Friends of the Idyllwild Library talks to Riverside Sheriff’s Department
On Tuesday May 28 the Friends of the Idyllwild Library hosted the 2024
Community Safety Meeting with members of local law enforcement agencies.
The featured speaker was Riverside Sheriff’s Department’s Officer
Newton, who lives on the hill and is our resident deputy, working out of
the Lake Hemet Substation. The event . planned by Idy Elders, was
attended by locals of all ages, and the room was full. Newton had good
news and bad. “The good news is that since 2022 violent and serious
crime in Idyllwild is down 85%; the bad news is that minor crimes are
way up.” He attributed the increase to a “select few individuals, mostly
in the town center.” The problem is that with minor offenses, offenders
can’t always be taken to jail, “when we do, they are held on average for
eight hours.” The perpetrators are mostly “considered residents” but may
be “transients.” Crime committed by non-residents “we usually solve
pretty quickly.” He said that police have recovered almost every stolen
vehicle and trailer reported in our area, and these crimes do lead to
convictions and jail.
The presentation highlighted the department’s improved mountain presence
with the Lake Hemet substation. The station opened in December of 2020.
Previously, residents could expect response times of over an hour.
Much of the presentation dealt with reporting crimes and citizens’ role
in RSO’s proactive policing. For emergency calls including active
crimes, with the perpetrator at the scene or recently discovered violent
crime, call 911. For common non-emergency calls, including theft,
vandalism, trespassing, and follow ups, use the non-emergency number
(951) 776-1099. If in doubt, call 911.
Report crimes directly to RSO. Do not report non-emergencies to an
officer you happen to see; they may be investigating a more urgent
matter and unable to take a report. Volunteer staff are not part of the
reporting system. Posting on social media is not reporting a crime.
Other agencies may help in emergencies, but report crimes directly to
RSO.
Traffic is CHP’s duty, and although RSO does not have radar, officer
Newton patrols problem areas and can warn or cite drivers. Issues with
road safety, like the asphalt curbs forcing school children onto the
roadbed on Saunders Meadow Rd, are the responsibility of the County
Department of Transportation, or supervisor Perez’ office.
Newton tempered expectations regarding “non-criminal response.” Among
the problems that police cannot solve are civil claims, verbal
disagreements, child custody issues and landlord/tenant disputes. “We
are peacekeepers and can’t solve these problems.” Family court takes
care of defaults of child custody agreements. Civil disputes require
filing a claim in court.
He explained the differences between infractions, misdemeanors, and
felonies. For the latter, “We will hunt you down and arrest you.” While
it may be possible to add separate acts up to a harsher penalty, and
Newton noted some success with that in Temecula, it does not usually
happen.
The public question period was lively, with most relating to common
experiences. One resident asked about homeless encampments, with
evidence of fires. Newton classed those as non-emergency calls, “we may
send out fire fighters and investigators, they have armed sworn
officers.”
A related question was about trespassing. Here the definition is willful
entry without permission of land enclosed by fence and/or with adequate
“no trespassing” signs, and refusal to leave when asked by owner, agent,
or person in lawful possession. Passing over does not meet the “elements
of crime.” Can you prove they went on your property knowingly? If you
have signs, a fence, and a locked gate, and they jump the fence, then
the elements of crime are met. If you tell them they are not allowed,
and have them on camera, there “may be something we can do. We have to
prove it in court.” If a person refuses to leave, that is automatically
trespassing, whether on business or private property. Forced entry
becomes burglary, and this should always be reported. Lock your doors.
Cameras help with most crime.
The police can provide a trespassing form, Form 602, for you to fill
out. This can be done online at
https://www.riversidesheriff.org/FormCenter/Crime-6/Online-Reporting-50.
Filling out and filing the form allows police to speak to trespassers on
your behalf and tell them to leave or arrest them.
A resident who lives near the transfer station complained about numerous
break-ins, thefts from vehicles, and vandalism. He said he had called
RSO but no one had come to take a report. “How do we address the
insurance company if there is no report?” Newton said that sometimes
those reports are taken over the phone. Another resident raised the
issue of scavenging at the transfer station. Newton said that this is
something that will have to be taken up with the contractor, CR&R. He
said that the employees allow this, and do not want the police to
intercede. Again, this may be an issue for Perez’ office.
Asked about other issues with homeless individuals, Newton said that
services are available in the county for those who wish to get off the
streets, though not here in Idyllwild, and those who are “on the street”
wish to stay there. Individuals and families who want help can get it,
he said, but they must be willing to stop using drugs and committing
crimes. A resident mentioned 211.org. The FCC has designated 211 as a
nationwide number for access to social services.
A resident asked about abatement for property abutting Forest Service
land. They said that they continue their raking and trimming across the
boundary to create defensible space. Newton told them to take pictures
and go to the Forest Service office on Pine Crest. IFPD may also check
these situations out and advise. “We do not suggest you start abating
the forest
Asked whether Idyllwild itself would ever see a local police station,
Newton said this would only happen if we were incorporated. The Lake
Hemet substation is as close as we are likely to get.
