One of the best things about living within a democracy is that it is for the people and by the people. And that includes the freedom to assemble.
On April 30, a meeting—called by Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Foundation president Jonathan Knowles—was held at Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Co. to discuss the police funding as the Town signals it’s going to roll out a tight budget.
And more meetings are planned to address the upcoming fiscal plan, and the Town’s relation to our Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department.
Chief Jamie Field was in attendance, as were 25 or so citizens.
The chief spoke briefly, outlining her beliefs in the need to modernize the department, address current staffing challenges and preserve existing LGMSPD programs.
A budget to suit local needs
Chief Field told attendees she understands policing is changing, and that a community needs to know how adequate budgeting helps to keep a department attractive to the law enforcement labor pool.
Modern technology can help the police department to keep the peace, she added.
Knowles, who has decades of experience working in Silicon Valley with companies like Apple and Adobe, said calling the meeting has nothing to do with any other organization that he may be associated with.
“The Town is in its annual budget review process right now,” he said. “And as they consider what items they want to spend money on, we want to make certain that we are helping all of the voters who live here, to participate in governance by making their voices heard. Which is how it is supposed to work.”
Knowles stressed the meetings are to educate our community on the importance of keeping a well-funded police department.
The postcard
A postcard to Council was distributed to attendees. “As you consider the fiscal 25-26 budget, I request you ensure that the budget preserves these items,” it reads.
“1. Prioritize maintaining budgeted LGMSPD staffing levels and fiscal support for forecasted vacancies in preparation of local or regional events and continuity in level of policing services…
“2. Preserve a budget that sustains LGMSPD’s community-police partnerships. Continue the LGMSPD’s progress made in community policing—including programs and initiatives like supporting robust volunteer programs…
“3. Invest in LGMSPD’s ability to advance technologies and maintain collateral teams and competencies…”
The fourth item urged the Town “to act on the findings of the organizational assessment conducted by Meliora Public Safety Consulting to modernize the LGMSPD’s operations.”
