2014 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT FRIENDSWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT

Transcription

1 2014 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT FRIENDSWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT

2 CONTENTS Background... 2 Overview... 3 Notable Findings... 3 Crime Statistics... 3 Crime Rate... 4 Violent Crime... 5 Property Crime... 5 Part II Crimes... 6 Arrests... 6 Calls for Service/Response Times... 8 Traffic Data... 9 Crashes... 9 Driving While Intoxicated Special Services Animal Control Crime Prevention Police K Public Information Law Enforcement Partnerships School Resource Officer Program/Drug Abuse Resistance Education School Crossing Guards Police Chaplain Program High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF) Grant Activity Victim of Crime Act Formula Grant Program Federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program Federal Urban Area Security Initiative Program Federal Future Challenges and Opportunities

3 2014 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT FRIENDSWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT BACKGROUND Each calendar year, the Friendswood Police Department reports crime statistics to the FBI through the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. After federal review, these statistics become official and they are useful in tracking year-to-year incidents and trends. There are a variety of crimes that occur in the community; however, the FBI uses an index of eight crimes that are tracked and used as an indicator of the general crime picture in the community. This methodology allows for the analysis of crime data between communities and regions. Friendswood is a safe place to live and work. The Friendswood Police Department continues to make significant strides toward crime control, traffic safety, reducing emergency response times and enhancing the profession of law enforcement. The Uniform Crime Report index crime rate decreased during 2014 from 2013, making Friendswood one of the safest cities in Texas. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in property crime, which decreased 18 percent from City Population Total Offenses Crime Rate/1,000 residents Friendswood 37, West University Place 15, Missouri City 69,487 1, La Porte 34, Sugar Land 83,460 1, Pearland 98,183 2, League City 89,596 2, Lake Jackson 27, Deer Park 33, Alvin 25, Dickinson 19, Pasadena 153,195 6, Texas City 45,793 1, Galveston 48,067 2, Houston 2,180, , Webster 11, La Marque 14,976 1, Source: Texas Department of Public Safety. "The Texas Crime Report for 2013." pages/crimestatistics.htm CRIME RATE FALLS BY 16% IN 2014 COMPARED TO 2013 The significant decrease in Part 1 Crimes is an outstanding achievement, but, more importantly, the five-year trend of a stable crime rate is especially noteworthy. 2

4 OVERVIEW This document contains UCR crime data for the calendar year 2014 (January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014). The report is organized by crime category (violent and property) and by type of crime within each category. The report contains analysis of current trends and identifies challenges for the future. Notable Findings Friendswood s 21 incidents of violent crime represent a marked increase as compared with This increase is due to the number of reported sexual assaults 2 in 2013, compared to 10 in In 9 of these cases, the suspect was a family member or known to the victim. Friendswood s 342 incidents of property crime represent an 18 percent decrease as compared with Friendswood has not experienced any homicides since Friendswood s number of traffic accidents remain constant 497 in 2013 and 496 in Historical Data Population 9,000 20,157 29,053 36,823 39,200 No. Sworn Officers Officers/1,000 residents Crimes/1,000 residents Total UCR Part 1 Crimes CRIME STATISTICS The FBI identifies eight Part 1 Index Crimes, based on the seriousness and frequency of occurrence. Each crime is defined and grouped into two categories crimes against persons and crimes against property. Crimes Against Persons Murder Sexual Assault Robbery Aggravated Assault Crimes Against Property Burglary Theft Motor Vehicle Theft Arson 3

5 Crime Rate The crime rate is calculated by adding up the total Part 1 UCR crimes of a city, dividing the sum by the total population and then multiplying by 1,000. The crime rate reflects the rate of crime as it impacts fixed population and does not consider the many visitors that come into the city to work, recreate or visit Friendswood relatives. Crime Rate per 1,000 residents *Crime rate based on City population estimate Part 1 Crimes Murder Sexual Assault Robbery Aggravated Assault Burglary Theft Motor Vehicle Theft Arson Total Index Crime In 2014, the number of all Part 1 UCR crimes for Friendswood was 363. This represents a 16 percent decrease in incidents as compared with 2013 (430). 4

