More officers hit the streets for the summer

The Pueblo Police Department is moving seven officers from their specialized units to the streets for the summer as it deals with a shortage of two dozen patrol officers. It’s a response to an increase in emergency calls expected in the summer months.

“A lot more people are out. A lot more activities are going on. A longer time to drink on the weekends,” said Sgt. Eric Gonzales.

Three traffic officers and four detectives were temporarily reassigned. It’s a fix, but Gonzales stresses it’s just a temporary solution. “Sooner or later they’re gonna feel the heat because there’s less officers to take care of the detective work,” he said.

In the summer months, dispatchers handle upwards of 9,000 calls a month. Officers admit it’s already taking them longer to respond to calls than they’d like and say adding seven more patrol officers will be a big help.

Gonzales said, “We’re doing the best we can with what we’ve got but as far as the citizens’ help now, it’s great if they help out. Just neighborhood watches alone are a help.”

Gonzales said the officers will be on the streets until early September, when emergency calls are expected to dwindle .

The city has frozen 14 officer positions. Ten officers are in the police academy but aren’t expected to begin patrolling until December.