HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6a. 2024-29 Police Department Strategic Plan Item 6a
Department: Police
Cost Center: 8001
For Agenda of: 1/23/2024
Placement: Business
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
FROM: Rick Scott, Police Chief
Prepared By: Brian Amoroso, Deputy Chief
SUBJECT: PRESENT THE 2024-2029 SAN LUIS OBISPO POLICE DEPARTMENT
STRATEGIC PLAN
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the San Luis Obispo 5-year Strategic Plan, to be presented by Chief Rick
Scott and Jacob Green and Associates. The strategic plan outlines goals, objectives and
action items that will guide and direct the work effort of the Police Department for the next
five years.
POLICY CONTEXT
The Police Department contracted with Jacob Green and Associates in 2023 to aid in the
creation of a strategic plan to guide the direction and work effort of the Police Department
for the next 5 years. The strategic planning effort is identified as Task 2.51 of the 2023-
2025 Work Program and Financial Plan.
DISCUSSION
Background
In February 2023, the City of San Luis Obispo Police Department (Department) engaged
the services of Jacob Green and Associates, Inc. (JGA), to help facilitate the development
of the Department’s Strategic Plan. At the direction of the Chief of Police, the team from
JGA has spent significant time reviewing City planning documents, conducting field
interviews, administering surveys, and meeting with staff and community leaders to
ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach to strategic planning.
The mid-project status update provided by JGA on September 5 , 2023, reviewed the
strategic planning process efforts to date, including a review of the methodology
employed and preliminary city and community input results. Specifically, the presentation
highlighted the outcomes of a broad community engagement strategy based on
numerous interviews conducted with key community partners that have served as a
valuable source of information, offering perspectives from various community leaders,
1 Page #49, 2023-2025 Financial Plan. “Use Community partnerships to help build a 5‐year
strategic plan to create transparency and legitimacy”.
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Item 6a
and allowed the strategic planning team to align the department's goals with the
community's needs and expectations. The insights gleaned from these interviews shed
light on areas of alignment and potential areas for improvement, fostering a collaborative
and inclusive approach to shaping the department's strategies to help guide and align the
future of policing in San Luis Obispo.
The presentation also featured the results from four broad reaching anonymous survey
instruments that were utilized as part of the process. The surveys act as a platform for
community members and police dep artment staff to voice their opinions, lived
experiences, concerns, and suggestions. The aggregated survey data provided
quantitative insights into community sentiment, enabling data -driven decision-making and
a well-rounded understanding of public perceptions and recommendations.
Finally, the presentation outlined the tasks completed to date, and the forthcoming steps
in the strategic planning process, providing transparency and a sense of direction for both
the council and the community.
The strategic planning process involved five steps.
1. Project Kickoff & Project Charter Development
2. Current State Assessment
3. Future State Development - Vision, Mission, Values, Priorities, & Paradigm
4. Strategic Plan Development, Action Plan Implementation & Monitoring
5. Approval & Distribution
1. Project Kickoff & Project Charter Development (Completed)
During the strategic planning development process, JGA worked with SLOPD and key
executive staff to solidify the project committee members, critical strategic planning
components, desired outcomes, and associated deadlines. A project charter was
created to create mutual expectations and project road-map approval.
2. Current State Assessment (Completed)
JGA collaborated with the department during this phase of the strategic planning
process to explore the current context of the organization to include an external and
internal review with key stakeholders to include the SLO community and department
personal. The process incorporated the SWOT assessment (Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities, Threats) for an accurate snapshot of current operations. JGA collected
data from a variety of sources including focus groups, working groups, surveys of key
players, and one-on-one interviews. Key focus areas and objectives were id entified.
Consultants created a process to update the Department’s Vision, Mission, Values,
and any other related fundamental department brand identity statements.
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Item 6a
3. Future State Development - Vision, Mission, Values, etc. (Completed)
JGA worked with all stakeholders to develop the fundamental elements that build
organizational alignment: vision, mission, values, priorities, and paradigm. During this
step, JGA facilitated a two-day strategic planning retreat as outlined below.
The Department identified a need to bring key leadership together for a facilitated two-
day session to assess the department's current and future state. Facilitation services
enable all members of the team to actively engage in the meeting process instead of
having a designated team member take the role of facilitator and be excluded from
group discussion.
Activities facilitated by JGA during the retreat were consolidated into the final Strategic
Plan product. Facilitated activities included identifying strategic pri orities, objectives,
strategies, and metrics. Activities included all-hands discussions and break-out
sessions for process efficiency and effectiveness.
4. Strategic Plan Development, Action Plan Implementation (Completed)
JGA helped the organization develop a set of priorities, as well as an action plan
focusing on achieving the identified priorities during the five-year life span of the
strategic plan. The action plan includes priorities, goals and objectives, strategies and
actions, indications, target dates, and KPI’s.
As requested in the RFP instructions, the Strategic Plan includes reference to the best
timing and approach to conduct the department’s future staffing study. JGA will not
conduct the staffing study as part of this process but is available to manage this project
at a future date if desired by the city. During this step of the process, the feasibility of
a staffing study, recommended schedule, and scope was examined, and the
Department is currently in the final stages of preparing an RFP for a staffing study.
5. Approval & Distribution (Expected completion 1/31/2024)
A final strategic plan was assembled by JGA and routed to key SLOPD stakeholders
for review, edit, and ultimate approval. The plan will be distributed to the organization
and JGA will work with the Police Chief to determine the most effective way to educate
the Department regarding the final Strategic Plan and associated implementation
strategy.
