HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-23-2018 Public Safety Task Force Agenda Packet
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Agenda - Page 1 of 2
SARATOGA
PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE
REGULAR MEETING
August 23, 2018
6:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
City Hall, Linda Callon Conference Room | 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070
ROLL CALL
REPORT ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA
The agenda for this meeting was properly posted on August 17, 2018.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
Any member of the public may address the Public Safety Task Force for up to three (3) minutes
on matters not on the Agenda. The law generally prohibits the Public Safety Task Force from
discussing or taking action on such items. However, the Public Safety Task Force schedule the
item for discussion at a future meeting.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Public Safety Task Force Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve draft minutes from the July 26, 2018 meeting.
2. Public Safety Metrics
Recommended Action:
Review monthly update to public safety metrics. Metrics will be provided at the meeting.
3. Public Safety Task Force Transition Plan
Recommended Action:
Continue development of a transition plan and final recommendations to the City Council, as
directed by the City Council at the March 2018 Work Plan Study Session.
4. Neighborhood Watch Lead Gathering
Recommended Action:
Discuss and develop plans for the Neighborhood Watch Lead Gathering, scheduled for
October 4, 2018 in the Joan Pisani Community Center Multipurpose Room.
Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Agenda - Page 2 of 2
5. Future Agenda Items
Recommended Action:
Consider agenda items for upcoming meetings. The next meeting is on September 27, 2018.
ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF THE AGENDA, DISTRIBUTION OF AGENDA
PACKET, & COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
I, Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing
agenda for the meeting of the Public Safety Task Force was posted and available for review on
August 17, 2018 at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and on the
City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
Signed this 17th day of August 2018 at Saratoga, California.
Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials
provided to the Public Safety Task Force by City staff in connection with this agenda are available
at the office of the City Clerk at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070.
In Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in
this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 408.868.1294. Notification 24 hours prior to the
meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this
meeting. [28 CFR 5.102-35.104 ADA title II]
PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE AGENDA PLANNER
MEETING DATE AGENDA ITEMS
March 27, 2017 Nomination of Chair/Vice Chair
Overview of State/City Laws & Policies
Review Public Safety Task Force Objectives, Development of Work Plan
Meeting Schedule
Future Agenda Items
April 27, 2017 Review/approval of Minutes
Review of Public Safety Statistics
Proposed Public Safety Task Force Work Plan
May 25, 2017
Review/approval of Minutes
Solved Crime/Arrest Data
Proposed Public Safety Task Force Work Plan
Future Agenda Items
June 22, 2017 Review/approval of Minutes
Public Safety Metrics (Arrest Data: on-view vs warrant, Calls for Service)
Work Plan Implementation Council Priorities & Implementation
Timeline
City Budget Overview
Work Plan Item: Improved Public Safety Webpage
Work Plan Item: Mobile App that Includes Public Safety Information
Future Agenda Items
July 27, 2017 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch Leader Gathering
Work Plan Item: Mobile App
Rescheduling November and December Meeting Dates
CERT Overview
Future Agenda Items
August 24, 2017 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Work Plan Item: Mobile App
Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch Leader Gathering
Scheduling the Saratoga Safety Fair & CERT/Neighborhood Watch
Leader Gathering
Rescheduling November and December Meeting Dates
Future Agenda Items
September 28, 2017 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch Gathering
Work Plan Item: Saratoga Safety Fair
Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch & CERT Gathering
Future Agenda Items
October 26, 2017 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch Gathering – Debrief
Work Plan Item: Public Safety Webpage
Ongoing Success and Sustainability of Neighborhood Watch
o Work Plan Item: Review Neighborhood Watch
Process/Guidelines
3
o Work Plan Item: Guidelines for Keeping Neighborhood
Watch Groups Active
Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch & CERT Gathering
Work Plan Item: Saratoga Safety Fair
Future Agenda Items
November 28, 2017 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Work Plan Item: Saratoga Safety Fair (Fundraising Plan)
Public Safety Task Force Budget Requests
Work Plan Item: Increase Neighborhood Watch Groups
Future Agenda Items
January 25, 2018 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Task Force Work Plan and Status Update
Work Plan Item: Saratoga Safety Fair (including resource booth
outreach)
Preparation for Joint Meeting with Saratoga CERT Leadership
