Carlsbad police reaffirm SB 54 compliance, outline e‑bike restrictions and new COPS team

Police Chief Christy Calderwood briefed the commission on federal activities, department policy and recent local enforcement priorities. "I want to assure the community we serve that we do follow the California Values Act, also known as SB 54," Calderwood said, stressing that Carlsbad PD does not participate in immigration enforcement and will not act on ICE administrative warrants absent officer safety or a federal criminal warrant.

The chief confirmed a Dec. 1 sighting of federal immigration agents in the Dove Library parking lot and stated that Carlsbad PD was not present or involved in enforcement on that date. She said the department created guidance and training bulletins in 2025, and that the California Department of Justice issued statewide guidance on Jan. 17, 2025, clarifying a public‑safety exception that allows local officers to respond when someone is in immediate danger.

Chief Calderwood also updated the commission on local public‑safety matters. She described a viral juvenile assault at Poinsettia Park reported to police March 5; the department has submitted its investigation to the district attorney's office for review and is coordinating with families and the school district. On e‑bikes, she said the City Council approved new rules in February that go into effect the day of the meeting: operators must be at least 12 years old, e‑bikes are prohibited at Poinsettia Park and Pine Park, minors who create an immediate or substantial public‑safety risk may have their e‑bikes impounded, and the city will run a 60‑day warning/education period before citing violations in mid‑May.

Finally, Calderwood said City Council unanimously approved funding for a six‑officer community‑oriented policing and problem‑solving (COPS) team to form a new community engagement division; the structure includes a manager (lieutenant), a sergeant, four officers, two rangers and a community service officer. The chief said the COPS team will focus on quality‑of‑life issues and long‑term problem solving, and that staffing the special assignment will require candidates with at least three years of patrol experience.