Strategic Plan Summary
Six goals or “pillars” were identified as major work efforts as a result of the collaboration,
research, and engagement conducted in the project planning. Each of these pillars
were developed as key priorities from those participating in the process. Those goals
are:
1. Service to the Community
2. Community Engagement
3. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
4. Recruitment and Retention
5. Health and Wellness
6. Improve Infrastructure, Equipment and Technology
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Item 6a
Within each goal, objectives were developed and refined to guide the work effort over
the next five years. Each of the following objectives support the goals of the plan and
are specifically linked to each goal (1-6) for reference. The identified objectives are:
1A. Conduct Staffing Analysis
1B. Implement Enhanced SMART Policing and alternative policing models
1C. Empower the Community for Enhanced Safety
2A. Enhance Community Communications
2B. Expand Community Partnerships and Programs
2C. Broaden and Diversify Community Presence
3A. Integrate DE&I Throughout the Department
4A. Create Recruitment Program
4B. Enhance Training Program
4C. Create Retention Program
5A. Create Comprehensive Health and Fitness Program
5B. Enhance Mental and Emotional Support
5C. Create a Comprehensive Employee and Family Support Program
6A. Refine Capital Improvement Plans for Police Department Facility
6B. Improve Departmental Equipment
6C. Evaluate Body Worn Camera and In-Car Camera Solutions
6D. New Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System (CAD/RMS)
Finally, 79 individual work efforts were identified to directly supp ort the objectives and
goals of the Strategic Plan. Each of these work efforts or “Action Items” are grouped
logically under each of the objects they directly support.
Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
On September 5th 2023, Chief Scott and Jacob Green and Associates presented to
Council the strategic planning process efforts to date, including a review of the
methodology employed and preliminary city and community input results. At that time,
Council directed additional outreach be conducted to ensure the capture of student
responses due to the summer timeframe of the initial outreach. The community
engagement surveys were kept open for several weeks to offer an opportunity for further
input to the Strategic Plan.
Public Engagement
Extensive public engagement was conducted through in-person interviews and several
online survey instruments to solicit broad input from the community on departmental
direction. In addition, the Department is coordinating with the Community Safety Advisory
Council, which is comprised of both the PAC and Police Roundtable advisory bodies, to
review progress and provide important input into the development of the Strategic Plan.
CONCURRENCE
None.
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Item 6a
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in
this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines
Sec. 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: N/A Budget Year: 2023-24
Funding Identified: N/A
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $ $ $ $
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total $0 $0 $0 $0
There are no fiscal impacts directly associated with the presentation of the Strategic Plan.
Implementation of any of the objectives outlined in the Plan may have a fiscal impact, and
those impacts will be identified if and when objectives are implemented.
ALTERNATIVES
There are no alternative actions as this presentation is a receive and file of the San Luis
Obispo Police Department 5-year Strategic Plan.
ATTACHMENTS
A - 2024-2029 San Luis Obispo Police Department Strategic Plan
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PREPARED BY:
2024-2029 Strategic Plan
San Luis Obispo Police Department
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San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan
Table of Contents
2
CHIEF’S MESSAGE 3ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 4COMMUNITY PARTNERS 5EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6COMMUNITY OVERVIEW 7ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW 8
a. Organization ChartOUR VISION & PURPOSE 9
a. Our Vision
b. Our PurposeOUR VALUES 10STRATEGIC PLANNING METHODOLOGY 11PROJECT LIFE CYCLE 12ONGOING STRATEGIC PLAN MANAGEMENT 13INFLUENCES 14OUTREACH 15SWOT OBJECTIVE & INTRODUCTION 16RESOURCES 17SWOT ANALYSIS 18GOAL 1 – Service to the Community 20
a. Objective 1A: Conduct Staffing Analysis
b. Objective 1B: Implement Enhanced SMART Policing and Alternative Policing Models
c. Objective 1C: Empower the Community for Enhanced SafetyGOAL 2 – Community Engagement 21
a. Objective 2A: Enhance Community Communications
b. Objective 2B: Expand Community Partnerships and Programs
c. Objective 2C: Broaden and Diversify Community PresenceGOAL 3 – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 22
a. Objective 3A: Integrate DE&I Throughout the DepartmentGOAL 4 – Recruitment & Retention 22
a. Objective 4A: Create Recruitment Program
b. Objective 4B: Enhance Training Program
c. Objective 4C: Create Retention ProgramGOAL 5 – Health & Wellness 23
a. Objective 5A: Create Comprehensive Health and Fitness Program
b. Objective 5B: Enhance Mental and Emotional Support
c. Objective 5C: Create a Comprehensive Employee and Family Support ProgramGOAL 6 – Improve Infrastructure, Equipment & Technology 24
a. Objective 6A: Refine Capital Improvement Plans for Police Department Facility
b. Objective 6B: Improve Departmental Equipment
c. Objective 6C: Evaluate Body Worn Camera and in-Car solutions
d. Objective 6D: New Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management Systems (CAD/RMS)STRATEGIC PLAN TIMELINE 25
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Chief’s Message
It is with much anticipation and excitement that we present the
San Luis Obispo Police Department’s Five-Year Strategic Plan. This
project is a result of diligent work, rigorous and honest assessment,
community engagement, and a passionate commitment to best serve
every member of our San Luis Obispo community.
San Luis Obispo is not just a place, but a vibrant community with
a rich history, diverse population, and a promise for the highest
quality of life possible, the SLO Quality of Life. Our responsibility
to safeguard and protect is profound. It is not simply about
enforcing the law; it’s about trust-building, fostering collaboration,
nurturing partnerships, and ensuring that every individual feels safe,
respected, and empowered.
