Imperial Beach residents have more than one reason to sleep soundly at night. Since 2006, Imperial Beach crime rates have been on a downward trend with a substantial decrease from 2009 to 2012. The decrease in crime is made possible due to efforts of the Imperial Beach Sheriff’s Department, increase in grant money obtained and several programs aimed at reducing crime.

According to the San Diego Association of Governments, overall crime in Imperial Beach is down 36 percent from 2006. Despite decreasing budgets, the city of Imperial Beach and San Diego County were successful in securing several grants to fund continuing efforts to bolster public safety.

These grants funded additional law enforcement personnel and equipment, which allowed the Sheriff’s Department to conduct several DUI checkpoints, warrant sweeps, directed patrols and implementation of the Responsible Retailer Program, whose intent is to provide better training and supervision of alcohol retailers as well as more effectively dealing with alcohol-related crimes. Without the grant funding, these additional services could not have been provided.

According to recent data, the city of Imperial Beach is currently the safest city in San Diego’s South Bay region.