The Greenwood Police Department and Chief Jackson has released the department's 2009 annual report summary. In the executive summary Chief Jackson says that the Greenwood Police Department remains committed to providing our citizens with dedicated, prepared, well trained, and professional law enforcement. Organizationally, the performance of department personnel remains productive and consistent. Although many officers in the patrol division are fairly new to the department, they are motivated to be of service to the community. More specifically, the Traffic (Motorcycle) Unit continues to be effective, even on a limited basis due to personnel shortages. Although the total number of traffic citations is down slightly, the number of violator contacts remains steady because of the increase in traffic warnings. The desired effect is achieved, however, as signified by the decrease in the number of motor vehicle accidents. This effort has shown a decrease in WA's of 17 percent over 2008, which also has directly addressed one of the serious issues in our community; congested traffic.

Despite a continued substantial call volume (increase of 35 percent over 2008) and continued staffing shortages through the end of 2009, overall crime totals for 2009 are slightly decreased from 2008, statistically showing a 14 percent decrease in criminal offenses reported. Further, the attention and dedication focused on improving our clearance rate for crimes investigated has resulted in a nine percent increase in cases solved; up to 81 percent from 73 percent in 2008.

An examination of officer activities throughout the year also show favor to the department, as indicated by the number of grants received by local, state and federal entities. The total dollar amount awarded to the Greenwood Police Department in fiscal year 2009 well exceeds $100,000.00. These monies were used primarily for equipment, supplies, technology and selected overtime for specific enforcement of traffic laws, and fugitive apprehension.

The annual summary also contained a letter to the citizens of Greenwood from Chief Jackson were he states that "I am proud to present this 2009 Annual Report, which highlights our accomplishments and challenges of the past year. We believe in a team policing philosophy that is designed to increase our overall efficiency. This philosophy also provides for increased supervision, while promoting continuity and cohesiveness among our staff.

The department continued to strengthen our community oriented policing efforts through the continued work and collaboration with local businesses and citizens through our community events and training presentations; particularly the first Annual Bell Park Easter Egg Hunt which drew hundreds of participants. We also were very successful this year getting local businesses involved in our Annual Polar Bear Plunge, which raised over $13,000 for Special Olympics Arkansas.

The community is our eyes and ears, and a good working relationship with the businesses we serve will help us evaluate the police services we provide. Through the approach, businesses have the opportunity to bring their concerns to our attention-in a personal forum-and to comment on what we are doing well and where we can improve.

I encourage all citizens to increase their level of involvement with us, to be our partners in one way or another. There are several outlets for various levels of involvement, including our annual National Night Out, as well as the Citizens Police Academy.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the men and women of this organization, whose hard work and dedication is reflected in the success of our Department. It is important to recognize the officers and civilian employees who serve the Department and community-their acts of community spirit, dedication, and service deserve our special thanks"! Respectfully submitted, Keith A. Jackson, Chief of Police.

The Greenwood Police Department during 2009 made 2,786 calls for service, issued 1,483 traffic citations, 1,754 warning citations, 399 arrests, 75 DWI arrests, 83 code violations investigated, 471 criminal offenses investigated and 381 criminal cases cleared. The department also had over nine hundred hours of education and training and administration registered 1,386 animals.