2023 Annual Report: Serious crime in Lafayette remains low

“Overall, crime remains low in Lafayette, a testament to the collective efforts of our community. However, there are still categories of crimes that the Police Department, in partnership with our residents, continues to strive to reduce.” – Chief Benjamin Alldritt

By Lafayette Police Department

The most recent crime report for 2023 from the Lafayette Police Department has been presented to the Lafayette City Council. The report shows that the rate of violent crime in Lafayette remains low, with only 13 reported Part 1 violent crimes in 2023. This equals 51.2 violent crimes per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 380.7 violent crimes per 100,000 and the California average of 494.6 violent crimes per 100,000 in 2022.

“Overall, crime remains low in Lafayette, a testament to the collective efforts of our community. However, there are still categories of crimes that the Police Department, in partnership with our residents, continues to strive to reduce,” said Lafayette Police Chief Benjamin Alldritt.

In 2023, the Lafayette Police received 12,007 calls for service, filed 1,168 police reports, made 302 arrests, and issued 1,022 traffic citations.

Part I Crimes include two categories: Crimes against Persons and property crimes.  Crimes against Persons are murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, and human trafficking.  Property Crimes are burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson.

“Crimes against Persons are our top priority because they have the most significant impact on the victim. The Lafayette Police Department is committed to dedicating all necessary resources to investigate these crimes and bring the suspects to justice,” said Chief Alldritt.

Overall, Part 1 crimes decreased from 456 in 2013 to 277 in 2023. This represents a 39% decrease in these types of crime over the last decade.

“Proactive policing and an alert community keep crime low in Lafayette,” he continued. “If people see something, they say something. Residents quickly report, respond, and actively watch out for their friends, family, and neighbors. We appreciate that our community members continue to call in and report crimes and remain aware of their surroundings”.

The Lafayette Police Department is authorized by 17 sworn personnel. This includes the chief, three sergeants, two detectives, two traffic officers, and nine patrol officers. The department is also supported by 5.75 professional staff and three part-time parking enforcement staff. Lafayette has one of the lowest police-to-citizen ratios in Contra Costa County, with 0.67 police officers per thousand residents. In comparison, the City of San Pablo has the highest ratio of 1.95 officers to residents, compared to the countywide average ratio of 1.11.

Lafayette contracts with the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff for public safety services, and all sworn personnel are members of the Sheriff’s Office. The Chief reports directly to the City Manager for police operations and services.

“The professional staff are force multipliers for the Police Department,” said Chief Alldritt. “They run the administrative office, manage the City’s emergency preparedness activities and fleet maintenance, carry out crime scene investigations, parking enforcement, vacation house checks, emergency traffic control, and other programs such as “Slow Down Lafayette.”

The City of Lafayette takes a multi-departmental approach to reduce accidents in Lafayette by using the “Three E’s” of traffic safety: Enforcement, Engineering, and Education. The Police Traffic Unit meets regularly with the City’s Transportation Planner to identify problem areas where engineering solutions may have a calming effect on traffic, resulting in fewer accidents and less need for enforcement. The Traffic Unit reviews collision rates and locations, along with citizen complaints, when considering areas for enforcement efforts.   

During this last year, the program accomplished the following:

• Acquired two low-profile radar measurement devices, two temporary speed display signs, two speed display trailers, and two LIDAR devices to assist with speed enforcement.
• Analyzed over 1.3 million data points on vehicle speeds
• Reduced the number of speeders by 20%–25% in areas where display signs and traffic enforcement are used. Provided educational materials on crosswalk safety, school bus safety, e-bikes, and various weather and other traffic-related notices.

The Lafayette City Council continues prioritizing wildfire preparedness, with the Lafayette Police Department leading the City’s efforts. The Police Department actively collaborates with nearby cities, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (“Con Fire”), and the City’s Emergency Preparedness Commission to help residents prepare for wildfire emergencies:

• The Lamorinda Residents Guide to Wildfire Preparedness and Evacuation was updated and mailed out to all Lamorinda residents in 2022.
• The Police Department encouragesresidents to sign up for the County’s Community Warning System (CWS)
• The ALERT California wildfire program maintains a network of cameras to detect, alert, and monitor wildfires. Lafayette Police Department Emergency Services Manager John Cornell handled the installation of multiple wildfire cameras throughout Contra Costa County, which included training for multiple local fire and police departments.

The city also operates an information and emergency radio station, available on AM 1670 or streaming via the city’s app, My Lafayette, for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play – Android Store.

 “I am proud of the men and women who serve the City of Lafayette with pride and dedication,” says Chief Alldritt. “The entire Police Department and our City staff and leaders are focused on providing the highest level of service possible to our residents, businesses, and visitors. From responding to calls for service, to investigations, traffic enforcement, emergency preparedness, and the myriad other things my staff do daily in service of the community.”

The City of Lafayette Police 2023 Annual Report is available online here.

You can also download the slide deck of the May 28, 2024, presentation and watch a recording of the presentation to the City Council on May 28, 2024, on the City’s YouTube channel.

For more information, please email LafayetteListens@LoveLafayette.org, call (951) 685-2111, or visit LoveLafayette.org.

About The City of Lafayette

Lafayette is a charming small community located in Contra Costa County, 30 miles from The City of Oakland. It’s known for its beautiful green hills, excellent schools, and miles of hiking trails, making it an attractive place to live. The City has a population of more than 25,000 highly educated residents, with 75.2% of them holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, 73.6% of the homes in Lafayette are owner-occupied. The median home value is $1,914,700, while the median household income is $219,250. The total area of the city is 15.22 square miles.