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Santa Paula police report: violent and property crimes down; arrests and DUI enforcement rise
Summary
Police Chief Aguilar reported a 13.5% drop in violent crimes and a 28% drop in property crimes for Nov.1–Jan.31, while overall arrests, felony/misdemeanor arrests and DUI enforcement increased. The department highlighted new equipment, training, and phased police station construction.
Santa Paula Police Chief Aguilar reported to the City Council on March 5 that the city’s most recent quarter (Nov. 1–Jan. 31) showed declines in Part I crime but increases in arrests and DUI enforcement.
According to the chief’s presentation, violent crimes were down 13.5% and property crimes were down 28% compared with the same period in the prior year; overall Part I crimes fell by about 23%. The department recorded four robberies during the quarter—two resulted in arrests and two remain under investigation; the incidents included one domestic‑related robbery, a liquor‑store robbery and other retail thefts.
At the same time, the department reported an increase in total arrests (including both felony and misdemeanor arrests), a notable rise in traffic citations, and a substantial increase in DUI arrests attributed in presentations to recent training and enforcement emphasis. Priority‑one emergency response times improved compared with the previous year after staffing increases and training, the chief said.
Chief Aguilar outlined several equipment and training investments: the department received a grant from the Ventura County Transportation Commission to purchase a crime‑scene investigation vehicle equipped for 3‑D reconstruction and evidence collection; automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) will be installed across 11 city facilities and CPR/AED training will be provided to city employees; officers received de‑escalation training (demonstrated with a restraint “wrap” technique) and tactical first‑aid training including tourniquet use and hemorrhage control in partnership with Ventura County Fire.
The chief also said phase 1 of the new police station construction is nearing completion with fencing, flooring and cabinets installed; phases 2 and 3 will add a briefing room, property room, locker rooms and restrooms. Staffing updates included an active sergeant recruitment and plans to promote senior officers into supervisory roles and then recruit additional officers to maintain allocations.
The presentation emphasized community engagement: officers and explorers supported youth athletics and a local boxing program, participated in career fairs, and held outreach events to build trust. The department highlighted two recognition awards for employees and noted explorer competition successes.
Council members asked clarifying questions about stray‑animal reporting and animal control services; the chief confirmed a dispatch number for animal control and said officers use a microchip reader to aid reunification where possible.
The chief closed by noting upcoming community fundraisers and public events that support department programs and equipment purchases.
