Tyler Police Department Releases 2010 Crime Stats

TYLER — Officials say the news is good as the Tyler Police Department releases its 2010 Uniform Crime Reporting statistics. Two types of crimes were tracked by the department. Part 1 crimes are described by Uniform Crime Reporting as homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries (commercial & residential), thefts, and stolen vehicles. The calendar year of 2010 ended with a 13.24% decrease (834 fewer offenses) in Part 1 crimes compared to 2009. Part 2 crimes are described as simple assault, forgery, drug violations, liquor law violations, weapon violations, runaways, etc. Part 2 crime totals for 2010 decreased by 796 reported incidents (-12.99%) compared to 2009.

Police Chief Gary Swindle says one major factor in the decrease is “working together with the community and citizens reporting things to us and working with the media in efforts to get suspects and videos out there.” Swindle hopes to see even more citizen involvement. His advice: “Be smart, be responsible, use common sense. Don’t leave things in your vehicles in view to the general public.” Swindle adds, “When you see something that’s suspicious or out of the ordinary, report it. Don’t feel like you’re inconveniencing us.” Swindle also says the economic upturn helped limit property crimes, which had experienced a substantial increase in 2009.