THIS IS A DIRECT REPOST FROM THE SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT MEDIA RELEASE
The Sacramento Police Department has seen a continuing rise in violent and gun-related crimes in our city. These incidents place a tremendous strain on emergency responders and can have an emotional impact on our community.
The City of Sacramento has continued to see an increase in homicides since 2019. This trend has continued in 2021 with 24 homicides so far this year. In comparison there were 16 homicides at this time last year. Through May this year, there have been at least 200 firearm-related assaults, which is over a 120% increase of those assaults compared to the same time frame in 2020.
These investigations require significant time and resources including officers, detectives, and crime scene investigators, which can also lead to a delayed response in other calls for service.
In an effort to reduce this violence, officers continue to make proactive firearm related arrests and seize illegally possessed firearms. Through May 2021 officers have made over 200 felony arrests related to illegal firearm possession. Some of these arrests have included validated gang members and felons who are prohibited from possessing firearms.
In addition to proactive enforcement, officers continue to connect community members with groups such as Brother 2 Brother and City of Refuge Sacramento. These organizations have provided support to individuals and families affected by gun and gang violence and work to diffuse community disputes that may escalate into retaliatory shootings.
“All too often over these past few years we have seen the devastating effects that this violence has on families and our community,” said Sacramento Police Department Chief Daniel Hahn. “Our department will continue to take illegally possessed guns off our streets while working with our community leaders to reach those most affected and to make our city safe for everyone.”
