06-23-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4. UPDATE ON FIREWORKS RECORDED HOTLINE Fire Chief Marc Martin reiterated that the Fire Department will not use a hotline. Without immediate response it would just cause frustration for the caller. The Fire Department will continue to work with the Police Department. Arson investigators will be riding with the officers July 4th. Council member Claudia Alvarez asked if we can ban fireworks in certain areas. City Attorney Joe Fletcher is going to look into a regulation. Council member David Benavides wants to make sure the community is aware to call 911 to give information. 5. STRATEGY ON VIOLENCE DUE TO ECONOMY Commander Ibarra stated it is difficult to make a direct link between the economy and crime; however, there are some correlations between employment, education, poverty, truancy, and youth employment. Loss of jobs result in unstable financial status, therefore, can lead to depression, leading to drug use. The consequence then results in criminal activity to support the drug habit. Gang members are utilizing foreclosure properties as "crash pads" and a place to engage in illegal activity. 6. PRESENTATION ON CRIMINAL ACTIVITY ON-LINE AND REPORTING The Santa Ana Police Department is now offering eReporting that is available on- line 24 hours a day via the Police Department's web page. It allows members of the community to make crime reports directly to the Department from their own computers. Commander Gominsky introduced the Committee to Crimemapping.com. This portal is dedicated to help Law Enforcement Agencies provide the public with valuable information about crime activity in individual neighborhoods. Data transparency and a well informed public have always been essential elements in Santa Ana's fight against crime. 7. SELECTION OF POLICE LEGAL ADVISOR City Attorney Joe Fletcher explained to the Committee the main benefit to having three legal advisors to represent the Police Department is to cross train the attorneys. Council member Claudia Alvarez feels like the police department should have one Legal Advisor so they can be specialized to the Police Department. 8. GRAFFITI UPDATE Will Hayes gave an update on the graffiti problem in the City and the process for removal. He related that the Graffiti Task Force is interfacing with the Santa Ana Police Department and Santa Ana School Police. Will Hayes stated that the hotline has been successful and Santa Ana is the leader in the State regarding graffiti issues. City Attorney will give a full analysis on the graffiti ordinance at the next Public Safety meeting. 9. PUBLIC COMMENTS The City should be aware of the chemicals in the fireworks. New Mexico vs. China made. The City is doing a great job with the graffiti problem but feels the Police Department needs to enforce curfew. They thanked Council member Sal Tinajero for putting the graffiti task force on the agenda. 2