Crime & Safety

City Answers Residents' Questions on Police Department

After two town-hall style meetings, the city formally clarifies concerns.

The city released a 9-page document on Monday that answers some public questions from the Nov. 1 and Nov. 5 meetings in the Chetcuti Room.

Below are consolidated answers the city provided, click here for the full report.

What is the future of the Millbrae Police Volunteers?

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The sheriff said that he can accommodate the volunteers. The volunteers could be reassigned to other departments, such as Park and Recreation. However, the details of the volunteer program have yet to be negotiated – if the city decides to outsource to the sheriff. 

The city is still determining the costs if it were to keep its volunteer program as a stand-alone department.

Find out what's happening in Millbraewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

What amount of police coverage is acceptable?

Two officers and a sergeant is the minimum staffing, except for Friday and Saturday shifts from 3 p.m to 3 a.m., when one additional officer is on duty.

Will the Millbrae police station remain?

The Sheriff’s Office intends to keep the Millbrae station open, but details still needs to be determined in negotiations. 

When Millbrae officers need additional assistance, where will it come from?

The officers will come from San Bruno or Burlingame, as they do now. The city will not need to wait for sheriff deputies from Redwood City.

How soon could Millbrae get a tax measure on the ballot to fund the police? 

A special election can be held in June 2012, and requires two-thirds approval. The cost of a special election is $88,000.

Would there be additional costs for extra assistance, such as the Millbrae Art & Wine festival or special coverage at schools during peak hours?

The additional coverage would be provided at a cost, which is still undetermined at this point.

What is the city’s pension cost if it outsources to the sheriff?

The city will always have to pay the pension obligation bond, approximately $184,000 per year until 2034. In addition, it will also have to pay $575,000 each year in retirements costs, and medical costs of $100,000 for the next 30 years.

Will there be an officer who speaks Cantonese or Mandarin?

This is still undetermined, and subject to negotiations.


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