Street takeovers have been a growing issue in Compton for years. These events are planned and coordinated by participants and spectators using social media, cell phones, police scanners, and other electronic devices, enabling them to relocate quickly and evade law enforcement. Both participants and spectators contribute to creating a dangerous environment, not only during the stunts but also when fleeing upon the arrival of police.
Botts' Dots as a Deterrent
“Botts' Dots” are physical bumps in the road designed to prevent tires from spinning out and performing donuts. In the summer of 2022, the city of Compton installed Botts' Dots at high-risk intersections, including Santa Fe Avenue and Compton Boulevard, and Wilmington Avenue and Caldwell Street. Additional installations were planned for Long Beach Boulevard and Alondra Boulevard, as well as Wilmington Avenue and Stockwell Street.
While Botts' Dots were introduced to curb street racing and takeovers, they have had limited success.
LASD citations to combat street takeovers
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) has implemented administrative citations to combat street takeovers. These citations impose fines of $2,000 on individuals involved in such events, aiming to reduce the burden on the judicial system by avoiding misdemeanor prosecutions. Since April 2023, Compton has issued a total of $279,000 in fines through this approach.
Furthermore, the LASD has expanded its authority to impound vehicles associated with street takeovers. Between April and September 2023, approximately 450 vehicles were towed in Los Angeles County as part of this effort.
February 2024 Ordinance
In February 2024, the Compton City Council unanimously passed an ordinance to deter street takeovers. Key measures include:
Fines increased to a minimum of $5,000.
Vehicles involved in takeovers can be impounded.
Spectators knowingly present at illegal speed contests, sideshows, or reckless driving exhibitions face up to six months in jail or fines of up to $1,000.
Despite all these initiatives, street takeovers remain a persistent issue in Compton. In July 2024, multiple incidents occurred across South Los Angeles and Compton. A street takeover at Greenleaf Boulevard and Santa Fe Avenue resulted in a shooting that injured two people. One other takeover in South L.A. resulted in a sheared fire hydrant, creating hazardous conditions as cars skidded through water. In Compton, a California Highway Patrol officer crashed while responding to another takeover, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement.
Current State of Street Takeovers in Compton
Despite all these measures, illegal street takeovers persist in Compton. Authorities continue to explore and implement strategies to address the dangers associated with these illegal gatherings.
Moving Forward
Community Impact and Concerns
Street takeovers not only pose physical dangers but also
create noise pollution,
damage to public infrastructure, and
a general sense of insecurity among residents.
Local businesses often experience disruptions, particularly at intersections where these events occur, leading to financial losses.
Social Media's Role
Social media platforms remain central to organizing street takeovers, with events often livestreamed or shared for online clout. Despite law enforcement monitoring these channels, organizers continue to find ways to coordinate quickly and anonymously.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Several cities, including Compton, are exploring public awareness campaigns to educate youth and the community about the risks of street takeovers. These campaigns aim to emphasize not just legal penalties but also the life-threatening dangers for participants, spectators, and innocent bystanders.
Technological Solutions
To further combat the issue, some cities have started implementing automated license plate readers (ALPRs) at high-risk intersections. These devices assist in identifying and tracking vehicles involved in illegal activities, enabling law enforcement to take swifter action.
Collaboration with Neighboring Cities
Street takeovers are a regional problem, not just isolated to Compton. Greater collaboration with neighboring cities and law enforcement agencies, such as South Los Angeles and Long Beach, can help create a coordinated approach to tackling these events across jurisdictions.
As we approach the new year, it is essential to assess the progress made and reinforce efforts to address this issue. As of December 2024, Compton authorities continue to seek more effective strategies to combat this dangerous trend. By combining legislative action, community involvement, and technological solutions, authorities aim to address the root causes and reduce the frequency of these dangerous gatherings.
Residents are urged to report any suspicious activities related to street takeovers to the Compton Sheriff’s Station at 310-605-6500.
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