1997 Annual Report

Letter from Chief of Police

I am pleased to submit the annual report of the Lincoln Police Department for 1997. This report is a valuable resource for information about our activities from year to year. The past year was highlighted by a significant downturn in violent crime in Lincoln. Overall, serious violent crime fell by 7.3% and is now at its lowest level in a decade. While the work of the police department certainly contributed to this decrease (arrests for felonies were up by 10% in 1997), police work is only part of the solution. There can be no doubt that the vigilance of citizens, their decreasing tolerance for crime, and their increasing willingness to get involved to both prevent and respond to crime is a crucial factor in maintaining Lincoln's historically low crime rates.

It is important, however, to put the good news of declining violent crime in perspective. Despite these decreases, we have experienced steady growth in certain crimes such as auto theft, armed robbery and drug offenses. This was a record year for drug cases, and we continue to be very concerned about the prevalence of drugs in our community especially the explosive growth of methamphetamine as a drug of abuse. Moreover year-to-year changes in crime rates can sometimes conceal the long-term trend. One's risk of becoming the victim of a violent crime in Lincoln, in fact, has increased twelve-fold since I was in first grade!

During 1997, we continued a long-term program of adding police officers and civilian employees, setting a goal of 1.5 officers per 1,000 population. When the goal is achieved, we will still be well below the average of cities in our size range, which is 2.05 officers per 1,000. While this may take several years to accomplish, it is important for our police department to grow to a size more in keeping with our population. We have deeply appreciated the support of the Mayor, City Council, and taxpayers in this regard.

I am constantly impressed by the commitment and compassion of the women and men who serve as Lincoln police officers and employees. They set a high standard for their leaders through the example of their own work. On their behalf and my own, I pledge our continuing best efforts to provide qualilty police services that promote a safe and secure community.

Thomas K. Casady
Chief of Police