Crime numbers decreasing according to chief’s annual report

GONZALES — “I am pleased to share with you the Gonzales Police Department 2017 Annual Report,” Gonzales Police Chief Tim Crow said. “It is an honor to serve this community and lead the men and women of the Gonzales Police Department.”

Crow addressed Gonzales City Council on Tuesday night and gave the Gonzales Police Department’s Annual Report. He made his report with a large representation of the city’s police force present, including several of the department’s Explorers (youth cadets).

“I would like to express my profound gratitude to every one of our employees for their ability, dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm in making Gonzales a safer place to live, work and visit,” Crow said. “They always go above and beyond what is expected.”

According to Crow, 2017 was a good year for officer retention. For 15 consecutive months, Gonzales Police Department retained all officers, with no resignations or dismissals. 

According to Crow each year, improvements and adjustments are made to allow for generational and cultural changes which impact those entering the field of law enforcement. 

Crow said recognizing the value of collaboration and ongoing education, he has maintained membership with the Texas Police Chiefs Association and International Police Chiefs Association and also served on the Golden Crescent Regional Public Protection Advisory Committee and the Golden Crescent Homeland Security Advisory Committee in 2017. 

Among the highlights of Crow’s 2017 Annual Report was the expansion and remodel of the Police Department building, specifically with the completion of ADA compliance and accessibility. 

“Having the building ADA accessible has been a long term goal and one we are pleased to see accomplished,” Crow said. 

According to Crow, Calls For Service rose for 2013 to 2015, mainly when the Eagle Ford Shale play was at its peak; but, since 2015 the department has seen a steady decline in the number of calls.

• 2017 – 18,438
• 2016 – 18,900
• 2015 – 22,702
• 2014 – 20,330
• 2013 – 17,798

The same remains true with Incident Reports. There was a slight increase at the oilfield’s pinnacle, then a steady fall.

• 2017 – 1,482
• 2016 – 1,803
• 2015 – 1,956
• 2014 – 2,103
• 2014 – 1,979

Crow also reported there has been a decrease in crashes, with just 91 in 2017; and, an increase in arrests and drug interdiction, thanks in part to interlocal agreements with the Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Other achievements for Crow and the department were: Hurricane Response, Drone Licensure, Police Explorer involvement, hosting of Texas Academy of Animal Control Training and Recertification, Civilian Response to Active Shooter Training, National Night Out, growing social media presence, as well as community outreach and engagement.