Lincoln Police Department Annual Report 2009 - City of Lincoln ...

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
Mayor Beutler,
City Council members,
Fellow citizens
I am pleased to submit the Lincoln Police Department’s Annual Report for 2009. This report contains a wealth of
statistical information and commentary about the department’s activities in 2009, and contributes to an excellent archive
from previous decades.
During 2009, the declining crime rate in Lincoln continued, and we enjoyed some unprecedented successes. Most
notably, the department’ clearance rate—the percentage of FBI Part 1 crimes solved—climbed to its highest level on
record. For the second straight year, we set a new record for DWI arrests, largely the result of energetic enforcement
activities and hard work by our officers.
One of our obligations is to be good stewards of the funds provided to us by the taxpayers. As the largest general-fund
tax supported agency in City government, we have a particularly important role in ensuring that citizens received good
value for their investment. We led a transition to performance-based budgeting in the City, and once again operated
under budget despite trying economic challenges in local government.
As the first decade of the 21 st Century ends, the pace of change in policing seems inevitably to increase. Lincoln continues
to grow, new issues of crime and disorder arise, and new challenges confront us. Our ability to adapt to change both
externally and within the department will continue to be a key to our success.
I want to thank the citizens of Lincoln and our elected officials for providing us with the guidance and resources to
accomplish our mission, and our employees for their commitment to provide police services that promote a safe and
secure community.
Sincerely,
Thomas K. Casady
CHIEF TOM CASADY