Joe Hornaday
The Greensburg Police Department recently released its statistics for 2009, which indicated an increase in calls for service and more traffic enforcement.
Last year, the GPD received 12,862 calls for service, according to a release from the department. Compared to the previous year (2008), the 2009 jump added up to a 4.2 percent increase.
In 2009, the GPD stepped up efforts to remain visible in the community and keep the roads safe and clear. The department made 2,774 traffic stops last year, an increase of about 162.1 percent from 2008. Traffic citations also increased by about 80.6 percent, while arrests from traffic stops increased 25.4 percent.
The increase in traffic enforcement is mostly due to the department taking a more proactive approach. The year 2009 was also the first year for the GPD to utilize the DDACTS system, or Data Drive Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety. According to Police Chief Brian Heaton, the new system proved to be very effective in the department’s daily operations. Studies by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Agency) have shown that using DDACTS and increased traffic enforcement activity typically creates more public awareness to law enforcement presence which often results in further reducing the criminal activity and traffic crashes.
“Being proactive with traffic enforcement and using the DDACTS method in our daily operations proved to be very effective,” Chief Heaton explained. “Police cars out on the streets and officers being visible are the key to this success. The department did a tremendous job with this in 2009. We will continue the same approach and look for more ways to improve in 2010.”
