Police department's 2024 RIPA data reveals double-digit percentage drops in robbery, burglary, and vehicle theft; Chief Gonzalez credits staffing increases and community engagement.
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Friday Gazette: January 24, 2025
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday!
Most Friday mornings, you hear from our Community Editor, Ken Crawford, about what’s happening in Riverside that he’s most excited about. Sadly, Ken’s mother passed away this week. Instead of hearing directly from him, we’re sharing a quote that Ken has chosen to honor his mother:
"And when great souls die, after a period, peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration. Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us. They existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed."
Crime Rates Drop Significantly in Riverside, Police Report Shows
Police department's 2024 RIPA data reveals double-digit percentage drops in robbery, burglary, and vehicle theft; Chief Gonzalez credits staffing increases and community engagement.
Riverside Police Department reports significant drops in crime rates for 2023, with robbery down 15.6%, burglary down 30.2%, and vehicle theft down 22%.
Driving the news: Chief Larry Gonzalez presented the latest crime statistics at the Community Police Review Commission meeting, highlighting improvements across several key categories.
Property crimes, which had been increasing, are now showing signs of leveling off.
Why it matters: The positive trends are attributed to improved staffing levels, with the department hiring 88 new officers in the past year.
Currently, there are 385 sworn officers, with an additional 22 in training.
Female officers now make up 12.2% of the force, the highest percentage in the department's history.
Looking ahead: The department plans to expand community engagement efforts and specialized units to address specific issues.
A Real Time Crime Center is being implemented, integrating about 1,800 city cameras with plans to include business and private residence cameras.
The big picture: The department is also focusing on compliance with the Racial and Identity Profiling Act, collecting and reporting data on all stops to ensure fair policing practices.
Riverside’s Thriving Thrift Scene: A Treasure Hunter’s Dream
From vintage fashion to unique home decor, Riverside’s thrift stores offer something for everyone.
(Assistance League of Riverside)
Riverside is full of surprises, and it seems the rest of the country is catching on! Recently, Islands Magazine named Riverside the “Best City in the Country for Thrifting” in their article, "Best City in the Country for Thrifting? This Unexpected California Suburb". For those of us who call Riverside home, this comes as no surprise—we’ve always known our city is a thrifting paradise.
What makes thrifting in Riverside so special? It’s not just about the great deals (though there are plenty of those!). Each thrift shop has its own unique vibe, and together, they showcase the creativity, history, and heart of our community. Whether you’re on the hunt for vintage fashion, quirky home decor, or that one-of-a-kind collectible, Riverside’s thrift stores never disappoint.
RCC baseball head coach Rudy Arguelles enters his 10th season leading the Tigers with high morale and a potentially record-setting pitching staff as the team prepares for their home opener today at Evans Sports Complex against Cuesta College.
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