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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-19; Parks & Recreation Commission; ; 0318-2 POLICE RANGER PILOT PROGRAM UPDATEti) s~~if "R~;~;;···""·' Meeting Da~e: Mar. 19, 2018 To: Parks & Recreation Commission From: Staff Contact: Subject: Chris Hazeltine, Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Lancaster, Parks Services Manager Police Ranger Pilot Program Update. Recommended Action Receive informational report from Carlsbad Police Captain Mickey Williams on the Police Ranger Pilot Program. Executive Summary On May 16, 2017, City Council adopted a resolution approving a one-year pilot program establishing two provisional Police Ranger positions to help patrol the open spate in the city beginning July 1, 2017. During the pilot year, the Rangers have collected data during their patrols, which includes but is not limited to, the number of contacts made, number of citations and warnings given, and number and types of calls for service. From July to December 20171 the Pnlice Rangers provided nearly 1,000 hours of patrol in the preserves and made over 4,000 contacts with patrons in the city. The Ranger program has been met with much positivity from residents in Carlsbad and from those who are visiting the area. Discussion On May 16, 2017, City Council adopted a resolution approving a one-year pilot program establishing two provisional Police Ranger positions to help patrol the open space in the city beginning July 1, 2017, and approved entering into a Memorandum of Understanding where San Diego Association of Governments (SAN DAG) agreed to reimburse the police department in an amount not to exceed $98,280 for Rangers' salaries on time spent patrolling in the natural preserves. The Police Rangers are unarmed, uniformed police employees who are outfitted with a police radio, marked Police Ranger vehicle, handcuffs, pepper spray, a Taser, and a ballistic vest. They have completed a Peace Officer's Standards and Training (POST) certified course that authorizes them to issue citations for minor violations. On June 27, 2017, City Council introduced Carlsbad Municipal Code ordinance 7.08.010, subdivision B, which authorizes the Police Rangers to issue Notices to Appear for misdemeanor and infraction violations of the Carlsbad Municipal Code and the animal control provisions of the San Diego County Code. The Rangers work a 4 day/10 hour schedule with Wednesday as their overlap day, providing a seven-day week coverage. They typically work daytime hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. SANDAG COOPERATIVE EFFORT The San Diego Association of Governments (SAN DAG) offered the Carlsbad Police Department one-time environmental mitigation program funding in the amount of $98,280, to be used to offset the cost of enforcement patrols within the preserves. This funding is applied to the personne.l cost of the two Rangers during the initial one-year pilot program and requires law enforcement to provide patrols within conserved preserve lands. The agreement with SAN DAG requires dedicated patrols of the conserved preserve areas within the city. To ensure that Ranger patrols maximize the potential benefits of the SAND AG agreement, the Rangers have focused efforts to spend a minimum of 50% of their patrol times within the preserves. For the purposes of SAN DAG patrols and enforcement, lagoons within the city are considered preserves. Patrol and enforcement records have been maintained by the Police Department to account for Ranger patrol times and locations, and to enable the Police Department to complete quarterly and year-end reports to SAN DAG. The full reports are made available to the public on the police department's website each quarter. The reports for the first quarter and second quarter of the pilot program are also attached hereto (Exhibit 1). During the pilot year, the Rangers have collected data during their patrols, which includes but is not limited to, the number of contacts made, number of citations and warnings given, and number and types of calls for service. At the conclusion of the 9th month of the pilot program, the collected data will be analyzed and evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the Ranger program. A report will be compiled and presented to City Council with a recommendation on whether or not to continue the program permanently. POLICE RANGERS Between