By Joanna Putman
Police1
VALLEJO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law that enables retired Solano County Sheriff’s deputies to return to full-time duty and assist the understaffed Vallejo Police Department, the Vallejo Sun reported.
SB 1379, introduced by state Senator Bill Dodd in response to Vallejo’s police staffing emergency, temporarily lifts the 960-hour annual work limit for retired deputies, dispatchers and evidence technicians until 2027, according to the report.
Solano County Sheriff Tom Ferrara supported the bill, stating his office needed more resources to help address Vallejo’s critical staffing shortages.
“We are committed to assisting the city of Vallejo and those who live, work and visit Solano County to meet their public safety needs,” Ferrara said.
The Vallejo Police Department, budgeted for 132 officers, currently operates with just 62 active officers, 36 of whom are assigned to patrol, according to the report. The bill is intended to provide immediate relief as recruiting and training new officers can take up to two years.
The Solano County Board of Supervisors must approve the deployment of sheriff’s deputies to Vallejo, and the city will need to secure additional funds to pay for their services.
Senator Dodd called the bill “a smart way to address this vexing problem and protect our community.”