In our journey to draft this Strategic Plan, we listened intently and
solicited direct and sometimes difficult feedback. We sought to
hear and best understand the hopes, concerns, and aspirations of
community members and department employees. The result is
a strategic roadmap that not only speaks to the present but also
best positions us for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
With ever-increasing change in policing, a successful plan must be
thought out, definitive, achievable, and most importantly adaptable.
The core pillars of the plan are founded in the principals of modern
community policing and is a commitment to our community to
provide exemplary police service, while preserving the dignity,
equity, and access to justice for all we serve.
I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to our entire community
for your support and for partnering with your police department
as we change the future of public safety. Together, we are shaping
the future of San Luis Obispo and with it our sense of safety and
community, promoting community-centric policing, and creating
a city where everyone feels truly safe and welcomed.
As we embark on this next chapter, I urge you to actively engage,
hold us accountable, and partner with us as we translate this plan
into action. It’s not just our Strategic Plan; it’s our blueprint for a
safer, more united future for our community.
Respectfully,
Rick Scott, Chief of Police
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 3Page 269 of 668
San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 4
Acknowledgements
This plan would not be possible if not for the contributions of our professional staff, elected leaders,
City departments and community partners. It is truly an honor to serve our community.
Strategic Plan Committee
Erica A. Stewart
Mayor
Jan Marx
Councilmember
Emily Francis
Councilmember
Andy Pease
Vice-Mayor
Michelle Shoresman
Councilmember
Derek J. Johnson
City Manager
Rick Scott
Chief of Police
Fred Mickel
Deputy Chief
Brian Amoroso
Deputy Chief
Chad Pfarr
Lieutenant
Aaron Schafer
Lieutenant
Robert Cudworth
Lieutenant
Jason Dickel
Lieutenant
Trevor Shalhoob
Sergeant
Caleb Kemp
Sergeant
Joseph Hurni
Sergeant
Tim Koznek
Sergeant
Bryan Treanor
Sergeant
Jeff Booth
Sergeant
Evan Stradley
Sergeant
Katherine Miller
Communications Supervisor
Taylor Heath
Communications Supervisor
Majorie Menesez
Records Lead Clerk
Christine Wallace
Public Affairs Manager
Melissa Ellsworth
Senior Buisness Analyst
Alexa Wetmore
Crime Analyst
Tiffan Hopkins
Executive Assistant to the Chief
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San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 5
Community Partners
AAPI SLO County
Bend the Arc
Black Faculty Staff Association
California Polytechnic University
CAPSLO (40 Prado)
Central Coast Gymnastics
County Behavioral Health
Covelop
Cuesta College Admin
Diversity Coalition SLO County
Downtown SLO
Farmer and Ready Law Firm
FEMA
Laguna Middle School
Latino Outreach Council
Lumina Alliance
Meathead Movers
Mission College Preparatory High School
NAACP
Police Advisory Committee of SLO
Police Roundtable of SLO
Public Safety SLO
RACE Matters SLO
Residents for Quality Neighborhoods
SLO Chamber
SLO High School
Transitions Mental Health Association
Tranz Central Coast
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San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan
Executive Summary
The San Luis Obispo Police Department presents its 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive
and forward-looking roadmap that will shape the future of our agency and the community we serve.
This plan serves as a guiding document, outlining our goals and objectives, as well as the necessary
strategies to achieve success over the next five years.
At the core of this Strategic Plan are six overarching goals, supported by 17 objectives and 76
strategies. These goals encompass our commitment to trust, public engagement, quality of service,
accountability, and professional growth through innovation. By implementing this plan, we aim to
enhance the effectiveness of our operations and ensure the continuous improvement of our services.
Central to our strategic approach is the recognition of the importance of collaboration and inclusivity,
as we actively engage our personnel and community members to develop a plan that aligns with
their needs and aspirations. By fostering a collaborative relationship between the Police Department
and the community, we aim to create a safer, more inclusive, and thriving environment for all, where
everyone feels safe, valued, and heard.
This Strategic Plan serves as a measure of our commitment to transparency and accountability. It will
guide our resource allocation and ensure that we are utilizing our capabilities and capacities efficiently
and effectively. With this plan as our compass, we are confident in our ability to provide exemplary
service and build a police department that meets the highest standards.
In conclusion, the San Luis Obispo Police Department 2024-2029 Strategic Plan is a comprehensive
and inclusive roadmap that sets the course for the next five years. It represents our commitment to
continuous growth and improvement, ensuring that we are a police department that not only meets
the needs of our community but also exceeds their expectations. Together, we can shape a brighter
future for San Luis Obispo.
6Page 272 of 668
Income & Poverty
0.1% Native Hawaiian and
Other Pacific Islander
70.4% White, not
Hispanic or Latino
17.9%Hispanic
or Latino
0.5% American Indian
and Alaska Native
10.3% Two
or more Races
5.5% Asian
1.3% Black or
African American
San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan
Community Overview
The San Luis Obispo Police Department is entrusted with the safety and security of the vibrant City
of San Luis Obispo, California. The City is nestled halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles,
encompassing an area of approximately 13.25 square miles. San Luis Obispo accommodates
19,254 households, with a median household income of $65,000. The City was formally incorporated
in 1856 and now boasts an estimated population of approximately 48,000 residents. During
daylight hours, the City’s multifaceted character becomes most evident, with the population
surging to approximately 100,000. This demographic swell is influenced by the student body at
California Polytechnic State University, the influx of daily professionals, and its pivotal role as the
County seat, hosting the majority of the County’s administrative offices and the main Courthouse.
