The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department has a bit of a struggle over a $200,000 or more “bill” that Los Gatos handed to the city of Monte Sereno for overtime and other expenses relating to the murder investigation of Ravi Kumra. Monte Sereno feels that the contract it has with the town of Los Gatos covers those inevitable overruns so has refused to pay. As a result of this financial burden, it’s being suggested that Los Gatos outsource its police services to the county sheriff’s office.
Is that a good idea?
Many locals don’t seem to think so, and state that if outsourced, the quality of policing in town will fall. “The police won’t really know the areas or the community”, said one neighbor of mine. Other objections include the lack of ties to the community, slower response times projected, and potentially higher costs, too.
What do you think?
The issue will be addressed at the April 21st 2015 Town Council meeting, located at the Los Gatos Civic Center Council Chambers. 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030. I’d bet that it will be the most packed meeting Los Gatans have ever seen.
Additional information
The Los Gatos Town Council meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 7pm in the council chambers. http://www.losgatosca.gov/16/Town-Council
Link to the town’s Police Dept page: http://www.losgatosca.gov/43/Police-Services
San Jose Mercury News Article: Los Gatos: Police outsourcing issue delayed
More information can be found under the Los Gatos Town Council’s agenda’s on the town’s site. May take some time to find and read all of them – the site isn’t entirely intuitive.
