Police Chief: Indio’s Crime Rate Dropped 14 Percent

Crime in Indio dropped 14 percent over the first six months of the year compared to the same period in 2010 while property crime dropped 15 percent and violent crime 6 percent, according to figures released today by the police department.

Police Chief Bradley Ramos credited the drops to the public being more engaged with the police department through such programs as Neighborhood Watch, Crime Free Multi-Housing and Business Watch and proper redeployment of officers.

“It has become necessary to look for other measures within our means, like how we assess our crime statistics by using the COMPSTAT, hot spot crime analysis and focusing on areas that show any increase in criminal activity,” Ramos said. “By constantly monitoring criminal activity, we are able to deploy resources quickly and effectively.”

An example of resource management is “summer suppression,” when officers are sent to give police visibility in areas with lots of people in business areas, public parks and neighborhoods on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Ramos said.

Decreases by crime were rape, 23 percent; robbery, 9 percent; aggravated assault, 5 percent; burglary, 20 percent; and auto theft, 48 percent.

There were four homicides during the first six months of the year, compared to two in the same period in 2010, said Ben Guitron, the department’s public information officer.

“The difference is all four homicide cases of 2011 have been solved, with all the suspects responsible arrested and in jail,” Guitron said. “This time last year, we had one of the two solved.”