San Diego violent crime rates improve as other big cities struggle
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — New data released by a national group of law enforcement executives shows progress in reducing violent crime in San Diego. However, it also highlights some areas where continued efforts are needed.
Homicide fell almost 30% from 15 to 11 in the first half of the year from a year prior, according to figures from the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
Robbery also dropped by more than 15% from 566 to 478, aggravated assault stayed about the same from 2,130 to 2,141, while rape increased by around 5% from 160 to 169.
“That lets us know where we need to focus our efforts and when those numbers swing again there’s a multitude of reasons," said Lt. Travis Easter, Public Information Officer for the San Diego Police Department.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan expressed similar sentiment and shared a few ideas about what could be driving the figures.
“In the past few years, we’ve had more economic stability. We’ve had more school stability," said Stephan. She added that investment in police and improvements in technology also play a role.
“Advances in DNA genealogy, cameras that are better at actual perfect identification, license plate readers, ring cameras," Stephan explained.
The data also showed homicide, robbery, and rape are all down compared to pre-COVID levels in 2019 before crime jumped during the pandemic.
San Diego is doing much better than some other big cities.
“In Dallas, it’s 66 murders. When you look at Philadelphia, that’s 114 murders," said Stephan. She added that public safety depends not just on the work of law enforcement.
“We also have an amazing community with which we build trust," said Stephan. However, as immigration enforcement intensifies, that trust in police is taking a hit.
SDPD is reminding people of its role in public safety.
“Our focus is on protecting and serving. Our focus is not on immigration. Reach out to us because we are here for those who need us," said Lt. Easter.