Public Safety Postcard
Neighborhood Watch Brochure
Future Agenda Items
February 22, 2018 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Joint Meeting with CERT Leadership
o Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch/CERT Collaboration
o Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch & CERT Gathering
Commission Work Plan Study Session & Task Force Work Plan
Neighborhood Watch Brochure
Future Agenda Items
March 5, 2018 Commission Work Plan Study Session
March 22, 2018 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Commission Work Plan Study Session Debrief
Work Plan Item: Review Neighborhood Watch Registration Process,
Neighborhood Watch Guidelines
Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch & CERT Gathering
Work Plan Item: Saratoga Safety Fair (Status Update)
Future Agenda Items
April 21, 2018 Neighborhood Watch/CERT Get Together
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Saratoga Prospect Center, Friendship Hall
April 26, 2018 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch Lead Survey
Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch & CERT Gathering Debrief
Work Plan Item: Saratoga Safety Fair
Work Plan Item: Review Neighborhood Watch Registration Process,
Neighborhood Watch Guidelines
Future Agenda Items
May 20, 2018 Saratoga Safety Fair
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
West Valley College, Campus Center
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May 24, 2018 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Work Plan Item: Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act of
2018
Public Safety Postcard (August 2018)
Work Plan Item: Saratoga Safety Fair Debrief
Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch Lead Survey
Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch Guide
Future Agenda Items
June 28, 2018 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Work Plan Item: Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act of
2018
Work Plan Item: Public Safety Task Force Transition Plan
Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch Lead Survey
Neighborhood Watch Initiation, Protocols, and Privacy Concerns
Future Agenda Items
July 26, 2018 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Work Plan Item: Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act of
2018
Work Plan Item: Public Safety Task Force Transition Plan
Work Plan Item: Neighborhood Watch Lead Survey
Work Plan Item: Fall Neighborhood Watch Lead Gathering
Rescheduling November Meeting Date
Future Agenda Items
August 23, 2018 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Work Plan Item: Public Safety Task Force Transition Plan
Work Plan Item: Fall Neighborhood Watch Lead Gathering
Future Agenda Items
September 27, 2018 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Public Safety Postcard (November 2018)
Future Agenda Items
October 4, 2018
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Neighborhood Watch Lead Gathering
Joan Pisani Community Center
October 25, 2018 Review/approval of Minutes
Monthly Public Safety Metrics
Public Safety Postcard (November 2018)
Future Agenda Items
November 22, 2018 MEETING CANCELED
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RESOLUTION 17-010 - PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE ROLE/DUTY:
“The Public Safety Task Force will serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council on matters related to
public safety and is charged with providing recommendations that can be considered and utilized by the
City Council to enhance public safety in the City of Saratoga.”
PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE MEMBERSHIP
FIRST NAME LAST NAME NOMINATED BY CITY EMAIL
Ray Cosyn Mayor Bernald rcosyn@saratoga.ca.us
John Hirokawa Chair Vice Mayor Cappello jhirokawa@saratoga.ca.us
Rebecca Jepsen Council Member Lo rjepsen@saratoga.ca.us
Chuck Page Vice Chair Council Member Miller cpage@saratoga.ca.us
Arun Venkatachar Council Member Kumar avenkatachar@saratoga.ca.us
6
PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE WORK PLAN
Approved June 7, 2017, Revised March 5, 2018
MISSION: Enhance public safety in the City of Saratoga.
GOAL: Bring greater awareness to public safety through outreach and education; strengthen partnerships between residents and their neighbors, the City,
and public safety agencies; and monitor and track progress of City efforts.
PROPOSED ACTION ITEMS IMPLEMENTATION
1. Outreach and Education:
A. Create an improved public safety website Review existing content and provide staff with recommended changes before the launch of
the new City website, scheduled for late summer/early fall 2017.
B. Create a mobile app that includes public safety
information
Provide staff with recommendations for desired content and functionality to be
implemented in mobile app available through CivicPlus.
Review effectiveness of mobile app after implementation.
C. Increase public safety communications on a broad range
of public safety topics and provide regular
communications on public safety (as needed or on a set
schedule)
Create a public safety communications plan that identifies the audience, strategies for
communicating (including priority messages/information and communication frequency),
format for communications (such as email), and measure for success.
Include schools in communication efforts to target parents.
