TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to provide a report on assisting victims of domestic abuse by maintaining or possibly increasing the hours Police Substations are open to the public.
DISCUSSION
Today we recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness month to acknowledge the pressures on families that can often translate into violence.
Families that have custody issues often are required by the courts to utilize our police substations as exchange locations for visitations by parents with history of violence, abuse or other problems. When the substations are closed, the only remaining location is then the main police station located downtown.
Our current troubled economic times are proving to exacerbate the situation, with individuals in fragile domestic situations feeling an increase in frustration and hopelessness often resulting in violence.
The City Council and the Mayor have indicated that pubic safety is a priority and in an attempt to trim the budget, have agreed with the Police Department's repositioning of budget assets.
We are requesting that every reasonable effort be made to assist the public avoid any possible domestic violence. Given the size of the city, we are requesting that the city manager prepare a report on assisting victims of domestic abuse by maintaining or possibly increasing the hours Police Substations are open to the public.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Councilmember Tonia Reyes Uranga, Seventh District
Councilmember Gerrie Schipske, Fifth District
Councilmember Val Lerch, Ninth District