City Officials: ‘More Eyes and Ears’ Key to Curbing Gun Violence

Putting more “eyes and ears” on the ground and in city parks was the theme of a Town Hall meeting held Wednesday evening at Villa-Park Center by Councilmember Victor Gordo. The meeting was called in response to a recent spate of shootings in the city, including two at Villa-Park in early April.

“Nothing in this city is more important than safety,” said Gordo. “It affects everything throughout Pasadena.”

There have been 28 shootings so far this year, which would outpace the 80 shootings that occurred in 2015, he said. Gordo added, “We have a responsibility to act.”

The Councilmember outlined a series of “prevention and intervention” measures to be implemented at Pasadena’s parks, in coordination with the Pasadena Police Department, as well as Pasadena Human Services & Recreation Department. Among the measures are training park staffs and coaches to better identify and respond to possible shootings in city parks.

According to Gordo, all park staff will conduct more checks throughout local parks, including full park checks at closing times.

“Staff will be on the fields, watching all day, and moving throughout the parks at least once an hour,” said Gordo. More staff will be posted between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. through the end of June, which is the local soccer season.

In addition, another community meeting will be held at Villa Park on May 10, to inform the community of the new security plans, said Gordo.

For its part, the Pasadena Police Department will increase the hours and assignments of its violence reduction team, placing them on duty six days throughout the city’s parks. “We’ll have more eyes and ears, more officers and more volunteers in all of our parks,” said Lt. Jesse Carrillo of the PPD. In addition, said Carrillo, the use of the city’s police helicopter will be increased.

“Information from everyone, whether its park staff or residents, is key,” he added.

As part of the effort to keep more citizens involved, PPD dispatcher Diane Marin also gave the group a brief primer in dealing with police dispatchers, who, according to Gordo, had been accused of being “abrupt” and “dismissive” with callers.

“When you call about an incident,” said Marin, “We will want to know right away, where you are, what is happening, a description of the people involved, where they are, and if anyone is hurt.” Marin also noted that all callers can ask not to be identified or contacted when calling.”

“Anonymity is always available to any caller.” emphasized Lt. Carrillo.