With a profound sense of community, breathtaking landscapes, and an array of amenities, San Luis
Obispo ensures an unparalleled quality of life, paving the way for robust community ties and an
enriched living experience.
7
Race
Age & Sex
2.9%
Persons under 5 years
10.6%
Persons under 18 years
13.5%
Persons 65 years and over
49.3%
Female persons
$65,000
Median Household Income (2022)
31.5%
Persons in poverty
$41,749
Per capita income in past 12 months (2022)
Reference: US Census Bureau
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/sanluisobispocitycalifornia
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Detectives (4)
8
San Luis Obispo Police Department
Organization Chart
Chief of Police
Neighborhood Outreach Manager Night Patrol Lieutenant Crime Analyst
Night Patrol Sergeants (2)Swing Patrol Sergeant
Night Patrol Officers (12)Swing Patrol Officers (3)
Downtown Bicycle Officers Days (2) / Nights (2)
Student Neighborhood Assistance Program (0-8 PT)Day PatrolSergeants (2)
Day PatrolOfficers (12)
Community Action Team (2)
Day Patrol Lieutenant
Community Service Officers (6)
TrafficOfficers (3)
Traffic Sergeant
Reserve Officers (3)
Chaplains (1)
Special Enforcement Team Sergeant
DetectiveSergeant Hiring/Training Manager
Deputy ChiefAdministrative Bureau
Communications Supervisors (2)
Communications Lieutenant
Communications Technicians (11)
Administrative/Invest. Lieutenant
Executive Assistant to the Chief (1)
Senior Admin Analyst
Administrative Assistant (PT)
Detectives (5)
Evidence Technician
Lead Property & Evidence Technician
Property & Evidence Technician
Total Employees: 95 FTEs
Sworn Positions: 61
Civilian Positions: 34
Deputy ChiefOperations Bureau
Record Leads Clerk (1)
RecordsClerks (4)
RecordSupervisor
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To safeguard our community from harm by reducing crime
and ensuring dignity, equity, and justice for all we serve.
San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan
Our Vision
A community partnership built on trust,
focused on safety, and shared values to
ensure the SLO quality of life.
9
Our Purpose
To safeguard our community from harm by reducing crime
and ensuring dignity, equity, and justice for all we serve.
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San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan
Our
Values
Life
We believe in the sanctity of life. Our policies, decisions,
and actions are guided by least harm approaches to first
protect life and reduce the fear of crime.
Integrity
We are accountable to our community and ourselves
through our professional oath and most importantly,
our actions. We embrace transparency to build trust
and promote credibility in our community.
Service
We take pride in providing the highest quality of service
to our community, ensuring we treat each person with
dignity and equity in the pursuit of justice.
Teamwork
We work best when we work together. We support each
other through an organizational culture based on humility,
respect,and shared responsibility.
Nurture
We are dedicated to personal and organizational growth
by providing a learning culture, equipped to persevere in
adversity. We safeguard our future by supporting one
another through optimism, strength, and resilience.
We L.I.S.T.N. and give voice to our
community through living these shared
values which guide every decision and
action in service to our community and
to one another.
10Page 276 of 668
The development of the Strategic Plan was guided by a comprehensive process designed to leverage
robust community engagement, City Council input, insights from Police Department staff and broad
perspective from other City Departments. Input was gathered utilizing best practices for internal and external
engagement including face-to-face interviews and anonymous surveys open to all residents. The input was
synthesized in a Strengths, Weakness, Threats, and Opportunities (SWOT) analysis to ensure the Strategic
Plan anticipates future trends and challenges. Police Department Leadership staff convened for a two-day
retreat to thoroughly consider input and generate goals, objectives and strategies reflecting the needs and
desires of the Department and Community.
It is important to note that this Strategic Plan serves as a snapshot in time and is designed to be adaptable
to changing circumstances. As such, it demands continuous attention, refinement and further engagement
with stakeholders to best serve the interests of public safety and the overall well-being of our Community.
San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan
Strategic Planning Methodology
11
INTERVIEWS
Conducted In-Person & Virtual
Po
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C
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n
i
t
y
11
5
26
12
Police Department Staff
31 Responses
Community Partners
26 Responses
Business Community
28 Responses
Open City Hall
445 Responses
ANONYMOUS SURVEYS139 Surveys Sent 151 Surveys Sent Open for All residents &
College community
METHODOLOGY
HIGHLIGHTS
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San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 12
San Luis Obispo Police Department Strategic Plan
Project Life Cycle
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Establish/Refine
Strategies
Assign Owners
& Develop
Milestones
Seek Feedback
& Input
Implement
Strategies
Seek Resources/
Budget
Allocations
Report Progress
to Council &
Community
San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan
Ongoing Strategic
Plan Management
13
To ensure this plan
evolves and adapts, this
process will be used to
manage, reassess and
revise over the plan’s
lifecycle.
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San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 14
San Luis Obispo Police Department Strategic Plan
Influences
• The process to create our strategic plan was
informed by several external influences contemplating
and challenging the concepts of modern policing.
• In response to very notable issues in policing,
communities demanded change, reform, and a
voice in the police-community relationship. San
Luis obispo has listened to these calls for action
and incorporated specific goals and action items
to lower historic barriers to engagement and better
align with the Pillars of 21st Century Policing.
• Our goal is to provide progressive and community
centric policing, by learning from the past to ensure a
future which prioritizes the sanctity of life and equity
for all.
• This plan remains flexible and adaptable based
on future State and Federal Police Reform efforts.
