RURAL CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAM
Crime does not recognize city limits. Criminals strike whenever and wherever there is an opportunity. Because farms and ranches are often isolated in rural areas they are frequently easy prey for the unscrupulous.
In 1996, the Rural Crime Prevention Model Program (Rural Crime Bill), based upon a proposal written by former District Attorney Phil Cline and carried in the legislature by Assemblyman Chuck Poochigian, was passed and signed into law by Governor Wilson. The Rural Crime Bill authorized Tulare County to develop the Rural Crime Prevention Demonstration Project. As a result, the Office of the District Attorney, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office initiated the Rural Crime Prevention Program.
The program is dedicated to the development of new and more effective techniques for addressing agricultural crime. The program’s main goal is to provide protection for farmer’s and rancher’s property by vigorously prosecuting all suspects involved in rural crime.
AGRICULTURALLY BASED ECONOMY
Tulare County has a special interest in protecting farmers and ranchers and is uniquely suited for this program because of its agriculturally based economy. Nearly 50% of the 3,158,400 acres in Tulare County are under cultivation, and of the 311,000 residents, nearly 60% rely on agriculture for their livelihood.
AVAILABLE SECURITY SYSTEMS
This program actively pursues educational activities to encourage farmers and ranchers to register their equipment with the Sheriff’s Office, to inform them of available security systems, and to work with the media and various grass roots organizations to publicize prevention, suppression, and prosecution actions to deter criminals.
EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS
The program developed a task force to coordinate efforts and increase efficiency and effectiveness. This task force uses all available technologies, information resources, and legal tools to vigorously investigate and prosecute suspects.
INVESTIGATE MODIFYING EXISTING LAW
It also works with the state legislature to investigate modifying existing laws to enhance rural protection. In addition, a research program will accompany the practical efforts of the program to determine the effectiveness of each activity.
CALIFORNIA RURAL CRIME PREVENTION TASK FORCE (CRCPTF)
Rural Crime School
Every year, the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office hosts the CRCPTF Rural Crime School – a 40-hour course designed to develop an expertise in the area of rural crime.
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RURAL CRIME PSA
Protecting Ranchers and Farmers
Crime shouldn’t be a factor in the cost of doing business, especially when that business feeds the world. The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute those who violate the law.