Public Safety Director Larry Breceda told the Duarte City Council that year-to-date Part 1 crimes in Duarte have fallen 15.3% compared with the same period last year, a drop he said reflects coordinated patrols, technology and community reporting. “When we are putting our deputies out during the designated patrol times... we are seeing a decrease,” Breceda said.

The department reported several enforcement highlights: deputies seized about three kilograms of fentanyl during a traffic stop when a person passing through Duarte was arrested, and the Flock camera system helped police locate and arrest a suspect in a vehicle theft linked to a CarMax incident. Breceda said the fentanyl seizure was from an individual “coming through on their way to make a sale.”

Breceda also reviewed the city’s fireworks enforcement after the Fourth of July. He said all fireworks are prohibited in Duarte and that the department ran a suppression operation with more than 18 personnel and a drone. The city issued three citations for violations classified as “safe and sane,” totaling $3,000 in fines, and confiscated about five pounds of fireworks. “It was the quietest we’ve ever had it,” Breceda said of the night’s activity.

Breceda described other public-safety work: a successful large community fireworks show that drew about 7,900 attendees with more than 60 public-safety personnel assigned; deployment of weapons‑sniffing dogs at the venue that led to three gate alerts; and a special‑assignment arrest on the 1300 block of Duarte Road tied to a citizen tip. He also said public‑safety staff worked with CS Arts and Duarte High School to update all‑hazard response plans and family‑reunification procedures and to schedule an emergency drill for Thursday, Oct. 16.

Council members repeatedly credited deputies, volunteers and the CERT team for the results. Breceda cautioned that while robberies and burglaries have fallen, the department will focus next on grand‑theft autos and aggravated assaults through data-driven patrols.

The presentation was informational; council did not take formal policy action on these items at the meeting.