Dear
NeighborDear
Neighbor
I am pleased to provide you with our Police Department’s annual report for 2001. Chief Arthur Snellbaker and his staff have done an excellent job of assembling this document, which highlights the superb performance of our police over the past year.
Crime will always be a top concern of City government, but as this report shows, there is good reason for optimism about our crime-fighting efforts. The City’s crime rate dropped 17 percent between 1999 and 2000, continuing a decade-long decline that has made a major difference in the way we live. For the first time in many years, Atlantic City’s population is growing. Safer streets are one important reason for this upswing.
While our City’s 40,000 residents are our primary focus, the Department is also responsible for the safety of the 36 million visitors who arrive here every year. The police are constantly looking for innovative ways to meet the challenges posed by this unique situation.
One of our primary goals for 2001 will be to continue to work to bring the officer on the beat closer to our residents. One way to do this is to strengthen the very successful Community Policing program. Another is to develop new programs, such as the Domestic Violence Task Force, to deal with specific issues of concern. Yet another is to continue programs like the Police Cadets, designed to make the department more representative of the community.
My administration is committed to providing every resident with the most effective and professional police force possible. Please take a moment to read this report and see what your department is doing on your behalf. I am interested in any comments or suggestions you might have to offer on this very important subject.
On behalf of the men and women of the Atlantic City Police Department, I thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
James Whelan, Mayor