Mailbag: The stark difference between approved and needed police staffing

The coverage of the Costa Mesa Police Department by reporter Jeremiah Dobruck has been laudable, for both consistency and attention to detail. However, I have noticed an important omission of fact between articles written on Nov. 15 and 25 regarding CMPD police officer staffing.

On Nov. 25, regarding the retirement of Police Chief Tom Gaszi, it was reported that the reduction of authorized staff at the CMPD was a political decision by a majority of the City Council and against the advice of the then-interim Chief Steve Staveley. Accordingly, the authorized strength of the Police Department was reduced from 146 safety personnel to the current authorized strength of 136 sworn members.

But even more crtical is that a previous police chief – not management consultants – recommended that 168 sworn officers protect the city. This figure is important, since it speaks to the ability of the CMPD to meet its mission, given the personnel challenges. These challenges were highlighted in an article Nov. 15 regarding hiring, retirements, long-term industrial injuries and other forms of leave. The city in effect has 87 officers available to maintain order and safety in Costa Mesa, as opposed to the 146 previously authorized.

I submit that the proper figure to be used when comparing the staffing challenges at the CMPD should be the higher 168. This was the number of safety personnel established by law enforcement professionals regarding the needs of the community and approved by an earlier City Council.

The reduction to 136 officers was instituted by political decision-makers for reasons unrelated to law enforcement. The use of the greater figure will provide a more accurate understanding of the effect of the reduced staff on public safety in Costa Mesa.

Paul Matheis

Irvine

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Let police collect coats

Re. “Costa Mesa coat-donation site switches after campaign-law complaint,” Nov. 22:

After reading that Mayor Pro Tem Jim Righeimer has objected to coats for the needy being dropped off at the Costa Mesa Police Department headquarters, I am embarrassed to say I am voted for him. What’s next? Toys for Tots?

Mike Dunn

Costa Mesa

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Let those bunnies hop away

I’ve never liked the concrete bunnies at the library.

When my family first saw them, we couldn’t figure it out, thinking they were a joke of some kind. But paying upward of $200,000 for them was no joke. Who approved such an expenditure? Grandparents who thought their grandkids would love them, I’m assuming.

And of course they do love them. But many of us don’t. Let’s allow the bunnies to hop away, and let’s create a true sculpture garden that’s beautiful and not simply cute and funny. What an embarrassment.

Barbara DeMarco-Barrett

Newport Beach

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Bunnies are not the problem

Let’s get rid of Newport Beach Councilman Scott Peotter and keep the bunnies.

Carlo and Marie Rocco

Irvine