Possible Cathedral City Police Cuts

You could start seeing less police presence on the streets of Cathedral City, if current union negotiations fail. The possibility of more cuts to public safety has residents very concerened. The cuts have had people talking since June, when the city council eliminated 14 employees from the police department and five from the fire department.

Amy Grey lives in Cathedral City and says, “It’s not acceptable whatsoever. We need the coverage. We need the safety that comes with the numbers.”

Now, the city is negotiating with the Cathedral City Police Officers Association and the Cathedral City Police and Fire Management Association. City Councilman, Greg Pettis confirms if the negotiations fail, the city could lose more officers. In a phone conversation the councilman told us that ideally there won’t be any additional cuts, if the two unions are willing to take additional cuts in terms of hours, wages or benefits. And if they decide not to negotiate, then it will be up to the city manager to decide if more cuts are made. He says in the worst case scenario those doing administrative work like sergeants and lieutenants could be affected.

We tried contacting the police department to ask questions, but no one was available since their offices are closed on Fridays.

When we asked people around Cathedral City what they think, we met Kiti Laisure. She was the Director of Finance for Cathedral City at the beginning. She says, “When we first incorporated, I think we only had 13 officers, now it’s doubled in size.” So what does she think of the current numbers? She says, “I think it’s horrendous and I’m sorry it happened.”

Others we talked to had similar reactions to the possibility of more cuts.
Grey says, “I think it’s literally a crime. Our city is growing and growing without the necessary reserves, when it comes to the police and fire department, we’re putting ourselves in danger.”

Gloria Guttman agrees, “Well, I certainly think you shouldn’t have that happen and that’s certainly what’s going on around here today and it’s sad.”

Cathedral City Mayor, Kathy DeRosa tells us she’s hopeful there won’t be any more cuts.
She says, “Until the negotiation is complete, everything is hypothetical.”
An update could come as soon as August 8th.