D. Hold a Saratoga Safety Fair that provides residents with a
variety of public safety resources, including information
on domestic violence reporting/prevention, identity theft
prevention, and burglary prevention
Identify event objectives and create an estimated event budget
Request event funding from the City council
Schedule event date and time
Work with staff to create outreach strategy
Document event planning process and lessons learned so that it can be recreated in future
years
2. Strengthen Partnerships:
A. Host a gathering of Neighborhood Watch leaders Schedule event date and time
Work with staff to create outreach strategy
Document event planning process and lessons learned so that it can be recreated in future
years
B. Increase the number of Neighborhood Watch groups Identify areas without a Neighborhood Watch
Conduct targeted outreach to those areas to solicit interest in Neighborhood Watch,
including CERT members that may not be part of an existing Neighborhood Watch
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C. Encourage collaboration between Neighborhood Watch
and CERT by working to have 1 CERT member per
neighborhood
Identify Neighborhood Watch groups without active CERT Members
Conduct targeted outreach to those areas to solicit interest in CERT
D. Review process and guidelines for forming Neighborhood
Watch groups
Recommend changes to the City’s Neighborhood Watch registration process, if necessary
E. Establish guidelines for keeping Neighborhood Watch
groups active
Survey or solicit input from Neighborhood Watch groups to better understand what has
worked well and should be avoided when forming Neighborhood Watch groups or keeping
them active
Draft a guide for keeping a Neighborhood Watch group active
3. Monitor and Track Progress:
A. Develop a metric for measuring success of public safety
efforts, such as arrest rates
Work with Sheriff’s Office to identify effective measures for tracking progress, including
crime rates, calls to 911, and arrest rates or case solved rates
Identify regular review period (such as annual or quarterly) to monitor success
B. Measure/monitor engagement of Neighborhood Watch
groups
Create Neighborhood Watch survey for leads to inquire about activities and engagement
Regularly review Neighborhood Watch registration and grant applications (such as annual
or quarterly)
4. Council Directed Items
A. Transition Plan Create transition plan that provides guidance and recommendation for the City Council to
consider following the sunset of the Task Force in November 2018.
B. Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act of 2018 Review the Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act of 2018 and provide the City
Council with a recommendation on whether to support the initiative.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES & DIRECTION FOR IMPLEMENTATION:
- Improve Public Safety Website
- Communications and Outreach
o Include schools in outreach to target parents
- Gathering of Neighborhood Watch Leaders
- Development of metric(s)
- Present any budget requests that may be needed to achieve work plan items to the Council by the December 6, 2017 City Council Meeting
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Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 1 of 3
MINUTES
JULY 26, 2018
PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE
REGULAR MEETING
Chair John Hirokawa called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. in the Linda Callon Conference
Room at City Hall at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue in Saratoga.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Members John Hirokawa, Rebecca Jepsen, Chuck Page, Arun
Venkatachar
ABSENT: Member Ray Cosyn (excused)
ALSO PRESENT: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Captain Rich Urena, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
Chakra Srivatsa
Robert LoPresto
REPORT ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA
Deputy City Manager Crystal Bothelio reported that the agenda for this meeting was properly
posted on July 19, 2018.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
None
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Public Safety Task Force Minutes
Recommended Action:
Review and approve draft minutes from the June 28, 2018 meeting.
PAGE/JEPSEN MOVED TO APPROVE DRAFT MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 28,
2018 MEETING. MOTION PASSED. AYES: JEPSEN, PAGE, VENKATACHAR. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: HIROKAWA. ABSENT: COSYN.
2. Public Safety Metrics
Recommended Action:
Review monthly update to public safety metrics. Metrics will be provided at the meeting.
Captain Urena shared that there were no residential burglaries in June 2018 and provided
information about the public safety metrics during the last month.
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Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 2 of 3
3. Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act
Recommended Action:
Review the Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act and provide the City Council
with a recommendation on whether to support the initiative. The Task Force’s
recommendation is scheduled to go before the City Council on August 1, 2018.
PAGE/JEPSEN MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THAT THE CITY COUNCIL TAKE
NO POSITION ON THE REDUCING CRIME AND KEEPING CALIFORNIA SAFE
ACT AT THIS TIME. MOTION PASSED. AYES: HIROKAWA, JEPSEN, PAGE,
VENKATACHAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: COSYN.
