2012 annual report - Ashland Police Department

Chief Robert W. RatliffAs Chief of Police, I am pleased to present the Ashland PoliceDepartment Annual 2012 Report. I hope you find this reportto be an informational and beneficial resource relating to ourorganization, personnel, activities, and accomplishments. Aswe look back on the endeavors of 2012 recounted in this year’sannual report, I am particularly proud of the achievementsaccomplished by all the members of the Police Department. Wesaw a reduction of criminal offenses in most all categories andwe also saw an increase in traffic enforcement efforts leading toa decrease in the number of traffic crashes. Our DARE and SchoolResource Officer continue to maintain a presence in our schoolsand do their part to see that our youth programs continue toflourish and to provide a safe environment for our students tolearn. The department’s continued success across all Divisionsis a tribute to the men and women of our organization and thegreat services they provide to all those that live, work, and visitthe City of Ashland.We, in city government and the police department, havefaced and will continue to face our share of challenges. Staffingshortages and fiscal constraints require us to continuallyreexamine how we do business and deploy our existing staff.The coming year will present new challenges and I am confidentour staff will rise to the occasion and remain stellar.Our objective is to continue to apply our CommunityOriented Policing strategies, police smarter, making the most ofour resources and utilize the latest technology to deliver the bestservice possible. It is imperative that we continue to maximizethe use of technology in determining the best use of theseresources and place them where criminal activity is occurring.Our goal is and will always be to make Ashland one ofthe safest cities in America. All of the members of the PoliceDepartment take seriously their responsibility to provide ourcommunity with professional, innovative and efficient policeservices. I am confident with the commitment of our staff, thecontinued support of our public officials and City leadership,along with the unending support from community members,we will continue to face and overcome the challenges ahead.Chief Robert W. Ratliff