Rocklin Police Department (Photo Courtesy: Rocklin PD Facebook page)
ROCKLIN, Calif. - Rocklin residents have reason to feel a little safer these days.
Rocklin Police Chief Ron Lawrence announced in his annual report that the city's crime rate dipped to its lowest level in 10 years.
According to the Placer Herald, Lawrence revealed 16.7 major crimes were committed per 1,000 residents, a downward trend from 25.3 per 1,000 in 2008. Numbers in every category, including rape, robbery, assault, burglary and arson were down from 2011, with vehicle theft being the only category holding level at 62 incidents per year
The city's drop in crime is even more impressive when considering the police department's diminishing budget and personnel.
"While we operate the Police Department in a safe and efficient manner, our budget and staffing numbers remain below optimal levels for a city our size with the level of activity that we have," Lawrence said. "There is a hazard in operating public safety at minimal staffing levels. It becomes a real challenge."
According to the Herald, the Police Department's budget and staffing have dropped every year since 2008. The budget is down $2.4 million since '08, and officer staffing currently sits at 0.88 officers per 1,000 residents. The national average is one officer per every 1,000 citizens.
Lawrence was quick to commend his staff for their diligence and creative efforts to battle crime while battling financial and personnel constraints. He also gave Rocklin's residents a big nod for their part in the city's improving conditions.
"Law-abiding citizens of Rocklin care about their community and collaborate with us to reduce crime, remove blight and apprehend criminals."
READ: The original story in the Placer Herald
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