For those living in Mesa, Arizona and those thinking of moving to Mesa, credit for a large crime drop apparently is attributed, at least in part, to Mesa police Chief George Gascón who first came to the city from Los Angeles in July 2006. The 
East Valley Tribune reported today, April 16, 2008, that the Mesa Police Department's policy on discussing officer-involved shootings was simple:
"We didn't talk to anybody," Gascón said.
Because Gascón believes that an informed community is a safer community, he began holding public meetings not only for officer-involved shootings, but also after every violent incident.
Mesa's crime rate is its lowest in 10 years, Gascón announced Tuesday during a news conference at the police department. Last year, 48.1 people out of every 1,000 became victims of crimes, compared with 77.6 five years ago. That trend appears to be continuing in 2008, with crimes down 8.5 percent this year from 
where they were last year.
"We have not had better communication with the community in the 22 years I've been here," assistant police chief John Meza said."
A graph comparing the crime stats are below. A complete read of the article can be found here:
As a resident of Mesa, Arizona, it is important to me to be aware of what is going on in and around my community. Lower crime rates are important when deciding whether or not to move into this area or not. Many of the crimes committed in Mesa, are generally in the western half of Mesa - which is older. There are duplexes and multiple housing units which is important to those commuting as well as those investing.
Mesa plans to revitalize much of the area, and there are many great stores, forums, and shopping and light rail is planned for the west side. West Mesa is much closer to downtown Phoenix and the 101 and 202.
Great investment opportunities are still available in Mesa - east or west, south or north. It is a huge metropolitan area, and a great place to live!!!
Thinking about relocating to Mesa, Arizona or the Phoenix Valley? Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. OR visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com
, MoveToSunnyAz, or AzLadyInRed, 
for photos of models, floorplans, new construction, resale and more.
Sometimes crime stats, and I'm not saying this is the case here, are changed. The manner in which they are reported changes. And the types of categories changes. So the stats show lower numbers, but they aren't comparing apples to apples from the previous reports. Just sayin . . . and now I am slinking away . . .
