After compiling all the data from the Hollister Independence
Rally, police determined they made twice as many arrests this year
than in 2003 and gave almost 80 percent more citations, which
contributed to a significant drop in violent crime.
After compiling all the data from the Hollister Independence Rally, police determined they made twice as many arrests this year than in 2003 and gave almost 80 percent more citations, which contributed to a significant drop in violent crime.
By paying attention to the smaller things, such as traffic violations and minor infractions, police were able to prevent major instances of violent crime, said Police Chief Jeff Miller.
“When they see we’re paying attention to the minor things then they behave, and that’s what happened,” he said. “It was consistent with our overall philosophy – welcome to Hollister, enjoy yourself, but follow the rules and obey the laws.”
A total of 75 arrests were made this year versus last year’s 48, and there were 141 more citations given this year than the previous year, according to police.
There were two fewer traffic collisions, five more DUI arrests and three more stolen vehicles.
A number of factors concerning police enforcement contributed to a more mellow vibe throughout the three days, Miller said.
A gang and probation sweep police conducted two days before the rally netted 11 arrests and helped set the tone by taking some gang members off the street and relayed a message of no tolerance, he said.
A solid operations plan, which had local supervisors assigned to sectors within the rally venue, allowed them to canvass the rally more efficiently and provide better supervision, he said.
“They worked with the outside officers in providing guidance and advice,” he said. “It gave them greater mobility to roam and respond to issues.”
Also aiding to a more peaceful and controlled ambiance was the fact that, for the first time in years, police wore full uniforms instead of T-shirts, which created a more visible and professional presence, Miller said.
“We stressed courteous enforcement,” he said. “Be polite but firm in dealing with violators.”
While the majority of operations went smoothly, Miller said there are several minor logistical aspects he will most likely tweak next year – such as when officers are scheduled and how they are deployed.
As the rally continues to grow, the amount of officers needed will grow as well, he said. This year attendance was estimated between 100,000 and 125,000 people. Saturday was the biggest day out of the three, with over 50,000 people lining the streets at one time or another. At full deployment on that day, about 95 officers from several different agencies were working in the rally venue alone, Miller said.
“With greater attendance, we’ll need to have the right amount of officers to keep the peace like we did this year,” he said.
Hollister Mayor Tony Bruscia was glad to hear the mixed review of arrests being up and violence being down.
He commended Miller’s operational plan of having Hollister police officers patrolling the city because they knew the area better and were able to be more aggressive with gang members, parole and probation violators and other known offenders.
“The good news is, since the rally has been here, we haven’t really had any major problems,” he said. “There was this big fear that it would bring in this crime element, but it hasn’t been nearly as bad as some people expected or feared.”
Although the rally has been experiencing some controversy over whether it made enough money, a successful policing aspect contributes to making it good for the community, Bruscia said.
“It’s only one piece, but it’s an important piece,” he said.
Adding to the overall success of the rally were the officers patrolling outside the rally area with assistance from the nonsworn personnel that handled all the operations at the police headquarters in the Briggs Building, Miller said.
Officers responded to four times the calls for service than the year before, and multi-service officers and volunteers helped keep everything running smoothly so the sworn officers could do their jobs, he said.
“They really rose to the occasion,” he said. “I got no complaints from the rest of the city… they did an outstanding job in keeping Hollister a safe place.”
