Carlsbad police describe proactive July 4 deployment; no fatalities, dozens of citations and arrests

Chief Christy Calderwood gave the commission a recap of July 4 weekend operations, explaining the department took a highly proactive posture with boats, beach patrols, drones, a command post and additional on-foot and vehicle patrols. "We had all hands on deck," Calderwood said, noting planning began immediately after last year's season.

Calderwood said the new fireworks ordinance went to council in April and took effect May 14; it allows the department to collaborate with fire and code enforcement on administrative citations and sets a $1,000 fine per violation with the possibility of issuing multiple citations in a 24-hour period. "The fine for this particular violation is 1000 dollars," she said.

On operational numbers for the deployment period, Calderwood reported more than 1,000 calls for service with daily dispatch counts of 369 on July 3, 437 on July 4 and 259 on July 5. She listed response outcomes of 14 major party disturbance responses, 108 community-generated fireworks calls, seven formal firework cases, 28 arrests, 58 parking citations and 87 traffic citations, and said there were zero fatalities.

The chief said staff had to manage a viral incident at a local establishment during the World Cup game that required an arrest for assault; overall she called the weekend a success given the staffing posture and coordination with patrol and other units.

Commissioners asked whether incidents were gang-related or primarily juvenile and adult parties; Calderwood said the disturbances were mainly juvenile and adult parties, not gang related. The commission did not take formal action; staff will continue to analyze deployment results and provide updates as requested.