From the Chief’s Desk
The past year has seen many changes within the department as well as several accomplishments. All new body worn cameras and in-car cameras were purchased to replace the aging existing cameras. The Flock License Plate Reader Camera system was finalized with the placement of over 50 cameras in high traffic areas of the City. The cameras have proven to be instrumental in helping to solve crimes and recover stolen property. The department initiated the accreditation process for the communications unit. Over the next four years we will be working to meet the national standards set forth by the Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation for agencies with dispatching services. The Emergency Operations Center and the Journagan Family Community Room were updated with new technology using American Recovery Plan Act funding to connect those two rooms and increase functionality for major events, training and meetings. The facility benefited from the upgrade to the building access and security. The department received the previously ordered new Armored Rescue Vehicle to be used by the tactical team.
Three new Sergeants were promoted this past year, and 12 new officers were hired. The Department’s Wellness Committee was reestablished to coordinate the mental and physical health initiatives for all our employees. While many of the changes or improvements were internal, all lead to improving employee performance and ultimately our service to the community. We continue to offer our popular outreach programs such as the Citizen’s Police Academies, National Night Out, Life Sports, Girls on Fire and Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) training.
The year 2023 has been overall a positive year for the department and community. We continue to face staffing challenges but remain focused on recruitment and retention. Our team members continue to work to achieve our goals of community safety and law enforcement as is reflected in the data in this annual report.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
