NEWS RELEASE
Office of the Mayor
May 15, 2008


Police Department Releases 2007 Annual Report
-Community Policing, New Trainings Help Dept. Reduce Major Offenses and Perform Above National Averages-

(BINGHAMTON, NY) – The Binghamton Police Department today released its 2007 Annual Report. Of note was a ten percent drop in major offenses reported in 2007 as compared to 2006. The department also achieved above average success in clearing major offenses.

“Our police department plays a crucial role in making Binghamton safe and healthy, and I thank them for their dedication and hard work,” said Mayor Matt Ryan. “This report paints a picture of community safety in our city, and shows both the advances we’ve made, and the challenges that still exist. As national surveys have shown, Binghamton enjoys exceptional security, and outstanding police performance. However, we still experience crime, and we must continue to address its myriad root causes, including poverty, lack of opportunity, mental illness, and emotional distress. This effort involves the Police Department, and our entire community.”

Overall, major crimes in Binghamton dropped by 257 between 2006 and 2007, from 2,568 to 2,311. Aggravated assaults fell by 5.6%, from 132 to 125. Of such assaults last year, 47 were on the basis of “menacing,” meaning that just 78 involved actual physical contact. (Menacing only involves the threat of the use of force.)

The Binghamton Police Department in recent years has moved toward a community policing approach to improve responsiveness to resident needs and concerns. Guided by its mission to “enhance the quality of life in the City of Binghamton through progressive police service in partnership with the community,” the department has introduced new trainings and strategies.

One such strategy was developing the Community Response Team, which includes five officers able to answer calls anywhere in the City at any time, and allows beat officers to maintain a steady, proactive watch in their respective areas. According to the 2007 Annual Report, the Team last year filed 840 charges against 648 individuals. The Team also continued its additional mission of forging strong lines of communication and trust with many community members across Binghamton.

“Our Community Response Team is very motivated and skilled, starting with Sergeant Chris Bracco,” said Police Chief Joe Zikuski. “Its members are able to respond to residents and visitors no matter the time or place. And this allows our other officers to be even more active in addressing quality of life and safety issues. Innovative reform measures increase the efficiency and reach of our work.”

When a major offense occurred in 2007, the Binghamton Police Department had above average success in making arrests. For all major offenses combined, Binghamton’s success rate was 54%, while the national rate was 31%. When it came to aggravated assault cases, Binghamton’s success rate was 78%, as compared to 55.6% nationally. And for homicide, Binghamton had a 100% success rate, whereas the national rate was 62.6%.

The Binghamton Police Department was founded with the City in 1867, and consisted of 12 officers at the time. Today’s department currently has 146 sworn officers and 10 civilian employees.

Contacts:
Andrew Block, Director of Community Relations , (607) 772-7001,
awblock@cityofbinghamton.com , www.cityofbinghamton.com