Homicide investigations tie up Salinas Police resources

Salinas has seen 27 homicides in 2015 so far. Those cases take top priority and because of that, department resources are being stretched. According to police, the entire investigations bureau is working on active homicide cases.

“So it kind of takes away from working some of those other cases that may come forth that are important,” Salinas Police Commander Vincent Maiorana said. “Theft investigations, burglary, assaults. We have sexual assaults, we have child abuse cases, which are very important cases that take priority but those kind of fall to the back burner when we have homicides.”

It’s no secret that the department is short-staffed. They, like many other law enforcement agencies across the state are down the manpower needed to investigate crimes. Chief Kelly McMillin would also like staffing levels to be higher, so he can reinstate the now defunct Gang Task Force.

“I would like to bring back the Gang Task Force,” Chief McMillin said. “But I can’t make something that I can’t staff. And that today is the police department’s unique challenge.”

Prior to July 1st, the Monterey County Gang Task Force was made up of officers from local law enforcement agencies, with the Salinas Police making up the lion’s share of the force. At its height, it was the largest of its kind outside of Los Angeles, but was disbanded because of funding issues.

Chief McMillin says the department has the money to hire new officers thanks to Measure G funding, but they’re having a hard time filling the jobs. He went on to say, despite the lack of resources, the city is safe.