Gridley Police Department News Release

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Community policing, staffing and outside grant funding remain top priorities for the Gridley Police Department as it begins the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Police Chief Todd Farr outlined the department's strategic priorities during an earlier City Council planning session, describing a department focused on maintaining public safety while strengthening community partnerships, expanding technology and pursuing outside funding opportunities.

The adopted 2026-27 budget allocates approximately $4.6 million to police operations. The department includes one chief, one lieutenant, three sergeants, 11 patrol officers, one department detective, one Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force detective, one school resource officer, one records and property technician, one animal control officer, five dispatchers and reserve officers who supplement staffing needs.

Farr said recruitment remains a priority as the department works to fill vacant positions while maintaining public safety services throughout the city. The adopted budget funds one department detective and one Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force detective after city officials elected to leave one detective position unfilled to help balance the budget while maintaining patrol operations.

The city also continues pursuing outside funding to support public safety operations rather than relying solely on the General Fund.

One of the department's primary funding requests was a new patrol vehicle that would be purchased through the federal COPS Grant Program, and includes emergency equipment, radio installation and outfitting costs.

"That’s the one ask I did have,” Farr said.

Beyond patrol responsibilities, Farr highlighted the department's ongoing involvement throughout the community.

Officers participate in National Night Out, the Teddy Bear Clinic, school presentations, Red Suspenders Day, the Butte County Fair and other events designed to strengthen relationships between residents and law enforcement. The department also maintains an active social media presence that provides public safety updates, community information and animal control notices.

Farr also highlighted the city's Citizen RIMS online reporting system, which allows residents to view real-time information about police activity and calls for service throughout the community. The system is intended to improve transparency by giving residents access to current public safety information.

The department's animal control program continues to expand its community role through a trap-neuter-release program for feral cats that has raised more than $10,000 for veterinary care and shelter support. Farr said social media has also helped reunite lost pets with their owners more quickly by allowing residents to identify found animals online.

In addition to General Fund support, the department receives revenue through its school resource officer contract with the Gridley Unified School District, police services provided to the City of Biggs, COPS Grant funding, the Public Safety Augmentation Fund and fees generated through records requests, vehicle releases, animal control services and other departmental activities.