Belmont Public Safety Committee Meeting - February 27, 2025
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Belmont Public Safety Committee Meeting - February 27, 2025
The Belmont Public Safety Committee met on February 27, 2025, at 2:31 PM to discuss quarterly updates, the implementation of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and the annual military equipment report. The meeting featured commendations for officers, public comments on transparency and mental health, and updates on department staffing and major cases.
Consent Calendar
- The meeting minutes from the previous meeting were approved without discussion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Beth von Emster (she/her) asked about the disclosure of ALPR camera locations, recalling prior presentations that general areas would be provided. She sought clarification on whether the policy had changed.
- Deborah Lash inquired about the intended uses of drones, diversity/equity/inclusion policy changes, and coordination with the county on non-armed mental health responses. She expressed frustration when initially told the topic was not on the agenda, but Police Chief Ken Sandpost later confirmed ongoing collaboration with the county on mental health crisis response and the 988 hotline.
- Michelle Pinas affirmed that prior committee meetings had stated general areas would be provided for ALPRs, supporting Beth von Emster's recollection.
- A speaker thanked the committee for including the meeting notice in the city newsletter, following up on feedback from the previous year.
Discussion Items
- Chief's Quarterly Update: Chief Sandpost reported on new personnel (Officer Matthew Kelly, dispatcher Nicole Rojario, Officer Delacruz), staffing levels (one officer short, two CSOs short, dispatcher overstaffed), and major case updates. Notable cases included Ian Crow's conviction on 33 felony counts (Hyatt House false imprisonment), a shooting on Welsh Avenue, and the Dec 30, 2024 armed vehicle theft and recovery. The Offman homicide (2019) is expected to go to trial later in 2025. Community outreach highlighted a new Instagram account (@belmontpdca) and upcoming events (CDA Run, Autism Awareness Month).
- ALPR and UAS Update: Captain Orlando presented the finalized ALPR policy, now online with a public audit page tracking searches and camera data. One camera is installed; ten are planned for primary city ingress/egress points. Exact locations will not be disclosed. For drones, the department is pursuing FAA Part 107 training and certification, with 4–7 officers to be trained. The chosen drone is from Sky Dio (San Mateo, US-made) and will be used for accident reconstruction, public works, search and rescue, and emergency management, with plans for a transparency page.
- Military Equipment Yearly Update: The 2024 report indicates no complaints or improper use. A retired command vehicle was replaced with a used RV (2014 Ford 350) serving as a mobile command center. The Sky Dio drone was added to the military equipment list. The public viewing of equipment was scheduled for 4:30 PM after the meeting, and the full report will be presented to the City Council on March 25, 2025.
Key Outcomes
- The committee received the Chief's quarterly update, ALPR/UAS update, and military equipment report without formal votes.
- The ALPR policy is finalized and online, with a public search audit accessible on the department's transparency page.
- Drone implementation is proceeding with a focus on fiscal responsibility (avoiding non-US products due to potential federal bans) and comprehensive training.
- The military equipment report will go to the City Council on March 25, 2025, with a public viewing event immediately following the committee meeting.
- Staff will follow up with Deborah Lash on mental health coordination details.
- The committee praised the new Instagram presence and encouraged public contact via PD email or business line for further questions.
Meeting Transcript
February 20. Recording and dogs to say this. I'd like to call this meeting to order at 2 31 p.m. And we don't normally do roll call meetings. So proceed. Then we shall move to special presentations. Thank you. I will go ahead and just jump into this, make this as timely as possible. And I'm going to don't need no lessons for this. Some two different calls of for service that they did some outstanding work. And I will read the first one. So I would like to have Sergeant Freeman and Corporal O'Connor come forward, please. Yes. So Connor, Sergeant Friedman. In the early morning of December 30th, 2024, Belmont officers were called to the 500 block of Seagate Way on the report of a theft and progress. Resident called 911 reported several suspects were attempting to steal their car from the driver and the suspects were armed. Sergeant Fisher, Sergeant Friedman, and Corporal Connor responded immediately and began planning their hooks for the scene. Collectively, they recognized the address where the crime was taking place within the neighborhood, which had one option for vehicle ingress and egress. As they approached the intersection of Oxford Way and Seagateway, they noticed two vehicles abruptly turning on to Oxford. Knowing the area where the vehicles knowing the area where the vehicles turned circled around and only contained dead end streets. Sergeant Friedman continued to the address while Corporal Connor stopped at the entry point to contain the area. Anticipating the suspects would be fleeing the area, Corporal Connor set up an advantageous position and deployed the tire deflation device. Sergeant Friedman pushed through the neighborhood toward the involved vehicle. Sergeant Bishop coordinated the response with his patrol team. Second later, seconds later, the suspects fled towards Corporal Connor and subsequently drove the tire. Subsequently drove over the tire push and bus. Through the excellent coordination in the entire patrol team, the suspects were forced to abandon the stolen vehicle. They arrived in, and the vehicle data stole was disabled and recovered minutes later. Sergeant Friedman, Sergeant Fisher, and Corporal Connor are veteran officers who possess tremendous voice and experience due to their excellent communication and coordination. They were able to come up with an effective plan in a matter of seconds, resulting in a safe and successful conclusion. The collective efforts are a true representation of the Belmont Police Department's commitment to the community. One more to be short. What I want to say to both of you is thank you for that tremendous service on that day. A crisis and heartbreaking for them. And I thank you both for stepping up to doing what everything that you did and for the continued follow-up care that you have given them as well. Captain, you as well. I thank you for that. It represents to me Belmont PD at its finest. So thank you. All right. On the on the afternoon of February 7th, 2025, Belmont police officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Masonic Way on the report of a man suffering from possible drug overdose. Corporal Connor, Detective Perul, and Officer of Delacruz arrived on scene within two minutes and began assessing the situation. Once on scene, officers quickly noticed an unconscious man lying in the back seat of a vehicle. After receiving the second dose, the man began reading and regaining consciousness. These officers acted effectively, seamlessly, while simultaneously providing the CPR and unit strength doses of Narcan spray, ultimately saving the man's life. Thank you. Do we have any public comments today? We don't do slips, but if there's anyone attendants that would like to speak forward. Okay. All right.
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