The Brief
- The new dashboard is part of an effort to better respond to gang activity in San Jose.
- The database categorizes crimes as either ‘gang-related’ or ‘gang-motivated’.
- The database is now live and can be reached through SJPD’s website.
SAN JOSE, Calif. – In an effort to better respond to gang activity in San Jose, police on Monday unveiled a new dashboard for gang-related crimes. The idea is to help police, policymakers and residents put their efforts where they can help the most. San Jose police say the dashboard is an effort at transparency, and also a way to engage the community and elected leaders to try to find better solutions to gang-related issues throughout the city.
Danny Garza, the president of the Plata Arroyo Neighborhood Association in East San Jose, said gang activity in the area around Mayfair Park is an ongoing problem.
“We have drinking, fighting, stabbings. We have had homicides, and we have had knife attacks,” Garza said. Combating gang-related activity has always been – and still is – a top priority and he believes the new dashboard will help get resources where they are needed the most.…