Mayor Dean, Chief Serpas, and South Precinct Commander Mike Alexander Meet with Antioch Community Leaders
Mayor Karl Dean, Chief Ronal Serpas, and South Precinct Commander Mike Alexander today met with representatives of Antioch area businesses, clergy, and neighborhood watch groups to emphasize that the Metropolitan Government is committed to the safety and economic vitality of the Antioch area.
“Overall major crime is down in the South Precinct this year. While I am very proud of our police department’s accomplishments, statistics don’t matter unless people feel safe. And that should always be our top goal in terms of public safety – for people not only to be safe, but to feel safe in their homes and places of business,” Mayor Dean said.
“The police department has a number of programs in place to improve the quality of life of citizens in Antioch, but officers need the support and assistance of the entire community. Likewise, if other Metro departments can aid in the effort, I want citizens to know that they should feel free to call my office and offer those suggestions,” Dean said.
Chief Serpas, noting the significant number of apartment complexes in South Nashville and Antioch, said increased lighting, properly trimmed shrubbery, and neighbors knowing each other add up to be an absolute deterrent to crime.
“When people decide a place is safe, it’s going to be safe,” Serpas said.
Commander Alexander said the number of neighborhood watch groups in South Nashville has grown by eleven this year and now total 79. He pledged the South Precinct’s support while urging apartment complex managers to strongly encourage the formation of new neighborhood watch groups.
“Police officers, clergy members, business leaders, and apartment complex managers can have a significant impact in the quality of life of this area by continuing our partnerships over the weeks and months ahead,” Alexander said.
Mayor Dean told Antioch community leaders that Metropolitan Government is committed to the safety and economic vitality of the Antioch area.
"When people decide a place is safe, it's going to be safe," Chief Ronal Serpas said.
"Police officers and their various community partners can have a significant impact on crime and quality of life," South Precinct Commander Mike Alexander said.