COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The Colusa Police Department handled 399 calls for service in August, an increase of 25% compared with the same month last year, according to Police Chief Josh Fitch’s monthly report to the Colusa City Council.
The department recorded 319 calls for service in August 2025. Fitch reported that call volume also increased slightly from July and has remained consistently higher than last year’s levels.
In addition to the 399 calls, officers assisted other agencies 24 times during August.
Officers made 29 arrests that resulted in jail bookings and issued one citation in lieu of booking a suspect into jail. The department also initiated 53 reports during the month.
Police documented five domestic violence-related incidents that resulted in four arrests.
Traffic enforcement accounted for a portion of the department’s activity. Officers conducted 363 traffic stops and issued 135 citations for moving and mechanical violations.
According to Fitch, speeding, failure to stop at stop signs and texting while driving were among the most frequent violations.
Officers also investigated five reportable traffic collisions, including one that resulted in injuries. Fitch reported that an impaired driver caused one of the collisions.
The department made three arrests for driving under the influence. Hit-and-run collisions were not included in the traffic collision totals because the department records them separately under crime statistics.
Beyond patrol activities, Fitch reported an increase in fraud-related scams targeting older residents. Several incidents involved individuals impersonating law enforcement officers to obtain money.
Fitch warned that law enforcement officers do not collect fines directly from individuals or request large amounts of cash to verify the serial numbers on currency.
Other scams involved emails that appeared to come from established companies, including Apple and PG&E. Fitch advised residents to examine the full sender email address and contact the department before sending money in response to suspicious communications.
The department also addressed traffic concerns surrounding the start of the school year. Police met with Colusa Unified School District officials before classes resumed to discuss congestion near school campuses.
Fitch reported that parents using Lafayette Street on the north side of Burchfield Primary School for student drop-offs helped reduce some congestion along Fremont Street.
He reminded motorists that red curb zones cannot be used for parking or student drop-offs.
In another development, Officer Darren Ram completed the training and testing required to become a drug recognition expert, making him the first Colusa police officer to complete the program.
Fitch said the training will primarily assist officers with identifying and enforcing violations involving impaired drivers.
The department also reminded residents about regulations governing electric bicycles. Fitch noted that riders must follow applicable traffic laws and that riders younger than 18 must wear helmets.
Police also plan to enforce boat launch parking fees. Fitch reminded motorists that California State Parks passes do not cover fees at the city-operated boat launch.
Drivers must pay the required fee and display their receipts in their vehicles. Officers will check vehicles near the boat launch, along Main Street and in surrounding areas.
The department’s police services manager handled an additional 85 calls for service during August, not including telephone inquiries.