Wasco police report: 1,940 incidents in June; drone training credited with fewer fireworks calls

Lieutenant Rivera presented the Wasco Police Department’s June activity report, saying officers handled a total of 1,940 incidents, including 1,095 calls for service and 845 officer‑initiated incidents. "During the month of June, our officers handled a total of 1,940 incidents," Rivera said.

Rivera reported 402 traffic stops in June, 85 citations (27 for speeding), 103 arrests, 12 stolen‑vehicle reports with three recoveries, and a variety of proactive contacts described in the department’s logs. He noted the department hosted a Coffee with a Cop event and that a junior police summer camp, scheduled at the Papp Building for ages 9–14, is fully enrolled with 27 participants.

Council members asked how the department records "positive citizen contacts;" Rivera said officers log these encounters on the radio using code 1013 when they stop to speak with business owners or residents and that these are counted separately from criminal calls. A council member asked whether the business‑watch meetings will be monthly or quarterly; Rivera said they are currently quarterly but could become monthly depending on participation.

Council members also asked about the department’s drone program and enforcement of illegal fireworks on July 4. Rivera said the drone remains in a training phase and did not capture footage of illegal fireworks on July 4, and that officers issued no citations in connection with fireworks that night. He provided comparative figures: "Last year, we got dispatched to illegal fireworks calls, 40 I think we got 40 calls; this year, we only got 5," Rivera said, adding that staff believe the drone and proactive patrols helped deter illegal fireworks.

The report concluded with an offer to answer follow‑up questions and continued outreach plans. No formal action was taken; the presentation was accepted as an informational update.