The Artesia City Council meeting on September 8, 2025, highlighted significant strides in public safety, with a notable decrease in crime rates and innovative policing strategies aimed at enhancing community safety.

Captain of the Lakewood Station reported a 36% reduction in Part 1 crimes, including a dramatic drop in vehicle thefts, which fell from 51 incidents last year to just 32 this year. This decline is attributed to the implementation of Proposition 36, which allows for the detention of serial theft suspects until their cases are resolved, thereby reducing their chances to reoffend. Additionally, the use of license plate reader cameras has improved real-time tracking of stolen vehicles, aiding in quicker arrests.

The meeting also addressed the department's response times, which remain below average despite a staffing shortage of 20 deputies. The average response time for emergent calls is currently at 4 minutes, significantly better than the department's threshold of 10 minutes. This efficiency is crucial for maintaining public safety, especially as the department explores new strategies to cope with personnel challenges.

Among the innovative programs discussed was the Virtual Deputy Program, launched to provide residents with a convenient way to report non-emergency incidents and seek law enforcement guidance through virtual interactions. This initiative aims to alleviate wait times and ensure that deputies are available for priority calls.

Another key development is the Field Arrest Support Transport (FAST) program, designed to enhance patrol efficiency by assigning a dedicated deputy to handle the transport and booking of arrestees. This allows arresting deputies to remain in the field, thereby improving overall patrol coverage and response times.

Council members expressed their support for these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of public safety and the need for continued investment in law enforcement resources. The council plans to monitor the effectiveness of the FAST program over the next 90 days and will provide updates to the community.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to public safety through innovative policing methods and community engagement, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing crime and enhancing the quality of life for Artesia residents.