LOS ALAMITOS : Council OKs Hiring of Patrol Officer

The City Council has approved hiring a police officer who will be assigned a foot or bicycle patrol to enhance the Police Department’s community policing program.

The council voted unanimously last week to fund the position with money from Proposition 172, the half-cent sales tax increase for public safety programs that voters approved in November.

Police Chief Michael J. Skogh said the police officer will work 10 hours a day, four days a week, and will patrol schools, parks, and business and residential areas. In addition, the officer will work with the Neighborhood Preservation officer in carrying out community programs.

The police officer will receive about $5,200 a month in salary and benefits, Skogh said in a report to the council. He said the city’s share of Proposition 172 money would be enough to fund the position through the 1994-95 fiscal year.

The Police Department is authorized to have 25 full-time police officers, but one position has long been vacant because of budget problems, Skogh said.