November 2002
Crime Stats
Chief Kim C. Dine of the Frederick Police Department today released the Uniform Crime Statistics for the first three quarters of 2002: reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation via the Maryland State Police, these represent the number of “index” or serious crimes reported to the Frederick Police Department from January 1, 2002 through September 30, 2002.
During the first nine months of 2002, crimes against persons dramatically decreased by 14 percent, crimes against property declined by five percent, while the aggregate decreased by seven percent.*
Two murders occurred in Frederick City during the first three quarters of 2002. Both were the result of domestic murder suicides.
Crimes included in the rape category increased by four events during the first nine months of 2002 as compared with the first nine months of 2001. During the third quarter of 2002, nine rapes were reported. Of that number, five have been closed either by arrest, by being unfounded, or by exceptional clearance. Of the four remaining, two are unverified while two remain under active investigation. (The public should be cognizant that the Uniform Crime Statistics rape category not only includes rape by force, but also those events interpreted as attempted rapes, and assaults with intent to rape.)
The general downward trend in the residential burglary rate continued throughout the first nine months of 2002, declining by 14 percent when compared with the residential burglary rate of the first nine months of 2001.
Conversely, the rise in the number of non-residential burglaries can partially be attributed to a string of smash and grab events during April 2002 that targeted restaurants and small retail businesses. With the apprehension of three suspects, these events ceased. For the first three quarters of 2002, non-residential burglary showed a 17 percent increase over 2001’s first three quarters.
Both aggravated assault, down 19 percent, and vehicle theft, down 12 percent, showed dramatic declines during 2002’s first nine months.
The Department continues to encourage Frederick citizens to secure their property and belongings, lock and secure vehicles and bicycles, and promptly report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
The Frederick Police Academy successfully completed the Maryland Police Training Commission’s audit of the Department’s training programs and teaching facilities.
The Maryland Police Training Commission (M.P.T.C.), a statewide agency responsible for regulation of police training throughout the stat, requires each academy to comply with 509 diverse training objectives before recruits are allowed to graduate and become police officers. The objectives, which must be taught by certified police instructors, cover topics from firearms to criminal law, emergency driving to victim services and accident investigation to community policing.
The M.P.T.C. routine audit, which is conducted every two years, revealed that the Frederick Police Academy was, “without exception,” in compliance with ALL required training standards and objectives.
The Frederick Police Academy, which has been certified by the M.P.T.C. since 1968, is currently conducting it’s 45th Student Officer Training Class. The Academy staff also conducts annual in-service training for all officers and civilian personnel, as well as the Citizen’s Police Academy. The Academy’s full-time staff includes Sgt. Kevin Grubb, Cpl. Jason Keckler and OFC Ronald Figgers.
On December 10th, several members of the Frederick Police Department as well as allied agencies and several companies will receive the Governor’s Award for Crime Prevention, for their efforts in helping to reduce crime within the City of Frederick.
There will be seven awards presented for a number of programs to include, the Pole Mounted Video system, the Cell Phone for Seniors program, the Law Enforcement Explorer program and Law Enforcement Awards.
Governor Thomas Johnson High School
The Frederick Police Department, Community Services Division recently conducted a Community Oriented Problem Solving (COPS) case dealing with concerns of residents around T.J. High School. A survey was sent to the residents asking for their input on the perceived problems and several recommendations were presented to try and solve the issues.
On November 14, 2002 at 6:30 P.M., there will be a meeting of the residents, the Board of Education and the Frederick Police Department to discuss the issues and proposed recommendations. It is our hope that the cooperative effort between the community and the school can be worked out to resolve the concerns of the community.
The next Captain’s meeting will be held on December 7, 2002 at 10:00 A.M. at the Community Services Division substation located at 615 N. Market Street.