" "With the current myopic and reactionary demands to "defund the police" (or even to 'abolish' the police which is utterly senseless--a world without police is a completely unsafe world where chaos and anarchy reigns)"

Eureka Police Chief Steve Watson:

"Many people may be surprised (and concerned) to know the Eureka Police Department has seen significant reductions to our allocated staffing levels over the past 5-plus years.  Meanwhile, the community's expectations, legal mandates,  call volume, overall workload, and other demands on our department have only continued to increase. "



"With the current myopic and reactionary demands to "defund the police" (or even to 'abolish' the police which is utterly senseless--a world without police is a completely unsafe world where chaos and anarchy reigns), a more detailed look at EPD's historical staffing levels seems apropos.  It is important to keep in mind that EPD rarely has been able to maintain full staffing levels for many years now, particularly sworn police officers and dispatchers.  (Along with many law enforcement agencies nationwide, EPD has experienced a well-documented recruitment and retention crisis.) "

"In 2018, an analysis conducted by the City concluded that over the previous 10 years the department maintained an annual average of about 5 vacant police officer positions it was unable to fill.  So, for example, if EPD had 43 allocated police officer positions maybe only 38-40 might actually be filled at any given time.  That translates to fewer officers actually protecting and serving our community. "

"For the past three years, EPD has worked diligently to improve our officer/dispatcher staffing levels through creatively focused recruiting and retention efforts.  And we saw success--until the COVID-19 pandemic crisis struck followed by economic devastation.  With Eureka's proposed fiscal year 2020/21 budget, EPD will lose 6 more allocated positions:  4 police officers, one senior dispatcher, and a property technician.  These reductions are difficult (and hopefully temporary) but appear necessary during these painful times.  Rest assured the men and women of the Eureka Police Department will continue to be here for you 24/7. "

EPD position decline:

19% reduction in total allocated positions between FY 13/14 and proposed budget for FY 20/21, from 89 positions to 72.

15% reduction in sworn positions (police officers and sergeants). High of 52 sworn positions in FY 15/16 and FY 16/17 compared to proposed FY 20/21 low of 44* sworn positions.  (*If one does not include EPD's new Parks/Waterfront Ranger position, which is fully funded through Measure Z grants, the number of EPD's sworn positions have actually decreased 17.3% over the past 5 years.)

Starting in FY 15/16, EPD was awarded Measure Z funding for a sworn officer (MIST) position.  Starting in FY 17/18, EPD was awarded Measure Z funding for a total of two sworn officer positions (MIST and Parks Ranger). 

Since FY 15/16, EPD has applied for and been awarded a total of $1.3 million in Measure Z funding to cover the MIST and Ranger positions.  While reflected as allocated and general funded positions, funds for these two positions are covered by Measure Z.  In addition to this grant funding, EPD has partnered with Uplift Eureka helping to bring in around $300,000 in additional Measure Z funds for positions such as Homeless Outreach Worker, Homeless Service Coordinator, and newly planned Diversion Program Coordinator.

EPD's School Resource Officer sworn position is reimbursed by Eureka City Schools up to $43,000 a year.