How Public Safety Technicians assist Yuma Police

Over the last several years, the Yuma Police Department has faced a major police officer shortage.

However, the department is filling the gaps by depending on Public Safety Technicians to assist officers.

“If there’s a shooting going on, all the officers go to that call,” Public Safety Technician Nicolasa Noblett said. “[And] leave the victim of a burglary there, waiting for maybe an hour or two.”

The Public Safety Technician unit responds to delayed crimes, leaving room for Yuma Police Department officers to respond to high-priority calls.

“Our job is mainly to go out and speak with victims,” Noblett said. “Get their information, find out what’s missing, what’s taken, what damage has been done.”

According to the Police Chief, the department plans on hiring four more Public Safety Technicians in the near future.