Residents Speak Up at Elk Grove Joint Public Safety Meeting

Elk Grove residents participate in the public safety forum

In a forum that covered public safety issues ranging from speed bumps to firefighters response times, dozens of Elk Grove residents peppered members of local police and fire departments with questions and comments during last night’s Joint Public Safety Forum.

The event, which was sponsored by the Elk Grove Community Connection and hosted by members of the Elk Grove City Council and Cosumnes Community Services District (CCS) Board of Directors, offered residents the unique opportunity to discuss fire and police department matters at one meeting. Unlike most municipalities’, Elk Grove fire and police services are governed by two separate agencies, the CCSD and The City of Elk Grove respectively.

After hearing opening comments from council members Gary Davis and Steve Detrick and CCSD Director Rod Brewer, the audience heard presentations from Police Chief Robert Lehner, Police Lt. Paul Solomon and Fire Chief Tracey Hansen, the forum opened a lively question and answer session. Some of the questions were based on information from the presentations.

One of the first questions was how can residents report neighborhood traffic violators. Solomon said if a plate number or address can be reported of the suspected offender, police will mail a courtesy reminder to that person.

Lehner and Hansen were also asked about state laws and their respective departments’ policy on use of cell phones by on-duty personnel.

Lehner noted that on-duty police officers and firefighters are permitted to use the devices while operating vehicles but that it must be related to their duties. He also noted that patrol officers are trained and tested on use of multiple communications devices while operating a vehicle.

“But we don’t want them making personal calls while on duty either,” he added.

Hansen noted that while emergency personnel can use the devises while operating a vehicle, her department forbids it.

“We want to set a proper role model for the community,” she said.

Many of the attendees complimented the efforts of both departments noting the high level of service residents receive. Noting the peculiarities of having public safety functions split between two governmental agencies, Hansen and Lehner both said fire and police personnel work closely.

“Our folks in the field work seamlessly,” Lehner said. “That relationship is very good.”

There was one person in attendance who said he felt motorcycle officers treated him rudely during a traffic stop. Dr. Nicholas who identified himself as a bereavement specialist said he was treated rudely after being pulled over for speeding.

“They have no compassion,” Nicholas said. “Some of them have been very aggressive.”

Lehner acknowledged that there been complaints and the department takes them seriously. He said that he expects all contacts between officers and the public to be conducted in a respectful professional manner.

Nonetheless, if someone is violating the law, Lehner said he fully supports patrol officers.

“We can talk about their attitude,” Lehner said. “As for the ticket, I can’t help you with that.”