The Signal Hill City Council unanimously agreed to amend the City’s budget Tuesday in order to replace two police recruit positions with sworn officers.
The budget for fiscal year 2022-2023 was adjusted to reflect the estimated $62,000 increase needed to make this change. It is estimated that the 2023-2024 fiscal budget will be increased by $80,000.
After the council received a report from Matrix Consulting Group on Oct. 11, they directed City staff to compile a report on how to expand the police force to 35 total officers. In line with this goal, City staff recommended replacing two police recruit (police candidates that have not yet graduated from the academy) positions with sworn officers.
Police Chief Carl Charles claimed that the increase in staffing for the police department will allow the homeless liaison officer to work with the unhoused community on a full-time basis.
“We already have a full-time homeless liaison officer. However, right now since we’re down staff, he’s not deployed his whole shift,” Charles said during the council meeting.
Charles also said the increase in officers would also allow more bicycle patrols in Signal Hill.
Signal Hill City Council meetings are held in person at Signal Hill City Hall every second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. To watch the meetings live online, visit https://cityofsignalhill.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.
