Angel Stadium of Anaheim (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here in Orange County, nothing beats taking in an Angel or Ducks game at Angel Stadium or the Honda Center. However, just a short distance away at Dodger Stadium concern over fan violence as risen. Luckily, police statistics show extremely low levels of crime at either Angel Stafium or the Honda Center. According to Sgt. Jerry Blair, who oversees stadium security for the Anaheim police Department, the stadiums are “really, really safe. I think you’re hard-pressed to find a safer venue.”

The proof is in the numbers. According to police reports, between 2007 and 2011, 91 simple assaults were reported at Angels games. That is less than one in every three home games. Further, beetween 2007 and 2011, 41 people were arrested for public drunkenness at Angels gmaes. That is roughly one person every 10 home games. At the Honda Center, between 2007 and 2011, police made 42 drunk- in- public arrests. That is roughly one person every 19 home games.

An exterior view of Honda Center before a playoff game. Anaheim, CA, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Anaheim police believe the stadiums are exceptionally safe for three reasons: (1) On-Duty officers, (2) lack of high profile incidents, and (3) respective fans. Unlike other stadiums, the officers at Angel Stadium and Honda Center are on-duty which means they file police reports like any other officer would. In stadiums across the country, off-duty officers patrol during games. Off duty officers handle incidents on their own without calling in an on-duty officer. Second, there has not been a high profile incident at either Orange County stadium. Unlike Dodger Stadium, whose image has forever been tarnished by the fan beating that took place last year, our venues have never been exposed to that. By maintaining a good image, police believe the stadiums are actually safer. Lastly, fans in Orange County are more respectful.

Last month a group of Southern California teams compiled a fan code of conduct which was meant to “foster a comfortable and safe atmosphere.” Further, a new law requires stadiums to post numbers that fans can text or call to contact stadium security if they witness an incident of fan violence.