Seaside police see drop in gang-related crimes

At one time, Seaside was considered a rough city with major gang activity and a significant number of shootings. However over the last year, Seaside police said they’re seeing a drop in gang-related crimes throughout the city.

Between 2012-2015, there were between 20-25 gang-related assaults each year. In the past year, they’ve seen a downtrend.

“In 2016, we had nine documented gang related incidents,” said Cmdr. Nick Borges. “Nine is still too many, we don’t want to see any gang issues going on.”

While officers are seeing more drug usage, they’re also seeing fewer drug arrests.

Not only do they credit the formation of PRVNT, which is made up of other police departments on the Monterey Peninsula, they also believe it has to do with some of the relationships they’ve built in the community.

“The community cannot only see us as going out and enforcing the law,” Borges said. “That’s a huge part, we’re happy to do that and we will do that. But they also need to see us as who we are as human beings. Once they establish trust for their law enforcement officers, they’re going to report crime to us. They’re going to let us know what’s going on in their neighborhoods.”

The Seaside Resource Center is a one-stop shop for local kids to take advantage of mentoring programs, drug counseling and activities. Activity coordinator Ted Black agreed that saying the community was stepping up and playing more of an active role.

“They’re getting off the couch, they’re getting involved with what’s going on in their city and it makes a huge impact and we see it,” Black said.

But he warns it’s best to nip any bad behavior in the bud sooner, rather than later.

“Do not give them silent approval because they’re going to grow into something worse,” Black said. “It’s like if you let a weed grow, it’s gonna grow up to kill all your plants. Do not let it go. Silent approval can be more deadly than not saying, than just watching it. “