Sunrise Shadows/Cimmarron II HOA

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Interesting Facts

The Department of Public Safety serves a fluctuating seasonal population of citizens and guests. During winter months when the migration from the northern tier states terminates in this community, the police to population ratio is .8 per 1,000. When this condition reverses itself, during the summer, the ratio increases to 2.1 per 1,000. The influx in population has a great influence on traffic patterns and congestion but little effect on criminal activity. In this regard the Department of Public Safety continues to respond to incidents of crime on a year-round basis but adjusts some of its resources toward more regulatory services during the increases in seasonal population.

General information about the Department of Public Safety

The Department consists of 74 employees, of which 50 are sworn police officers, responding to 10,114 requests for service through E911 in 1998. The Department has a large Explorer Scout Troop in excess of 20 scouts, a Police Reserve Unit with 6 or 7 volunteers, approximately 20 Victim assistance volunteers, as well as numerous other volunteer opportunities. It operates with an annual Budget of $3.5 million, which is occasionally supplemented with grant monies. The Department currently participates in the Federal COPS FAST program which funds 75% of a police officer for three years. The Department is housed in a modern 16,000 sq. ft. facility opened in 1995 in the city hall complex. The Animal Control Section is located in another portion of the city. The Department achieved national accreditation in March 1999 with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.