Blue Lake Police down to two By Matt Kapko Eye Correspondent The Arcata Eye 08-12-2002 A pair of resignations has cut the Blue Lake Police Department to half its force, with only two officers remaining. According to City Manager Duane Rigge, the city was expected to run out of funding for two of the previous four officers’ salaries and associated costs within a couple months regardless. “It may be a situation where we only have two officers,” he said when informing the City Council of the situation. Unless the city is awarded a competitive state grant for police services or receives funds from the much-anticipated state budget it will be left with the option of cutting other programs or settling for a smaller police force. Rigge and Police Chief Dave Gundersen have assured residents that police coverage will not decrease, and the department remains on call 24 hours a day. Blue Lake enjoys mutual aid agreement with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department and the Arcata Police Department. This agreement gives Blue Lake extra service or backup from either department, if necessary. The agreement allows for emergencies to be acted upon without delay, said Rigge. While reasons for the resignations are being kept private as with all personnel matters, Rigge said the departures weren’t unusual. “We’ve never had an officer in the last four-to-five years stay with us for more than 18 months,” he said. Rigge acknowledges that part of the problem is that Blue Lake is one of the lowest paying police departments in the county. The department is frequently a stepping stone for new police officers who get experience, then move on to bigger departments elsewhere, Gundersen said. The operating cost of the Blue Lake Police Department is $160,000, which accounts for a core two officers on the force. According to Rigge, the city is able to maintain the low operating costs by purchasing second-hand vehicles from the county. “We’d rather do it small and do it right,” he said. The cost of each additional officer would run close to $50,000 including all the equipment and training. While the department is recruiting and hopes to replace the officers, Rigge is cautious to hire with knowledge that funds for additional officers may not be available. “It’s always an ongoing battle,” said Gundersen, referring to financial problems with the department. Resident, City Council concerns The months of construction and chaos on Blue Lake’s streets were a cause for concern to some residents, who’ve complained at City Council meetings and claimed a noticeable decrease in patrol. Residents have also voiced resentment towards the department’s police dummy, “Bubba,” saying it does little to keep traffic from speeding down the street. But according to Gundersen, the patrolling has not decreased and the department’s fuel expenditure remains the same. Mayor Adelene Jones voiced her concerns with the current situation and is hopeful that something can be done to deal with it. City Councilmember Dave Nakamura proposed the council send a letter to State Sen. Wesley Chesbro to appeal for help. Rigge expanded on the proposal, recommending residents make single calls to the senator’s Eureka office, explaining that such actions would have a larger affect. On another note, the department is also undergoing major renovations and upgrades to its facility, which should be completed soon. The renovations will increase the size of the facility by six times, adding extra offices and an interview room. Home