1997 Annual Report
Introduction
This year marked the fourth consecutive year in which Part I or serious
crimes declined. A 12.8% decrease in 1997 was preceded by an 8.6% decrease in 1996, a 9.2%
drop in 1995 and an 18.4% reduction in 1994. The 6,432 Part I crimes in 1997 are the
fewest reported in the last 30 years. In 1967, there were 6,367 Part I crimes recorded.
The Department’s 1997 suppression goals played an important role
in crime reduction. The four goals were: robbery suppression with an emphasis on
commercial and street robberies; narcotics suppression with an emphasis on the downtown
Special Policing District and the Pico Neighborhood; suppression of gang/group criminal
activity and related quality of life issues; and DUI/traffic enforcement in high accident
locations.
It appears the focus on these crimes produced results. Robberies fell
10%, and narcotics arrests declined 31% and citizen-initiated narcotics-related calls for
service dropped 14%. Incidents of gang-related vandalism rose from four in 1996 to 19 last
year, yet gang-related calls for service decreased by 5% from 492 in 1996 to 461 in 1997.
Traffic collisions increased a slight .8% compared to last year. However, the aggregate
number of collisions at the 13 highest accident intersections fell 25% from 272 to 205
last year. Total driving under the influence (DUI) arrests declined 7% from the prior
year.
Emergency preparedness is a vitally important element of City planning.
This year, with predictions of severe winter storms nicknamed "El Nino,"
emergency preparedness staff determined that extensive training for Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) personnel was needed. In November and December, all police staff members who
could be assigned to the EOC attended day-long training courses which identified
procedures and responsibilities to ensure continued effective management.
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01/26/2008 |
