Crime & Safety

Santa Cruz Hires Two Police Officers and Moves on 24-Hour Bathroom on the Levee

Two big things that the city's new Public Safety Commission were requesting have made significant steps.

Two of the eight vacancies in the police department have been filled, with new officers starting July 8. One is a returning officer; the other paid his way through the police academy. The department has had trouble filling the vacancies because of lower pay and retirement in Santa Cruz, as a result of budget cuts, officers said.

The city is also working on a 24-hour restroom on the levee, to cut the illegal and desperate use of outdoor areas by homeless people and those just walking the levee.

The announcements were made Tuesday at the city council meeting by the commission's staff member, Susie O'Hara. 

"I'm proud of the city for dipping its toe in the water," said councilman Micah Posner, of the new restroom, which are in short supply downtown. "I'm proud of the city for going in that direction."



Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.