Azusa Leaders Begin Improvements To Address Violence-Plagued Neighborhood

Google Maps.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

---

AZUSA - The City of Azusa has announced several changes made to improve public safety in one of the most violent neighborhoods in town.

Colloquially referred to as “Little TJ” and “The Projects,” the Atlantis Gardens area near Rockvale Avenue and 6th Street has seen additional officers patrolling the streets and improved lighting, the latter is said to positively influence human behavior, according to Steve Hunt, Azusa Police Chief.

Surrounding police agencies have provided increased staffing to Azusa Police, agencies such as Baldwin Park, Claremont, Covina, El Monte, Glendora, Irwindale, West Covina, Los Angeles County District Attorney investigators and the U.S. Marshal Service, Hunt said.

Friday morning, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies assisted Azusa Police with a multi-location search warrant, resulting in evidence seized that was linked to recent gun violence, according to Cpt. Mike Berteslsen of the Azusa Police Department.

"Investigators located evidence related to recent violent crimes that have occurred in our community and made several arrests," Bertelsen said.

“Working closely with the Azusa City Council, City Manager Sergio Gonzalez and other City Staff we identified an urgent need to improve the lighting conditions in the area of Atlantis Gardens,” Hunt said in a written statement.

Azusa Light and Water staff have enhanced conditions in the above neighborhoods with state-of-the-art LED street lighting as a means of creating psychological and physical barriers to crime.

The practice known as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) was established to influence criminal behavior before the crime can occur. By increasing the perceived risk of being caught (in this case with lighting), CPTED can aid in crime reduction.

“This improvement will increase visibility around Atlantis Gardens and further assist law enforcement in patrolling the area,” Hunt said.

While continuing work with state and federal law enforcement partners, Azusa Police will seek to build stronger relationships with non-profit and faith-based organizations to dialogue about youth programs, Hunt said.

A presentation on the city’s public safety will be delivered at the next Azusa City Council meeting Monday, February 4, scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.