The County began forming zones of CSA P-6 in 1989 as part of the subdivision approval process. There are now 115 zones of CSA P-6. Since 1992, Board policy has been to impose a condition of approval on all major subdivisions (i.e., subdivisions creating five or more parcels) that requires approval of a parcel tax for police protection in each zone. Collectively, the CSA P-6 zones generate approximately $1.6 million in special tax revenue per year. The cumulative CSA P-6 zone special tax balance was approximately $6.8 million at the end of 2014.
The purpose of this proposal is to use the ongoing, annual tax revenue stream to support a crime prevention program that will provide extended protection services to residents and property owners in the CSA P-6 zones. This proposal does not involve the $6.8 million balance referenced above.
Development of this program is in the early stages, however, a key component of the program is that County residents who live in CSA P-6 zones and pay special taxes for extended police services will receive an enhanced level or type of service, not provided to the same extent countywide. For example, the residents and property owners within the CSA P-6 zones will have priority access, via an assigned staff member, for individually tailored crime analysis, safety education, crime prevention resources and other innovative programs such as a security camera registration program. County residents who do not live in a CSA P-6 zone will have access to the Unit’s services through group meetings and general, public informational communications, but they will not receive the enhanced, individual level of service provided to CSA P-6 zone residents and property owners. This combined effort will benefit the entire operational area.The overarching goal of this new Community Services Unit is to inform, encourage and remind the public of crime prevention strategies that will reduce crime in our communities. The new services will be in collaboration with other county departments, government agencies, community-based and service organizations, business and industry, neighborhood associations, and schools.
The Unit will leverage existing funded positions, (2) Sheriff’s Specialists, and (2) Crime Analysts. It should be noted that (1) of the Sheriff’s Specialist is funded by the Discovery Bay P-6 Zone, and the other (3) positions are funded by the General Fund.
Failure to approve the addition of one (1) Sergeant and two (2) Sheriff’s Specialists will result in the new Community Services Unit not being implemented.