Since January, the combined efforts of the community and the Irving Police Department have resulted in a 10 percent decrease in crime. This is in addition to the 7.1 percent decrease in crime in 2007, the lowest overall crime rate per capita in recorded history.
Offenses that have experienced the greatest decrease are as follows:
- Sexual Assault – 30 percent
- Vehicle Theft – 20 percent
- Homicide – 14 percent
- Theft – 12 percent
The problem-solving team and the positioning of Code Enforcement under the Police Department have significantly contributed to these results.
Problem-Solving Team
The problem-solving team—a specialized team consisting of three police officers and a sergeant—guides police efforts and works with other city departments to address areas with recurring crime and disorder problems. One of the areas the team has focused on has been Tudor Lane. To date, the team has made 109 arrests, closed nine substandard properties and reduced crime in the area by 70 percent.
Police and Code Working Together
Collaboration between the Police Department and Code Enforcement has allowed the city to combine efforts and maximize results. Since implementing this change last October, 18 substandard properties have been closed and more than 11,000 code violations have been resolved. When substandard apartments are closed, funding for resident relocation comes from fines and civil penalties collected from delinquent property owners.
Programs That Get Results
The Police Department coordinates several other programs and initiatives to ensure a safe community.
Some of these include:
- Disorder Operations
- Crime Free Multi-Housing Program
- ICOP Volunteers
- Skywatch Towers
- 24/7 Criminal Alien Program
Work Session, item two | View presentation | Sept. 19 press release | Irving in Focus: Crime Rate DecreaseUpdated Oct. 08