Through the aptly-named "Operation Rearview Mirror," it will be all hands on deck for the next year, with officers fanning out to 10 known hotspots that see the highest number of speeders and reckless drivers.
The suspect, who was booked into jail in Indio after his arrest, is expected to face first-degree murder charges. The incident marks Palm Springs' first murder in 17 months.
Residents who gathered Monday evening for the first of four town halls outlined homelessness and traffic issues as their top concerns, marking a change from previous worries about violent crime.
With neighborhoods expressing interest in installing cameras on their streets, city leaders will await legal analysis and other information before weighing in.
It’s a change accelerated during the pandemic, but in the case of one local eatery a 'contactless' payment system was done to hopefully prevent additional break-ins.
Despite a minor drop in the resale value of stolen converters, the cost of replacement and repair has increased, with the average claim rising from $2,500 last year to $2,900 this year.
The cameras will be mounted at the entrances and exits of the city and record license plates, vehicle colors, and other features to aid in the identification of vehicles involved in suspected crimes.
Chief of Police Andy Mills agreed that privacy concerns are valid, but said the city has taken great pains to make sure policy around the use of such technology is "as tight as we can possibly make it."
The technology has drawn criticism, with some questioning whether the increased use of surveillance technology creates a trade-off between personal privacy and public safety.
PSPD plans to use its share of the funds for its “comprehensive crime prevention model” that targets retail and vehicle theft, including the theft of catalytic converters.
After a 'smash and grab' was reported downtown last month, tensions are understandably high. PSPD Lt. William Hutchinson offered advice for both local business owners and the community, stressing safety first.
The efforts include those by Riverside County to collect reports of damage, those of a local museum to collect funds, and those of one Palm Springs resident to send letters to state officials. Here's what we know.
