Police seek input on strategic plan to curb crime, aid Lodi

Later this month, our Police Department management team, along with a cross section of the department staff, will be meeting to develop a strategic plan for the next few years.

As a part of this process, we want input from you. To help facilitate this, we ask that you visit our Web site at www.Lodi.gov/police and participate in an anonymous online survey. We plan on using the results, along with findings from a citywide survey conducted last year, to help us formulate goals and objectives, and establish our vision and mission.

It is our intention to develop measurable goal-oriented strategies to address crime and quality-of-life issues within our community. Your input is invaluable to us in the development of this strategic plan. We intend to post the final product on our Web site once it is developed.

A few months ago we surveyed a sample of citizens who filed police reports with us in the previous six months, to evaluate the level and quality of service we provided. The purpose of that survey was not to help establish priorities; it was simply a survey to evaluate the quality of service we provided to crime victims. That survey will also be considered in formulating our strategic plan. Additionally, district commanders have assigned officers to conduct what we refer to as "walk and talks" in problem areas, and survey residents.

As I have mentioned previously, our vision for this city is to have residents feel safe and secure, which we hope to accomplish through a combination of focusing on repeat offenders, problematic locations and either creating or enhancing prevention, educational and intervention strategies. This strategic plan will be our game plan.

We also see customer service, community support, confidence-forming partnerships and employee development as important issues that impact our organization and, ultimately, the level of service we provide to you. We recognize that budgets are tight, resources are limited and that you expect us to be creative, innovative and fiscally responsible while maintaining a high level of service.

As Chief, I am fortunate to have such a talented management team and outstanding officers and support staff both paid and voluntary to meet our community expectations.

Auto Burglaries

We are experiencing an increase in auto burglaries. While there is no geographical pattern, culprits are looking into parked cars, seeing valuables and then breaking in. Here are some preventative strategies:

• Lock your vehicle.

• If you have a garage, park it inside.

• Remove technology such as GPS units, cell phones and removable stereos from the vehicle.

• Do not leave purses, backpacks, brief cases or other items that potential thieves think may contain valuables.

• Park in well-lit areas.

Gangs

With regard to gangs, last month we experienced a rash of gang-related violent crimes. Officers have been focusing heavily on areas frequented by gang members, as well as on repeat offenders. Record numbers of arrests have been made, and countless parole and probation searches have been conducted. Gang-related incidents have since subsided.

I want to assure you that we are doing everything possible and legal to address this issue from both an enforcement perspective as well as a preventative standpoint. We recognize that more needs to be done than just enforcement.

We recently implemented G.R.E.A.T. This program focuses on providing life skills to students to help them avoid using delinquent behavior and violence to solve problems. It is imperative that we try and reach kids at an early age. The GREAT program offers a continuum of components for students and their families. While initially a test pilot at one school, if successful, the program can be expanded to other elementary and middle schools. We are also looking at other preventativeand intervention-type programs.

Comments, questions or advice for Behind the Badge can be e-mailed to jbiskup@pd.lodi.gov or mailed to Jeanie Biskup, Lodi Police Department, 215 W. Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240, phone (209)333-6864.