Fighting crime by bringing neighbors together
It was a good turnout for a neighborhood watch meeting in the Creekbridge community in Salinas. The meeting was organized by community members who said they are fed up and want more done to crack down on crime.
“It seems like the problems are getting worse and worse and more bold,” said Creekbridgeresident Oscar Ramos. “So this meeting brought everyone together to fight that.”
Residents said they’re experiencing home invasions, thefts, gun violence and see a lot of suspicious activity. This has forced some homeowners and renters out of the community.
“I have a five-year-old and a seven-year-old,” said Creekbridgeresident Lucy Rios. “I think about their future and they’re safety, that’s my main concern”
Salinas city officials and law enforcement stood before a crowd of about 100, answering questions about everything from traffic to new homeless encampments popping up, police practices and code enforcement.
Other hot button issues included the need for more police presence, services and protection offered to community members, as well as fear of retaliation for reporting crimes. There were also complaints about slow police response times.
“We have to prioritize our calls, we don’t have a lot of police officers,” said Salinas Police Chief Kelly McMillin. “If we’re forced to make a decision between a domestic violence call or the loud music call, we have to go to that domestic violence call.”
Officials said solutions to these problems have many layers. Police are not the only answer, but parental and community involvement are key.
“Their involvement is going to have to become a little more serious,” said Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter. “They’re going to have to call, they’re going to be witnesses, that’s what’s going to help all of us.”
Salinas police told KION they are aggressively trying to fill 30 vacant openings as well as exploring bringing back retired policemen to help out. They’re also looking into investing in technology to help them fight crime.
“We’re trying to find money for things like shot spotter, which is a gun fire detection technology,” said McMillin. “Things like license plate readers, mobile cameras that we can put up throughout the city.”
In the end, people who turned out Saturday said they were glad their voices were heard.
“They’re aware that there’s a problem and they want to help our neighbors,” said Ramos.
The meeting coordinator said they will most likely have another neighborhood watch meeting later this year. Mayor Gunter told KION the city will look into all the suggestions and concerns.
