EPD dispatched 399 calls, officers responded to 327 incidents during second PSPS

EPD Chief Steve Watson shared patrol statistics about the second power shutoff:

We've had a few inquiries concerning how the City of Eureka weathered the PG&E Public Safety Power Shut-off (PSPS) event 2.0 thus far.  The power went off, at least in Eureka, starting just before 11:00 PM on Saturday, 10/26/19. I thought I'd share a few Patrol statistics we just ran for the period of 10/27/2019 (midnight) through about 11:40 AM today (10/28) when re-energization began in the greater Eureka area (via a rolling patchwork of restoration across the county).  Like last time, the City of Eureka experienced no major incidents or injuries during this period based on the the preliminary reports I've received, though our staff remained very busy.

The Eureka Police Department's Communication Center, which dispatches for police, fire, and emergency medical services, dispatched a total of 399 calls for service during this second PSPS operational period (Including around 72 fire/medical related calls).  EPD officers responded to 327 total incidents during this time including 169 dispatched calls for service and 158 officer initiated incidents (where officers were proactively conducting self-initiated patrol and security checks, traffic enforcement stops, and contacting suspicious persons etc.). This included logging at least 100 patrol and security checks.

Two traffic collisions were reported in the City (one injury, one non-injury).  Officers responded to 1 grand theft report (felony), 3 petty theft reports, and 4 burglary reports.  EPD also handled 26 alarm activations triggered by the power shut offs. (With the power restored, EPD was immediately inundated with flood of around 30 more burglary alarm calls.)

3 portable generators were reported stolen during this period:  one from the open bed of a pick-up truck and two more from the backyard of a residence. EPD encourages citizens to secure their generators to a fixed object with heavy duty chain or cable when feasible, and to bring their generators inside to a secured area at night (but do not operate them in an enclosed space due to the risk of fire and/or carbon monoxide poisoning).

Officers made 5 arrests (4 misdemeanor, 1 felony) and issued one misdemeanor citation as they prioritized their activity on preservation of life and property.

The Eureka Police Department/City of Eureka provided extra staffing during this period including additional officers assigned to proactive patrol activity and will continue to do so as needed.