Prop. 424 would provide funds for fighting crime in Tempe

Bill Richardson

Submitted photo/Bill Richardson

As Election Day Approaches

To allow candidates the right to respond to criticisms about their candidacy before Election Day, the last day Independent Newsmedia will publish new election-related letters in our weekly print editions is Oct. 21, and the last day they will publish online is Oct. 27. Candidates may submit a 150-word reply addressing criticisms only and should email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org along with their name, address, contact number and the headline of the letter they’re addressing.

Government

Tempe proposes property tax increase

Opinion

Tempe hasn’t earned public’s trust for Prop. 424

Opinion

Why Tempe must pass Prop. 424

Opinion

Enough is enough: Vote no on Tempe Prop. 424

Opinion

Prop. 424 critical to Tempe transportation infrastructure

Opinion

Reader wants more information on Tempe tax plan

Opinion

Prop. 424 a practical way to keep Tempe safe, moving

OPINION — Everyone deserves to feel safe in Tempe, and to know that if they experience sexual assault, law enforcement has the resources needed to pursue the person responsible.

Crime data Tempe reported to the FBI and Arizona DPS show 681 forcible rapes since 2022 and 28 arrests — about 4%. The national arrest rate is nearly 28%.

From my experience working hundreds of sexual-assault cases, I know that offenders may continue until they are caught. These figures suggest that Tempe has an important opportunity to strengthen investigations, improve arrest outcomes and better protect residents and visitors.

The pattern extends back at least a decade. With today’s technology, The Police Department has an opportunity to modernize its crime fighting and prevention.

The question is how Tempe can make residents and visitors safer. Tempe has the county’s highest serious-felony crime rate — twice the average of neighboring cities and nearly 50% above the statewide average. These figures point to a clear need for focused investment and improvement.

Meaningful change requires funding and clear priorities. Police Chief Ken McCoy has proposed stronger technology, performance measures and accountability to help Tempe Police serve the community more effectively.

His plan would use technology and coordination with neighboring agencies to make the most of available resources. It calls for real-time drone responses, a 24/7 real-time crime center, advanced forensic tools for identifying and collecting evidence and a more-responsive communications center to screen and dispatch 911 calls — including noncriminal requests — more effectively.

Tempe Proposition 424 on the Nov. 3 ballot would fund these improvements.

Neighboring communities already have many of these capabilities.

By funding the chief’s plan, Tempe can take a meaningful step toward a safer, more responsive public-safety system.

Supporting these improvements is an investment in our neighbors, our families and everyone who lives in or visits Tempe.

Bill Richardson is a retired master police officer II and criminal intelligence unit supervisor for the Mesa Police Department, and a former member of the Tempe Police Citizen Review Board and the Family Justice Commission. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.