Santa Cruz Police introducing Neighborhood Enforcement Team

The Santa Cruz Police Department is introducing a new Neighborhood Enforcement Team.

This specialized unit developed from what was previously called the Street Crimes Unit. Budget cuts and staffing issues led to serious cutbacks in the unit, but the department says staffing is now back up and the unit is being revitalized.

Recently, the Santa Cruz Police Department has achieved full staffing of 95 sworn staff, and they anticipate being able hire a few more overfill positions within the next couple of months.

That bump in staffing means the specialized unit can now be fully staffed, with a sergeant and a full complement of police officers. The unit has undergone a name change to Neighborhood Enforcement Team and is back in service as of May 24.

The name change more accurately reflects the team’s primary focus on criminal issues that affect the quality of life in the city’s neighborhoods. The unit’s mission is to enhance neighborhood safety through various enforcement efforts and inter-agency cooperation.

During their first month of the new unit’s service, officers made 27 felony arrests and 17 misdemeanor arrests, and assisted with prostitution and narcotic enforcement along with the Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team.