A new survey from SafeWise reveals that as gun violence spikes and gun sales surge in California, residents of the state are on edge

More than 760,000 firearm background checks have been conducted in California so far this year, continuing a surge that began in 2020. At the same time, gun violence is spiking in the state with over 932 firearm deaths in California so far this year.

Meanwhile, the nationwide SafeWise survey has found that California is one of the most-concerned states in the country about gun violence.

In the Coachella Valley, it’s not just another survey. It’s real and it’s every day life.

Cathedral  City has consistently been plagued with the criminality of street gangs, according to Police Chief George Crum. The primary gangs originating in Cathedral City have been documented for their violence by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.

Many of the crimes committed by gangs include murder, attempted murder, sexual assault, home invasion robberies, carjacking, assaults with deadly weapons, witness intimidation, burglary, auto theft, possession of firearms and possession of controlled substance for sales, and more.

In response to a rise in gang related homicides and assaults in Cathedral City since 2019, the gang unit was re-instated and went into service on May 5, 2021. This newly formed gang unit consists of a sergeant and two detectives. The goal will be to add two additional detectives to this unit during FY 21-22. This team will primarily focus on gang enforcement and will also be a force multiplier during our busier shifts which tend to be in the evenings on weekends.

SafeWise’s State of Safety in America in 2021 survey asked more than 5,000 Americans about their perceptions of crime and safety, and found that 72% of California residents are highly concerned about gun violence daily, far higher than the US average (53%).

Here are some other key stats from the survey show that:

  • 51% of California residents are worried about a gun violence incident happening to them (US average 38%)
  • 9% of Californians reported that they or someone they know were a victim of gun violence in the last 12 months
  • 70% of California residents think that crime is on the rise
  • 48% of California residents say they have confidence in law enforcement’s approach to crime prevention
  • 8% of California residents say they protect their property with a firearm, 5% lower than the previous year
  • 4% of Californians say they carry a concealed firearm for personal protection

Read the full State of Safety report by clicking here. 

Image Sources

  • Gun violence: Shutterstock