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Message From The Chief
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Statistically, we are seeing the beginning evidence of increases in crime for the first time in a long time. We have had double digit reductions in the past, and our trends over the past 5 years have seen significant reductions in Forcible Rape and Motor Vehicle thefts, with moderate decreases in burglary. Overall, we have achieved an 8% decrease in Violent crime and a 6% decrease in Property Crime. We are however, witnessing moderate (10%) increases in Theft over the past 5 years.
Presently, those double digit reductions are trending to single digit reductions and in some cases increases, especially in the areas of property crimes. Sign of the times and economy, perhaps more than likely, for certain are to continue. We have seen our arrest rates climb, almost 19% for adults this year. Our Clearance rates remain very respectful and in most cases amazing. A direct relationship to how we respond to crime and calls for service, from dispatch to first response, to crime scene investigation to processing evidence, to developing suspects, to testifying in Court. As things continue to change in our community, we will continue to be challenged. I anticipate the department will be as efficient and successful in the future as we have been in the past.
As an Organization, our own changes are equally evident. Transitioning into the new uniforms, the creation of our 4th District, to include a renumbering of our Stations, the continued evolution of our Records Managemetn System, and the impending opening of our new Property/Evidence Crime Lab building and new D1 Station.
Another major accomplishment this year was fully staffing our sworn ranks with the right number of Patrol Officers, based on actual workload numbers. The process involved recruitment, testing, interviewing, training and conducting background investigations.
A total of 324,990 calls were dialed in the Communication Center in 2008. 203,720 were calls for service of which 101, 115 were received on our 9-1-1 Emergency lines. This resulted in 203,720 Calls for Service, from which officers generated 36,246 department reports.
The future holds some great promise as well. We are building the new facilities I mentioned earlier. Additionally, the Council approved $13 Million to being the design and building of our much anticipated Microwave Radio System. The towers will give us better coverage in areas of the City where improvements are very much needed.
Work on our Museum is moving forward. The goal is to celebrate our past and provide an understanding about Public Safety for our community. The goal is to celebrate our past and provide an understanding about Public Safety for our community. Hopefully, one day, school age children will arrive by bus loads to hear about our history, gain an understanding about their community, and then receive a lecture in the Community Room safety in the neighborhood.
We look forward to continuing our goals to prevent crime and disorder, respond promptly to calls for service, enhance traffic safety, develop safer neighborhoods through community partnerships, and maintain the high quality of our police service to the community.
I appreciate this opportunity to thank the citizens for helping us make Scottsdale a safe and thriving community.
Sincerely, 
