Abilene Residents React To Crime Statistics Released by APD
By: Gina Benitez
Updated: February 9, 2012
"Do you feel like those numbers are telling? Do you feel that way?"
"Yeah, I feel safe," says an Abilene resident.
The numbers are in. Violent crimes which include murder, rape and robbery are down over 20% from 2010. Property crimes decreased by 10%. DWI arrests down nearly 40%.
"With all of that said, I have to give our community an a plus," says Chief Standridge of the Abilene Police Department.
Chief Standridge of the Abilene Police Department credits much these successes to the first line of defense - the people in Abilene. Roy Walker, a Key City resident for 20 years agrees.
Walker says, "I attribute it to the community. Coming together and we talk with the police and so forth and got cooperation and everything."
However, not everyone shares the same sentiments.
"I'm not the good person to talk because we call the Abilene PD and they take their sweet time to get here. I have no comment," says a visibly upset resident.
Maybe why Chief Standridge was approved for another five officers at today's city council meeting. He says call volume has gone up so significantly. In the last month, for 39 priority one calls, the highest priority calls, an officer was not immediately available. He believes the increase calling is because of the bond and trust between law enforcement officer and citizen has been made.
Walker says, "I've seen crime decrease, I've seen a lot of things clear the streets."