July and December 2017, the Police Rangers have provided 908 hours of patrols and made 3,130 contacts within the preserves. The majority of their contacts are for provid,ing education on the Ranger program, as well as advising information on laws of the land. The Rangers provide enforcement for violations such as dogs off leash, trespassing, smoking in prohibited areas and illegal camping. They also work closely with the Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team to identify transient camps at parks and preserves and assist them in posting eviction notices and site clean ups. The Rangers also regularly meet with Parks & Recreation staff and volunteers to answer questions and discuss any concerning issues, and they conduct their patrols based on the services identified for each area. The Ranger program has been met with much positivity from residents in Carlsbad and from those who are visiting the area. The police department has received dozens of emails from citizens who express their gratitude for the Ranger program. The quarterly reports to SAN DAG include excerpts of these emails. The police department is scheduled to present to City Council on May 15, 2018 with an update on the Ranger pilot program and seek guidance from council on whether or not to implement the program on a permanent basis. Exhibits 1. First Quarter and Second Quarter Reports to SAN DAG on the Ranger Pilot Program Memoran du m October 13, 2017 To: Keith Greer, SANDAG Principal Region Planner From: Cindy Anderson, Senior Management Analyst Re: 1 sT QUARTE R RANGER SUMMARY Quarter 1 2017 Stats Hours Worked # Contacts Made Total Preserves 347.45 777 Northwest Preserves 22.65 41 Northeast Preserves 142.05 374 Southwest Preserves 104.7 289 Southeast Preserves 78.55 72 Parks, Beaches, Lagoons (not tracked) 427 Total Ranger Productivity *See attached stat sheet fbr f1,1/J breakdown (city of Carlsbad This marks the first quarter of the Police Ranger program in the City of Carlsbad. They documented 1,204 contacts, with the majority of them being for educational purposes, promoting t he ranger program, and providing the public with information regarding laws and municipal codes. Over half of these contacts were made in the open preserve areas, where approximately 341 hours of their patrol time. Below are some of the issues they addressed during their patrols: Dogs Off Leash The Rangers also encountered many dogs on a daily basis and gave verbal and written warnings to 203 dog owners for either being off leash or in a location where dogs are not allowed. There were also 199 documented incidents of dog waste on the t rails. Illegal Camping There were 22 documented incidents of illegal camping either on the beaches or the preserves. The Rangers gave verbal and written warnings and the offenders were asked to move along. Police Department Police Administration 2560 Orion Way I Carlsbad, CA 92010 I 760-931-2100 I www.carlsbadca.gov Anderson October 13, 2017 Page 2 Vandalism The Rangers contacted 16 individuals on suspicion of vandalism and one report for vandalism was taken. Illegal Fishing The Rangers contacted 22 individuals for illegally fishing in the preserves. Safety Issues The Rangers contacted 57 individuals for safety issues, such as hazardous play, illegal skateboarding, and illegal fires. They also made 14 contacts for illegal smoking, contacted 18 individuals for drinking alcohol, and made four contacts for illicit drug use. Ranger Serafini also located a venomous snake that required assistance from Animal Control. Below is a list of calls for service that the Rangers responded to: CALL FOR SERVICE TYPE TOTAL ANIMAL CONTROL 1 ASSIST CITIZEN 1 ASSIST FIRE DEPT 1 ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY 1 BURGLARY/THEFT REPORT 2 REQ TO CHECK AREA 8 EXTRA PATROL LOGGED 312 FLAGGED BY CITIZEN 3 FOUND PROPERTY REPORT 3 HAZARD ITEM OR BEHAVIOR 10 NARCOTICS COMPLAINT 1 MEETING 8 MISC 21 MUNICODE COMPLAINT 14 NOISE COMPLAINT 1 SUSPICIOUS/UNWANTED/TRESPASS 45 TRAFFIC COLLISION 2 VANDALISM REPORT 1 TOTAL 435 The Rangers were met with much positivity from the citizens who were very outspoken about their gratitude for the program. Below are some of the many responses from the citizens: J would like to send kudos to the city and police department for instituting the 9 month Ranger program. I met today here at Seapoint with the new rangers and a CPD officer regarding their