Police report: April was busiest month to date; officers certified in radar and lidar for speed enforcement

Wasco police told the City Council Tuesday that April was the department’s busiest month to date with 1,663 total incidents, 912 calls for service and 751 officer-initiated activities.

Lieutenant Galatera presented the department’s statistics: officers made 278 traffic stops, issued 144 citations (including 31 moving violations and 76 parking citations), generated 161 case reports and made 85 arrests during the month. The department reported two stolen-vehicle incidents in April; both vehicles were recovered.

Council members raised concerns about speeding, recurring collisions and groups of youth riding bicycles in town. Vice Chair Reyna said collisions are steady month-to-month and pressed the department to focus on dangerous drivers. In response, Galatera said several officers recently became certified in radar and lidar and that certification should improve the department’s ability to issue moving-violation citations.

Galatera also noted the department conducted three grant-funded tobacco compliance operations that resulted in citations at two stores and confiscation of illegal flavored tobacco products. He highlighted community outreach work: police partnered with PAL youth, attended a community cleanup and will staff a mobile medical clinic on May 18.

Council members thanked officers for increased citizen contacts and enforcement activity; no new policy or budget commitments were made at the meeting. Council asked staff to continue enforcement efforts and to report back as appropriate.