State leaders in November secured more than $2 million in state funding that will be directed to bringing public safety enhancements to Irvine. With the allocation of funds, the Irvine Police Department will make upgrades to its crime detection technology tools and incorporate a fleet of electric patrol vehicles. 

On Tuesday, Nov. 21, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris presented Irvine with $2 million in funding that will be directed to develop Irvine’s first Real Time Crime Center. Irvine’s Real Time Crime Center will be equipped with advanced monitoring tools that will allow the IPD to conduct a “real-time” analysis of crime occurring.

Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent said that California is witnessing an increase in criminal trends that have impacted residents and businesses in Irvine. The Real Time Crime Center, according to Kent, will work to incorporate a data-driven approach to monitoring crime in real-time.  

“The overall mission of the RTCC will be able to effectively reduce crime and assist in apprehending criminal suspects while enhancing officer and community safety and situational awareness,” he explained. “It would also support the need for proactive data-driven approaches to combat criminal activity as it is happening.” 

 Kent explained that the department will continue to utilize drones, cameras and other monitoring technology to bring enhancements to the department. 

Despite Irvine’s reputation as the safest city in America, Petrie-Norris emphasized the importance of crime prevention adding that she hopes this will lead to an increase in the apprehension of criminal suspects. 

“As one of the safest cities in America, it’s important for the Irvine Police Department to have the best tools and technologies available to prevent crime from occurring in the City of Irvine,” she said. “I’m proud to have secured $2 million in state budget funding to establish a state-of-the-art Real Time Crime Center that will increase apprehension of criminal suspects, prevent crime, and improve officer safety.”

In addition to the Real Time Crime Center, the IPD also introduced a new set of electric police vehicles, paid for by state funding secured by Senator Dave Min.

On Monday, Nov. 28, Min presented $990,000 to Irvine that will allow the IPD to purchase more than a dozen electric vehicles including Ford Lightning trucks, Ford Mustang Mach Es, Polaris Rangers and all-terrain vehicles. 

Irvine’s new electric fleet will be utilized specifically for patrol officers. 

“Today, I’m proud to announce that the State of California is making serious investments in both public safety and sustainability,” Min said. “It’s no secret that Irvine ranks among the safest cities in America and this new fleet of all-electric police vehicles will ensure that our community continues to lead with best-in-class technology.”

Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan thanked Min for his efforts in supporting the city’s goal for carbon neutrality by 2030.  

“Ensuring the safety of our residents and guests at the Great Park has been and will continue to be a top priority,” Khan said. “This all-electric fleet will not only allow us to further enhance safety  in and around the park, it will allow us to do so while reducing carbon emissions. I want to thank Sen. Min for his efforts to help us enhance public safety and meet our City’s climate action goals.”

Kent said that he was proud to take this important step in Irvine’s transition to all-electric vehicles by 2030.  

“I am proud that the Irvine Police Department is working toward the City of Irvine’s goal of transitioning to electric vehicles by 2030,” Kent said. “Thank you to Sen. Min for supporting and funding our efforts to protect our community and our environment, as we prepare for the expansion of the Great Park over the next several years.”

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting Irvine Weekly and our advertisers.