Startling Spike In Crime Has San Bernardino Residents Concerned
SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — A noticeable and startling rise in violent crimes has residents in San Bernardino concerned.
"We've had a recent spate of violence in our city that's got a lot of people pretty concerned about it," said San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan.
Burguan assured a concerned crowd Tuesday that his department is prepared to tackle the city's startling spike in crime and specifically homicides.
So far this year, there have been 24 homicides as compared to 44 last year – a figure which had included those killed in the terror attacks.
The numbers were enough to get people to show up for the townhall meeting.
"As of right now, the entire SBPD is on alert status. We've canceled days off for many of our officers working patrol in an effort to have them in working extra shifts on overtime to saturate the streets," he said.
Burguan said the killings involved gangs, drugs and people with criminal histories but many like Sergio Luna say the violence makes him feel unsafe for his children and his family.
"Just knowing that one of those bullets could just hit an innocent person like it has in the past, it always takes a toll on you," Luna said.
Starting next week, Burguan said his officers will be working with the Sheriff's Department to target gang hotspots. He hopes the increased presence will stop the violence.
Burguan pointed out they've lost over 100 officers since the recession so crime is going up.
He reminded the crowd that the police can't do it alone and asked for help from schools and faith-based groups to guide at-risk and troubled youth.
"We, as the people, have to come together. We have to have intervention and prevention programs," said Rev. Bronica Martindale-Taylor, a San Bernardino resident.