responsibilities with this program. We as residents of Seapoint Tennis Club living on Box Canyon are thdnkful that you'll be periodically patrolling this area. Thank you so much. This--along with the CLNM Ranger patrols should help significantly reduce trespass attempts. So far this season we have had over 35 trespassers reported to CPD. Not to mention the many who have not been reported. Anderson October 13, 2017 Page3 Kudos again, and thank you, Tere Wilson Seapoint Tennis Club Board Member I am a resident of Carlsbad living at 6805 Sand Aster Drive. I live within walking distance to the lagoon and it is also located between my home and office. As a result I regularly walk with my dog the Botiquitos Lagoon 5-7 times a week. Due to the number of dogs not on leashes and the failure of dog owners to pick up after their dogs, I have cut back on my trips there. Without going through all of the negative experiences with dogs off leashes and the dog owners, approximately 3 weeks ago I counted 17 dogs without leashes (may have been more) most of which were aggressive toward other dogs and Jew toward people. The lost Jew times I have been at the lagoon, there has been "Community Officer" and today, there was a Park Ranger. I have been very encouraged to see their presence at the lagoon and strongly support continued supervision of the lagoons. The other reason I strongly support supervision of the lagoon is that it is a place where supervised children and groups of unsupervised middle school and high school children go. The lagoon is a wonderful asset for the children of all ages. For the older children, I have observed them simply walking and talking or pointing out the different birds, doing homework and looking very relaxed. But, my concern for the older unsupervised children has been safety. With a police, park ranger or community police person being present at irregular times, I believe the lagoon will be a safer place. I hope the mayor and council will see the benefit to the health and safety of the Carlsbad residents by continuing the Park Ranger supervision of lagoons in Carlsbad. Sue Loftin, Esq. My son, Evan, and I recently met Ranger Jerry Serafini while entering the Batiquitos Lagoon area. He was very helpful in helping Evan get some literature to help with a Boy Scout Merit Badge he was working on. During our conversation Jerry explained a bit about the Police Ranger program. Evan and I also looked up some articles about it on fine after we got home. We really like the idea of this program in order to help keep the Carlsbad Park areas safe and in good physical condition (Deter vandalism, etc.) and believe it should continue. Thank you for your time, Tom I met Ranger Jerry Serafini doing his rounds in my neighborhood this morning. I had spoken to him previously on the phone about loose dogs and he was following up. I didn't see any loose dogs when I walked mine; everyone was on his/her best behavior. My neighbors and I have been very concerned about loose dogs for some time and I for one am so appreciative that the City has responded with the Ranger program to enforce our ordinances. There are places I enjoy walking my dog, such as the Bataquitos Lagoon, that I no longer visit because of the loose dogs. Soon, hopefully the message will get out that we have Rangers patrolling the area and we'll be able to go back. Best regards, Anne Estes Andetson October 13, 2017 Page4 I met police ranger Jerry Serafini yesterday, who was friendly and helpful, at Calavera Hills Park and he told me about the pilot program of having a ranger patrol the park. I support this program because Calavera Hills is a precious resource, and I believe the largest coastal park in North San Diego County. Having a ranger patrol the park will help preserve this resource and prevent it from being degraded by a few careless people. Sincerely, Don Miller I had the pleasure of meeting Police Ranger Jerry Serafini this weekend on the Batiquitos Lagoon. He explained the purpose of the Ranger Program and described some of his duties. He said funding was available until April from Sondag but the future of the program will be in the hands of the City of Carlsbad. As o resident of Azure Cove, which adjoins the northern entrance to the Batiquitos Lagoon, I heartily support this program. I especially like the fact that during the summer months patrolling will be until 7:00 pm. Thank you Carlsbad Police