La Mirada Remains One of the Safest Cities in Los Angeles County

April 17, 2007

Statistics released by the City of La Mirada indicate the community continues to enjoy one of the lowest crime rates in the region.

Major crimes, which include homicide, rape, larceny, burglary, automobile theft, robbery, assault, and arson, dropped by three percent during the last 10 years, from 1,207 in 1997 to 1,168 in 2006.

Overall, the number of major crimes in La Mirada decreased by 16 percent from 1,389 in 2005 to 1,168 in 2006.

“This past year, the City worked proactively to address criminal activity in La Mirada,” says City Manager Andrea M. Travis.

Measures taken to enhance public safety and reduce criminal activity in the community included:

· The City and Sheriff’s Department were proactive and met regularly to identify ways to improve the effectiveness of the Public Safety Team.

· Construction began on the Community Sheriff’s Station Expansion Project which should be completed in Sept. 2007. This expansion is expected to increase communication amount the members of the Public Safety Team, reduce response times and enhance customer service.

· La Mirada implemented a license plate recognition program. Multiple cameras were mounted on one vehicle to automatically read license plates and scan them into a computer in the vehicle. Those vehicles with outstanding warrants or citations, or reported as lost or stolen are now flagged for the Public Safety Team. This vehicle is also equipped with the newest technology in light bars and mobile communication units.

· A Community Services Deputy was assigned to local school campuses to help enforce juvenile related issues.

· The Public Safety Team encouraged community participation in crime prevention efforts through Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch, and HAM Watch.

· The Positive Alternatives Gang and Drug Education Program and Positive Alternatives and Recreation for Kids (P.A.R.K.) program was an area of focus. The Public Safety Team strived to educate students on the dangers of participating in delinquent behaviors and promoted positive lifestyles.

“These crime prevention steps demonstrate La Mirada’s commitment to providing problem-solving policing through aggressive crime suppression efforts,” says City Manager Andrea M. Travis. “During the next year, the City will continue to make Public Safety more responsive and plans to enhance the quality of service and effectiveness of enforcement and prosecution efforts,” added Travis.

For additional information contact the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960.