ORANGE COUNTY PERSPECTIVE : Persistence Pays

Anaheim once again is trying to clean up crime-plagued neighborhoods, using weapons that include drug sweeps and enforcement of health and safety codes. It is a worthwhile effort, but as the city has learned, it requires unceasing effort.

The first step in improving one of the affected neighborhoods, known as Guinida Lane, was a series of undercover drug sweeps conducted over six months. More than 100 alleged buyers and sellers of drugs were arrested. Officer Richard Trujillo said police wanted to wipe out “an epidemic” of crack cocaine in the neighborhood.

Brighter street lights made the area less attractive to criminals, as did Trujillo’s regular presence. Crimes and calls for help from Guinida Lane both dropped sharply.

Sustained effort gets results. Drug sweeps for six months rather than a week send the message that police mean business. Keeping one police officer in the area for months lets him develop expertise and contacts. And that makes it easier to bring together the other vital elements of the improvement program: local residents, landlords, businesses and churches, all with a stake in the neighborhood.

Anaheim had success previously in the Jeffrey-Lynne neighborhood. But when federal funds for a beat-walking police officer ran out, the city had to drop the program, and before long drug and gang activity increased. The current programs also are using state and federal grants; the city somehow must find the money to continue them for success over the long term.