Tough on Crime/Gangs

By Robert Rickman

Safer streets, safer community, better lives.

When Robert ran for Tracy City Council in 2010, Tracy was experiencing a rise in violent crime, especially gang violence. Robert, along with the residents of Tracy, were concerned about their safety and the safety of their family. Robert's first priority when he was elected was to tackle the rise in violent crime and gang violence. At first, Robert was met with resistance. He was told not to talk about the gang problem because it would scare businesses away. He was told we had a gang presence and there was not a problem. The benefit of being an active peace officer was that Robert saw firsthand that Tracy had a problem. Robert continued to ask questions, demanded answers, and found solutions. Robert lead the fight against violent crime and gang violence and has been actively involved in making Tracy a safer and more desirable place to live and work.

Today, the city of Tracy is one of the safest cities in the region. This is due to our proactive approach to crime/public safety and partnerships with various community organizations and members throughout the region. Our image as a safe city has continued to attract businesses, jobs, and people to Tracy.

Robert understands that you must continue to have a zero tolerance policy towards crime, especially gang violence. We must have the police and fire department at full staffing levels and continue to emphasize proactive enforcement, but not forget about proactive education and prevention. We must continue to reach out and work with allied agencies and community organizations in combating crime. Since Robert is an active peace officer in Tracy, he has firsthand knowledge and experience in dealing with this problem. In order to attract businesses and people to Tracy we must continue our image as a safe city.

Safer streets, safer community, better lives.