Riverside County Board to consider sheriff's department service agreements

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors is set to review two significant agreements involving the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

One proposal involves an Instructional Services Agreement with the Desert Community College District to continue the Public Safety Academy at the College of the Desert. This program, which has operated since 2001, provides state-approved training for patrol and correctional deputies, as well as firefighter and emergency medical technician certifications. The agreement would extend staffing for the academy through June 30, 2031, with estimated operational costs of approximately $236,000 over five years. While the college provides facilities and student processing, the sheriff’s department would cover the costs of running the academy.

Additionally, the Board will consider ratifying an $86 million, five-year law enforcement services agreement between the sheriff’s department and the city of Rancho Mirage. This contract would authorize the sheriff’s department to manage all municipal police functions from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031. The agreement ensures uninterrupted service, with the city covering all expenses. The deployment would include the equivalent of 16 deputies on duty at all times, including a lieutenant, sergeants, and motorcycle details, to handle traffic enforcement and criminal investigations.