4. Neighborhood Watch Lead Survey
Recommended Action:
Discuss results of the Neighborhood Watch Lead survey.
The Public Safety Task Force reviewed the results of the Neighborhood Watch Lead survey.
Robert LoPresto and Chakra Srivatsa commented on the item.
5. Public Safety Task Force Transition Plan
Recommended Action:
Continue development of a transition plan and final recommendations to the City Council, as
directed by the City Council at the March 2018 Work Plan Study Session.
The Public Safety Task Force discussed the Transition Plan.
Robert LoPresto and Chakra Srivatsa commented on the item.
Task Force Member Jepsen raised concerns about collection and use of Neighborhood Watch
contacts for political purposes.
Task Force Member Venkatachar stated that he has not observed collection or use of
Neighborhood Watch contacts for political purposes.
Chair Hirokawa suggested using consistent imaging or the City seal or branding in
Neighborhood Watch messages from the City so it is clear that the messages are from the
City. He also recommended developing guidelines for Neighborhood Watch leads when
sharing information, such as identifying the source of information that is distributed.
The Task Force discussed extension of the Task Force and creation of a Public Safety
Commission, including some of the differences between the appointment process for the
Public Safety Task Force and City Commissions and the pros and cons of extending the term
of the Task Force or creating a Commission.
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Saratoga Public Safety Task Force Minutes - Page 3 of 3
Task Force Member Jepsen restated her support for maintaining a group, whether it is the
Task Force or a different body, that works towards growing and maintaining interest in
Neighborhood Watch. She also suggested that the term of the Task Force be extended
beyond November 2018 and that the group continue meeting monthly.
Task Force Member Venkatachar expressed support for extending the term of the Task Force
beyond November 2018.
The Task Force requested further discussion of the transition plan during the August meeting.
6. Neighborhood Watch Lead Gathering
Recommended Action:
Discuss the Neighborhood Watch Lead Gathering, including potential event dates and
locations.
The Task Force discussed the date and location of the Neighborhood Watch Lead Gathering.
The group agreed to hold the gathering on October 4, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the
Joan Pisani Community Center, Multipurpose Room.
7. Task Force November Meeting Date
Recommended Action:
Discuss rescheduling the Task Force’s regular November meeting, which falls on
Thanksgiving Day.
The Task Force discussed rescheduling the November meeting.
PAGE/ VENKATACHAR MOVED TO CANCEL THE NOVEMBER MEETING.
MOTION PASSED. AYES: HIROKAWA, JEPSEN, PAGE, VENKATACHAR. NOES:
NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: COSYN.
8. Future Agenda Items
Recommended Action:
Consider agenda items for upcoming meetings. The next meeting is on August 23, 2018.
- Public Safety Task Force Transition Plan
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Hirokawa adjourned the meeting at 7:49 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
City of Saratoga
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Safety Task Force
From: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Date: August 23, 2018
Subject: Public Safety Metrics
At every meeting, the Task Force receives monthly updates to public safety metrics, including reported
crime, arrests, and suspicious calls. The reoccurring item provides the Task Force with the opportunity
to discuss trends and recent activity.
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Burglary,
Residential
ID Theft, Forgery,
Fraud Vandalism Grand Theft Burglary, Vehicle Domestic
Violence
Burglary,
Commercial Auto Theft
Simple &
Aggravated
Assaults
Sex Crimes Robbery
2014 98 66 24 32 34 21 26 20 8 6 1
2015 123 103 36 29 33 29 24 20 13 9 1
2016 130 107 31 24 15 31 16 9 21 9 6
2017 69 70 19 23 14 20 19 18 12 7 6
2018 33 45 10 12 12 9 8 7 4 7 2
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
CRIMES 2014 -2018
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
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Burglary, Residential
22%
ID Theft, Forgery, Fraud
30%
Vandalism
7%
Grand Theft
8%
Burglary, Vehicle
8%
Domestic Violence
6%
Burglary, Commercial
5%
Auto Theft
5%
Simple & Aggravated
Assaults
3%
Sex Crimes
5%Robbery
1%
CRIMES 2018
14
15
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Total Arrests 25 7 8 11 5
Patrol Arrests 14 6 6 8 4
Detective/Warrant Arrests 11 1 1 3 1
# Residential Burglaries 98 123 130 69 33
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY & ARRESTS 2014 -2018
16
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2014 Calls 22 26 27 24 23 21 31 26 15 20 21 23
2015 Calls 15 30 27 26 27 24 16 25 13 22 28 43
2016 Calls 28 25 39 25 29 16 24 37 37 34 33 53
2017 Calls 25 36 28 20 22 24 17 38 34 17 24 40
2018 Calls 29 26 31 27 19 29 40
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
CALLS FOR SERVICE/SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY 2014 -2018 BY MONTH
17
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Calls 279 296 380 325 201
Res. Burglaries 98 123 130 69 33
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
CALLS FOR SERVICE & RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES 2014 -2018
18
Jan Feb Mar Apr
Calls for Service 29 26 31 27
# Residential Burglaries 5 10 8 3
Arrests 1 3 0 0
Patrol Arrests 1 3 0 0
Detective/Warrant Arrests 0 0 0 0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES, ARRESTS, & CALLS FOR SERVICE BY MONTH -
2018
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Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Crime Definitions
Burglary, Residential The criminal offense of breaking and entering a residence illegally for the purpose of
committing a crime.
