Police chief pursues calm

Facing an increase in gun violence this year compared to the first three months of 2007, East Palo Alto police Chief Ron Davis laid out a five-month plan to residents Tuesday night to calm the streets.

[Dont Believe the Hype]

He can pursue calm all he wants...how about pursuing the criminals? And what kind of double speak is "assault with a firearm." I thought if you shot someone it was attempted murder...seems like if you shoot them, you are trying to kill them. Is this some politically correct deal to make the violent crime spike more palatable? Sigh...at the end of the day, EPA is EPA, and I don't think it will ever change. Very sad for the majority of its residents, who are good, hard working people guilty of the the crime of being poor.

[I see]

According to the California Penal Code, if you get shot below the waste it is assault with a deadly weapon. If you get shot above the waste then it is attempted murder

[Dont Believe the Hype]

Thanks...I had no idea it was that specific...just thought it was policital correctness...I appreciate the info. Have a good day I See.

[FACTS]

I wonder if the chief realizes no one likes him and no one respects him in the community or his own department. Lets keep waiting for the criminals to kill someone and then take action, what the hell kind of policing is that.. Lets wait for them to die first!!!! Kicking out the sherrifs was a big mistake and lying to the community is even bigger.. Assault with a deadly weapon, dont make me laugh, it's attempted murder stupid. If every one who was shot died, then east palo alto would be the murder capital of the U.S. again....That's a fact!!City manager get rid of this chief before you lose your whole department. Get someone who can do the job!!

[Ex EPA Resident]

It's called a CCW permit along with OPEN CARRY. Add a " Make My Day " law to allow the CITIZEN to do their part in enforcing law and order and you will see a REAL drop in your crime statistics.
That will do more than talk to clean up a crime problem; ask the CITIZENS of Colorado how well these crime stoppers work.

" An armed society is a polite society "

-Lazarus Long

[ing]

?

[Another ex-EPA resident]

I wonder if anyone recognizes the toxic effects of political correctness?

The Chief is a moron.

Get someone on the job that understands what to do and do it today.

[Chief Davis]

Although, I appreciate your opinions and criticism, calling me a moron doesn't solve a challenge this community has faced for over 20 years. But, after reading so much misinformation, I thought I'd take a couple of minutes to provide you the facts so your debate is more productive.
First, assault with a firearm is a term used by the State and Federal government in classifying crimes. These crimes include shootings at houses, vehicles and people. If a person is hit we classify that as an attempted murder. If a person is shot at, but not hit, or a car or house is struck in random gunfire, it is still an assault with a firearm even if there is no one injured.
Second, the police department does not wait for people to get hurt. Officers are working hard daily to address crime and violence. Moreover, we have implemented strategies (including parole reentry) and other anti-gang initiatives that go the base of the problem. It is overly simplistic to think the answer is simply more officers. If it was that simply there would be no violence in this country.
Third, crime reduction is a long-term effort. For example, although we are experiencing an increase this quarter, crime and violence over the past two years is dramatically down. In 2005, there were 15 homicides. That more homicides than 2006, 2007 and 2008 (year to date) combined. In 2006, there were 6 homicides. In 2007, there were 7 homicides, and so far this year there has been 1 homicide.
Assaults with a Firearms are also down. In 2005, there 174 assaults with a firearm. In 2006, there were 99. In 2007, there were 115. So far this year, there have been 45 (this includes hits and misses).
Crime and violence rates go up and down. However, over the past two years, even considering the ups and down, these rates have decreased dramatically. And, we will work to decrease them even more.
With regards to the Sheriff's office. They did an outstanding job and we still have a partnership working with them. However, if we are ever to achieve full staffing and build the Department, we had to end the contract so we can use that money to hire more PD officers.
In closing, it is easy to critize; it is easy to complain; it is easy to sit back and judge the efforts and motives of others. It is not so easy, however, to step in the arena, take risk and chances for a cause that is bigger than you (or me). In other words, the energy it takes to call me a moron and insult my character and intelligence could probably be used for a better cause.
Respectfully,
Chief Davis

[Livinig in EPA]

I have lived in EPA all my life. I have seen the good of the city and the bad. Our current police force is full of shit the officers is only out to prove how macho they are (Norris). I've had family members murdered and shot this year. One of the shootings the police department didn't even come to the hospital and take a statement where were they then. I feel the city needs to get rid of the entire department not one cop is decent. I feel sorry for the rookies they are training they are just training them not to respect the city and its resident. Then you wonder why we don't communicate with the police and see them as enemies. When we ask for help they don't put forth enough effort to help or solve the situation. Just my input. A law abiding citzen.

[Ex EPA Resident]

Chief, I noticed that you ignored a WORKING solution.

I'll add some other comments.

Why are you living in Los Gatos? You would have more credibility if you lived in the city that is your dictatorship in deciding who has LEGAL firearms.

Your police force also appears to know about the Supreme Court ruling of Gonzales vs Castle Rock; You know that you and your men DON'T HAVE TO PROTECT ANYONE!

So stop with the " feel good " rebuttal. Let the CITIZENS do the jobs your people don't do and give them the tools to do it properly.

The Second Amendment gives US ( you know, the people that pay your salary ) those rights, not a man on an ego trip.

[EPA Resident]

You are one of the best police chief I have ever seen. Keep up the Good Work. I am sure there are anti-social elements in our community who wants to disrupt things. I fully support every initiative. It is a tough job.

[reality]

Ex EPA Resident,
I am pro gun rights, people should be able to protect themselves, their families and their property, but I find the idea that private citizens should be responsible for enforcing the law very scarey.

Also fyi; the location listed under your name has little to do with where the writer is from, I've had it say I was from another state.

Say what you want about Chief Davis,(I haven't had much interaction with him) he may not be perfect, but at least he is trying to be responsive to the community. He is out there trying to draw attention to the problem.