Should San Anselmo Consolidate Police Services?

Consolidation is a touchy subject.

Towns across Marin are looking for creative ways to save money right now and considering ways to combine services among towns is a straight-forward way to do that. But, every small town in the county feels its unique character is part of what makes it a great place to live and consolidating with bigger towns threatens that character.

San Anselmo is no different.

The San Anselmo Town Council heard an extended presentation Tuesday night, July 26, on a proposal for the to combine some police dispatch and support services with the Twin Cities Police Authority. The plan would save the town $51,166 immediately, because of a shared position between the two, and would save the town $138,000 in the next few years in employee and equipment costs. Additionally, Chief Charles Maynard outlined a number of other benefits – use of the new Twin Cities facility starting in 2012, evidence storage, and reserve officers. 

“These are conservative estimates. I think you will see more savings at the end of 12 months,” said Maynard.

You can read the full plan here.

to the council and the council will be asked to approve the final contract and memorandum of understanding on Aug. 9.

Some concerns were raised by council members.

Council Member Kay Coleman expressed the most concerns about moving dispatchers to the Twin Cities. The front desk in San Anselmo will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; it is currently only open until 7 p.m. After hours, residents will press a button and can talk to a dispatcher on a video screen in the Twin Cities.

“I don’t want to talk to anyone in Corte Madera, I want to talk to someone in San Anselmo,” said Coleman

Chief Maynard said when they studied consolidating dispatch services with Fairfax in 2007, they had data on how many people come in to the police department office after 5 p.m. for safety-related reasons. Approximately ten people per month came in for everything ranging from attempted homicide to custody battles; an additional dozen came in after 5 p.m. to pick up mail, get keys or ask for information.

Coleman also said she was concerned about a detective position being located over there and about hints in the proposal for greater consolidation down the road. 

“You’re not moving to Corte Madera,” she said. “Not on my watch.”

“Do you forsee a time when our station would close?” asked Council Member Jeff Kroot.

“No,” said Chief Maynard.