Grand Jury Report: Emergency Preparedness–The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies

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gavelPress release from the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury:

For many years, Humboldt County Civil Grand Juries have focused on disaster preparedness within Humboldt County at the local government and operational area levels.

This year, the Grand Jury looked at operational preparations, focusing on the boots on the ground.  This investigation looked primarily at local law enforcement agencies because they are among the most visible players in local disaster response.

 The Grand Jury did extensive research on disaster preparedness plans, attended safety presentations and demonstrations, and interviewed several local law enforcement agencies.

Funding for local field response training and for the acquisition and maintenance of specialized emergency/disaster response equipment is an issue for all Humboldt County law enforcement agencies.

Local law enforcement officers know what needs to be done to protect their communities during a disaster.  They want to protect and serve their communities effectively during disasters.  Still, many simply don’t have enough funding or personnel to respond to local disasters, which they believe their communities deserve

The most common challenge we heard was that law enforcement agencies’ ability to respond efficiently and effectively to local disasters was hampered by insufficient funding and staffing.

Local law enforcement agencies do the best they can with the limited resources they have.

 

The Grand Jury Report Emergency Preparedness – The Role of Local Law Enforcement Agencies was published 2/17/2026 on the Humboldt County website Civil Grand Jury | Humboldt County, CA – Official Website.

Media contact: 2025-2026 Grand Jury Foreperson, Kathleen Sartorius at [email protected]

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1 Please improve the conversation by disagreeing thoughtfully and backing your claims with facts
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Kris
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Kris
2 minutes ago

Ah yes the standard “we need more money.”

For the current adopted FY 2025–26 budget, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office receives about $75–80 million in total funding (including General Fund, Measure Z/public safety funds, state and federal grants, and other dedicated revenues).
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Sheriff William Honsal, the most recent publicly available compensation data (2024) shows:

  • Regular pay: about $205,000 per year.
  • Total pay (including overtime and other compensation): about $376,000.
  • Total compensation (including the county’s cost of benefits such as retirement and health insurance): roughly $430,000–$450,000. 

Transparent California-

  • Eureka: The police department is typically the largest or second-largest General Fund expense, often consuming around 25–35% of the General Fund, depending on the fiscal year.
  • Arcata: Police similarly make up a significant portion of the General Fund, generally around 20–30%.
  • Fortuna: Police are also one of the city’s largest expenditures, usually around 20–30% of the General Fund.

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