New statistics recently revealed that Mesa one of only two cities in the Valley
with a decreasing crime rate. This good news was based on a comparison of Part 1
crimes (which include serious crimes such as robbery, burglary, car theft, murder
and rape) between Mesa and other major cities. Thanks to the diligent efforts of
Mesa’s new police chief, George Gascon, Mesa’s Part 1 crime rate has
been reduced from roughly 50 crimes per 1000 residents to around 40.
To put these statistics into perspective, Mesa has a population that is approximately
39,000 residents less than Atlanta. Atlanta has 80 Part 1 crimes per 1000 and Tempe
has around 80 as well. Most of Mesa's Part 1 crimes are against property, especially
car theft. Chief Gascon has introduced a number of new and innovative crime fighting
tools, including COMPSTAT, to accurately tracks neighborhood crime trends and allow
officers to respond and utilize their resources accordingly.
Other programs have proven effective as well, such as the bait car, used to trap
would-be car thieves. The Police Department’s use of its helicopter has allowed
it to monitor dangerous situations from a safe distance. Using a helicopter to monitor
suspects has nearly eliminated fatal crashes between fleeing criminals and other
drivers. Previously, police chased fleeing suspects through the streets in high-speed
pursuits that sometimes ended in deadly crashes. Utilizing helicopters, Mesa Police
are able to follow these fleeing criminals until they run out of gas or surrender
without using sirens and running red lights.
About 70% of Mesa's General Fund Budget is spent on the Police Department, Fire
Department, and Courts. As a growing City, Mesa will need to continue to invest
and upgrade our Police Department and technology to maintain Mesa as a modern and
safe city.