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Twin Rivers Police Department Makes 'Drastic' Changes

NATOMAS (CBS13) – The embattled Twin Rivers Police Department is making some big changes after coming under fire for some of its practices.

Following months of review including community feedback and suggestions from other law enforcement professionals, the department says it is making dramatic changes including reductions in traffic stops, traffic citations, and towing to huge increases in campus-based checks and activities.

Tuesday it issued a progress report on its review process.

The department began its review after a series of incidents in the community angered residents and came under scrutiny by other law enforcement agencies.

The department had been criticized for responding to calls outside their school district jurisdiction. In addition, a 25-year-old rookie Twin Rivers officer was shot in October after attempting a traffic stop in Del Paso Heights and the suspect later died while in a Sacramento Police patrol car.

"The release of this portion of our operational review represents a significant milestone in the District's efforts to refocus its Police Department. Having addressed the immediate operational concerns, we now have a set of recommendations on how best to move the Department forward with the goal of establishing a greater presence on our campuses and a higher level of interaction with students and staff, consistent with what we heard during our community outreach efforts," said Acting Police Chief Scott LaCosse.

LaCosse took over the department in January.

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