Dalton Posts Significant Reduction in Crime for 2006

2006 marked a good year for the citizens of Dalton and for the Police Department.  A tabulation of the crime statistics for 2006 showed a significant reduction in both crimes against persons and crimes against property even though the national crime rate had risen slightly during the same time period.  These 8 crimes are reported to the FBI as Index Crimes as part of the agencies Uniform Crime Report (UCR).

The 4 crimes against persons include Homicide, Rape, Robbery, and Aggravated Assault.  The police department reported a 28% decrease in these 4 crimes.  The 4 crimes against property include Burglary, Larceny (Theft), Motor Vehicle Theft, and Arson.  There was a 32% decrease among these 4 crimes. 

It is important to point out that of the 8 crimes that make up the Index Crimes, approximately 90% come from crimes against property.  Another consideration is that of the crimes against persons, the vast majority involve individuals that know each other.  It is rare to see a crime of Homicide, Rape, Robbery, or Aggravated Assault between strangers.  In many of these cases there is a history of prior confrontations that lead up to one of these major crimes.

One of the most notable reductions was with burglaries.  In 2005, the city had 322 burglaries.  By the end of 2006, that number had been reduced to 216 representing a 33% decrease.  The department had seen a surge of burglaries, particularly for residences, in 2005.  In light of this increase, the department began a comprehensive strategy to address this increase. First, a greater emphasis on the patrol officer to conduct basic investigations at the scene.  Second, obtaining information from our crime analyst in identifying crime "hot spots". And third, increased use of "field interview reports" by patrol units.

One other area the department addressed is increased education of the public on crime prevention techniques.  With non-forced burglaries, just locking your doors and windows would have prevented many of these burglaries.  Through educational campaigns, residents were informed and responded by better securing their homes.

According to Officer Chris McDonald, the department's crime prevention officer, "Part of the department's vision is to form co-active partnerships with our citizens.  Educating the public through our website, our blog, and personal contacts form valuable partnerships and act as a force multiplier to address these crime issues".

In addition, 2006 saw an increase in DUI and Drug arrests showing that officers are focusing in on these crimes as well.

The department's goal for 2007 is to reduce crime an additional 5%.