Millbrae, San Bruno may share police

Police services will soon be shared between Millbrae and San Bruno after the two cities agreed to an interim partnership, the first step to such a merger.

Both cities are exploring all options from contracting services to a full merger of both departments, according to a press release from the city of Millbrae. Sharing services could mean a financial savings for both cities. The Millbrae and San Bruno fire departments have successfully operated with a shared command staff for the past several years and are currently pursuing a review of similar options.

Chief Neil Telford, a 27-year veteran of the San Bruno Police Department, will assume responsibility for managing the day-to-day operations of both police departments. During the preliminary phase of this partnership, the cities will conduct a fiscal analysis that will give elected officials the tools they need to make informed decisions.

The details of this partnership are currently in the planning phase but it is anticipated that Telford will take the helm within the next month.

The timing of this partnership works well for Millbrae as the contract for the current interim chief is ending soon.

It is anticipated that the initial fiscal analysis will take up to six months. Various models including costs will be better understood at that time.