A False Sense of Security

Oct 6

Do you feel as safe in Rancho Palos Verdes since you initially moved here?

I do not and safety is one of the top reasons we chose to live here in Rancho Palos Verdes. RPV used to be listed in the top 10 California safest cities and we no longer rank in the top 20. In fact, it was listed as number 8 when I moved here.

California's property crime rate is 25.3 incidents per 1,000 people. That's 23% higher than the nationwide rate of 20.7. The violent crime rate is 4.2 incidents per 1,000 people, a smaller 6% higher than the nationwide rate of 4.0.

Additional Crime Statistics to Consider:

Property crime rates in California have consistently been higher than nationwide rates, but self-reported experiences with property crime went down year over year.

Statewide, the property crime rate of 25.3 incidents per 1,000 people is 23% higher than the nationwide rate of 20.7
6 in 10 Californians (61%) are highly concerned about property crime on a regular basis (US 52%)
California reported the twelfth-lowest level of personal experience with property crime. 24% of survey respondents said it happened to them in the 12 months prior to the survey (US 27%)
California saw a higher proportion of burglaries than the rest of the US, with burglaries making up 16% of all property crimes versus 13% nationwide
7 in 10 respondents (70%) use some form of property protection—comparable to the national average of 75%
Security cameras are the most popular form of property security (43%), followed by security systems (29%). What % are in RPV and are they effective? Or could they be more effective if synchronized better and with better monitoring?
29% say they increased security measures in the 12 months prior to the survey (US 35%)

Where does RPV fall within these statistics? It is difficult to obtain an accurate statistical number based on RPV statistics and our current reporting mechanism and the Sheriff’s department no longer provides any detail.

In the latest update from Captain Kimberly Guerrero, she stated:

“Additionally, any statistical requests should be directed to Lomita Station Operations, or the CORE team assigned to your city.
I firmly believe in fostering strong relationships of mutual trust between our station and the communities we serve. This trust is critical in maintaining public safety and effective policing. We rely on the cooperation of community members to provide information about crime in their neighborhoods and to work with us to devise solutions to crime and disorder problems based on data that is accurately shared. We are committed to transparency in our data sharing procedures, and we will continue to keep you informed every step of the way”.

Do we have accurate data? Do we have a mechanism to capture and analyze better?

The city’s public safety budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is $9,013,800 of which $8,171,600 (90.6%) is for the sheriff. This does not include the thousands of dollars the residents and the city has spent for security cameras in the past. This is the largest line item in the city’s budget representing almost 23% of the 2024-2025 budget.

We Cannot Have this False Sense of Security

We need someone to lead Rancho Palos Verdes with thoughtful solutions. Here are my thoughts on potential solutions and the idea for a formation of a resident-led Security Committee:

Crime Tracking & Reporting: Better tracking of crimes tracking of crimes not reported and included in the statistics, centralized reporting for analysis and identify possible deterrent solutions. I would develop a tracking and reporting mechanism all incidents and analyze better for solutions.
Private Security: Research about Private Security option. What does it cost and can we leverage that additional security tool?
Police Department: PVE has their own police department. Is this a viable option for the peninsula?
Sheriff Audit: An audit of the Sherriff Department is needed. Are we paying for the right services?

Be sure to view the video below, which highlights the need for better transparency and the repeal Propositions 47 and 57. When residents turn to law enforcement for help, they are often left disappointed. Changes in the law has resulted in a rise in theft, and a shifting burden of prevention onto businesses and consumers alike, with store owners being forced to take extra measures to guard against crimes that is not being enforced.