Subject: Ensuring Public Safety in Fremont Amidst Recent Tragedies
Dear Fremont Community Members,
This past weekend, our community experienced two tragic homicides on the same day. On behalf of the entire City of Fremont organization, I extend my deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones during this difficult time. Despite these events, Fremont remains one of the safest cities in the country, as evidenced by recent recognitions from WalletHub naming us America’s Best Place to Raise a Family and Happiest City in America based on various factors, including low crime rates.
I am extremely proud of and grateful to the men and women in our Police and Fire Departments who serve under challenging conditions daily. As your city manager, I assure you that public safety remains our paramount concern, a priority shared by the city council. We recognize that the security and well-being of our residents form the foundation of a thriving community.
Over the last four budget cycles, I have consistently authorized additional police staffing and funding to maintain a high level of service for our community. This significant investment underscores our commitment to public safety. It has resulted in the expansion of the Mobile Health Evaluation Team (MET), a $2.4M grant to combat Organized Retail Theft and staff a Real-Time Information Center, additional resources for officer wellness, funding to enhance hiring and recruitment, authorizing $13 million for body-camera and safety-related technology, and the establishment of a Gun Violence Reduction Team. These efforts contributed to a reduction in shootings and an increase in firearm recovery in FY2023/24. In the recently adopted FY2024/25 operating budget, the Police Department’s allocation accounts for 44% of the City’s general fund.
The community must know that I am committed to actively engaging with our Police Department and Human Resources Department to develop new and innovative ways to recruit and retain the talented employees of the Fremont Police Department. I will continue championing additional technology, marketing, and hiring strategies to strengthen and enhance public safety. Our public safety departments have our full support and appreciation for their dedication and hard work in keeping our community safe.
Fremont is a dynamic, diverse, and safe City where we can all take pride. In difficult times like these, it is important to remember that we are stronger together. As factual information or updates become available, we will continue our tradition of transparency with the community about public safety matters. For now, I wish you all a safe and happy summer.
Karena Shackelford
City Manager
(*This letter is posted online at https://lnkd.in/ganCKKFs.)