The Community Safety Committee meeting held on May 21, 2025, in Orange County, California, focused on enhancing local safety measures and addressing community concerns, particularly regarding the theft of public art.
During the meeting, Captain Drew highlighted the use of GPS technology in police radio cars, which allows dispatchers to track the location of officers in real-time. This system enables the department to deploy the nearest units to incidents, although officers may be engaged in various activities, such as traffic collisions or community service calls, which can limit their visibility on the streets.
Vice Chair Wilson raised a concern from a resident about the ongoing theft of bronze statues in the area. She suggested that neighborhood watch volunteers could monitor these statues more closely to deter theft. The committee acknowledged the issue, noting that expensive bronze statues have been stolen and sold for scrap metal, significantly reducing their value. The committee expressed support for a more proactive approach, including the possibility of adopting a statue program to encourage community involvement in protecting these public artworks.
The discussions underscored the importance of community vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement and residents to enhance safety and preserve local cultural assets. The committee welcomed any additional support from the community to safeguard public property.