March 18 2026 some San Bruno CA Police Officers and Staff
held a meeting with residents to update them on the background
as they saw the stopped contract negotiations.

SAN BRUNO POLICE ASSOCIATION

EST. 1974

THOMYLEDESMA - PRESIDENT OLIVER REICH-VICE PRESIDENT MARRIANE LINDBLOM SECRETARY CHRISTOPHER ANISKO TREASURER ABEL CALDERON - SERGEANT AT ARMS

 

Residents and Business Owners of San Bruno,

We urgently need your support. The San Bruno Police Association is facing a serious crisis. Mishandled contract negotiations by the city, including inaccurate cost reporting to the City Council, prolonged position freezes, and public promises of support contrasted with behind-the-scenes efforts
to reduce existing compensation while offering increases that would keep us one of the lowest paid agencies in the county, have left our department on the brink.
We are on track to lose nearly a quarter of our sworn staff, putting the quality of public safety in your city at real risk.

San Bruno is growing rapidly, with major projects like the YouTube expansion, Tanforan redevelopment, and new housing increasing public service demands far beyond current capacity. Patrol shift numbers have not changed since the early 1980s, despite a population increase of more than 15,000 residents and countless new businesses. Patrol shifts typically run with just four officers plus a supervisor, while a single dispatcher often handles emergency calls for our entire community.

The San Bruno Police Department ranks among the lowest paid agencies in San Mateo County, with the gap widening. Experienced officers and dispatchers, with years of experience, specialized training, and deep community knowledge, are leaving for neighboring police departments that provide better pay and benefits, to go with shorter commutes, and more professional growth opportunities. In addition to those seeking new professional opportunities we're facing an increasing wave of retirements further exacerbating the challenges we face recruiting and retaining qualified personnel. It costs well over $150,000 to hire and train a new officer, yet instead of providing competitive compensation to retain our seasoned professionals (which would cost less), the city appears willing to spend hundreds of thousands more on a revolving door of recruits who inevitably depart for neighboring agencies.

Our patrol, investigative, and support teams are stretched thin, relying on overtime to cover shifts and resolve cases. Position cuts are forcing us for the first time to ask neighboring agencies if they can assist with answering 911 calls. If losses continue, the department may reduce non-emergency services or the city will have to consider contracting out services which will raise costs and lower the level of service that our residents expect and deserve.

We are not seeking to be the highest paid department. We simply want fair, competitive compensation to recruit dedicated law enforcement professionals.

The safety of our neighborhoods, families, and businesses relies on having officers, dispatchers, clerks, and the rest of our staff ready when you need us. We have served this community with integrity, building trust through transparency, and engagement.

Now we ask you to stand with us:

contact your City Council members,

This email address will goto the City Manager & the Mayor & the 4 Council Members

council@ci.sanbruno.ca.us

attend meetings,

Next council meeting Tuesday March 24th 2026 at rec center at 7:00 P.M.

AND Speak under Public Comments at the very beginning of the meeting

and voice support for a fair resolution that will keep San Bruno safe.

We cannot do this without you.

Your voice can make a difference and help protect the city we all love and care for.

Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,
The San Bruno Police Association Board

San Bruno Elected Officials              San Bruno Police Association                San Bruno City Manager