DANVERS POLICE DEPARTMENT

State of the Department

The Danvers Police Department has moved forward at great strides during the last three years. In 2005 we recognized the need for the department to address several social and crime problems within the community. Underage drug and alcohol use was perceived to be a significant issue within the community and this fact was substantiated by the Youth Risk Survey which was conducted in 2006, along with the occurrence of numerous underage drinking parties and incidents of drug use.

A priority was established to hire an additional officer which the department lost as a result of the fiscal 2004 state budget crisis. This additional Officer allowed the department to staff a full-time D.A.R.E./School Resource Officer at Danvers High School and Holten Richmond Middle School. Additionally, a Byrne Grant for Youth Substance Abuse Reduction programs was obtained by the Danvers Police Department in collaboration with the Danvers School Department. Since its implementation, numerous substance abuse reduction programs were instituted for students and families within the community. A highlight of the grant was a five week drug recognition academy presenting parents with up to date first hand knowledge of current drugs of choice, trends, signs and symptoms, and preferred instruments used for ingestion.

In 2006 and 2007 the number of drug and alcohol offences increased due to aggressive enforcement coupled with a new department policy for handling juvenile alcohol offences. The addition of an evening detective has enhanced our ability to aggressively investigate and arrest drug dealers and target distribution networks. A balanced approach of prevention and enforcement will eradicate drug problems within the community. Liquor law violations related to underage possession and house parties are down by twenty percent.

In 2005 the Town was plagued by eleven liquor violations consisting of underage service, over serving and disorder in and around licensed establishments. The department responded by implementing a coordinated series of compliance checks with underage operatives, increased training and awareness by patrol officer’s documenting and investigating alleged liquor violations. This resulted in eleven underage service violations occurring in twenty percent of licensed establishments which amounted to double the statewide average. The department responded by hosting a liquor license training seminar for licensed establishments, police officers and the Board of Selectmen. This collaboration opened lines of communication with establishments and put them on notice of the Town’s expectations in regard to liquor licensees. I am happy to report that a series of compliance checks were conducted as recently as November observing one violation which equates to a two percent failure rate.

I am happy to report that current crime statistics indicate that crime is down in most categories. housebreaks, commercial breaks and auto theft were very low in calendar 2007. Most notably, auto theft was at its lowest level since the 1970’s. We continue to see an increase in fraud, forgery and simple assaults related to domestic violence. The increased number of global positioning systems has revived our theft from vehicle problem. Our Community Policing and School Outreach Section initiated a regional crime prevention approach to thefts from motor vehicles in collaboration with businesses along the Route 1 corridor in the communities of Danvers, Saugus and Peabody.

Through crime analysis the department continues to implement geographic information systems technology to identify crime patterns and trends within the community. Combining this information with regional intelligence, the existence of known offenders, probationers and parolees within our community allows the department to respond more intelligently with the deployment of police resources to apprehend criminals or deter crime. Our monthly staff meetings have been structured on a COMSTAT format. This format consists of accurate; timely intelligence communicated to all, rapid deployment, which is synchronized and focused, using effective tactics, and relentless follow-up and assessment.

We look forward to further reductions in crime and disorder as a result of partnering with our community members. The continuation of our community based programs including the Citizen Police Academy, RAD classes; Juvenile Youth Academy, Downtown Business Committee, and Community Collaborative programs will keep the department in touch with stakeholders within the community. We continue to appreciate the support that the Town of Danvers and its residents provide to the Police Department.

Sincerely,

Neil F. Ouellette
Chief of Police