Longtime Fullerton residents may remember that, decades ago, motorcycle cops with speed guns seemed to be all over the city, on streets like Bastanchury or Euclid. Those same residents may now wonder whether traffic citations are still issued.

Those motorcycle cops were not figments of residents’ imaginations. In 2008, Fullerton had 15 motor officers, according to Kristy Wells, Fullerton Police Public Information specialist. For the last year, we have had two motor officers. So things are improving.

DUI checkpoints funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic and Safety will become more common. FPD conducted one on Friday, February 20, on Harbor Boulevard. Wells said there will be at least four per year going forward.

Wells said that, since the number of patrol officers is limited, they depend on residents and workers to be their “eyes and ears.” If there is an emergency or an actual crime in progress, she said residents can call 911. Otherwise, the nonemergency number (714) 738-6800 should be used. Detailed information about a crime or suspect is critically important. Physical characteristics such as age, race, build, and clothes help.

If a vehicle is involved, then a license plate number or at least a car description is invaluable.

Wells recommends the phone app “MyFullerton” for reporting a wide variety of things. On the app, you can report nonemergency things such as parking and traffic violations, illegal dumping, graffiti, vandalism, and code violations. Common violations include neglected, unpainted, or dangerous structures; overgrown vegetation; trash/debris accumulation; unpermitted construction; peeling paint; inoperable vehicles; dead trees; and hoarding.

Other categories include potholes, limbs down on city streets, malfunctioning traffic signals, flooded streets, homeless issues (not involving law enforcement), or damaged street signs and street lights. The app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
This year, both Lent and Ramadan coincidentally began on the same day. Perhaps the traditions embodied in these weeks of spirituality, sacrifice, and holiness will affect crime. Let’s hope so!

ARRESTS OVERVIEW
Between February 9 and 23, the following arrests occurred:
22 DUIs
45 drug-related offenses
24 violence-related offenses
14 theft-related offenses
37 incidents related to homelessness
44 miscellaneous offenses (such as failure to appear in court, driving with a suspended license, parole violation, vandalism, etc.)

Notable arrests include:

February 9: Residents alerted police to a suspect looking into vehicles. The police charged the individual with possession of burglary tools and with theft of vehicle parts.

February 13: During a traffic stop, an officer noticed the handle of a firearm visible inside a vehicle while questioning the occupant about any firearms. The suspect was subsequently charged with illegally carrying a firearm in a vehicle and possessing a large-capacity ammunition magazine.

February 16: The police responded to a report of shoplifting and arrested the suspect for both shoplifting and possession of a controlled substance.

February 20: Employees of a business on the 2400 block of East Chapman reported a break-in after following the suspect. The police arrested the individual for felony burglary (breaking and entering). The charge was elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony, possibly due to prior convictions or clear intent.

February 11: Police were called after a suspect broke the windows of a business. This same suspect had been arrested on February 7 for illegal camping, impeding traffic, and public intoxication. The police charged him with felony vandalism due to damage exceeding $400.

February 21: A man called the police because his friend was behaving erratically, breaking windows, and was extremely intoxicated. The police charged him with burglary, resisting arrest, attacking a police officer and a police dog, and felony vandalism.