New SANDAG Report Finds Arrest Rates in the San Diego Region at Seven-Year Low in 2020

Felony arrest rates decreased 14%, and misdemeanor arrest rates decreased 38% in the San Diego region in 2020, compared to 2019, according to a new report released by SANDAG, Arrests 2019 and 2020: Law Enforcement Response to Crime in the San Diego Region<.

Black individuals were overrepresented in all arrest categories in 2020, and Hispanic individuals were overrepresented in some, compared to their proportion of the population. White individuals and those who represented “other” races/ethnicities were generally underrepresented.

“These data clearly show that 2020 was an unprecedented year for arrests made in the San Diego region,” said SANDAG Director of Research and Program Management Dr. Cynthia Burke. “A number of factors could have contributed to these significant declines, including a statewide stay home order that presented fewer opportunities for crimes to occur and reduced contact between potential victims and mandated reporters, such as teachers.” 

Other notable report findings include:
• There was an average of 163 adult arrests per day regionwide in 2020, down from 237 in 2019
• Around 1 in every 3 arrests in 2020 were for felony offenses, compared to 1 in 4 in 2016
• For adults, arrests for a violent offense decreased the least (-11%) from 2019 to 2020, while “other” offenses decreased the most (-41%)
• For juveniles, property crime arrests decreased the least (-13%), while arrests for weapon offenses decreased the most (-45%)
• The jurisdictions with the lowest arrest rates in 2020 were Carlsbad (7.7) and Solana Beach (8.4), and those with the highest were Escondido (31.1) and El Cajon (33.7)

Although arrest numbers were predominately down, there were double-digit one-year increases for four arrest types for adults, including felony, arson, homicide, felony other drug, and felony narcotics. Juvenile arrestees saw an increase in felony burglary and motor vehicle theft.

For media inquiries, please contact Stacy Garcia at 619.699.1950 or PIO@sandag.org