Annapolis Capital Punishment

The Annapolis Police Department is releasing the Crime Statistics for the period of January 1st, 2008, through June 30th, 2008. As compared to the same time period of 2007, the number of violent crimes is lower in 2008. Total reported Violent crimes for the period in 2007 were 231, while there were 190 in 2008, a reduction of 17.75%.  Shootings are down 25% from 15 to 12. While both years saw 6 Homicides, in 2008 we had the happenstance of five within the first three months of the year, but, only one in the next three months, and none since May. Robberies are down from 101 in 2007 to 79 in 2008, and Aggravated Assaults are down from 123 in 2007 to 100 in 2008. The statistics are part of those compiled during the course of our participation in the Uniform Crime Reporting System as reported to the FBI.

Even more significant is that the reductions seem to be at an accelerated pace since April of 2008 - perhaps not coincidentally when  a number of tactical and strategic changes were implemented.  For example, violent crime dropped from 137 to 88 ( -35.77%) when comparing the second quarters of 2008 to 2007. Robberies dropped from  55 to 35, and Aggravated Assaults from 77 to 50.

This success is attributable to many factors, not the least of which are new initiatives brought about by leadership and carried out by the fine officers of the Annapolis Police Department. It is important to note that none of the initiatives would work without the full support of the officers on the street, which has been outstanding.

The new strategies include:
*Senior Commanders assigned to street duty during periods of peak criminal activity.
*Emphasis of intelligence gathering and targeting of the most frequent and likely offenders.
*Creation of a street enforcement unit, combining K-9, Drug Enforcement, Intelligence, Traffic and foot    patrol teams with senior, direct supervision.
*More efficient use of the overlap hours of 10 PM to 2 AM, when two shifts are on - duty.
*Supplementing of Downtown Foot Patrol with officers assigned to administrative duties
*Increased use of technology such as roll call briefings backed up by video of wanted persons or known    criminals.
*Increased emphasis on the serving of existing warrants.

Through the reduction in violent crime, it is clear that these and many other things are making it much more difficult for the criminals. Another key factor is the increased cooperation from the public, as demonstrated by more and more calls and tips from the citizens concerning criminal activity. The police and public each energize the other, and results by one serve to encourage more effort by the other.

We hope to continue this very positive trend for the remainder of this year and beyond.