PUBLIC SAFETY
A fine night out for neighborhoods
Newport Beach and Costa Mesa residents got a chance to meet and
greet local law enforcement officials Tuesday during the National
Night Out.
The annual event seeks to promote community spirit and public
safety in 10,000 cities nationwide. Residents visited with officers
at two Newport Beach parks and at the Costa Mesa Police Department
station.
* Campus crime rates at Orange Coast College dropped for the third
consecutive year to the lowest number in 12 years, officials reported
this week.
Reported crimes on campus dropped 18% in 2003-04 from 2002-03 and
nearly 50% compared to the 1992-93 school year, according to a report
issued Monday by the Campus Public Safety Department. Increased
security and student awareness have pushed crime rates down on campus
over the past few years, officials said.
* Local officials reported this week that they feel well-prepared
in the event of a terrorist attack.
Newport Beach and Costa Mesa police and fire officials are in the
process of getting new chemical protection suits and specialized
training for those who would be first on the scene of an emergency.
County safety officials will also conduct a large-scale-terrorism
drill next month in Costa Mesa.
-- Marisa O'Neil
