Statistics
compiled by the San Diego Association of Governments show that overall crime in
the city has declined by 24 percent in the first six months of 2014
compared to the same period in 2013.
The statistics
pertain to the FBI Crime Index, which includes homicide, rape, robbery,
aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft.
Santee’s
crime rate in the first half of the year was 19.52 crimes per 1,000 population,
ranking it eighth among the county’s 18 cities.
The city’s crime rate rose slightly between 2010 and 2013, but it has dropped
back down to the 2010 level during the first half of this year.
The
statistics show that among the four cities in East County, Santee has the
lowest crime rate.
What’s
behind the recent success?
Criminal
analysts with the County Sheriff’s Department examine crime reports, arrest
histories of suspects and listen to information from the public to come up with
recommendations for deploying personnel and resources. It’s called
Information-Led Policing or ILP.
“This
intelligence allows us to create strategies to target people involved in crime,”
said Sheriff’s Captain L. James Bovet of the Santee Station. “It allows us to
deploy deputy sheriffs in the right locations, at the right times when crime is
occurring, to disrupt criminals and arrest them. Every deputy sheriff that is
deployed in Santee has a mission outline for the day to decrease crime.”
The
department also checks on parolees and those on probation from criminal
offenses to ensure they are following the conditions of their release from jail
or prison. In addition, much effort is placed on tracking illegal drug
activities, which are a catalyst for crimes ranging from domestic violence to
theft.
“When
deputies arrest a drug user or seller, we can disrupt other future crimes like
burglaries and assaults from ever occurring,” Capt. Bovet said.
The
department has also launched a program to train managers of apartments and
condominiums how to prevent crime and increase their communication with law
enforcement.
“We also
rely heavily on community involvement in combating crime,” Capt. Bovet said.
The
department has active Sheriff’s Senior Volunteer and Volunteer Mounted Patrol
programs to supplement efforts by regular patrol deputies. Capt. Bovet also holds quarterly community
meetings to hear the concerns of residents and business owners.More information on community meetings is available at www.sdsheriff.net
