FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 2, 2024

Chico, CA – The Chico Police Department is conducting a traffic survey to better understand and address traffic-related concerns throughout the City of Chico.

 

The survey is anonymous and takes less than five minutes to complete. Your feedback will help the department identify problem areas, improve planning efforts, and allocate resources effectively.

 

The online survey can be accessed by clicking the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/78TVVWC, or by going to the following channels:

We encourage the community to participate and offer their input. The survey will remain open until Sunday, December 8, 2024.

 

(Chico, CA – September 26, 2024) - As part of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security at public gatherings, the City of Chico, in partnership with the Chico Police Department, has installed a new state-of-the-art security detector at City Council Chambers, located at 421 Main Street. The new system is set to begin operation with the October 15, 2024, City Council meeting. 

Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge stated that all citizens entering the building will now undergo a security screening process, which includes a bag check and a walkthrough of the security detector. "We want to ensure that our public spaces are as safe as possible for everyone, and this added security measure is a direct result of a recent security assessment that considered the latest homeland security threat levels," Aldridge said. 

The screening process is designed to be quick and efficient, with each person’s screening expected to take under 30 seconds. “We appreciate the public’s patience as they adjust to this new process. Items like cellphones, keys, and belts won’t trigger the sensors, and our goal is to keep things moving while prioritizing safety,” Aldridge added. 
To accommodate this new security feature, the council chambers will open at 5 p.m. (or earlier, in the case of closed sessions) on Tuesdays when City Council meetings are scheduled. Citizens attending these meetings are advised to plan for a brief security check upon arrival. Guests who exit the chambers during the meeting will be re-screened before re-entering. 

In addition to the security detector, a new policy on bag sizes will be enforced, limiting personal bags to one item no larger than 22” x 9” x 4” – the size of an airport carry-on. A dedicated bag search table will be set up next to the security detector to assist in the screening process. 

As part of the screening protocol, the system is designed to detect concealed weapons. Hidden non metal objects like rocks or plastic items will not be detected by the machine, so security personnel will complement the technology. 
The security detection system, supplied by Evolv Technology, uses advanced scanning capabilities to ensure thorough and non-invasive security checks. The machine is designed to block any attempts to bypass the system. 
 
For additional information on the technology see: 

In accordance with Penal Code section 171b and recent legislation (SB 2), concealed carry weapons (CCWs) are prohibited in the City Council Chambers. Chico Police and security staff will strictly enforce this regulation. 

“Our primary focus is to maintain a civil and secure environment for all citizens participating in City Council Meetings, and we believe this new security protocol will greatly contribute to that effort,” City Manager Mark Sorensen concluded. 

To ensure the public’s safety, similar technology is being used elsewhere in the County such as in the Butte County Courthouse and at the Silver Dollar Fair.

For additional information regarding the new security measures please contact: 

 

* The application period for the 2025 Citizens Police Academy is now closed *

January 9, 2025 - April 10, 2025

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