Tempe PD 2010 Annual Report Sets the Bar for 2011

Crime rates in Tempe for the 2010 have seen a significant decrease for the fourth consecutive year and residents are satisfied.

Every year, the Tempe Police Department submits an annual report summarizing primary goals and what has been done to complete them.  The report was released on Feb. 16 this year and sets the tone for what is expected in 2011.

The report is broken down into five strategic goals: fighting crime, providing quality services, providing a supportive environment for employees, promoting organizational development and communication and enhancing information technology.

“All of the goals are intertwined,” said Sgt. Steven Carbajal.  “Fighting crime, however, is the number one priority.  It seems so intuitive, but sometimes people can get so wrapped up in so many other goals or objectives.”

Overall crime in Tempe decreased by 14.9% for and by 5.9% for property crimes, as compared to 2009.  Such crimes include rape, robbery, assault, burglary and auto thefts.

“There’s not something we can specifically pinpoint the decrease in crime to, but we have worked very hard to arm our officers with the criminal intelligence needed to spend their time in the right places to prevent crime,” said Sgt. Carbajal.

According to Nikki Ripley, City Communications Director, the overall quality of city services was rated at 89%.  The quality of Police Services was highly rated; with 81% of respondents reporting feeling satisfied or very satisfied, based on the 2010 Community Survey for Tempe.

Tempe Police completed drug busts in the 2010 year known as “Operation Dark Carnival” and “Operation Crystal Dragon,” which lead to the discovery of a meth lab in north Tempe.  Through both operations, about $5.8 million was collected in methamphetamines and cocaine and $44 thousand in heroin.

“We hope to have more operations like this.  Our goal is to eradicate the sale of illegal drugs in our community,” said Sgt. Carbajal.  “Our philosophy is that if we can take out the sources of supply, you’re not getting that supply of drugs to the streets.  Not only are you eradicating the drugs, but you’re preventing the crimes.”

Tempe Police Department prides itself for its relationship with Tempe residents and even offers a program known as RAIDS Online.  RAIDS is a free online crime mapping website that residents can use to view and report crime in their neighborhoods.

“RAIDS is nice because you don’t need to jump through hoops to get information or get a public records request.  It’s transparency for our department, we want people to see what’s going on and it’s a partnership with the community for us,” said Sgt. Carbajal. 

In addition, the Crime and Intelligence Center (CIC) was completed in October and uses the latest technology.  The CIC will provide more efficiency to the department in 2011 because it allows officers to “connect the dots” and catch a crime trend early and put an end to it.

The report also covered budget reductions made in 2010 because of the current economic situation of the U.S., which forced the department to restructure. 

“The primary goal for us was not to lose first responders– patrol officers and supervising front-line sergeants who first respond to 9-1-1 calls,” said Molly Enright, the Public Information Officer for Tempe. 

As for the 2011 year, crime is unpredictable and although members of Tempe police have fulfilled many objectives in the 2010-year, it is difficult to predict what kind of crime 2011 will hold.

“Increases and decreases in crime are attributable to many causes, including sociological, economic and highly individual factors, among others.  Clearly, we plan and work hard to target our resources to achieve the best effect in fighting – and preventing – crime for 2011,” Enright said.

To view the Tempe Police Department‘s 2010 Annual Report or for more information regarding the department, please visit http://www.tempe.gov/police/.

Guest article contributed by Taylor Maguire, Student
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication

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