San Jose committee reviews 'Increasing Community Safety' status report, accepts it unanimously

The Public Safety Finance and Strategic Support Committee on Thursday heard city staff progress on the "Increasing Community Safety" focus area and unanimously accepted the status report.

Division Manager Aurelia Bailey of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services framed the focus-area approach as a cross-departmental effort "centered on innovation, cross functional coordination, and shared accountability," and outlined four problem areas: emergency response, crisis response, crime reduction and traffic safety.

The nut of the report was a mix of operational updates and performance measures. Assistant Chief James Dobson said response-time compliance for police and fire has remained largely stable despite higher call volumes and highlighted recruitment efforts, including new fire and police academies. "Targeted recruitment strategies are producing positive results, but maintaining long-term staffing stability remains a key priority," Dobson said. He told the committee Fire Station 32s opening has been deferred to 2028 absent grant funding and that staff are exploring a SAFER grant application.

Lieutenant Bennett reported progress on crisis response and diversion: communications center transfers to 988 averaged about 100 per month in the third quarter and public awareness of 988 reached 32%, exceeding a 30% target. He said the first-responder fee program launched in January and is now operational, but cautioned that long-term revenue performance depends on consistent frontline implementation and accurate billing data.

On crime and technology, staff said crimes against property fell about 10% and crimes against society about 12% year-over-year; the Real Time Intelligence Center achieved its ALPR deployment goal and organized retail-theft efforts increased criminal case referrals to the district attorney. Rick Scott of the Department of Transportation reported a prior fiscal-year decline in fatalities that has since partly reversed and described installations of red-light cameras and plans for automated speed-enforcement cameras.

Committee members asked about next steps and measurements. Chair noted the city is pursuing SAFER grant advocacy; Jennifer Schembri said the Intergovernmental Relations team will coordinate outreach after council approval of the SAFER memo. On the first-responder fee, Chief Dobson said staff are collecting retroactive billing data and that revenue totals will be reported after close of the fiscal year. Rick Scott said the citys speed-camera installations are on track for September with a warm-up period before fines begin.

The committee approved the status report by unanimous vote. Earlier in the meeting the committee also approved the consent calendar (the third-quarter financial report) on a unanimous voice vote.