The California Attorney General’s Office has yet to officially
confirm a commitment of 24 law enforcement officers for the
Hollister Independence Rally in 2004.
The California Attorney General’s Office has yet to officially confirm a commitment of 24 law enforcement officers for the Hollister Independence Rally in 2004.
State Assemblyman Simon Salinas’ staff had initially expected a confirmation Monday, but although the formality didn’t happen Monday, there’s no concern, according to a Salinas aide, Richard Herrera.
An initial commitment from the Attorney General’s Office on Friday indicated the state would provide a large chunk of the needed officers from the Department of Justice. That news incited relief from city officials and rally organizers.
City officials have sought about 40 outside officers to supplement local forces during the July 2 through 4 event. Through last week, officials had received only 15 tentative confirmations – and no signed contracts.
Many departments initially declined outright with their own staffing shortages and budget problems. Others would not commit to the rally unless Hollister picked up workers’ compensation liability.
Salinas, D-Salinas, and Sen. Jeff Denham, R-Salinas, recently co-wrote a letter to Attorney General Bill Lockyer requesting the help. Their assistance had been commissioned by Mayor Tony Bruscia.
And other council members, including Councilman Robert Scattini, say they also followed up with calls to state leaders.
“It looks like they came through, and I’m certainly grateful for that,” Scattini said Monday.
Meanwhile, it is unclear whether the state will provide the DOJ officers at no charge – or if it will require compensation.
This year, for the first time in the event’s seven-year history, Hollister and the Sheriff’s Department are requiring the Hollister Independence Rally Committee to pay for their policing costs.
With 24 officers presumably coming from the state, that’s about the same number of cops provided by the DOJ last year, Herrera said. The estimated costs incurred by the state in 2003 came to $25,600, according to figures provided by the DOJ.
