Park police face uncertain future amid high leadership salaries [Video]

The Fulton El Camino Park Police’s future is at risk, as officers question high leadership salaries, alleged mismanagement and community safety.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

It’s one of the smallest police departments in the greater Sacramento region.

“Years ago, they created the Park Police Department,” said former Fulton El Camino (FEC) Park Police Chief Bob Erickson.

The team of 11 oversees numerous parks. At one point, the agency contracted its services to other park districts, patrolling over 100 parks across areas like Carmichael, Orangevale and Rio Linda.

Why a police department for parks? It’s simple: safety.

“I remember 40 years ago these were lovely and safe places to come to and in recent months and weeks we’ve seen a decline,” said Craig Fowler, who lives next to a park in Carmichael. “We’ve had needles and drug paraphernalia we’ve had to pick up before we let our kids go out there in the daytime.”

“We want to …

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