County adds second deputy to Pala law enforcement contract

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a new law enforcement contract between the county and the Pala Band of Mission Indians which adds a second deputy sheriff to patrol the reservation.

The supervisors’ 5-0 vote, March 16, approved a three-year agreement which covers the period from March 31, 2021, to March 31, 2024. The new contract adds one full-time deputy to the previous agreement which was approved in March 2018 and covered the period from April 1, 2018, to March 30, 2021, and the 2021 agreement also includes the purchase of a vehicle.

The sheriff has the authority to make modifications and extensions to the contract without the board of supervisors concurrence if the changes do not materially impact the program or funding level.

“The Pala Band of Mission Indians looks forward to strengthening the law enforcement presence on our reservation,” Pala tribal chair Robert Smith said. “As always, we remain deeply committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for all guests and the surrounding community.”

Pala initially contracted with the county for law enforcement services in 2001. The initial contract was for a two-year period, as were the agreements approved in 2003 and 2005. In 2007, the county and Pala approved a five-year law enforcement services agreement.

The contract approved in 2018 provided one full-time deputy to the reservation. Over the past three years Pala has experienced increased service calls, and the Pala tribal council requested the additional special purpose deputy.

Pala will reimburse the county $164,820 for the final three months of fiscal year 2020-2021. That includes $68,300 for the vehicle purchase as well as $68,685 of salaries and benefits costs and $27,835 for services and supplies.

Joe Naiman can be reached by email at [email protected].