Recently compiled police information about the recent 4th of July show that no violent crime occurred during the holiday, however, there was a slight increase in the number of privately deployed fireworks heard throughout the city.
Long Beach Police Department reported 520 total fireworks, both heard-only and officer dispatched, from 5PM through midnight on July 4, an increase of more than 20 from last year. At the same time, the number of fireworks citations in the city decreased from 44 in 2012 to 35 this year. LBPD also received less calls for service during that same time frame, 1381 compared to 2012’s 1475.
“Prior to the holiday there was a significant amount of time put toward developing the city wide deployment plan,” said Sgt. Aaron Eaton.
In partnership with other City departments, LBPD launched an aggressive media and social media campaign in preparation for its 4th of July enforcement operation. This included numerous sign boards posted at several city borders and early enforcement of illegal fireworks being shot off in the week before the holiday.
Police also made 24 drunk-in-public arrests, issued 19 alcohol citations and responded to four unattended bag calls.