SPPD: 2014 arrests increase 23
percent due to more cops, citizens’ help

March 06, 2015
Santa Paula News

Arrests in Santa Paula saw a healthy increase as the department beefed up the force with more officers able to act proactively and citizens that showed their willingness to pick up the phone and report suspicious activity.

Police Chief Steve McLean said there were 1,420 arrests in 2014 compared to 1,158 arrests in 2013, or 263 more arrests in 2014, a year-over-year increase of 23 percent.

“This significant increase reflects the fact that our officers are more proactive in confronting criminals as well as an increase in the number of our officers,” from the 20 full-time officers that were on board when McLean was hired in July 2013.

McLean became the SPPD’s 21st full-time officer but with another joining the force next week the department will have 29, an increase of almost a third but still below the 34 officers on duty in 2010.

Of those arrested in 2014 1,053 were male and 367 female. 

McLean said, “eighteen of those arrests involved the recovery of a firearm and six of those arrests involved gang members in possession of a handgun.”

In all, 119 gang members or gang associates were arrested last year and 24 weapons total were recovered.

“The guns recovered could have been from a vehicle pulled over or could have been found in a home,” where a warrant was served, but however the weapons were seized McLean said, “They were weapons removed from the community… ”

Most he added were handguns, but “We got a few,” rifles as well as “one guy with a Tech 9,” machine gun. 

“What we’re doing is being more proactive… we went from reactive to proactive looking for criminals,” which McLean said reflects the boost in staffing among other factors.

“When I joined the SPPD I was the 21st officer and next week we’ll have 29,” protecting the community. 

Also due credit is the community: “We made a lot of arrests on tips from the community, people seeing something and picking up their phones,” to report crime or their suspicions that a crime might be imminent.

That involvement, noted McLean was “Definitely a factor,” in the rise of arrests, a trend he is counting on citizens to continue so officers can take more criminals into custody.

Of course citizens can also help by not becoming victims, by not leaving valuables in their vehicles and locking their car doors, making sure their windows and doors are always locked, their yards well lighted and their neighborhood engaged in looking out for one another.

Community policing goes a long way: “We really rely on our citizens to not only support the police but to help the police,” said McLean. “We rely on each other… ”

Anyone observing a crime or who suspects criminal activity is asked to call Santa Paula Police Department, 525-4474.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-5691 or email tips to tipline@spcity.org

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for certain crimes. 

Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477); the call is not recorded and the caller may remain anonymous.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers can also be contacted by texting “Busted” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). 

Crime Stopper Tips can also be sent via the website, www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org   





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