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5 Key Updates: What The Morro Bay Police Department Is Doing Right Now In 2025

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The Morro Bay Police Department (MBPD), serving the picturesque coastal community of Morro Bay, California, continues its mission to provide 24/7 law enforcement services with a strong focus on community-oriented policing. As of today, December 20, 2025, the department is actively engaged in several key initiatives, from high-profile arrests detailed in the recent police blotters to expanding its popular community outreach programs.

The latest updates highlight the department's commitment to transparency and public safety, with a relatively small but highly effective force maintaining a crime rate significantly lower than the California state average. From the leadership of its new permanent Chief to the success of its Police Volunteer Program, the MBPD remains a central pillar of the city's safety and quality of life.

Meet the Leadership: Chief Amy Watkins Biography and Profile

The Morro Bay Police Department operates under the direction of Chief of Police Amy Watkins, a respected internal leader whose appointment marked a new chapter for the department. Her career trajectory is a testament to the value of experienced, local leadership in community policing.

Chief Amy Watkins: A Profile

  • Current Role: Chief of Police, Morro Bay Police Department (MBPD)
  • Prior Position: Police Commander (joined MBPD in 2019)
  • Appointment: Appointed to the permanent role after serving as Interim Police Chief, replacing the retired Chief Jody Cox.
  • Key Focus: Strongly emphasizes community policing, believing a safe community stems from a strong working relationship between law enforcement and the public.
  • Involvement: As Commander, she was instrumental in training new officers and managing key departmental initiatives.
  • Sworn In: Watkins was officially sworn in as the new Police Chief at a packed ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Building.

Chief Watkins leads a compact department structure consisting of approximately 18 sworn officers, 5 professional staff members, and a dedicated team of 15 police volunteers, including the crucial Chaplaincy program. The organizational chart also includes key roles like Commander Bryan Millard and Support Services Coordinator Bonnie Johnson, who help manage the department’s operations.

Morro Bay Crime Statistics: Is the City Safe in 2025?

One of the most compelling aspects of the Morro Bay Police Department's performance is its success in maintaining a low crime rate compared to state and national averages. Data for the Morro Bay area (ZIP code 93442) consistently reflects a safer environment for residents and tourists.

The overall Morro Bay crime rate is notably lower than both the California state average and the national average by approximately 24.9% and 17.3%, respectively. This lower rate encompasses both violent crimes (like assault and robbery) and property crimes (including theft and burglary).

While the total projected cost of crime in Morro Bay for the 2025 fiscal year is estimated at over $4.3 million, the risk to individual residents remains relatively low. For instance, the chance of being a victim of violent crime in Morro Bay is approximately 1 in 353. The department's proactive approach, combined with strong community support, is credited with keeping these numbers down.

Recent Incidents and the 2025 Police Blotter Highlights

The Morro Bay Police Department’s daily activities are frequently summarized in the local Police Blotter, offering a snapshot of recent law enforcement efforts. The latest reports from late 2024 and early 2025 show the MBPD's rapid response to various criminal activities.

In a notable incident in January 2025, MBPD officers successfully arrested a man for writing a bad check intended to purchase a truck, demonstrating the department's focus on financial and property crimes. Furthermore, the department was involved in a high-speed chase in September 2024, which culminated in an arrest after the suspect fled from Morro Bay into the neighboring San Luis Obispo (SLO) area.

The May 2025 Police Blotter also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the warrant squad, which was successful in locating and rousting multiple wanted individuals on a single day. These incidents underscore the consistent, 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week law enforcement services provided by the MBPD to the City of Morro Bay.

The Investigations Bureau plays a critical role in following up on these incidents, ensuring that cases involving vehicle thefts, burglaries, and other complex crimes are thoroughly processed, often leading to the recovery of stolen property and the capture of holiday thieves.

Community Outreach, Training, and Safety Initiatives for 2025

The Morro Bay Police Department places immense value on community partnership, making its outreach and training programs some of the most current and engaging initiatives for 2025. This focus on "Community Policing" is the bedrock of their operational philosophy.

The Citizen's Academy

A flagship program for community engagement is the annual 7-week-long Citizen's Academy. Scheduled to run into October 2025, this program provides community members with an inside look at the police department's operations, fostering a better understanding between officers and the public.

Police Volunteer Program

The MBPD relies heavily on its dedicated Police Volunteer Program, which assists with various non-enforcement tasks, freeing up sworn officers to focus on critical patrol and investigative duties. This program is a vital component of the department's ability to maintain high service levels with a small staff.

Hazard Mitigation and Public Safety Planning

In a major administrative update for 2025, the Morro Bay Police Department is a key participant in the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. This critical planning process ensures the city's public safety facilities, including the Police Station and emergency communications equipment, are prepared to respond effectively to future natural disasters and other large-scale emergencies, protecting the residents of San Luis Obispo County.

Furthermore, the MBPD coordinates various community events throughout the year, such as the annual National Night Out, which not only promotes community partnership but also helps raise funds for charity. These efforts are central to the department's commitment to a safe and connected Morro Bay.

5 Key Updates: What the Morro Bay Police Department is Doing Right Now in 2025
morro bay police department
morro bay police department

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