Identity Theft,
Forgery, Fraud
Identity Theft: Knowingly transferring or using, without lawful authority, a means of
identification of another person with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, any
unlawful activity
Forgery: The creation of a false written document or alteration of a genuine one, with
the intent to defraud
Fraud: A false representation of a matter of fact—whether by words or by conduct,
by false or misleading allegations, or by concealment of what should have been
disclosed—that deceives and is intended to deceive another so that the individual will
act upon it to her or his legal injury.
Vandalism Deliberate defacing or destruction of property
Grand Theft Unlawful taking in any of the following, with the intent to steal:
Money, labor, or property with a value of over $950
Farm products including domestic fowl and crops with a value of over $250
Ocean and agricultural products taken from a research facility with a value of over $250
Money, labor, or property taken by an employee from their direct employer over a 12
month period with an aggregate value of over $950
Property taken from the person of another
When the property taken is a car, firearm, horse, or any other farm animal, regardless of
value
Burglary, Vehicle The criminal offense of breaking and entering a vehicle illegally for the purpose of
committing a crime.
Domestic Violence Abuse or threats of abuse when the person being abused and the abuser are or have
been in an intimate relationship (married or domestic partners, are dating or used to
date, live or lived together, or have a child together)
Burglary,
Commercial
The criminal offense of breaking and entering a commercial building illegally for the
purpose of committing a crime.
Auto Theft Unlawful taking or driving of a vehicle
Simple & Aggravated
Assaults
Simple Assault: Unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent
injury on the person of another
Aggravated Assault: Assault with an "aggravating circumstance" to elevate the
charges against the defendant. For example, use of a deadly weapon is often
considered an aggravating circumstance that can elevate a charge to aggravated
assault.
Sex Crimes Criminal acts involving but not limited to rape, indecent exposure, lewd conduct,
sexual assault, child pornography, child sex abuse, and violations of sex offender
registration requirements pursuant to PC 290.
Robbery The taking of money or goods in the possession of another, from his or her person or
immediate presence, by force or intimidation.
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Safety Task Force
From: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Date: August 23, 2018
Subject: Public Safety Task Force Transition Plan
At the March 2018 Work Plan Study Session, the City Council directed the Task Force to create a
transition plan that provides guidance and final recommendations for the City Council to consider
following after the sunset of the Task Force in November 2018. The Task Force started discussing the
Transition Plan at the June and July meetings. Suggested recommendations included:
- Maintain a body/group of people tasked with growing/maintaining Neighborhood Watch
(Jepsen)
- Establish the City as the only source of Neighborhood Watch messaging (Jepsen)
- Conduct the Safety Fair in future years (Jepsen)
- Use City seal/branding in Neighborhood Watch messages from the City (Hirokawa)
- Develop guidelines for Neighborhood Watch leads when sharing and distributing information
(Hirokawa)
- Extend term of Task Force beyond November 2018 (Jepsen, Venkatachar)
To assist with discussion of the transition plan, staff provided some guiding questions that the Task
Force may consider. The Task Force’s work plan (including current progress towards achieving work
plan items) is also attached. After establishing consensus on the final recommendations for the City
Council, staff will begin drafting a transition plan for the Task Force to consider and finalize at a future
meeting.
