California Town Slashes Police Force, Sparking Safety Concerns
Alturas City Council votes to lay off one officer, reducing its police department to four members.
The small Northern California city of Alturas is grappling with public safety concerns after its City Council voted to reduce its police force by 20%, laying off one officer by the end of the year.
The council's 3-2 vote on Thursday will decrease the Alturas Police Department's staff from five to four officers. Discussions about potentially eliminating two more positions have been paused, but the decision has already drawn criticism from residents and law enforcement.
The Alturas Police Officers Association expressed sadness over the decision, stating, "We are saddened by this decision and believe that more could be done to rectify the situation." The association warned that further cuts could create a significant safety crunch for the town.
The budget proposal that led to the layoff was introduced by City Manager Warren Farnam on September 30, initially threatening to eliminate three officer positions. Given that Alturas has only five officers, including the chief, a reduction of three positions would have left the department with just two sworn officers and the chief. The city's emergency 911 calls are currently handled by a dispatcher.
In response to the initial proposal in October, the police department stated that such a reduction would create serious concerns about maintaining coverage, responding to multiple calls simultaneously, and safely handling emergencies that require more than one officer. "Such a reduction raises serious concerns about how APD could maintain coverage, respond to simultaneous calls for service, and safely handle emergencies requiring multiple officers," the department wrote on October 18.
Residents have also voiced opposition to the potential cuts, urging city leaders to explore alternative solutions for balancing the budget without compromising public safety. One resident, Sandy Sphar, commented, "Every effort needs to be taken to keep the police department operational… The City Council needs to look into other options. That is their job to help keep our town safe."
Alturas is located in northeastern California, near the borders of Oregon and Nevada, and is the only incorporated city in Modoc County. The city covers approximately 2.9 square miles.