Tracking, cutting crime

When Costa Mesa police found themselves being called frequently to respond to fighting at a popular nightspot, they made it their special project to cut down crime there.

Since 2004, police have kept tabs on Triangle Square’s Sutra Lounge and other spots via an online database called SARA, which stands for “scanning analysis response assessment.” The system allows officers to track the amount and type of police calls, and whether law enforcement tactics are working.

After years of monitoring Sutra Lounge through the computer system, officers say they’re finally seeing fewer calls to the club. The planning commission still receives complaints, but they’ve been reduced by about 50%, Costa Mesa Planning Commission Chairman Bill Perkins said.

“I think they [SARA projects] work very well because it gives the officers a way to go back and realize how much time they’re spending there,” he added.

Two years ago, police began fielding complaints and reports that people were getting beat up inside and outside the club. When police pulled over drunk drivers, a number said they were coming from Sutra Lounge. During one bar check, police also saw club patrons pouring their own alcohol, which is illegal, Costa Mesa Sgt. Marty Carver said.

“It just started requiring a high number of police calls,” Carver said.

To address the problems, police set up an online project for Sutra Lounge. Each time officers are called out to the address, they record their findings. Then the police look at how the problem can be addressed, whether it be nightly walk-throughs or educating staff about not serving too much alcohol to patrons.

“We want the officers to put in as much information as they can so we truly know what the issue is,” Carver said.

Police have met with management and talked with club security about some of the issues, Carver said. The management has always been cooperative with police, Carver said.

“When the officers are spot checking it, they’re finding fewer violations,” Carver said.

The most recent calls to Sutra included an alleged assault in June and a fight on the Fourth of July, Carver said.

Although bars are a target, the online system isn’t just for solving problems at drinking holes. Police said the system has also been put to work for issues like transient populations and traffic problems.