On Tuesday, the Walnut Creek City Council is being asked to extend a contract for law enforcement services at Broadway Plaza in the City of Walnut Creek.
Under the contract with Macerich HHF, which has in one form or another been in place since 2016, would provide for an officer to be placed at Broadway Plaza in a public-private partnership.
If approved on Tuesday, the contract would be extended for a three-year period with Macerich having agreed to fund roughly 50% of the cost of a fully benefited police officer at the top salary step. The Walnut Creek Police Department would fund the other $128,004.
According to the staff report:
The Walnut Creek Police Department and Macerich HHF Broadway Plaza have enjoyed a highly successful partnership since 2016. This partnership has led to the prevention of thefts, enhanced safety, and the successful arrest and prosecution of individuals who have committed crimes, including large scale organized retail theft rings. Having an officer assigned to Broadway Plaza full-time has enhanced response time, led to arrests that would have otherwise not occurred and reduced the number of calls for service for other patrol officers, in turn freeing up time for other calls or proactive enforcement.
This agreement continues the City’s tradition of creating public-private partnerships that provide an exceptional benefit to the community. This partnership provides an opportunity to address the concerns of both parties while keeping the surrounding area safe. Officers assigned to Broadway Plaza remain subject to WCPD’s chain of command, policies, and procedures, and are not required to perform tasks that are outside the routine services provided to the general public. Officers are only responsible for enforcement of state and local laws (as opposed to private rules, regulations, or other operating procedures for Broadway Plaza). The assigned officer is primarily responsible for Broadway Plaza property but can respond to other emergencies in the City and take enforcement action within a larger area of influence around the plaza. The assigned officer is responsible for working in collaboration with businesses to prevent criminal activity. The officer also provides updates on criminal activity and trends within the region and similar retail districts.
Photo provided by Walnut Creek Police
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
The cost of the police officer position is currently budgeted in the City’s General Fund. Under the terms of the agreement, Macerich will reimburse the City $128,004, or approximately 50% of the cost of a fully benefited police officer position at the top salary step. Based on the term of the agreement, which operates on a calendar year, rather than the City’s fiscal year, the reimbursement will occur in both Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025, as shown below:
Reimbursement Amount
- Fiscal Year 2024 $62,898
- Fiscal Year 2025 $65,106
- Total Reimbursement $128,004
According to staff, if the City Council could choose not to approve the amendment with Macerich HHF Broadway Plaza. This would result in a loss of the matching funds Macerich HHF Broadway Plaza is willing to provide.
Staff is recommending the council approve the amendment and extension.
Walnut Creek City Council Meeting
Nov 7, 2023 at 6:00 pm
1666 N. Main St., Walnut Creek
Full Agenda – click here
Staff Report – Click here
Recent Walnut Creek Police Stories
- Nov 4 – Walnut Creek Police Investigating Pair of Armed Robberies
- Oct 22 – Walnut Creek Police Say Man Robbed at Gunpoint
- Oct 20 – Four Arrested for Organized Retail Theft in Walnut Creek
- Oct 3 – Walnut Creek Police Interrupt a Burglary in Progress at a Store in Broadway Plaza
- Aug 11 – Walnut Creek Commercial Burglar Arraigned on Felony Complaint
- June 12 – Concord Man Arrested in Walnut Creek Burglaries
