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Norwalk reports 82 fireworks citations, 21 confiscations after July 4 outreach
Summary
Director of Public Safety Rina Rees told council that proactive education plus enforcement reduced injuries and calls; the city issued 82 administrative citations, confiscated 21 illegal fireworks and reduced repeat offenders from six last year to two.
Director of Public Safety Rina Rees told the Norwalk City Council on July 7 that the city's outreach and enforcement strategy during the July 4 holiday produced measurable enforcement results and no reported injuries or fires.
"The objective is to keep Norwalk safe, protect our neighborhoods, and educate the community on the risks and fines regarding illegal fireworks," Rees said. She reported that partnerships with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and a campaign of door-to-door outreach, message boards and social media helped drive compliance.
Rees said the joint deployment included more than 50 public safety officers and deputies, and that officers issued 82 administrative citations and confiscated 21 illegal fireworks during the holiday period. The department also reported just two repeat offenders, down from six the prior year.
Rees explained the appeal process for administrative fireworks citations: appeals must be submitted within 15 days, an administrative hearing will be scheduled, and the department will issue a written decision within 60 days after the hearing.
Mayor Perez and other council members thanked the public safety team for visible patrols and the reduced reports leading up to the holiday. No additional enforcement actions or policy changes were proposed at the meeting; Rees said the department would continue education and enforcement efforts.
