Although Gainesville police chief Tony Jones said crime rates are down this year from last, he still thinks there’s room for improvement.
Jones laid out GPD’s plan for the year and addressed residents’ concerns about graffiti, fliers in residential areas and people lying on sidewalks at a town hall meeting Monday night. About 100 Gainesville residents and officials attended.
Jones said crime in Gainesville showed an overall decrease from 2010 to 2011. He couldn’t provide exact numbers because they’re still being verified by the FBI.
GPD’s goal is to reduce crime by another 5 percent in 2012, he said.
To keep up the trend, Jones said GPD will create a more efficient system for officers to respond to incidents, improve GPD’s marketing strategy, put a greater emphasis on staff accountability and increase the presence of Citizens on Patrol, a volunteer corps of residents that would act as extra eyes and ears for police.
GPD’s official plan will be released in mid-March, Jones said. This is the second year he’s offered a strategic plan, which incorporates concerns from residents as well as police officers and personnel.
Contact Erin Jester at ejester@alligator.org.
