South Precinct Named 2007 Precinct of the Year
Mayor Karl Dean and Chief Ronal Serpas this evening bestowed the 2007 Precinct of the Year award to the men and women of the South Precinct.
A number of criteria are used to determine Precinct of the Year, including the annual percentage change in major crime, the percentage change in total arrests, an evaluation of drug equipment and drug violation charges, the number of felony convictions, the percentage change in curfew and truancy violations, the change in the number of traffic stops, and the number of founded disciplinary matters as the result of internal and citizen complaints.
Due to the varying sizes and manpower of the six precincts, a weighted formula is used to assure across the board fairness in determining the winner, which, for 2007, was the South Precinct.
Several precincts excelled in a number of important categories during 2007.
The award for the largest percentage increase in drug equipment and drug violation charges went to the South Precinct.
The award for the largest increase in total arrests, warrants served, curfew and truancy arrests, and traffic violations went to the North Precinct.
The award for the largest overall major crime decrease went to the East Precinct.
The award for the largest increase in proactive, self-initiated investigations went to the North Precinct.
The award for quality felony investigations (the precinct with the highest number of felony convictions) went to the Hermitage Precinct.
South Precinct Commander Mike Alexander (2nd from left) and retired South Precinct Commander Rick Lankford (3rd from left) accept the 2007 Precinct of the Year Award from Chief Ronal Serpas and Mayor Karl Dean.
Retired South Precinct Commander Rick Lankford was presented with the special "Commander's Award" as part of the Precinct of the Year ceremony.