South Pas Police Department Looks to Improve Customer Service

South Pasadena residents will soon have easier access to parking permits and police records as the police station looks to improve customer service and streamline operations.

While the station's records department, including the front lobby, will now be open for shorter hours, police records will be available online in the next few days and parking permits within two months.

"The goal was to moderate counter hours without changing service," said Sergeant Mike Neff. "We want to keep the dispatch where they belong. If they miss a snippet of information on a call, it can have some really dire consequences."

With all area 911 calls now going directly to the South Pas Police Station, Neff says the station received a total of 64,598 calls in 2010— up from 15,804 in 1985—despite having a similar population.

So with the records department open 24/7 and one position frozen due to budget cuts, dispatch employees frequently found themselves tending to services other than answering 911 calls. 

"This will streamline operations and make things safer for residents," said Neff. "Ultimately giving residents a direct, online resource."

The new hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Curious about the evolution of the South Pasadena Police Station? Check THIS out.