More police officers on the streets in Desert Hot Springs translates into more arrests, including dozens of arrests of juveniles, over the past year. The numbers show an over 70% increase in the number of juvenile arrests from 2008 to 2009.
"The kids need good examples," said Sgt. Dan Bressler of Desert Hot Springs Police. "If we can somehow find the resources, and I know the city is working hard on it, to set up programs and centers."
Construction on a new Boys and Girls Club and Wellness center is expected to be finished in the Winter of 2010-11. Despite ramped up efforts to revitalize parks and community centers, as well as a crackdown on gang activity, through Operation Falling Sun, gangs have had a strong influence on the city, according to Sgt. Bressler.
"It's the young kids that are moving up to take the place of the older ones that are going to jail or prison," Bressler said.
While the number of juvenile arrests are up in Desert Hot Springs, Valley-wide the numbers are about the same. The Riverside County Probation Department says from Banning to Blythe, there have been 2,320 juvenile arrests, year to date, down 29 arrests in 2008, when there were 2,349, over the same time period.
Police say positive influences and community centers help keep youth out of trouble and off the streets.
"We need to provide more things for these young people to do," said Pastor Jesse Early of Coachella, who has come a long way, since his teenage years. "I went to juvenile hall five times. I actually turned 18 in juvenile hall."
He says Valley teens need more activities, guidance from their parents and community leaders, and role models. On Thursday, Early and dozens of others from various community groups, including local Boys and Girls Clubs helped build a new playground at South Jackson Park.
"Kids have a lot of energy. No matter what, if you're providing something for them, or if you're not..they're going to find something to do," said Tony Williams, a father of four boys. "People would be wise, communities would be wise to put lots of resources into the young people...they are the future."
