Springfield Police Department issues first quarter safety report

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The first quarter of 2014 saw an overall decrease in crime by 19 percent. This is in comparison to the crime statistics of the first three months of 2013, and it is shown in the SPD’s latest Quarterly Public Safety Report (pdf).

Aggravated assaults, which often result from domestic violence, continue to be an issue in Springfield. This type of crime drove a total increase in crimes against persons to 28 percent.

Stolen vehicles continue to be on the rise while occurrences of burglary and theft dropped enough to create a total decrease in crimes against property to 23 percent.

The SPD began publishing the Quarterly Public Safety Report in October 2013 to increase awareness about public safety issues in the community. In addition to providing crime statistics, the report provides information on innovative programs and highlights of crime prevention strategies.

This report features a new pilot program, called Citizens Alert Patrol, which involves the SPD training volunteers to patrol their own neighborhoods and report potential criminal activity to the police and advise appropriate city agencies and other residents of nuisance and safety concerns.