New leadership tackles rising crime in city parks

In a recent government meeting, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) presented a report addressing safety issues at city facilities and parks, highlighting significant changes in crime statistics across various wards. Lieutenant Mullins, who is temporarily replacing Lieutenant Kumamura, led the briefing alongside Sergeant Jopalian, who oversees the problem-oriented policing team.

The report detailed a mixed bag of crime trends for August. Ward 1 saw a notable decrease in citations and arrests, down 29% from the previous year. In contrast, Ward 2 experienced a 17% increase, while Ward 3 reported a substantial 33% rise in similar metrics. Ward 5 faced the most dramatic change, with a 122% increase in citations and arrests compared to last year. Wards 4 and 6 remained stable, showing no change in their statistics.

The DPS also discussed the deployment of surveillance cameras in response to rising crime rates. A camera was installed at Doolittle Park to monitor stolen vehicles, while another at Centennial Hills Park aims to deter damage caused by off-road vehicles. A third camera was recently placed in the arts district to address illegal activities.

Community-oriented policing events were highlighted, including back-to-school initiatives in Wards 3 and 5, with expectations for increased police presence as the holiday season approaches. The DPS emphasized a strategic approach to policing, reporting a total of 526 arrests and 869 non-traffic incidents year-to-date, attributing much of this success to proactive policing efforts.

Overall, the meeting underscored the department's commitment to enhancing safety in city parks and facilities while adapting to evolving crime patterns.