Community crowds city council in support of local police
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Calexico community came out in support of the local police department at Wednesday’s regular city council meeting.
Former Calexico Mayor Tony Tirado said, “We are requesting to have a town hall meeting to address a circulating rumor that our police department will soon be eliminated.”
The community came out amid rumors the city is again looking to outsource security services to the sheriff.
Council Member Bill Hodge said, “Which one is more beneficial for the city of Calexico? And, so, down the road in just a little while, we’re going to have that opportunity to look at both, compare, and decide.”
Several community members asked the council to confirm or deny those rumors.
“We find it incumbent upon the city leaders to keep our citizens well informed,” Tirado said.
Police Officer Sean Acuna, Calexico Police Officers Association President, said they are negotiating with the city.
“We’re used to serving the people of Calexico and we have a unique strategy in place that is essentially provide more coverage with more than what they can offer the first year,” Acuna said.
He said local experience gives them an edge over other security providers.
“We’re able to spot when something’s out of place. And we’re able to recognize when somebody’s not doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” Acuna said.
City Economic Commissioner Ben Horton said outsourcing security services could hurt the city even more in economic development.
“When investors, developers, when they look to locate in an area they look at certain factors. They look at safety. I’m going to say one word, credibility of the city. That’s what it’s going to affect,” Horton said.
Our news department is working to put together a special report on a comparison of security services provided by Calexico Police and the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office. The information used for that report is obtained from an independent investigative agency.
