Letter: Staffing Cuts Shorten Santa Visit

On Nov. 3, 2011, the Redondo Beach Police Officer's Association announced that due to a significant reduction in staffing, reliably for the 18-night mobile route. This is due to a reduction of Redondo Beach police officers from 109 to the current level of 88 officers (soon to be 87).

It takes at least five off-duty officers to run the sleigh each night. This includes using at least three police units, a civilian unit and a fire unit. Again, officers are not on-duty and do not get paid to do the Santa detail. They do this for the community on their own time. The entire event is paid for (with the assistance of the Redondo Beach Firefighter's Association) by the RBPOA.

On Nov. 3, City Manager Bill Workman stated that our decision is not related to budget cuts. Mr. Workman is wrong. Anyone who cares to do the math would realize the steady reduction of police officers in the city (approximately 22 officer reduction from 10 years ago), has significantly reduced the pool of off-duty officers available to volunteer their time for this event. Mr. Workman’s attempts to suspend reality and politicize this issue should be ignored since he is the one responsible for the cuts in safety staffing.

As mentioned in the Nov. 3 news release, Sgt. Dave Taneman (RBPOA President) stated that the RBPOA puts on the Santa Sleigh event each year for the community. The only reason the RBPOA cannot staff 18 separate events this year was, "We just can’t get the manpower to do it."

The RBPOA will have Santa out on the sleigh for two special nights: Dec. 10 at Baseball Diamond and Dec. 17 at Baseball Diamond from 4-8 p.m. There will be treats, professional photography and, of course, Santa will be available. As usual, this event will be staffed by volunteer police, fire and civilian employees.

Thank you,

Scot Martin
Redondo Beach Police Officer's Association
Vice President