The Benton Police Department began 2013 to achieve ten goals. Those goals were substantially accomplished. In addition to these goals the following are reported:
• Communications Improvements- Dispatch equipment and software has been upgraded. Operators answered 50,226 calls for service in 2013, 37,565 calls were for the Benton Police Department
• Statistics - Reporting of the NIBRS crime statistics showed violent crime in the City of Benton, down - 17.8% and property crime reports down -6.26%. The NIBRS reporting covers all the crime categories, and showed a total decrease of crime in the City of Benton in 2013 down by - 7.14% compared to 2012 totals.
• Training -The Benton Police officers completed 12,546 training hours. Supervisors received a total of 683 hours of supervision training.
• Records -The records division processed 35,352 reports (up +3.5% from 2012).We had a decrease in collections of 17.52% for a total of $283,928.99 in 2013, compared to 2012.
• Special Investigative Unit - In 2013, the unit seized $6,861,650.00 in drugs from the streets of Benton. They arrested 257 persons on a total of 407 drug related charges. The unit seized 56 weapons, along with 5 vehicles for forfeiture.
• Grants - The Benton Police Department were successful in obtaining a number grant funding opportunities for updated computers and school security updates. Hummer all-terrain vehicle and other equipment obtained for department use through LESO program
2014 GOALS and OBJECTIVES
The Benton Police Department will seek to achieve 10 goals. These goals are as follows:
1. Continued enhanced solvability of crimes committed through pro-active investigation.
2. Continued enhanced supervision training for departmental supervisors.
3. Complete updating of departmental policy manual.
4. Enhance First Aid Trauma training and equipment, and continued CPR certification for all officers.
5. Reduction of violent crimes and motor vehicle accidents through enhanced enforcement and traffic programs.
6. Update departmental programs in improving community education and communications.
7. Security improvements to the department interior design.
8. Improvements in School Resource Program.
9. Improvements in School administration training in emergency crisis training.
10.Prepare and coordinate improvements as planned by the passage of the Public Safety Tax.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kirk R. Lane
Chief of Police