As improved policies and broader reforms are
developed, our plan will reflect these coordinated
efforts to enhance public trust, accountability, and
transparency in law enforcement.
Reference: 21st Century Policing (https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/fi-
nal-report-presidents-task-force-21st-century-policing)
Historical Barriers /
Community Action
Social
Justice
Movements
Strategic
Plan
Police
Reform
Pillars of
21st
Century
Policing
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San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 15
San Luis Obispo Police Department Strategic Plan
Outreach
• Focused on Inclusivity
• Conducted 54 Interviews
• In person & Zoom
• Distributed 4 Surveys
• Identified 290 Business &
Community Partners
• All Police Department Staff
• All San Luis Obispo Residents
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San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan
Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities & Threats Analysis
16
OB
J
E
C
T
I
V
E
Objective
This Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and
Threats analysis is an integral segment of our
comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Plan. It aims
to provide the San Luis Obispo Police Department
with an in-depth understanding of the internal
and external factors that could influence the
Department’s strategic direction over the next
half-decade.
IN
T
R
O
D
U
C
T
I
O
N
Introduction
The San Luis Obispo Police Department has a
longstanding commitment to ensuring safety and
upholding public order in the community. To
navigate the evolving challenges of modern
policing and community expectations, a thorough
analysis of the Department’s current strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats are
essential. This section provides analysis, derived
from in-depth external and internal interviews.
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San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 17
Resources
Sworn Officer
Status 2023
• In 2023, SLOPD averaged:
• 48 out of 61 Officers working
• 6 Officer vacancies
• 7 Officers on leave/otherwise not
working a shift
Officers Vacancy Sick/IOD/Vacation
Population/Calls for Service/Officer Staffing/Non-Sworn Staffing
Reference (Population Data): State of California Department of Finance Historical Population and Housing Estimates Report
(https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/)
• Since 2009:
• Population in San Luis Obispo has increased by 6.3%
• Calls for service have increased by 29.4%
• Officer staffing has decreased by 4.7%
• Non-Sworn staffing has increased by 21.4%
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SWOT
San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 18
Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) Analysis
Strengths
• Strong Community Partnerships: Collaborative
efforts with various city entities provide
opportunities for holistic solutions to
community issues.
• Service to the Community: Officers are
committed to delivering top-tier community
service.
• Collaborative Ethos: Strong inter-departmental
collaborations foster a unified city agency
approach.
• Police Department Staff and Leadership
Team Credibility and Reputation: Department
employees and leadership can be an invaluable
asset in building trust with community.
Weaknesses
• Staffing Challenges: The police profession is
challenged with the lack of workforce and SLO
is not immune to these larger meta forces, hence
this is a weakness that will continue to need
attention locally as well as industry wide.
• Antiquated/Inadequate Facility: The need for
expanded and modern facilities remains, with the
current building having its limitations.
• Service Expectations Misalignment: A disconnect
between what the community expects and what
the police provide can hinder effective policing;
particularly with the homelessness issue.
• Lack of Transparency with Crime Statistics: This
can lead to mistrust between the public and the
police.
• Limited Staffing Resources: Community
expectations for policing and community
engagement have grown consistently while
staffing resources have remained flat, creating a
need for extensive overtime, which impacts team
morale.
Opportunities
• Infrastructure Development: Remodel recently
acquired building adjacent to current police
department to meet immediate and larger
public safety needs while solidifying plans for a
permanent facility.
• Leveraging Industry Focus on Recruitment/
Retention Best Practices: Adopting innovative
approaches from broader industry.
• Engagement with Historically Marginalized
Communities: Building bridges with these
communities can address historical grievances
and improve connection.
• Public Engagement and Noticing Manual:
This presents opportunities for continued
police outreach and building a standardized
communication strategy.
• Leverage City’s New Homelessness Response
Strategic Plan: Aligning with city initiatives can
lead to comprehensive solutions for social
issues.
Threats
• Mandatory OT/Burn-out: Overworked officers
might face burnout, which can impact
performance and health.
• Funding Prioritization Ambiguity: Need to balance
competing needs for a new facility, training and
equipment with scarce resources.
• Recruitment Barriers: Persistent challenges in
attracting and retaining the best officers.
• Community Challenges: The evolving societal
dynamics, with concerns about issues such as
homelessness poses operational challenges and
resource strains.
• Some local, federal and international events
cause civic unrest, protests and other forms
of political demonstration create unexpected
demands for services to ensure protection of free
speech and public safety.
Page 284 of 668
San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 19
SWOT Recommendations
Leverage Strengths:
• Community Engagement: Organize periodic town hall meetings, open forums, and
community outreach events to foster dialogue between the Police Department and the
community.
• Collaboration: Continue to foster partnerships with other city entities to jointly address
community issues and share resources where possible.
• Momentum in Community Credibility & Reputation: Leverage new leadership, positive
reputation, and credibility of the police department to further make connections with the
community.
Address Weaknesses:
• Staffing: Consider offering incentives that are in line with labor relations objectives and both
market and financial conditions to attract and retain officers.
• Facilities: Explore and secure funding opportunities, either through the City’s budget, grants,
or public-private partnerships, to update and enhance police facilities.
• Service Expectations: Conduct public surveys to better understand community expectations
and align the Department’s services accordingly.
• Transparency: Develop a transparent system for reporting and communicating crime
statistics to the public, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
Capitalize on Opportunities:
• Community Events: Actively participate in post-pandemic community events to showcase the
Department’s commitment to the community.
• Engagement with Marginalized Communities: Design outreach programs to engage with
and understand the needs of historically marginalized groups.