Department for instituting the ranger program. I hope it will continue in the future. Sincerely, Lindo Collier On 9/17 /17, I met Police Ranger J. Serafini on the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail and he explained the Police Ranger Program. The Program sounds like a very worthwhile operation. Having a person of authortty and in uniform patrol the parks and tra;/s in Carlsbad will promote a better respect for the trail rules and regulations. I understand that Police Ranger Program has been stated on a trial basis and will be re-evaluated by the Carlsbad City Council in 10 months time. I hope as a resident of Carlsbad and a user of the Carlsbad trail system, that the Police Ranger Program will be continued beyond the trial period. Brian Cooney I'm a very frequent hiker at Calavera Preserve, and today I had the pleasure of meeting one of the two police rangers, Fernando, near the top of the peak. I enjoyed talking to him and sharing my concerns for Calavera in particular. Supervision there, especially on weekends, has been needed for a long time. I have seen a huge increase in the number of people using the preserve over the past couple years. A particular concern has been finding speot fireworks, ashes from a fire at the top of the peak, bikes creating new trails and more erosion, graffiti, motorcycles, and of course the never ending dog poop and human toilet paper. We need more officers like Fernando, who prooctively introduced himself, and explained his role as an educator and enforcer if need be. I was impressed with h;s authority and pleasant manner. I Anderson October 13, 2017 Page 5 hope the city continues its police/ranger presence at Calavera and other areas. This is a much needed and appreciated progrom. Sincerely, Bob Williams I, my husband and dog Max, recently had a great encounter while on the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail with Ranger Jerry Serafini. A very friendly, outgoing person with a very positive attitude. He thanked us for having our dog on a leash and we had a very informative and interesting talk with Jerry before he went on his way. It was wonderful to see a Ranger on the trail and very reassuring. I was happy to hear he had also been to Lake Calavera Trail, this is something that hos been long needed. I am 70 and walk the trails all around Aviara and Calavera with my dog everyday. It feels safer knowing Rangers will be checking places out. Especially such outgoing, gregarious and capable people. One area I might suggest checl.<ing out is the eastern end of the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail off Hummingbird Road and Sanderling Court. Dogs are frequently off leash and I have encountered groups drinking and smoking at the benches near the overlook. I was there yesterday and there was a broken beer bottle between the benches. Plus trash is being thrown off the cliff near the eastern most bench, which is such a shame. I want to thank you very much for this Ranger program. If there is anything we can to do to help support this program please let us know. We hope to see more of Jerry and the other Ranger. Sincerely, Debra and Dennis Ehrlich Photos of the Police Rangers on Patrol Anderson October 13, 2017 Page 6 Batiquitos Preserve Photos Citizen artistically capturing the view J1 . J Anderson October 13, 2017 Page 7 Anderson October 13, 2017 Page 8 Anderson October 13, 2017 Page9 ;) I Memorandum February 5, 2018 To: Keith Greer, SANDAG Principal Region Planner From: Cindy Anderson, Senior Management Analyst Re: 2ND QUARTER RANGER SUMMARY Quarter 2 2017 Stats Hours Worked # Contacts Made Total Preserves 560.8 2,353 Northwest Preserves 52.7 134 Northeast Preserves 211.85 1,064 Southwest Preserves 184.1 895 Southeast Preserves 111.8 260 Parks, Beaches, Lagoons (not tracked} 497 Total Ranger Productivity 2,850 ( Cicyof Carlsbad This marks the second quarter of the Police Ranger program in the City of Carlsbad. They documented 2,850 contacts, a significant increase from the previous quarter. The majority of the Rangers' time was spent in the preserve areas, particularly the Northeast and Southwest sectors. The Rangers continue to extra patrol the preserves, parks, beaches, and lagoons and provide educational information on the program as well. Most of the issues they encountered this quarter were dogs off leash, trespassing, and litter/waste on the trail, but they also gave verbal and