CLEARLAKE >> The Clearlake Police Department (CPD) will soon have a secondary entrance and more storage for evidence.
On Thursday, the Clearlake City Council unanimously approved an agreement with Middletown-based R and C Construction totaling nearly $44,000 for the work. The money comes from AB109 grant funds, which are shared between Lakeport and Clearlake.
“Previously, these funds have been used to conduct proactive crime sweeps, cross training a K-9 unit for narcotic searches and purchasing equipment,” Clearlake Police Chief Craig Clausen said.
The need for more evidence storage is a result of AB109 realignment, as the length of time that evidence needs to be stored has increased. The need for a secondary door is more fundamental. It arises from public and officer safety concerns. Currently the CPD has only one entrance leading to the lobby, which is often crowded with citizens.
“Police personnel have on occasion collided with citizens in the lobby as they were responding to emergency calls,” Clausen explained. “Additionally, they have been struck by rapidly opening doors which do not have windows.”
Furthermore, Clausen said that members of the public have attempted to follow officers into the department while conducting business, which raises security issues.
According to CPD Lt. Tim Celli, the new door will have security cameras installed in order for outgoing officers to see if anyone is at or near the door. Card passes will also be used instead of keys to ensure fast entering and exiting.
“With all the things going on across the country, we need to think about our officers’ safety,” Celli said.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