Guiding Questions:
1) What are the Task Force’s final recommendations to the City Council to enhance public safety
in the City of Saratoga?
2) Where should the City Council focus its efforts to continue improving public safety?
3) What are the key takeaways and lessons learned from the Task Force?
4) What has been the effectiveness of the Task Force’s efforts, including the programs, events,
activities, and initiatives in the Task Force’s work plan?
5) Should any of these efforts be continued on an ongoing basis after the sunset of the Task Force?
If so, are there any changes that should be considered in the future implementation of these
efforts?
6) Are there any new efforts that the City Council should consider after the sunset of the Task
Force in November 2018?
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PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE WORK PLAN
Approved by the City Council June 7, 2017, Revised March 5, 2018
MISSION: Enhance public safety in the City of Saratoga.
GOAL: Bring greater awareness to public safety through outreach and education; strengthen partnerships between residents and their neighbors, the City,
and public safety agencies; and monitor and track progress of City efforts.
ACTION ITEMS IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS
1. Outreach and Education:
A. Create an improved public safety
website
Review existing content and provide staff with
recommended changes before the launch of the new City
website, scheduled for late summer/early fall 2017.
Completed. The Task Force recommendations
included a safety button on the homepage, strong
search tool, and additional home protection
information on the website. The Task Force also
requested that the website include crime data in
response to feedback from the Neighborhood
Watch Lead Gathering in October 2017.
B. Create a mobile app that includes public
safety information
Provide staff with recommendations for desired content
and functionality to be implemented in mobile app
available through CivicPlus.
Review effectiveness of mobile app after
implementation.
Completed. The Task Force made a number of
recommendations on the mobile app, such as
providing a variety of safety information,
including traffic safety information or areas of
potential congestion due to construction, and use
of mobile notifications to share safety
information. Per City Council direction,
development of the mobile app was placed on
hold.
C. Increase public safety communications
on a broad range of public safety topics
and provide regular communications on
public safety (as needed or on a set
schedule)
Create a public safety communications plan that
identifies the audience, strategies for communicating
(including priority messages/information and
communication frequency), format for communications
(such as email), and measure for success.
Include schools in communication efforts to target
parents.
Completed. In response to input from the
Neighborhood Watch Lead Gathering in October
2017, the Neighborhood Watch Newsletter
started getting emailed quarterly in January
2018. City Council authorized funding for
mailing a quarterly public safety postcard to
residents quarterly in December 2017. The first
quarterly postcard was sent in February 2018.
D. Hold a Saratoga Safety Fair that
provides residents with a variety of
public safety resources, including
information on domestic violence
reporting/prevention, identity theft
prevention, and burglary prevention
Identify event objectives and create an estimated event
budget
Request event funding from the City Council
Schedule event date and time
Work with staff to create outreach strategy
Completed. City Council authorized funding for
the Saratoga Safety Fair in December 2017 and
the event was held on May 20, 2018 at West
Valley College. At the May 2018 meeting, the
Task Force recommended holding the event
again in 2019 at the Joan Pisani Community
Center.
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Document event planning process and lessons learned so
that it can be recreated in future years
2. Strengthen Partnerships:
A. Host a gathering of Neighborhood
Watch leaders
Schedule event date and time
Work with staff to create outreach strategy
Document event planning process and lessons learned so
that it can be recreated in future years
Completed. Gathering of Neighborhood Watch
leaders was held in October 2017. A gathering is
also planned for fall 2018.
B. Increase the number of Neighborhood
Watch groups
Identify areas without a Neighborhood Watch
Conduct targeted outreach to those areas to solicit interest
in Neighborhood Watch, including CERT members that
may not be part of an existing Neighborhood Watch
Completed and Ongoing. The Task Force
identified areas in the City without a
Neighborhood Watch group. Additionally, a
gathering of Neighborhood Watch leads and
CERT members was held on April 21, 2018 to
bring greater awareness to both programs. Since
the Task Force’s first meeting in March 2017,
the number of Neighborhood Watch Groups
registered with the City has grown from 41 to 70.
C. Encourage collaboration between
Neighborhood Watch and CERT by
working to have 1 CERT member per
neighborhood
Identify Neighborhood Watch groups without active
CERT Members
Conduct targeted outreach to those areas to solicit interest
in CERT
Completed. The Task Force and CERT
leadership held a joint meeting in February 2018
to discuss strategies for integrating
Neighborhood Watch and CERT. Additionally,
the Task Force hosted a Neighborhood Watch
and CERT gathering in April 2018 to introduce
members of both groups and encourage
collaboration.