• Public Engagement Manual: Examine opportunities to incorporate the City’s new Public
Engagement Manual to better standardize community engagement practices, ensuring
consistency and effectiveness.
• Recruitment and Retention: Research and adopt best practices from other successful police
departments to address staffing challenges.
Mitigate Threats:
• Officer Burn-out: Expand existing wellness programs for officers, ensure manageable work
hours, and offer mental health resources.
• Facilities: Prioritize updates to the most critical facilities and explore temporary solutions or
partnerships to address immediate needs.
• Community Challenges: Continue community policing initiatives, encouraging police officers
to build relationships with residents.
Concluding Note
This SWOT analysis provides the Police Department with a clear view of the current challenges and
opportunities facing the San Luis Obispo Police Department. Using this information, the Department
can make data-driven decisions to meet the needs of the San Luis Obispo community effectively and
efficiently.
Page 285 of 668
GOAL 1
Service to the Community
San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 20
Goals
Objective 1A: Conduct Staffing Analysis
1. Contract an organizational assessment to examine staffing needs, recent growth, and the future
build out of the city based on best practices and any adjustments to operations to achieve peak
service performance
2. Review the scheduling model, evaluate against best practices
3. Explore viability of SWAT/Patrol Medic Program with San Luis Obispo Fire Department
4. Consider opportunities for alternative policing models
5. Explore the viability of a Computer Forensic Specialist and a Physical Forensic Specialist
instead of the combined position
6. Explore viability of implementing a K-9 program
7. Explore viability of a Crime Scene Investigation Callout Team
Objective 1B: Implement Enhanced SMART Policing and alternative policing models
1. Evaluate and reimagine Crime Analyst role
2. Roll out/train innovative data driven policing tools to reduce crime
3. Develop new resources to enhance unhoused and mental health roll out / train
4. Evaluate beat or zone style policing models
5. Explore the viability of a real-time crime center to track crime trends, monitor video assets, and
support field teams with information
Objective 1C: Empower the Community for Enhanced Safety
1. Enhance visibility of crime data, including evaluation of assigning case numbers to all Officer
activity
2. Develop additional opportunities to increase amount of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
3. Host Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) seminars to promote safety
through environment design
4. Evaluate expanded reservist program
5. Develop County partnerships for diversionary/restorative justice programs for “least harm”
approaches and outcomes (i.e. Care Court)
6. Explore Officer staffing at high call-for-service locations such as hospitals/shelters etc.
7. Enhance neighborhood watch programs
8. Assess the effectiveness of implemented measures, gather feedback from stakeholders, and
make operational adjustments as needed to continually enhance service
9. Continuous Evaluation and Improvement: Establish a system for ongoing evaluation and
improvement of internal investigation transparency
Page 286 of 668
San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 21
Objective 2A: Enhance Community Communications
1. Review and refine standard communication guidelines and protocols which are consistent with
the City’s Public Engagement Manual
2. Explore modern technologies and cadence for one-way and two-way communication
(i.e. scheduled newsletter)
3. Create program for directed stakeholder communications
4. Implement resources for sharing information, objective progress tracking, and providing
accessible updates to stakeholders and leadership
Objective 2B: Expand Community Partnerships and Programs
1. Expand participation in business and civic organization activities
2. Increase opportunities for community member volunteerism
3. Research the viability of a Citizens Academy to provide immersive opportunities which further
complements the City’s Community Academy
4. Research the viability of an Explorer Program
Objective 2C: Broaden and Diversify Community Presence
1. Expand presence in community programs
2. Expand presence at community events
3. Expand partnerships with organizations representing marginalized communities
4. Create program for periodic Town Hall or other Listening Sessions for community input
GOAL 2
Community Engagement
Page 287 of 668
Objective 4A: Create Recruitment Program
1. Maximize Exposure for Job Opportunities: Increase the visibility of hiring opportunities by
strategically advertising on high-profile assets, including patrol vehicles; this ensures that the
department’s recruitment efforts are showcased prominently, reaching a broader audience
2. Establish an Engaging Recruitment Webpage: Develop a dynamic and informative
webpage dedicated to promoting the department to potential recruits; this online
platform serves as a comprehensive resource, offering insights into the department’s
culture, values, and career opportunities, thereby attracting qualified candidates
3. Institute a Comprehensive Mentorship Program: Formalize an innovative mentorship initiative
by leveraging internal and external partnerships; this program aims to provide invaluable
guidance and support to new recruits, fostering their professional growth within
the department through a structured and supportive mentor-mentee relationship
4. Pioneer a Student Intern Program: Explore the creation of an enriching student intern program,
offering hands-on experience and exposure to the workings of law enforcement; this initiative
not only provides valuable insights to students but also serves as a pipeline for potential future
recruits
5. Craft a Compelling Recruitment Video: Produce a modern video showcasing the diverse array
of law enforcement careers available within the department; this visual representation
serves as an engaging tool to communicate the excitement, challenges, and rewards
associated with a career in law enforcement, attracting prospective candidates
6. Broaden Outreach at Educational Venues: Expand the department’s presence at key job-seek-
ing venues, including institutions such as Cal Poly, Cuesta College, trade schools, and career
fairs; actively participate in these events to interact with potential candidates, share information
about career opportunities, and strengthen connections with the local academic and vocational
communities
