Police changes could cost $100,000 to study in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - After summer demonstrations and intensive public comments to the Santa Barbara City Council, suggested changes to the police department along with other requests, will involve a big budget decision.
A city report say to study the requests would cost taxpayers an estimated $100,000.
The Santa Barbara City Council's finance committee will receive a presentation Tuesday.
The demonstration leaders from Healing Justice, called on the city to make many changes, including adding more mental health professionals into front line law enforcement on specific calls, to support an African-American center, and fund Juneteenth Day activities.
A suggestion to move parking enforcement out of the police department and into public works comes without the support of the police union. The city says that issue will likely be considered during the next contract talks, in 2022.
There were many signs and calls to defund the police at the demonstrations. Some of the public speakers also asked the city to change its plans for a new estimated $80-million dollar police headquarters.
The full report can be found here: Santa Barbara City Council agenda Finance Committee