6 Violent Crime Violent Crime Murder Sexual Assault Robbery Aggravated Assault There were 10 reported victims of sexual assault in Friendswood during 2014, up from 2 in 2013.The relationship between the victim and the suspect was established in all 10 cases. Of these, the victim knew the suspect as a family member, partner, ex-partner, from a brief encounter, or otherwise as a non-stranger in 90 percent of the incidents. Seven of these cases involved children. Property Crime Property Crime Burglary Theft Motor Vehicle Theft Arson Property crimes continue to be the primary challenge, with most of the crime occurring in residential areas. There were 70 reported burglaries in 2014, down from 89 in There were 249 reported thefts in 2014, down from 311 in Ninety of the reported thefts were thefts from vehicles (also called vehicle burglary). There were 20 reports of auto theft, up from 18 in Of the 20 vehicles listed as stolen, 4 were actual recoveries of stolen vehicles taken from other cities. In these cases, officers on patrol identified the vehicles as stolen. Three vehicles that were stolen in the City of Friendswood have not been recovered. 5

7 Part II Crimes Part II offenses encompass all other criminal offenses and include lesser offenses such as simple assault, fraud, forgery, vandalism, drug offenses and alcohol offenses. These types of crimes represent the vast majority of work of the Department. The City experienced a 3 percent increase in the number of Part II crimes. Part 2 Crimes Criminal Mischief/Vandalism Driving Under the Influence Drugs/Narcotics Forgery/Counterfeit Fraud Liquor Law Violations Runaway Sex Offenses Simple Assault Weapons Violations Other Offenses Total Part 2 Crimes Of particular note in Part II crimes is the increase in forgery and fraud-related offenses. Fraud-related crimes continue to increase primarily due to opportunities created by the Internet. ARRESTS Total arrests remained constant, with a decrease of 5 arrests 1601 in 2013 compared to 1596 in Juvenile arrests were down by 23 percent in in 2013 compared to 24 in Arrest Data Adults Juveniles 6

8 An analysis of arrest figures indicates that 71 percent of the arrest activity undertaken by the Police Department involves persons who did not reside within the city. This statistic highlights major areas of concern for the community: organized criminal activity in the region, the number of repeat offenders being released from prison, an increase in population/mobility through the city and finally, the large amount of illegal drug-related activity in the greater Houston area. Texas City 3% Pearland Pasadena 6% 3% League City 6% Other 17% Arrests by Residency Webster 5% Houston 18% Alvin 10% Dickinson 3% Friendswood 29% The extent of spillover crime depends on the ease that criminals can move from one community to another. Friendswood borders Pearland, League City, Houston and Alvin. Criminals maximize their opportunity by choosing to commit crimes in areas with the highest expected net payoff per crime given their mode of travel. Jurisdictional boundaries are usually not a factor. In fact, criminal episodes of burglary and theft frequently cross jurisdictional boundaries. Approximately 1 out of 5 arrests (22 percent) were for narcotic-related offenses. After a noteworthy decline in narcotic arrests in 2013, narcotic arrests increased 15 percent in Drug Arrests

9 The most commonly confiscated substances were marijuana and methamphetamine. Drug seizure information is reported monthly to the Texas Department of Public Safety, in compliance with the Health & Safety Code, Sec The following chart displays the class/type of drugs seized. Seized Drug Types Heroin 2% Hashish Cocaine 2% 3% Crack Cocaine 2% Other 1% Synthetic Narcotics 2% Tranquilizers 13% Marijuana 44% Barbiturates 3% Amphetamines 4% Methamphetamines 14% Marijuana-Plants <1% Opium 2% Codeine 4% Other Designer Drugs 1% LSD <1% According to data published by Federal authorities, methamphetamine is considered the number one drug threat in the Houston area. As this drug becomes more prevalent and addicts commit crime to support their habits, its impact will affect a greater number of average citizens. CALLS FOR SERVICE/RESPONSE TIMES Calls for service include those calls where a person telephoned police to request an officer s response. Officer-initiated calls are not included. In 2014, there were 13,723 calls for police service, a decrease of 4 percent from Priority 1 calls are defined as those requiring an immediate response and presence of law enforcement to protect individuals from injury, life-threatening, or other emergency situations. Priority 2 calls are events reported within about 15 minutes of an occurrence and there are no indicators of risk or threat associated with Priority 1 calls. Examples of Priority 2 calls are thefts and accidents involving damage only. Priority 3 calls are events that require an officer to respond where the situation will not deteriorate if the assigned officer is not immediately available. Examples of Priority 3 calls are vehicle unlocks and reports of criminal mischief that occurred earlier. 8

