Chief of Police Anthony Batts speaks alongside Deputy Police Chief Robert Luna this morning. Photo by Ryan ZumMallen
Police Address Recent Violence
High-ranking police officials gathered this morning to answer questions following several violent incidents that have occurred in the past few weeks, including the April 16 shooting at Memorial Hospital and a rash of shootings over the past weekend.
Addressing this past weekend's violence, Chief of Police Tony Batts acknowledged that gang activity has increased recently in Long Beach, but was adamant that there is no gang war. Rather, he said, housing opportunities have brought new residents to Long Beach from surrounding cities, and new populations and cultures are being thrust into close quarters.
"It goes with housing opportunities sometimes that result in conflicts within communities," Batts said.
Authorities feel they have been able to thwart many incidents with an increased presence, but say that it is difficult to predict where and when violence may occur. Gang-related violence has increased, but the activity is not exclusive to one group or another. Therefore, each gang tension that could potentially lead to violence is unique in location and situation.
"We've seen a huge uptick in homocides and murders," said Deputy Chief William Blair. "There's certainly a lot more gang involvement. But the issues on the Northside, Southside, Westside and even the Eastside are not all the same issues."
"The players are all over the board," said Commander Laura Farinella. She elaborated that incidents may be caused by conflicts over girlfriends, drugs, turf and other issues.
Police say that they have been able to thwart some incidents by deploying their Impact Motor Squad, a mobile unit that can be sent out quickly to provide an instant police presence in a potentially dangerous area.
"It literally stops everything going on. They're extremely visible, which we believe has prevented a lot of the crime that has been occurring," said Deputy Chief Robert Luna. "The only challenge we have is that sometimes, it'll just pop up somewhere else."
Authorities also addressed possible budget cuts, and though they would not comment on which (if any) operations would be affected, Chief Batts did deliver a strong message.
"Whatever reserves we get from the Council... we still have a responsibility to get the job done and keep the city safe," he said.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor
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Charlie said:
I'll say it again - I think the LBPD is doing a great job and my prayers ride with them every day!Apparently - Captain Obvious has a problem with that.
Ed said:
Phyllis asked "What does a drop in property value have to do with the police?" Recessions cause increased unemployment and higher crime rates. In 1990s many of my neighbors were moving to Orange Cty due to high crime rates. If LB continues to subsidize low income housing, our crime rate/ education / medical expenses will increase and there are no additional taxes to pay for those services.
Captain Obvious said:
Charlie,
"takes one to know one."!?!
Did you actually write that?? Geez, had I known you were in the third grade, I'd never have addressed your ridiculous comment!
Charlie said:
Well Captain Obvious - it takes one to know one. :)
Captain Obvious said:
Charlie,
The idea of a furlough is to save money by giving employees an unpaid day off on what would normally be a regular work day...a "paid furlough" would be an oxymoron...hummm? moron...sounds like you!!
Ann said:
As long as we continue to provide low income housing in Long Beach we can expect increased crime. As Tony Batts acknowledges,"housing opportunities have brought new residents to Long Beach from surrounding cities..." .
Phyllis Ciscle-McDanielss said:
I really would like to know what people expect. A policeman on every doorsteo? No breaks taken when allowed, instant gratification with answers, arrests and convictions.
It would be wise to learn about the process of crime and punishment before going off.What does a drop in property value have to do with the police?
I live in an impacted area on the West side. We purchased our house 15 years ago. The neighborhood has improved over this time. Our house, before the slump was worth 5 times what we paid for it. Though the value has dropped, it clearly has nothing to do with the crime rate.
When we were rudely awakened by an enormous burst of gunfire on Sunday morning the Police were defending themselves from an ambush. Not once, but, twice they were ambushed. The ambusher was fatally wounded in the process. I was terrified, but, knew I was safe.In the ensuing hours (12) we were kept informed, given information that it was neither random nor gang related, but, person specific.
I am still a little shell shocked and I know that the dangerous job saved many lives.
Go LBPD.
PS We have never called for service when none was available. Perhaps diligence on the part of all citizens would serve the PD and all of us well.
chris said:
makes me feel real great about owning a house in long beach that has dropped in value, and also knowing we are not safe any where! Nice
Charlie said:
Congratulations for doing a great job here in LB and you are well worth the paid furloughs, but I gotta tell you, I thought for years that IHOP on PCH was a auxiliary Police Station for the number of black & whites always parked there - Their donuts were great too.:)
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