The Chico Police Department will eliminate the agency's gang unit, street crimes unit, and traffic unit to add more manpower to patrol. The reorganization will happen next week...returning 6 police officers to the patrol section. Chico Police say patrol requires a minimum of 56 officer positions to maintain an "adequate" level of service...the department currently has 44 officers available. The department's "TARGET" unit will be eliminated in February to add 4 officers to patrol. Chico Police say the reorganization will prevent the department from closely monitoring gang activity and street level crime, but will ensure there is staff to respond to priority calls.
