In recent years the Police Service of Salinas has advanced its policies, its practices, and its very identity. Violent crime has been reduced, community trust strengthened, and a culture of service imbued in the organization. The truth is SPD has been underfunded and understaffed for well over two decades. In July 2009, then Chief of Police Louis Fetherolf published an evaluation of the Salinas Police Department and noted the department’s lack of adequate staffing. In 2009, the Salinas Police Department had 168 sworn officers and Chief Fetherolf called for an increase of 73 officers to police effectively. The Chief revealed the Salinas Police Department had become reactive and was functioning in “crisis mode.”