CRIME AND SAFETY
One of the issues that is a top concern for citizens is crime. We need a fully-funded, fully-staffed Palm Springs Police Department to help combat the recent spikes in crime and disturbances. Simultaneously, we need to support the department as they continue to build a healthy relationship between our Police and the community they serve while getting guns off of our streets, supporting specialized programs, and maintaining a safe environment for tourists and residents.
Fully-funding our Police. Approve the additional funding requested to hire more officers. Make sure that our Police have the staff and resources needed to properly control the spike in crime in our city
Public presence. Residents and business owners have made it clear that they want a stronger presence of police on our city streets to help combat issues with crime, and with disturbances from certain unhoused individuals. Approve funding for additional officers designated to a specific area in order to patrol neighborhoods and ensure that the unhoused are not roaming or encamping in residential neighborhoods. Make sure the police have proper staffing and support to position officers in our busy tourist areas, creating a safer environment, and helping residents and tourists feel safer in our downtown business area.
Gun Violence. Combating the regular threat of gun violence, as shots ring out in some areas in District 1 on almost a daily basis. Support the police requests for more policing in gang areas and impose a stricter crackdown on possession and usage of illegal guns. Support requests to install license plate readers when requested by the department.
Gun Exchange Program. Gun buyback programs have a proven track record of success: tens of thousands of crimes are committed with a stolen gun in California each year. Create “Guns for Gas” and “Guns for Groceries” programs where citizens can bring in a gun - no questions asked - in exchange for a voucher for gas or groceries.
Young adult social events and programs to keep youth off the streets at night. Invest in the creation of City funded community-based social programs: movie nights, sports gatherings, dances, and cultural experiences, put on by both the members of the community in conjunction with the city. These will help young adults, especially at-risk young adults, not succumb to negative influences because they feel there is no other option for them.
Community relationships. Following the lead of Chief Mills, our police force have established a presence in our residential communities. Getting to know the citizens on a personal level and allowing the community to know the officers is building mutual trust, respect, and a community based partnership to protect our streets. Support requested funding to continue to expand that program.
Working together. Support additional funding and usage of programs like the Eastern AB-109 Post-Release Accountability and Compliance Team (P.A.C.T.), the Riverside County Crisis Response Unit, and Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM). The increased funding will aid our police in specific crime-related situations and will help reduce the amount of crime in the community. Working together, police and mental health experts trained in crisis de-escalation can help defuse and support specific situations involving mental illness, domestic disturbance, and substance abuse. They will also help alleviate certain requirements on our already overburdened police force
Housing incentive for our First Responders. Create a program to incentivize and support quality new hires in our fire and police departments as they put down roots in our community through discounted mortgages. Our first responders should be able to afford to live in the city they bravely serve.
Palm Springs is fortunate to have a well-trained and professional Fire Department protecting our city, its residents and visitors. Whether they are fighting fires, saving hikers in the mountains, supporting other departments battling major blazes in other areas, or creating community engagement events, our firefighters are a paramount part of our community. My dad was a proud FDNY member so I know how important it is for the department to have the full support of the jurisdiction they serve. I will be that support and voice on the city council.
Safety campaigns for tourists. Work to develop safety campaigns to alert tourists to safety protocols. The Palm Springs Fire Department is often called upon to rescue visiting hikers in our mountains and on our desert trails. We can create information that is left in hotels, rental homes and at tourist attractions to help educate our visitors on how to enjoy the outdoors safely, so that our Fire department is not called upon as often for dangerous rescues.
New Equipment. Fund any upgrades and new equipment needed for the Palm Springs Fire Department to be able to effectively and safely protect our city.
Upgraded living conditions. Fund upgrades to our older fire stations, and make investments to upgrade the living conditions for our firefighters in our firehouses.
Mutual Aid Program. Support the Palm Springs Fire Department’s involvement in the Mutual Aid Program. Our Fire fighters receive additional training, at no cost to the city, and the experience makes them stronger team members as they answer the call for our city.
K-9 Companions. Develop a partnership between the Palm Springs Fire Department and the Palm Springs Animal Shelter to help connect dogs, like “Ranger”, with our brave firefighters. This type of companionship creates a healthier working environment when our first responders come home to the firehouse and an adorable dog is waiting to greet them.
Community engagement and social events. Assist the Palm Springs Fire Department with their yearly community events like the toy drive, fish fry, Easter egg hunt, and their tribute to the tragic events of 9/11, to name a few. These events are so important for both community engagement and morale, and they create a bond between our residents and the department.