the number of robberies has risen, largely attributed to retail theft incidents. Specific data points include:
- Rape Cases: Up from four in 2023 to six in 2024, still significantly lower than the prior year.
- Homicides: One reported homicide in 2024 compared to three in 2023.
Avelar emphasized the importance of adding staff to improve proactive policing, suggesting that proactive measures had previously declined due to staffing challenges.
De-escalation and Community Concerns
The meeting also touched on the pressing issue of de-escalation tactics used by officers. Capt. Kurt Schlehuber stressed the importance of effective communication and a mutual desire to de-escalate situations for successful outcomes. Resident concerns regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations raised critical questions about the role of local law enforcement in such matters. Community member Todd Nelson suggested that the PPD should engage in de-escalating potential confrontations involving ICE agents, particularly those operating in unmarked vehicles without visible identification.
Emergency Response Times
Emergency response times remain a key concern for the City Council. The PPD’s average response time to emergencies stands at 5 minutes and 16 seconds, with non-emergency responses averaging 19 minutes and 34 seconds. Mayor Jack Balch highlighted the need to reevaluate response time policies, particularly in light of population growth and its challenges.
Chief Avelar acknowledged past struggles but reported improvements in response times and the department’s efforts to adapt its service approach to meet community needs effectively.
Moving Forward
As the PPD continues to grapple with staffing shortages and evolving crime rates, there is a strong focus on enhancing community engagement and improving public safety outcomes. With ongoing recruitment efforts and a commitment to proactive policing, the department aims to navigate these challenges while maintaining effective crime prevention strategies.
For further updates, the PPD is expected to present additional findings at the forthcoming City Council meeting on June 3.
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