Neighbors learn about crime issues at neighborhood forum

By Rosanna Herber
Viewpoint Staff Writer

Last month, Councilmember Lauren Hammond and the Neighborhood Concerns Committee hosted a Crime Forum for neighbors. Councilmember Hammond arranged for Acting Captain Jackie Dowden, Lieutenant Dave Peletta, Sergeant Don Crye, Sergeant Lewis Pease and Officer Darren McMillan to answer questions from neighbors, who were concerned about crime levels in Curtis Park.

Acting Captain Dowden reported 90% of the crimes in Curtis Park are related to vandalism, theft and property crimes. Approximately 10% are considered violent crimes, mostly robberies.

Acting Captain Dowden stated that the recent home invasion on 24th Street was a random, highly unusual incident for Curtis Park. The person suspected of committing this crime was arrested and is awaiting trial.

For detailed statistics about crimes in Curtis Park, go to www.sacpd.org and look at Area 4, which includes Curtis Park, for specific crime activity. One interesting tidbit reported was that catalytic converters are now a popular item to steal from cars.

There was concern expressed about the high number of group homes in the Curtis Park area. Councilmember Hammond reported these homes are licensed by the state and the city doesn't control them.

Hammond had worked on a legislative bill to establish a database showing the location of group homes in Sacramento, but the bill was not heard. Curtis Park residents were split on the need for such a bill. Neighbors are encouraged to contact Assembly member Dave Jones or Senator Darrell Steinberg to pursue revival of such a bill.

Neighbors had questions about the priority for responding to service calls. The police indicated crimes in progress that put life or health in danger (murder, rape, robbery) are number one priority. The second priority is crimes that just recently occurred where the police have an opportunity to pursue the offender. The third priority is suspicious activity.

Officer McMillan, who is assigned to the Curtis Park area and oversees the POP (problem oriented policing) program, encouraged neighbors to call in all types of suspicious activity to the non-emergency number at 264-5471. He also encouraged neighbors to form Neighborhood Watch programs to help be the eyes and ears for the police who cannot be everywhere at all times.

The Neighborhood Concern's Committee has scheduled a detailed program on how to form a Neighborhood Watch group for your street from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21 in Curtis Hall at the Sierra 2 Center.

The program provides specific information on what you can do to make your home and cars less vulnerable to crime. It also provides concrete, practical suggestions on how neighbors working together can make a difference in creating a safer community. If you are interested in getting involved in Neighborhood Watch, please contact SCNA Board member Stephanie Backovich at 475-7777.

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