Takoma Park Police Department's 2011 Annual Report - News Release

NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
• 7500 Maple Avenue • Takoma Park, Md 20912

For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901

March 6, 2012 (10:50 a.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chief Ronald A. Ricucci announces the release of the Takoma Park Police Department's 2011 Annual Report, which can be viewed on-line at www.takomaparkmd.gov or the direct link is https://s3.amazonaws.com/police-takomapark/public/annual+reports/2011+TPPD+annual+report.pdf. Highlights in the report for the year 2011 are the 13.5% reduction in Part 1 crimes. The biggest decreases are robberies, burglaries and thefts.

The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) closed 45.8% of their cases, a 14% increase from 2010.

The Police Department continues to operate at full staffing with no vacancies.

Chief Ricucci attributes the decrease in crime to a fully staffed patrol division, the Criminal Investigations Division, and the Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) - plainclothes unit. Although the results are good, we still have to work on reducing auto thefts, which had a 22.2% increase from 2010.

A speed camera was added in the 900 block of East West Highway, which has been very helpful in reducing speed. We are currently looking at adding two cameras to Carroll Avenue.

Takoma Park Police participated in the Nationwide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day twice in 2011. Both were very successful and the Department plans to hold another this year.

The Police Department partnered with Angels Against Domestic Violence, headed by Ms. Ana Valdez, and collected toys for children of domestic violence for the holidays. Ms. Valdez' own life was saved three years ago by a Takoma Park Police Officer as a result of domestic violence. This initiative was very successful due to the generosity of the residents of Takoma Park and the Police Department personnel.

Takoma Park was selected to have Governor O'Malley attend our National Night Out event in August 2011. It was one of the largest turnouts for National Night Out in the past five years.

The Community Outreach Program (COP) was implemented in April 2011, as a pilot project to assess the need and value for Takoma Park residents. Headed by Officer Carla Magnaye, it has proven to be a successful program. Programs offered through COP include, but are not limited to Caring About Residents Everyday (CARE), Child Safety Seat Program, Citizen's on Patrol, Citizen's Police Academy, Community Notification List, Neighborhood Watch, Safe Seniors Program, Take "25" Awareness Campaign and Youth Outreach Program. Chief Ricucci would encourage residents to review the programs that are offered and take advantage of them.

The Gang Unit continues to be active in enforcement, education and prevention.

In 2011, Takoma Park Police lost K9 Diesel due to natural causes. K9 Diesel had many accomplishments and received many awards as a Police Officer in Takoma Park. He apprehended well over a dozen "bad guys" and recovered countless amounts of narcotics ranging from inside vehicles, hotel rooms as well as hidden outside by people who were selling them. Please remember K9 Diesel. A new K9 officer was acquired, K9 Zoro, and attended training with his partner in 2011.

In August 2011, Takoma Park Police unveiled its Emergency Response Team (ERT). The ERT are trained officers who are prepared to respond in emergencies such as natural disasters, hostage situations, forced entry search warrants, etc.

In 2011, Takoma Park continued its Emergency Managements efforts, partnered with Montgomery County, Maryland. These contacts were invaluable during Hurricane Irene in August 2011.

Chief Ricucci urges residents to report crimes and suspicious situations to the Police Department. Citizens must practice good crime prevention habits to assist in the Department’s endeavor to continue to reduce crime.