City Manager’s Update
Brian Dossey, City Manager
The City Council adopted the 2020-2022 Strategic Plan in February 2020, directing staff on the goals and priority programs for the next three years. At the February 10th City Council meeting, staff presented the annual Strategic Plan update. Staff updated the Council on the five Priority Program Areas; Resiliency, Operations, Economic Development, Community, and Capital. Staff was pleased to report several accomplishments during the past year and set priorities for the remainder of 2021. For more details about the Strategic Plan Update please go to https://www.colma.ca.gov/strategic-plan.
At the February 24th City Council Meeting the Council adopted Reach Codes, which essentially amends the Building Code to exceed State standards requiring higher levels of electrification and Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure for new construction to reduce green house gas emissions. The ordinance will apply to commercial and non-commercial properties and will help the Town meet climate-related State mandates such as Senate Bill 32. Also at the meeting, Council heard and provided direction on the last two elements (Community Health, Safety and Services, and the Open Space Conservation) to the General Plan Update. The General Plan will soon be released to the public for review and comment before being adopted. The updated General Plan will serve as the Town’s blueprint for growth and development through 2040.
As the Covid-19 vaccine becomes more readily available to the general public, I encourage everyone to continue wearing their face covering and practice social distancing until it is announced safe to no longer wear a mask, and safe to gather and celebrate with friends and families. I know as the case rates and hospitalizations continue to trend in the right direction, and as more businesses are allowed to open and expand, it is easy to let your guard down. Please remain vigilant, together we are Colma Strong!
Law Enforcement Technology
John Munsey, Chief of Police
As technology continues to evolve throughout society it also continues to evolve through law enforcement and the ability to keep communities safe. With recommendations from the federal governments 21st Century Policing initiative, body and in car cameras have become widely used throughout law enforcement. Here in Colma, in car cameras have been utilized for years. These cameras continue to assist law enforcement by obtaining valuable evidence, enhancing accountability, and educating the public to the arduous, unpredictable, and violent perils of the profession.
Also becoming widely utilized are Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR). The same technology utilized to read license plates crossing through tollbooths and sending the vehicle owner their charge or charge to their FastTrack, is available to law enforcement. Law enforcement is utilizing the technology to detect stolen vehicles, detect vehicles associated with a crime or a wanted person. It is also being utilized in coordination with Amber Alerts and the abduction of children.
Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are increasingly being used by law enforcement to gain aerial vantage points for crime scene work, search and rescue efforts, accident reconstruction, crowd monitoring and more. Some of the more sophisticated models can be equipped with thermal imaging or 3D mapping software to offer GPS-enhanced precision to the areas being surveyed.
Many law enforcement drones and UAVs are also equipped with zoom cameras, making them incredibly valuable for delivering actionable, real-time intel in high-risk, “armed and dangerous” situations.
With the utilization of any new technology comes the responsibility of utilizing it properly. The law enforcement community is actively engaged in putting in place policies and procedures intended to minimize the potential for violation of constitutional privacy rights.
The Colma Police department is currently researching these new and exciting technologies to provide our community with a safe environment as possible. If you have any questions regarding these or any other new technology the Colma Police Department can utilize to keep our community safer please reach out to me at john.munsey@colma.ca.gov or 650-997-8344.