San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 22
Objective 3A: Integrate DE&I Throughout the Department
1. Enhance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) efforts to create an environment where all staff
feel valued and included (Health & Wellness)
2. Develop practical DE&I training for police employees (Service to the Community)
3. Incorporate DE&I values to improve recruiting and attract historically marginalized/under-
represented persons to the department (Recruiting & Retention)
4. Incorporate DE&I values to increase retention of historically marginalized/under-represented
persons within the department (Recruiting & Retention)
5. Promote DE&I values for opportunities to build trust in the community based on personal safety
(Community Engagement)
GOAL 3
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
GOAL 4
Recruitment & Retention
Page 288 of 668
San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 23
Objective 5A: Create Comprehensive Health and Fitness Program
1. Seek opportunities to improve the department’s existing physical fitness facility
2. Explore practices to encourage exercise / fitness incentive program
3. Seek partnerships with wellness practitioners to promote practices in nutrition and exercise
4. Develop method to track effectiveness of fitness program
5. Provide assistance to create personalized fitness / nutritional programs
Objective 5B: Enhance Mental and Emotional Support
1. Continue partnership with Human Resources for expanded and ongoing mental health access
2. Enhance and standardize protocols for support after major incidents
3. Leverage new partnerships with practitioners to promote mental / emotional fitness
4. Explore mandatory or incentivized annual mental health check-ins
5. Evaluate expanded use of comprehensive retreat-based support programs
Objective 5C: Create a Comprehensive Employee and Family Support Program
1. Create a central resource guide with tips for wellness and practitioner contact information
2. Create and promote a clearinghouse of support information for easy access
3. Enhance employee entrance program as part of onboarding
4. Create trainings for employees and family members teaching coping and support skills
GOAL 5
Health & Wellness
Objective 4B: Enhance Training Program
1. Develop Standard Career Tracks for: Police, Dispatch, Records and Support Positions
2. Conduct a department-wide training resource analysis
Objective 4C: Create Retention Program
1. Create a committee to vet and recommend program components:
a. Formalize a succession plan encouraging viable candidates and promotion pathways
b. Support monetary and non-monetary retention incentives
c. Continue to work with the City on employee housing initiatives
d. Continue to work with the City on childcare initiatives
e. Evaluate seniority-based rules when on specialty assignments
Page 289 of 668
San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 24
Objective 6A: Refine Capital Improvement Plans for Police Department Facility.
1. Explore internal and external options for an evidence protocol audit and identify best practices
2. Develop and implement interim plan to move portions of the police department to 1106 Walnut
3. Develop and implement interim plan to reallocate workspace at 1042 Walnut
4. Create a drone-as-a-first-responder program
5. Remodel areas of 1042 Walnut to update and improve critical workspace
6. Develop and implement long-range working plan for new public safety center which connects
and makes operationally efficient both existing facilities or a future new single facility
7. Evaluate the need for a state-of-the-art forensic processing laboratory to process evidence
while protecting the health of staff
8. Evaluate and provide ongoing input to impact fees related to new development in the city
Objective 6B: Improve Departmental Equipment
1. Evaluate existing Dispatch equipment replacement schedules and amend as necessary
2. Continue to evaluate Fleet needs and replacement schedules; pursuing hybrid and electric
solutions
3. Explore the creation of a committee to evaluate Officer Equipment needs on an ongoing basis
a. Evaluate existing officer equipment replacement schedules for price and term
4. Explore opportunity to partner with the Fire Department’s Fleet Support Team for broader public
safety support
Objective 6C: Evaluate Body Worn Camera and in-Car Camera solutions
1. Evaluate new body worn and in-car camera technologies on the market for improved function
and cost
2. Pursue opportunities to enhance equipment integration and functionality with new and existing
technologies
Objective 6D: New Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management Systems (CAD/RMS)
1. Study needs and create a Request for Proposal for a new CAD/RMS system
2. Review and recommend replacement CAD/RMS system
3. Along with IT staff, implement and transition from current system
4. Conduct end-user training
GOAL 6
Improve Infrastructure,
Equipment & Technology
Page 290 of 668
San Luis Obispo Police Department
2024-2029 Strategic Plan 25
Strategic Plan Timeline
This timeline is a visual representation of all goals and objectives over the course of the five-year
planning horizon. However, this plan is designed to be flexible and to evolve over time as the
department responds to changing circumstances and considers new priorities. All timelines are
estimates and dependent on available resources.
Page 291 of 668
2024-2029 Strategic Plan
San Luis Obispo Police Department
1042 Walnut Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 781-7317
Prepared By:
JacobGreenAndAssociates.com Page 292 of 668
San Luis Obispo Police Department Item 6.a. Presentation of the Police Department
5-Year Strategic Plan
January 23, 2024
Receive and file the San Luis Obispo Police Department 5-Year Strategic Plan
Recommendation
Receive and file the San Luis Obispo Police Department 5-Year Strategic Plan
Presentation
Agenda
01 Strategic Plan Process Review
02
03
04
SWOT Analysis Review
Vison, Purpose, Values
Goals, Objectives, Strategies
05 Council Questions
Review of the Strategic Planning Process
Community Engagement
Conducted
interviews and
surveys with
community
members, business
owners, and City
Council members.
Police Department Insights
Interviewed police
department staff
and conducted an
anonymous survey.
Data Gathering
Used interviews and
surveys to gather
anonymous
feedback.
Data Analysis
Analyzed data in a
SWOT framework to
identify issues and
trends.
Police Department Strategic Retreat
Held a 2-day retreat
with Police
Department
Leadership to
generate goals,
objectives, and
strategies.
Draft Plan
Collaborated with
the Police
Department
Strategic Plan
Committee.
