Recently the city of Costa Mesa made available four reports regarding the staffing and attrition of the Costa Mesa Police Department over the past few years ("Report: Departing cops cite political tensions, Feb. 26). These reports, now available on the city's website, were generated in response to a demand by members of the City Council a few weeks ago.
The results are distressing.
One report shows a list of separations and hires for 2012 and 2013 and January 2014. During that 25-month period we had 26 departures — 10 resignations, 14 retirements and two discharges. During the same period we had 12 new hires — four academy graduates, six recruits and two laterals. Unfortunately, three (25%) of those new hires left after just a month or two.
Another report shows the recruitment activity for the CMPD from May 24, 2013, through Feb. 12. It showed 2,782 applications received; 188 applicants interviewed; 104 applicants selected for background checks; eight started the academy and zero hired.