Solano County sheriff says long-stalled Vallejo patrol plan is nearing final approval

Solano County Sheriff Thomas Ferrara announced that a proposal to cut Vallejo Police Department's response times in half is nearing completion but faces additional delays. The plan, which seeks to deploy 25 sheriff's deputies to support the understaffed police department, may not finalize until August 5 due to ongoing negotiations with the Deputy Sheriff’s Association. The Vallejo City Council has allocated $11. 4 million towards this initiative to combat severe staffing shortages and escalating gun violence in the city. While the Sheriff’s Office resolved some issues with the state retirement system, concerns remain regarding the hiring needs and resources for the patrols.

Mayor Andrea Sorce highlighted the plan's potential to improve officer recruitment and retention, which would benefit the entire county. Supervisors did not pass an agreement at the meeting but did authorize the purchase of patrol cars necessary for the new services. The collaboration stems from a 2022 request by Vallejo for assistance from the county, reflecting a growing need for effective law enforcement. The proposal's success hinges on the resolution of union negotiations and logistical challenges ahead of the projected January 2026 launch.