10 Response Times :11 4:34 4:09 4:44 4:12 8:45 8:46 8:41 9:00 8:28 12:12 11:41 12:02 11:35 12:38 Priority 3 Priority 2 Priority 1 0:00 2:24 4:48 7:12 9:36 12:00 14:24 TRAFFIC DATA In 2014, officers issued citations for 6,853 infractions. The overwhelming majority were issued for unsafe driving. Examples of this are speeding, failure to yield right of way and failing to stop for traffic control devices. High visibility enforcement measures help to reduce crime due to increased officer visibility that traffic stops generate. Criminals who regularly see officers in a particular area will avoid that area when shopping for a location to victimize citizens. Residential traffic enforcement efforts remain a priority. The Police Department has succeeded in gaining very high percentages of compliance in a number of subdivisions. A sustained enforcement program is essential in residential areas as motorists have a tendency to revert to old habits if not monitored. The most common complaint received from residents involves traffic issues such as speeding, reckless driving and crashes. The total number of accidents remains constant 497 in 2013 and 496 in Crashes Accident Data Fatalities Injury Accidents Non-injury Accidents Total Accidents There was one fatal crash on a Friendswood roadway in A 16-year old Friendswood High School student was involved in a single-vehicle crash in the 3000 block of FM 528 (W. Parkwood Avenue) on February 25, No other vehicles and no adverse roadway conditions existed that contributed to the accident. 9

11 Accidents by Roadway FM % Other 31% FM % FM % The most frequent crash locations are on the three farm-to-market roadways, accounting for 69 percent of the reported crashes. Targeted enforcement has been employed on these roadways based on the frequency of crashes. The Department will continue to take proactive measures in order to improve safety on all city roadways. Driving While Intoxicated The Police Department works diligently to enforce the DWI laws and remove impaired drivers from our roadways. Through DWI education and enforcement, the roadways can be made safer. The Department has seen a steady decrease in the number of DWI arrests. Mass media campaigns through television, radio and local newspapers have helped to effectively persuade individuals to take personal steps to avoid drinking and driving or try to prevent others from drinking and driving. DWI Arrests

12 SPECIAL SERVICES Animal Control Friendswood Animal Control achieved a 90 percent live release rate. Of the 886 animals impounded in 2014, 90 percent were adopted, turned over to rescue organizations or returned to owners. This number does not include wildlife or animals that died due to sickness or medical condition. Animal Control Division Officers enforce Friendswood nuisance and animal ordinances. A Shelter Manager directs volunteer activity. Volunteers provide the division with support and assist the shelter s staff with a variety of tasks, including facility maintenance, animal care and animal adoption. In 2014, Animal Control calls for service were down 24 percent in 2013 compared to 1443 in Animal Control Calls for Service Crime Prevention The crime prevention program addresses quality of life issues and offers numerous community safety programs to the citizens of Friendswood. Programs sponsored by the crime prevention office include: home inspections, Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program, child safety seat inspections, internet safety, defensive driving for students, senior programs, neighborhood crime prevention/safety programs, National Night Out, problem-oriented policing (POP) patrols, the speed radar trailer and the National Prescription Drug Take Back events. The crime prevention officer conducted three RAD for Women classes, instructing 50 women and three RAD for Kids classes, instructing 38 children. A new partnership with Texas Safe Riders program has facilitated the donation of 14 child restraint seats to families in the community, along with the training to install the seats. Police K-9 The Friendswood Police Department has two dual purpose police K-9s. K-9 Ajay, a male German shepherd, is a dual purpose narcotics detection and patrol K-9. His service began in 2012 and his handler is Officer Brandon Blair. Ajay s capabilities include: narcotic detection, criminal apprehension, tracking with article detection, open area and building searches for suspects, area article searches, officer and handler protection and search for missing persons. 11

