San Diego Police Department announces crackdown on violent crime, 'ghost guns' Spurring the changes in San Diego Police Department policy, according to SDPD officials, is a rash of violent crime. Author: City News Service Updated: 1:25 PM PDT July 14, 2021 SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — City officials in San Diego Wednesday announced a new slate of law enforcement strategies designed to curb a recent surge in local violent crime, and address a worrisome proliferation of unregistered "ghost guns." "Our city is experiencing an increase in violent crime -- specifically gun violence -- that has to be addressed," Mayor Todd Gloria said. "This plan is a commonsense approach to reduce crime and protect San Diegans in every neighborhood."