"City Council Tackles New Police Building, Rising Crime Concerns" - Bloomington Board of Public Safety, January 21, 2025

"City Council Tackles New Police Building, Rising Crime Concerns" - Bloomington Board of Public Safety, January 21, 2025

AI Summary:

### **Headline:**

**City Council Debates New Police Building Amid Safety and Staffing Concerns**

### **Article:**

In an intense and pivotal meeting on January 21, 2025, the Board of Public Safety addressed critical issues, including police staffing, crime statistics, and the proposed new police building, which captured the council and public’s attention due to its potential impact on community safety and resource allocation.

The meeting opened with routine elections for board positions, swiftly moving Timothy and Phil into the roles of chair and vice chair, respectively. However, the atmosphere shifted as the council delved into the more contentious topics of police business and community safety.

Police Chief Daffron presented the annual crime report, highlighting a 2.4% increase in calls for service in 2024, totaling 75,100. Of particular concern was the spike in child abuse cases, which he suggested might be due to “better reporting.” He noted, “A lot of times, if there are outside people checking on kids, they might notice something and report it whereas it might not have been reported in the past.”

The discussion took a significant turn when the topic of a new police building was introduced. “The mayor has expressed a real interest in finding us a new location,” stated Chief Daffron, outlining the schedule for a public meeting to discuss potential sites. This proposal is seen as a response to the growing demands on the police department, exacerbated by current inadequate facilities.

Public safety wasn’t the only concern; the fire department also reported a notable increase in calls. Fire Chief Litwin provided a detailed breakdown, revealing a 30% increase in calls over the past five years, with false alarms and EMS calls constituting the majority.

Community engagement and the integration of social services were also focal points. The police department’s social work statistics were particularly telling, with 292 contacts made, assisting in areas ranging from mental health care to housing and emergency cold weather support for unhoused community members.

Personnel issues were another critical topic, with both police and fire departments grappling with staffing shortages and the need for new hires and equipment. “We’re currently doing background investigations on 13 people from our hiring process that we had at the end of last year,” disclosed a senior police official, underscoring the ongoing efforts to bolster the force.

The council and community members expressed both support and concerns about the proposed new police building. While some see it as a necessary step towards enhancing public safety, others worry about the financial implications and potential impact on other community services.

As the meeting adjourned, the sense of urgency and the spectrum of challenges facing the city were palpable. The decisions made in these sessions are set to shape the community's approach to safety, engagement, and overall well-being in significant ways. The forthcoming public meeting on the new police building is anticipated to be a critical moment for public input and decision-making.

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