Fontan PD say they had a tough task at increase of crime.. Troll Face

The year of 2012 was a challenging one for the Fontana Police Department, which was forced to deal with a sudden increase in crime which started in late 2011.

Fontana Police Chief Rodney Jones said that much of the rise in crime was a result of California's realignment plan, which was implemented in October of 2011. The plan shifts responsibility from the state to counties for the custody, treatment, and supervision of persons convicted of specified nonviolent, non-serious, non-sex crimes, according to California officials.

Jones was especially concerned because of funding constraints, including what he said was a lack of support from the state to fully combat the problem.

Nevertheless, Jones was able to develop a Realignment Support Team in an attempt to aid persons who have been released under the realignment program, giving them the necessary support to help them stay out of jail.

"It is important for our community to work together to address the need for services created by realignment," Jones said in a message of Fontana Chamber of Commerce members last year. "If you provide a service that could benefit those trying to stay out of jail, please contact the department. These services could include a temporary job, medical care, transitional housing, counseling, or mentoring. Whatever it is, there are those in need."

Overall crime statistics for 2012 have not yet been released.

There were five homicides in Fontana last year, and one of the most tragic incidents came when a 16-year-old girl, Ashley Caldera, was shot to death at Northgate Park on May 26. Three people -- a 19-year-old man, a 22-year-old man, and a 15-year-old boy -- were later arrested in connection with the murder.

The crime increase was a big concern of the Fontana City Council, and particularly the two candidates who were elected in November -- Lydia Salazar Wibert and Jesse Sandoval, both of whom received awards previously for their volunteer efforts with the Police Department.

"I believe it is important to hire more police officers and would look for ways to support and expand public safety," said Sandoval prior to the election.

Wibert added: "I will ensure that public safety is always at the top of the city's agenda with adequate staffing, training and resources devoted to protect residents."

Lol at blaming the realignment plan for this so called "increase of crime". If they think that crap was a tough task then San Bern must be a a jungle of blood thirsty savages.

It was all them sex offenders let loose. they were all over prowling women..

RC wrote:It was all them sex offenders let loose. they were all over prowling women..

It was like a decrease in gang related crimes, but increase in the weirdo section. Lol don't be surprised if there is also an increase of fontana residents in the sensitive needs yard.