13 Yoery, a male Belgian Malinois, is a dual purpose explosives detection and patrol K-9. His service began in 2013 and his handler is Officer Carlos Granillo. Yoery s capabilities include: explosive detection, criminal apprehension, tracking with article detection, open area and building searches for suspects, area article searches, officer and handler protection, and search for missing persons. In November 2014, the Friendswood Police Department hosted a Police K-9 seminar. Law enforcement K-9 teams received police handler training which included narcotics detection, explosive detection, obedience, tracking, building, area and article searches, aggression control and agility. Public Information A large portion of a successful crime prevention program is communication. For several years, the Department has shared breaking information and crime bulletins with anyone who signs up to receive them. The public expects clear and consistent lines of communication. The Police Department has the ability to instantly send out notifications when emergencies or other situations arise. Currently, there are 7,179 subscribers who receive special alerts, bulletins and news releases issued by the Friendswood Police Department via Mail Logic, the City s distribution system. LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIPS School Resource Officer Program/Drug Abuse Resistance Education The Friendswood Police Department, along with the Friendswood Independent School District, continues a strategic partnership in the community, placing an emphasis on providing a safe and healthy environment for school-aged children to thrive. This partnership includes the School Resource Officer Program and the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. Both programs provide high quality police services in order to improve the quality of life for students and faculty of the schools in Friendswood. These officers develop relationships with the children while working together with the school district to identify and resolve issues affecting public safety in our schools and community. Monthly school safety meetings are used to discuss school issues, emergency management, public safety needs, as well as other, student safety topics. School Crossing Guards Many of our school children are able to get to school safely each day because of school crossing guards. This program is a cooperative effort with the Friendswood Police Department, Friendswood ISD and Clear Creek ISD. This program is an important part of the Police Department s overall strategy of maintaining high visibility in the community. The commute to school was made a little more difficult for students and parents attending Wedgewood Elementary this year due to a grant-funded expansion of Friendswood Link Road. This construction is projected for completion in the Fall of Police Chaplain Program The Police Chaplain program has created a partnership with faith-based leaders in the community who respond and assist police officers in critical incidents. This partnership provides a better quality of service to the citizens. The goal is to have the police and clergy work together during times of crisis or incidents, providing comprehensive response to those in need. Chaplains perform tasks of a more 12

14 emotional, social or spiritual nature, while Officers handle tasks that are of a law enforcement nature. Police Chaplains also provide support for Police Officers. They are there to provide appropriate assistance, advice, comfort, counsel and referrals to those in need who may request support. Currently, the department has five trained police chaplains. High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force The Department has a police officer assigned to the Houston HIDTA task force. This task force is focused on targeting illegal narcotics trafficking operations with the goal of limiting the illegal distribution of prescription drugs. The Office of National Drug Control Policy provides funding. Participation in the unit provides training, intelligence and investigative support. Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF) The purpose of this partnership is to provide comprehensive investigative support to member departments of the task force. Participation provides Federal funding, investigative manpower, crime lab support and legal advice. GRANT ACTIVITY Victim of Crime Act Formula Grant Program Federal This grant is an 80 percent reimbursement grant that funds the salary of a full-time crime victim liaison. Victims of crime receive many services through the program, including crisis counseling, advocacy, information and referral. A new crime victim liaison joined the department in December Gina Mendez has more than 20 years of crime victim liaison experience and brings a wealth of knowledge, support and networking contacts to provide crime victims with everything they need to effectively deal with the trauma of victimization. Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program Federal This grant provided 100 percent of the funds necessary to install a digital audio/video recording and management system for suspect and witness interviews. The system provides superior quality recordings which can be used as evidence in a courtroom. Urban Area Security Initiative Program Federal This grant was used to purchase and install three public safety dispatch radio consoles. The project was completed in August 2014 and provides the Department with state-of-the-art digital radio consoles to communicate with police officers and other emergency responders. 13

15 FUTURE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES The year 2014 held many challenges that law enforcement had to deal with to move forward and adapt to changing times. Friendswood is one of several fast growing cities in Galveston and Harris County. Like most suburban cities, Friendswood can be economically and socially harmed by organized criminal activity, drugs, domestic violence and repeat offenders. The major challenges anticipated for 2015 are: Organized criminal activity in the region and controlling the number of incidents relating to crime by those targeting residential and businesses in the community. Combatting the influx illegal drug activity, to include the illegal use of prescription pills in the greater Houston area. Emotionally disturbed persons and responding effectively and appropriately to the needs of people with mental health disorders. Repeat and serial offenders and identifying the relatively small number of individuals committing the majority of crime in the community. Enhancing the crime fighting tools, keeping up with staffing needs and developing communityrelated crime prevention strategies to marginalize the perception of crime and the fear of crime and its effects on the quality of life in Friendswood Addressing these challenges will ensure that the Department can meet the demands and expectations of a growing, diverse and dynamic community, now and in the future. The Department remains committed to achieving the highest level of organizational excellence using an intelligencedriven policing strategy that is multi-jurisdictional, threat/problem driven and based on analysis of problem-oriented, program effectiveness and reengagement based on lessons learned. This is achieved by focusing on (a) criminal enterprises and organized criminal activity; (b) commodity flow; trafficking and transshipment of illegal drugs; (c) identification of low-level and mid-level drug dealers and neutralizing problem houses in city subdivisions. Drug interdiction and deterring serious crime driven operations will be achieved by using resources attained from partnerships with the Houston High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), FBI Safe Streets Task Force and collaboration with adjacent agencies. 14