2005 Annual Report - City of Downey

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Since introducing the Taser (less-lethal) weapon to our patrol force in 2003, officers
have shared the devices from shift to shift due to the limited quantity in our inventory.
However, because officers have successfully deployed the Taser in numerous incidents
involving combative and/or fleeing suspects, and because the Tasers have established
themselves as an effective tool toward reducing both officer and suspect injuries, the
Department expanded its Taser deployment in 2005 by providing a Taser to every
officer on patrol. The new complement of Tasers are also more compact, making them
easier for officers to carry.
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During 2005, the Code Enforcement Unit concluded over 2,000 investigations
involving violations of building, health, housing, licensing, water quality, commercial and
planning codes. Code Enforcement works actively to reduce threats to life-safety
caused by illegal habitation, homeless encampments, and hazardous materials.
Members of the Unit are currently working with Police Neighborhood Preservation
teams to reduce blight and crime within designated Preservation Areas.