Desert Hot Springs Case Study

The city of Desert Hot Springs (DHS) has been in difficult financial struggles because of their first bankruptcy. Now, the city has been having an on going debate on whether they should get rid of the Police Department or make more budget cuts. Doing this is a huge mistake because not only will it affect the residents of DHS it will also leave the city vulnerable. If the residents don’t feel safe who’s to say they won’t leave the city and move somewhere else. This will then cause stores to lose money, eventually leading to the city losing money, because people will shop at other grocery stores. Yes, I understand why they may be struggling to make a decision but if they decide on going through with this plan, I’m almost certain that the crime
rate will just rise and could later leave Desert Hot Springs as one of the worst places to live.

Desert Hot Springs first became bankrupt after a “developer sued the city in 2001” for refusing to give him a permit to build a “low-income mobile-home park” (3). Later, James Nash wrote that it was stated that the federal court ordered the city to pay attorney’s fees (3). It’s obvious that the city wouldn’t be in this position had they let the person build affordable homes. But now, rather than opening new stores so that more money can be brought in, the city council is having thoughts about getting rid of the police department entirely. Though they may be saving money, this decision can cause the residents to feel unsafe. It can also cause criminals that have stayed on the sidelines, watching and waiting for their chance to commit a crime, to come out and create chaos. For example in Stockton, the crime rate has been rapidly increasing, Stockton is only safer than 5% than the other cities in the U.S. Malia Wollan wrote for The New York Times, that the crime in the city has drastically increased that the sheriffs from the police department have stopped answering to emergency phone calls unless they include blood. Stockton filed for Chapter 9 Bankruptcy Protection in 2013. Filing for Chapter 9 means the town is offered protection while they outline a plan to resolve the debt. The council members of DHS have been doing their best to keep the city from having to file for a chapter 9 bankruptcy. Yes, though it’s highly unlikely the city will become one the most dangerous and poor cities in the U.S. Their lack in security can possibly lead the city to ruins or cause another difficult and messy situation. Although their main goal is to make minimal budget cuts, the city council will still struggle in keeping the “city solvent.” Meaning they’re able to pay off all their debts. Yet council member Scott Matas has already voiced his concern saying he is against this decision because they’re “reducing the safety of this community.” A couple of the members in the city council agree with Matas but others are still planning on going through with it.

Although I personally think getting rid of the police department is a foolish idea, I understand what the mayor and council members reasons for their actions are. They truly believe the city will save a lot of money by cutting the police department and instead join forces with sheriff's deputies from Riverside County. James Nash wrote that city manager Martin Magana said “Eliminating the police department would save about $734,000 a year.” If the safety of the citizens in Desert Hot Springs is important to some of the council members, then why is there still talk about needing to get rid of it. Could it be that they need to have the money right this instant or that they’re choosing to make these insane budget cuts because they’ve decided to have the money fast. The city council might assume that as long as they join with the deputies from the Riverside County the residents will automatically feel safe.

If they decide to go through with this decision it will affect not only the city but the officers themselves.
Anyone who works in the police department like emergency dispatchers, forensic technicians, probation and parole officers etc will be left to fight for any open positions (if any) in other city police departments. The unemployment rate could increase and soon we’ll see people getting used to receiving “free” money, getting comfortable with their new lifestyle and refusing to look for jobs. Desert Hot Springs will end up having a worse impression and be known as the “bankrupt town” rather than being known as the “spa city” because of their infamous spas that used to bring in celebrities back in the day. If what the mayor and city council want is to bring in more money so as to not cut any other departments and stores, then why not open up more stores. These stores could easily influence the residents in spending their money there and attract tourists.

It's understandable why the council members believe the only option they have to decrease the amount debt is to get rid of the police department. But, if this is the path they’re deciding to take, it could affect the residents in a negative way rather than help them. There may be other options that they haven't discovered yet but I believe the city council should keep digging until the best option is presented. Their main priority should be to protect the residents and think about what the city’s future will look like after making any
decision.