Reprint from the Progress Times - July 25, 2008
©Progress Times 2008 - All Rights Reserved
Palmhurst patrols draw criticism
By Ricky Reynoso
Concerns arose during a packed City Council meeting of the City of Palmhurst on Friday, July 18.
At issue was a suggestion given by Julia de Leon, wife of councilman Ruben de Leon, that police supplement their nightly patrols from one officer to two per night. She said a recent theft showed that more patrols were needed.
“As most of you know, my husband’s truck was stolen on July 3 right in front of our house,” Mrs. De Leon said. “And apparently when I started investigating it for myself, on that same night at 3:58 they were also trying to steal Mr. Guzman’s truck, not even two blocks away. I set up a petition of several of our community members to request something be done.”
Chief Ron Cooper said the police department was doing the best it could with the avail able resources but could only do so much with what they have.
“We used to be a part time department, but in July we went 24 hours seven days a week,” Cooper said. “My schedule can be worked with but there’s going to be a time where we’ll need more peo ple.”
Mayor Ramiro Rodriguez agreed, saying it has become apparent that the police department should be given more money in order to pro vide better protection for the residents.
“In our budget amendment for next year, I suggest we look at hiring more personnel,” Rodriguez said. “I can tell you that if you do not want to approve more money for the police department personnel, then the citizens will be asking why you didn’t do that.”
Mayor Pro-Tem Janie Cantu-Cabrera suggested that Cooper reorganize the patrols, claiming the only change in shifts made was to add three more day officers.
“I do think we need to have two patrol units at night, not only for our safety but for the officer’s safety as well,” Cantu-Cabrera said. “I am making a recommendation, not that you hire somebody, but that look at your rotation. You’re not rotating your list because you should be 80 per cent working and 20 percent doing administrative duties.”
Cooper responded by say ing he has already done the appropriate changes to the schedule previously, suggest ing that it was a matter of man-power. He also said because of the fact that residents are away from their houses during work hours, more patrols are needed during the day.
“With all due respect, you’re not in that office on a day to day basis,” Cooper said. “I don’t have four officers during the day. I don’t even have three. You have to under stand, that you have a lot more traffic during the day. So, yes you’re going to need more patrol.”
Cooper also said the department has been doing exceedingly well regardless, adding that they had partici pated in a bust which uncov ered a burglary ring in the area.
“All these cities that have all these other police officers, they have vehicles stolen too,” Cooper said. “There’s com plaints on the department because councilman De Leon’s truck was stolen, but what about the burglary here on three and a half mile that started this whole burglary ring? The guy that started that is sitting in jail right now. I went and recovered some of the stolen property. There’s more.”