It has been a busy year for the Brownwood Police Department and Brownwood Chief of Police Mike Corley reflected on crimes and events that have been of interest in 2011 and things to expect in the coming year.
Looking at the year’s crime statistics, Corley said there has not been a huge rise in the numbers of crimes in the area. November’s crime statistics (released December 6th, 2011) showed that crime was down for the year at that point.
“We’re always working on the drug war and will continue to this for years to come,” said Corley. “There are usually between 50-70 thefts (per month), burglaries are about the same, domestics during bad months are about 70-80 and 40 or so on the good months. It amazes me that there are only 1-2 stolen cars and that is it for the whole month.”
Corley said that the crimes that change the most, which doesn’t show up in the stats, are the technology thefts – eBay and internet scams.
“It doesn’t get reflected in the stats as easily with other crimes,” Corley said. “It will just increase as we get more dependent upon the internet for daily life.”
It is harder to track these types of crimes when it is shipped from out of state. These crimes, according to Corley, become more complicated and are no longer a localized crime.
“If it is shipped in Vermont or North Dakota, or wherever; there are so many agencies involved sometimes, and it is very important that you get cooperation with the company such as eBay and Amazon,” Corley said. “It’s not that they don’t want to cooperate, it’s just that they get so many requests…they just get overloaded with requests from law enforcement. It’s a complicated thing.”
Chief Corley gave some simple advice when buying from an online source other than a reputable retailer, “Be careful and part of it is–be ready, don’t be shocked when something happens. Never buy anything that you aren’t willing to part with the money.”
Corley also commented on coming improvements to the police force. The department will be installing new equipment, ordering new patrol vehicles soon and looking forward to their second Citizens’ Police Academy.
Corley stated that a purchase requisition will be submitted next week for a couple of new Dodge Charger patrol cars which should arrive and be ready for use by the end of January. New equipment involves some new cameras and radios as well. Corley stated these newer Chargers have been used as patrol units for about 4 to 5 years and have been improved due to law enforcement feedback to Dodge regarding issues with the brakes and blind spots in their design.
“Now with law enforcement feedback, Dodge really listened to our needs and the police package is great, as good as any Ford unit, after they addressed these problems.”
The Department has received approximately 15 applications for the second Citizens’ Police Academy which will be offered in mid to late January. These classes will run for ten (10) Tuesday nights and will include one Saturday which is spent at the shooting range and lasts a few hours. The first CPA held in 2011, had 10 enroll, 9 of which graduated.
Corley explained that the group currently enrolled has people from quite a variety of backgrounds. They include a retired teacher, two ministers, a retired military man, a former professor, two employees from 3M, two family educators, a supervisor of social workers, a drug counselor, a chaplain and a farmer.
“I’m very excited about it. With 12 or more participating, it’s a good size class with more interaction,” said Corley. “The students are a good mix of people; it should be a good outgoing and outspoken group for the class.”
Brownwood’s second annual National Night Out in October was also a huge success. The community will be recognized for its efforts during NNO with an award presentation at the Brownwood City Council meeting which will be held at 9am on Tuesday, January 10th.
“Please keep in mind that this was a joint effort with Early PD and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, and of course our many sponsors. This was a team effort and only accomplished by the combined efforts of many people and many organizations,” said Corley. “Most importantly, this event was made a success by the citizens of Brown County. The support from our community was just outstanding. Just like our efforts to suppress crime, the police cannot do it alone – it is vital to have the community’s support and participation.”
Looking forward to the New Year’s weekend, Corley hopes to have a safe weekend for citizens to enjoy celebrating with no tragedies. He offered a reminder that citizens, who choose to involve alcohol in their celebration, should be careful and plan not to drive themselves home—have a designated driver or arrange for a cab.
The number of Driving While Intoxicated arrests in 2010 was approximately 70; however, this year DWIs have been on the rise, with over 100 before the New Year’s weekend according to Chief Corley.
“If you have had anything to drink, do not be the judge of your own condition; just don’t drive if you have even had one drink, get a ride from someone else.”
