East Palo Alto Police Department Chief Jeff Liu reported that the East Palo Alto community, once marked by adversity, triumphed with zero murders in 2023, reaching a milestone in its history and navigating a beginning of 2024 with new vigor.
"Your collective commitment to safety and unity has transformed our city, evolving from the challenges of 1992, when we faced 42 murders, to now, a community that remains resilient and stronger than ever," Chief Liu wrote in his message. New Year's Eve last Monday, January 1.
And, according to the archives, the situation is unprecedented, since, at least, from 1985 to 2022, at least one murder had been recorded in the city, with 1992 being the highest year.
Given the achievement, Jeff Liu thanked all the residents.
?I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your invaluable collaboration in fostering a safer and more prosperous East Palo Alto. “This achievement is a testament to the power of the community and I am proud to share this success with all of you,” he highlighted.
In an interview with NBC Bay Area, Liu recalled that "when people didn't talk to us, we couldn't solve the homicides; In 2022 we had five homicides, we solved all five. That sends a strong message. When you can solve every single homicide in a year, that sends a strong message that maybe I shouldn't do this?
For Antonio López, mayor of East Palo Alto, although the authorities have their merit, "it was the people who achieved this."
He also pointed out that the city council has sought to incentivize the police by increasing their salary, in order to retain the officers.
“The government is putting forward a better positive agenda, but it's also the residents who really understand that if we want to turn this ship around, if we want to Google 'East Palo Alto' and see the progress, we have to do our part. part?, said López.
With information from NBC Bay Area.
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