written warnings for illegal camping, illegal fishing, and dogs in prohibited areas. Below is a list of calls for service that the Rangers responded to: CALL TYPE TOTAL ABANDONED 2 VEHICLE ANIMAL CALL 2 (CONTINUED) TOTAL EXTRA PATROL 764 FOUND PROPERTY 5 HAZARDOUS 9 (CONTINUED) TOTAL NARCOTICS 3 COMPLAINT SUBJECT STOP 51 ASSIST CITIZEN 42 MEETING 3 TRESPASS 16 ASSIST FIRE DEPT 15 MISCELLANEOUS 14 VANDALISM 21 CHECK AREA 8 MUNICODE 26 REPORT CHECK VEHICLE 3 COMPLAINT TOTAL 984 Unit Anderson February 5, 2018 Page 2 Map of Ranger Activity ~~~R::a:ng:e:r~S::er:a:fi1:n~i~;;:;:;;;;-;;;.;--;:;;;;;::;y;,:;;,~~,._~~~~~~~~~~~_J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ • Ranger Arizmendi • . t coordinates @ . b don approx,ma e ,;il • Location ase O" 7 Anderson February 5, 2018 Page3 The Police Department continues to receive positive feedback from citizens. Below are some examples of their responses: I had read about the new Carlsbad ranger program in the Union-Tribune a few weeks ago. My reaction to the UT artide was very positive and I was happy that Carlsbad was testing this program as a way to monitor our beaches and trails. Last week I was hiking along Batisquitos Lagoon I had the opportunity to meet Ranger Jerry Serafini on the trail. Jerry and I hiked together for about a mile, so I really got to talk with him and learn about the program. I am impressed! Jerry was a great representative for your organization and this program. I really do hope that this valuable program will continue, and that Jerry will continue as a ranger as well. ProtecUng the remaining open space and our wonderful beaches and bluffs enhances our quality of life, and is very important for the city of Carlsbad. As a citizen of Carlsbad for over 30 years, I enthusiastically endorse this program as vital and tax money well spent. E.S. Carlsbad, CA I've been a Carlsbad resident for 18 years and have walked that trail many times. I was very pleasantly surprised to come across your new police Ranger. I want to thank you very much and encourage you and Carlsbad City Council to keep the police Ranger program intact going forward. It's just one more reason to love this beautiful city. Thanks again and happy new year. L.M., AICP, Principal Summit Environmental Group, Inc I met Police Ranger Jerry Serafini today on my run in the preserve, and wanted to be sure to let you know that my husband and I are definitely in Javor of keeping the rangers in Lake Calavera Preserve. There has been a noticeable drop in dogs off leash, which is a good thing for us runners! We visit the preserve 3-5 times per week (sometimes more), we both love dogs, but not when they are off leash. It isn't safe for the dogs (we see rattlers frequently), the other wildlife ( quail and road runners), or for people. So a big thank you for this program, and we hope it will continue past the end of June 2018. D.H. Oceanside, CA Anderson February 5, 2018 Page 4 I want to report our satisfaction with the presence of law enforcement rangers at the Batiquitos Laguna. We have noticed that since there has been a regular presence of the patrol car and officers on foot the trail is quiet and visitors keep the trail clean and animals leashed. As a Carlsbad resident I want to support the continuation of the patrol. M.O. La Jolla, CA I use the Calavera Lake trails a lot, usually every day. Officer Serafini's presence is a huge benefit. I hope the program continues. Increasing numbers of people use the area. I am hoping more enforcement will be placed on dogs on leashes, as well as mountain bikes yielding the right of way to pedestrians. I have experienced many near misses with mountain bikes, and dogs off leash. My wife feels safer walking the trails now with the ranger patrol. S.M. Carlsbad, CA My husband and I have enjoyed the natural habitat and beauty of the Batiquitos Trail for twelve years. We hope we will continue to do so for many years come. We met one of your rangers and were delighted to learn of your newly implemented trial program. We think it is very important because sadly over the years, we have noticed more violations of the rules. For example, smoking, people entering cordoned areas, and bicycling. We hope the city will find the funding to continue the ranger program to keep our beautiful wildlife sanctuary a treasure for all to enjoy. K.R. Carlsbad, CA The other day while walking my greyhound on the Batiquitos Lagoon trail, I