D. Review process and guidelines for
forming Neighborhood Watch groups
Recommend changes to the City’s Neighborhood Watch
registration process, if necessary
Completed. The Task Force discussed and
reviewed the registration process and registration
materials. Recommended changes included
communicating the ease to register, providing
more support for newly forming groups, such as
assistance establishing boundaries. The Task
Force also recommended holding quarterly
introductory meetings for anyone interested in
learning more about Neighborhood Watch,
which will begin in July 2018. The Task Force
also created a Neighborhood Watch brochure.
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E. Establish guidelines for keeping
Neighborhood Watch groups active
Survey or solicit input from Neighborhood Watch groups
to better understand what has worked well and should be
avoided when forming Neighborhood Watch groups or
keeping them active
Draft a guide for keeping a Neighborhood Watch group
active
Completed. The Task Force recommended that
the City Council require Neighborhood Watch
groups show proof of holding a social gathering
at least once a year to remain registered. In May
2018, the Task Force finalized a Neighborhood
Watch guide.
3. Monitor and Track Progress:
A. Develop a metric for measuring success
of public safety efforts, such as arrest
rates
Work with Sheriff’s Office to identify effective measures
for tracking progress, including crime rates, calls to 911,
and arrest rates or case solved rates
Identify regular review period (such as annual or
quarterly) to monitor success
Completed. The Task Force reviewed various
public safety metrics and receives monthly
updates.
B. Measure/monitor engagement of
Neighborhood Watch groups
Create Neighborhood Watch survey for leads to inquire
about activities and engagement
Regularly review Neighborhood Watch registration and
grant applications (such as annual or quarterly)
Completed. The Task Force completed the
Neighborhood Watch survey in June 2018 and
reviewed the application and registration
process.
4. Council Directed Items
A. Transition Plan Create transition plan that provides guidance and
recommendation for the City Council to consider
following the sunset of the Task Force in November
2018.
In progress. The Task Force started drafting the
transition plan at the June 2018 meeting.
B. Reducing Crime and Keeping California
Safe Act of 2018
Review the Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe
Act of 2018 and provide the City Council with a
recommendation on whether to support the initiative.
Completed. The Task Force recommended that
the City Council take no position on the measure
at the July 2018 meeting.
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CITY OF SARATOGA
Memorandum
To: Public Safety Task Force
From: Crystal Bothelio, Deputy City Manager
Date: August 23, 2018
Subject: Neighborhood Watch Lead Gathering
At the July Public Safety Task Force Meeting, the Task Force agreed to hold the Neighborhood Watch
Lead Gathering on October 4 at the Joan Pisani Community Center Multipurpose Room from 6:00 p.m.
to 8:00 p.m.
The objective of the first lead gathering on October 15, 2017 was to introduce leads to each other and
the Public Safety Task Force, gather input from leads on the Task Force initiatives, and hear lessons
learned from leads. The objective of the April 21, 2018 gathering was to identify opportunities for
Neighborhood Watch and CERT to become more cohesive and supportive of each other. During both
of the previous gatherings, participants were divided into small groups for discussion. Each group then
reported out key findings and takeaways. Discussion topics were provided for small groups at both
events.
Some possible objectives for the October 2018 gathering could include:
- Maintaining interest in Neighborhood Watch
- Strengthening partnerships between Neighborhood Watch leads
- Using Neighborhood Watch to build community
- Benefits and outcomes of Neighborhood Watch
If the Task Force would like to use the small group discussion format used at previous gatherings, staff
can prepare discussion topics based on the desired objectives of the event and provide them for Task
Force review at the September meeting.
In addition to small group discussion, the Task Force may be interested in inviting Captain Rich Urena
to provide a brief report on current trends and observations. Below is a tentative event program for the
Task Force to consider.
Event Program
6:00 p.m. Event Start & Dinner
6:15 p.m. Welcoming Remarks
6:30 p.m. Update from the Sheriff’s Office
6:45 p.m. Small Group Discussion Instructions
6:55 p.m. Small Group Discussions
7:45 p.m. Report From Small Group Discussions
8:00 p.m. Event End
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