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Case #14 (Issue #68: September 1998)Submitted by Mayor Kevin P. Eltife, Tyler, Texas
Accreditation works for the Tyler Police Department and this city. Tyler is a vibrant, growing community serving a population of over 80,000 citizens. We, as a municipal government, have established a blueprint for quality service to our citizens and those that visit here. We place a high emphasis on responsiveness to the needs of the public, productivity and accountability of our employees, and cost-effective government. In redefining the direction of the city, we were pleased to find that accreditation standards fit hand-in-glove with our efforts. As you can see from the blueprint provided below, accreditation standards relate to almost all of its provisions. I know that there has been some discussion about whether or not accreditation and community-oriented policing are compatible. We have found that not to be an issue at all. In providing community-oriented policing, we have reorganized the police department, focused on geographic beat-centered deployment, and expanded the role of the beat officer to include a greater emphasis on crime prevention and community problem solving. As a result, active neighborhood watches have increased from less than thirty (30), to more than two hundred (200). Public involvement in the department has increased through an active volunteer program with over 193 active volunteers providing over 26,072 hours of work, at a savings to the city of over $316,277.62 since inception. All of this was accomplished within standard compliance.Since becoming accredited in March, 1995, we have experienced a number of successes. Crime is down over 30%, citizen complaints about police service are down more than 60%, disciplinary actions are down 58%, and in May, 1998, for the first time in years, traffic accidents decreased even though volume increased. Good relationships with the community, proper employee deployment based on solid analysis, a good system of direction, training, and a fair and equitable disciplinary process consistent with the standards are all contributing factors to our success. From the standpoint of cost-effective government, since becoming accredited, we have enjoyed an annual reduction in our property/casualty insurance premiums of $19,500. These are all tangible benefits of being accredited. As Mayor of the City of Tyler, I strongly support the efforts of our police department to continue in the accreditation process. It's good for the police department, this municipal government, and most importantly, the citizens of Tyler, Texas. Tyler, Texas, Blueprint for Success
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How the Tyler (Texas) Police Department's accreditation helps it
meet the city's blueprint for municipal excellence.
