 | Steve Jensen
Chief of Police |
|
The 2009 Lynnwood
Police Department annual report
presents an overview of the major
functions of the police department
and representative accomplishments
during the past year. 2009 was a
particularly challenging year for
the police department. The economic
chaos affecting the country impacted
Lynnwood as well. We were tasked
with implementing significant
budgetary reductions that resulted
in the revision of sentencing
standards used by our Municipal
Court and the enhancement of
incarceration alternatives such as
home detention and community
service. Additionally, we reduced
expenditure in contractual services,
overtime, travel and any
discretionary expenses.
Despite budgetary
difficulties we achieved a 3%
reduction in F.B.I. Part I crimes.
This follows a dramatic reduction of
19% in 2008 and continues a trend of
reductions of all but two of the
last fourteen years. The 2009 crime
in Lynnwood is fully set forth on
page four of this report.
All units of the
Department were very productive in
2009. Patrol Division remains active
and increased arrests in all
categories by 7% and narcotics
arrests by 15%. Response times to
priority one and priority two calls
were reduced. Traffic Section is
very active showing a marked
increase in productivity in 2009.
Special Operations Section has
successfully addressed serious crime
problems in our community and has
assisted other operational units
within the Department.
Our detectives
continued to set the standard for
the successful investigation of
criminal offenses in 2009. Our
clearance rates remain significantly
above those of our comparable
jurisdictions. Criminal activity is
taken very seriously in Lynnwood and
all cases with leads are diligently
pursued.
The custody staff
has been under immense pressure in
2009. The emphasis has been in the
reduction of incarceration costs,
maximization of our own jail
facility for sentenced prisoners and
the management of alternatives to
incarceration. The Jail Commander
has met these challenges while
maintaining morale, esprit de corps
and a positive atmosphere in a very
demanding profession. Our clerical
staff continued to provide extensive
and exemplary service to the public
in the light of ever increasing
demands from both the public we
serve as well as our internal
customers. They have been severely
challenged by the demands of freedom
of information requests that have
escalated significantly.
Crime prevention
efforts are a hallmark of the police
department. We rely heavily on
volunteer efforts to enhance our
service levels to the community and
they are a significant contributor
to public safety. In 2009 volunteers
contributed the equivalent of 10
full time employees. In addition to
serving our citizens, our volunteers
also assist police officers in the
field and their efforts result in a
much more effective patrol division
and traffic section.
2009 was a very
difficult year economically and
followed 2008 which was a challenge
as well. Despite budgetary
constraints 2009 was a year to be
proud of for the Lynnwood Police
Department. Employees put forth a
level of dedication, efficiency and
effectiveness in the performance of
their duties that reflect the true
spirit of community service.
I hope that you
enjoy reviewing our annual report
and the accomplishments of the very
fine men and women of the Lynnwood
Police Department.
Chief Steven J. Jensen
Lynnwood Chief of Police
|
