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Violent and property crimes in Phoenix continue to drop, despite an increase in population and a challenging economy. The numbers of crimes in 2009 are on track to be the lowest in 15 years.
“Phoenix continues to be a national model,” said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon. “By employing the ‘Phoenix Method’ of pursuing the worst, repeat offenders, we are making our neighborhoods safer. I am so grateful for the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our community. ”
Through November 2009, Phoenix’s violent crime rate has continued to decline, dropping 18 percent over the same period in 2008. Property crimes have declined nearly 23 percent over the previous year.
“Statistics are fine,” said City Councilman Claude Mattox, Chairman of the Public Safety Subcommittee, “but what that really means is that 16,000 fewer families were victims of property crimes this year – and that’s a tremendous result.”
According to Public Safety Manager Jack Harris, arresting repeat offenders has been shown to have profound and measurable results in national studies. “Targeting the most serious offenders has had significant results,” according to Harris. “Particularly in dismantling organized crime syndicates, gangs and drug dealers.”
“Phoenix remains committed to providing effective and professional law enforcement and to continuing our record of crime reduction,” Harris concluded.