Operating under a community policing philosophy, the Escondido Police Department strives to prevent crime and respond to community needs. The use of computer technology is a major crime fighting resource.
Automated Regional Justice Information System (ARJIS)
The following information was obtained from the Automated Regional Justice Information System (ARJIS) Web site:
ARJIS was created as a joint powers agency (JPA) to share information among justice agencies throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties in California. ARJIS is used for tactical analysis, investigations, statistical information, and crime analysis. The ARJIS governance structure promotes data sharing and cooperation at all levels for member agencies, from chiefs to officers to technical staff.
ARJIS is responsible for major public safety initiatives, including wireless access to photos, warrants, and other critical data in the field, crime and sex offender mapping (Megan's Law), crime analysis tools evaluation, and an enterprise system of applications that help users solve crimes and identify offenders. ARJIS also serves as the region's information hub for officer notification, information sharing, and the exchange, validation, and real-time uploading of many types of public safety data.
Escondido Police Officers, Investigators and District Area Commanders use ARJIS to analyze crime trends and develop a plan for an appropriate response.
COMPSTAT, COMPUTER INTELLIGENCE-LED POLICING
“COMPSTAT” is short for “Computer Statistics,” and was originally named and refined by Chief William Bratton, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department in the 1990s (he is now the Los Angeles Police Chief). It is an intelligence analysis process used for identifying where crimes have occurred and are likely to occur in the future, and directing police resources accordingly.
The COMPSTAT process is based on four crime fighting strategies: accurate and timely intelligence, effective tactics, rapid deployment of resources and personnel, follow-up and assessment. This process allows the Escondido Police Department to use all of its resources to actively fight crime.
In 2004, Escondido Police Chief Jim Maher, then a captain, modified what Bratton had done, and instituted COMPSTAT in Escondido. Since that time, crime in Escondido has declined over 28 percent. While the decline cannot be solely credited to COMPSTAT, it is believed to have been a significant factor.
Escondido Crime Analysts work with computer programs, including ARJIS, to analyze crime information and trends to identify offenders. This information, which is shared at weekly meetings, helps direct the effective deployment of police personnel to fight crime. Police managers are held accountable for making this process successful.
DISTRICT AREA COMMANDERS
In 2007, Assistant Chief Moles, who oversees the Department's COMPSTAT meetings, initiated the concept of geographic policing.
Under this program, the city is divided into four geographical districts: North, South, East and West. Each District has a Patrol Lieutenant assigned as a District Area Commander (DACs).
The four DACs provide specialized attention to their assigned district. They are responsible for resolving major issues which require a high level of police response. While most issues are resolved by patrol staff, DACs have the ability to direct resources from within the Police Department, other City Departments and from the community to support the patrol effort.
Additionally, the DACs attend community meetings to discuss neighborhood issues and listen to concerns about safety or police services.
You may contact your District Area Commander by clicking the link below his photo. Voice mail may be left for the DAC at one of the numbers below.
Routine calls for service should still be directed to the business office at 760-839-4722. For emergencies, call 911.
For ongoing non-emergency neighborhood issues, the District Area Commanders, who each work different days and hours, should be contacted. If not on duty, they will respond to your e-mail or voice mail upon their return to work.
Please see our District Map to find your District Commander.