TITLE
Recommendation to direct City Manager to report back within 90 days with a report with analysis of operational models, practical impacts, and budget differences between various models for the operation of the Helicopter Unit of the Long Beach Police Department.
DISCUSSION
INTRODUCTION:
During the budget discussions related to the Fiscal Year 2021 City Budget the City Council discussed the potential impacts of a number of proposed changes to City operations in light of the significant budget shortfalls being faced by the City as a result of COVID-19. These discussions involved nearly every department in the City and made changes to significant City services particularly related to our public safety continuum with the Police and Fire Departments. With regard to the changes to the Fire Department's HEART Team, the decision was made to postpone implementation of any changes in their operation until additional information was provided to City Council on the impacts, costs, and models that would be implemented moving forward. However, with regard to a similarly important set of specialized public safety staff in our Police Department, the adopted changes to the Police Helicopter Unit was not discussed in sufficient detail with attention to how the change could result in potential reduction of existing patrol operations.
It has long been established in criminal law that when people commit a law violation, they flee. Flight from a criminal incident is a common occurrence, unfortunately, and police helicopters, operated by trained professionals who know what to look for and how to communicate what they are seeing in the sky to those on the ground, is imperative for the apprehension of these individuals. The addition of helicopters to our available public safety resources provides more options when engaging in all forms of pursuits and allows for more specialized responses when needed.
The proposal to modify the Police Helicopter Unit was brought to the City ...
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