Strategic Plan
Process
Strategic Plan
Outreach
Strategic
Plan
Outreach
Council +
Other City
Leadership
Police
Department
Employees
Community
At -Large
PAC +
Roundtable
Other
Partners, CAL
Poly and
Cuesta
•Focused on Inclusivity
•Conducted 54 Interviews
•In person & Zoom
•Distributed 4 Surveys
•Identified 290 Business &
Community Partners
•All Police Department Staff
•All San Luis Obispo Residents
Engagement
Department Staff
Interviews
•11 Interviews, 8+ hours
•Explored:
•Strengths
•Challenges
•Values
•Vision
•Skills/Training
•Connection
•Paradigm
•Leadership
Communication
Community Partner &
Council Interviews
•31 Interviews, 30+
Hours
•Explored:
•Strengths
•Weaknesses
•Opportunities
•Threats
•Vision
Business Community
Interviews
•12 Interviews, 6+ Hours
•Explored:
•Strengths
•Weaknesses
•Opportunities
•Threats
•Vision
Anonymous Survey
•Police Department
Staff, 31 Responses
•Business Community,
151 Surveys sent, 28
Responses
•Community Partners,
139 Surveys sent, 26
Responses
•Open City Hall, 445
Responses
•Open City Hall Survey
July 18 –Aug 1, and
reopened to the Public
September 5 -29
SWOT Analysis
Review
SWOT Analysis
“Positive Reputation &
Credibility”
“More Community
Engagement”
“Insufficient Staffing”
“Burn-out / Increasing
Service Demands”
2-Day Strategic Retreat
•PD Leadership Team considered
Council & Community inputs
•Provided feedback on revised
vision, purpose and values
•Generated extensive list of goals,
objectives, tactics
•Aligned on best practices
San Luis Obispo Police Department Strategic Plan
Project Life Cycle
Vision, Purpose
& Values
We L.I.S.T.N.
Police Department’s Vision
“A community partnership built on trust, focused on safety, and
shared values to ensure the SLO quality of life.”
Police Department’s Purpose
“To safeguard our community from harm by reducing crime and
ensuring dignity, equity, and justice for all we serve.”
Values
Life
Integrity
Service
Teamwork
Nurture
We L.I.S.T.N.
Strategic
Goals & Objectives
Strategic Plan Summary
Goals, Objectives & Action Items
•Six goals or “pillars” were identified as major work efforts as a
result of collaboration, research and engagement
•Within each goal, objectives (17 total) were developed and refined
to guide the work effort and support the goals of the plan
•Action items (79 total) were identified and logically placed under
the objectives they directly support
Goal 1
Service to the Community
•Objective 1A: Conduct Staffing Analysis
•Objective 1B: Implement Enhanced SMART Policing and Alternative
Policing Models
•Objective 1C: Empower the Community for Enhanced Safety
Goal 2
Community Engagement
•Objective 2A: Enhance Community Communications
•Objective 2B: Expand Community Partnerships and Programs
•Objective 2C: Broaden and Diversify Community Presence
Goal 3
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
•Objective 3A: Integrate DE&I Throughout the Department
1.Enhance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) efforts to create an environment where all
staff feel valued and included (Health & Wellness)
2.Develop practical DE&I training for police employees (Service to the Community)
3.Incorporate DE&I values to improve recruiting and attract historically
marginalized/underrepresented persons to the department (Recruiting & Retention)
4.Incorporate DE&I values to increase retention of historically marginalized/under-represented
persons within the department (Recruiting & Retention)
5.Promote DE&I values for opportunities to build trust in the community based on personal
safety (Community Engagement)
Goal 4
Recruitment & Retention
•Objective 4A: Create Recruitment Program
•Objective 4B: Enhance Training Program
•Objective 4C: Create Retention Program
Goal 5
Health & Wellness
•Objective 5A: Create a Comprehensive Health and Fitness Program
•Objective 5B: Enhance Mental and Emotional Support
•Objective 5C: Create a Comprehensive Employee and Family
Support Program
Goal 6
Improve Infrastructure, Equipment & Technology
•Objective 6A: Refine Capital Improvement Plans for Police
Department Facility
•Objective 6B: Improve Departmental Equipment
•Objective 6C: Evaluate Body Worn Camera and In-Car Solutions
•Objective 6D: New Computer Aided Dispatch and Records
Management Systems (CAD/RMS)
#1 Service to the
Community
#2 Community
Engagement
#3 Diversity, Equity
& Inclusion
#4 Recruitment &
Retention
#5 Health &
Wellness
#6 Improve
Infrastructure,
Equipment &
Technology
2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
1A: Conduct Staffing Analysis
1C: Empower the Community for Enhanced Safety
1B: Implement Enhanced SMART Policing and Alternative Policing Models
2A: Enhance Community Communications
2B: Expand Community Partnerships and Programs
2C: Broaden and Diversify Community Presence
3A: Integrate DE&I Throughout the Department
4B: Enhance Training Program
4C: Create Retention Program
4A: Create Recruitment Program
5C: Create a Comprehensive Employee and Family Support Program
5A: Create Comprehensive Health and Fitness Program
5B Enhance Mental and Emotional Support
6B: Improve Departmental Equipment
6A: Refine Capital Improvement Plans for Police Department Facility
6D: New Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management Systems
6C: Evaluate Body Worn Camera and in-Car Camera solutions
Q1 Q3 Q1 Q3 Q1 Q3 Q1 Q3 Q1 Q3
Strategic Plan Timeline
Timelines are estimated
Receive and file the San Luis Obispo Police Department 5-Year Strategic Plan
Recommendation
Receive and file the San Luis Obispo Police Department 5-Year Strategic Plan
Plan
Management
Council Questions