met with Police Ranger Jerry Serafini. His first words to me were to thank me for having my dog on a leash! I was so surprised and pleased by his statement that I spent some time talking with him. I thanked him for ensuring that dog owners were made aware of the regulation that all dogs must be leashed while on the trail. It has been a constant source of concern for me when I encounter unleashed dogs on the trail. Many dog owners simply do not understand how unpredictable dogs are when encountering other dogs. I can't tell you how many times I've heard a dog owner say "My dog doesn't like to be on a leash" or "My dog is friendly" before their dog tried to attack me or my dog. Needless to say, these incidents often lead to unwanted and unnecessary confrontations. Ranger Serafini explained to me that this was a pilot program that Carlsbad had recently begun. I want to commend the city for taking the initiative and making this a priority. I Anderson February 5, 2018 Pages believe that if this program is made permanent, all users of the city's great parks will be the beneficiaries. As a past resident of Carlsbad, and a current resident of Encinitas, I hope for the success of this program so as to encourage other cities to implement similar policies and procedures. I also want to commend Ranger Serafini for his professionalism and approachability. He is a credit to the ranger progrom of Carlsbad. F.C. Carlsbad, CA We have lived in Carlsbad for 16 years and have been regular and long term users of the Batiquitos Lagoon trafls and facilities. We are so pleased that the city now provides Ranger patrols and services to the Lagoon. Both Rangers are friendly and polite. Yet I have observed how well they handle issues such as with bikers who should not ride the troil, and dog people without the animal being on a lease ;n an appropriate manner, Please keep the program going! The simple matter of having a Ranger vehicle parked from time to time and seeing the Ranger's on the trail gives young and old a sense of security. R.J. Carlsbad, CA Just came across Jerry Serafini on our weekly walk at Batiquitos Lagoon. Had a great conversation with Jerry, are glad to have met him and to know an official is on site to ensure compliance with Park rules so that all of us can better enjoy what our parks have to offer. Jerry explained the new ranger program, and the city's evaluation, to us. Please accept our full support for continuing this program in the future. Carlsbad's parks, trails and outdoor recreational venues are very important to us and their maintenance and code compliance efforts deserve city-budget support. If we can be of assistance in furthering this program as a worthwhile, budgeted endeavor, please feel free to contact me. W.P. Carlsbad, CA Anderson February 5, 2018 Page 6 I got your email from Fernando Arizmendi the other day at the Batiquitos Lagoon. My wife and I have walked the path there for years and I have given up telling people to keep their dogs on their leash as so many signs along the way tell them to. I can't tell you how happy we are that there is now these patrol people. There have been so many instances of loose dogs, especially when I was recovering from surgeries, come running up and bound on me or worse. We love the patrols -the problem seems to be improving. Please don't Jet it go away. Fernando told me there would be a public meeting to voice our opinion about the program. We wish to be informed as to when that will happen -we will attend in support of you guys. G.A. Carlsbad, CA Just wanted to say how much I appreciate Police Ranger Serafini at the Batiquitos lagoon. I have felt at times a bit uneasy walking alone there and it is really nice to have him patrol it. Thanks for providing this great service. S.L. Carlsbad, CA My wife and I met Ranger Serafini on the Batiquitos lagoon trail last week and were happy to learn of the policing now going on. It is time as the population is growing along with the popularity of the trail. We feel safer and more confident our car will not be robed while we are out. We were also very impressed with Jerry and his understanding of the growing problems we face now. Just want to tell you all thanks so very much for your attention to these issues. A.C. Carlsbad, CA Quarter 2 Photos Great Use of the Lagoon Anderson February 5, 2018 Page7 Anderson February 5, 2018 Page8 Lake Ca/avera Anderson February 5, 2018 Page 9