Rohnert Park City Council Meeting, January 27, 2026

The City of Rohnert Park City Council held a meeting on January 27, 2026, which included extensive discussions on public safety staffing and technology. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the challenges faced by the Department of Public Safety, particularly the shortage of personnel impacting the School Resource Officer (SRO) program. The Chief of Public Safety detailed staffing shortages, training costs, and retention issues, leading to the temporary removal of the SRO from schools. Council members and public speakers expressed concerns about the impact on school safety and community trust. Additionally, the council reviewed and approved updates to the city's automated license plate reader (ALPR) program, including reducing data retention from 365 days to 30 days amid public concerns about privacy, data sharing with federal agencies, and surveillance overreach. The council also considered appointments to regional boards and adopted ordinances related to fire and building codes and zoning changes. Motions were passed to adopt these ordinances and update records management policies, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance public safety needs with community concerns and regulatory compliance.