2008 Annual Report

 

From the Chief

Testifying before Congress March 4, 2009

     I am pleased to bring to you the Montgomery County Police Department's Annual Report.  In this 2008 edition we are providing crime statistics, contact information, as well as featuring just some of the many outstanding members of your Police Department.

     Overall, crime went up 1.4% last year (when compared to 2007).  During each year, my staff and I do in-depth analysis on our crime numbers in an effort to quickly identify trends and react to them.  Our analysis of the 2008 crime statistics reveals some good news and some areas for improvement.  Our largest increase of 8.5% came in the Larceny category.  This category includes shopliftings, thefts from vehicles, etc.  On a more positive note, robberies stayed relatively steady in 2008, up less than 1%.  With the steady increase of robberies between 1999 and 2006, I am encouraged that the numbers have stayed flat over the past two years. 

     One of the bright spots in our crime statistics is a 9.1% reduction in stolen cars.  The detectives in our Central Auto Theft Section are doing a great job at making arrests and reducing the number of vehicle thefts.  Locking your car doors and not keeping an ignition key in an unattended vehicle are still the best theft-prevention safeguards.  By any measure, Montgomery County continues to enjoy a low crime rate.  A complete look at our 2008 crime numbers is available on the Montgomery County website.

     The Montgomery County Police Department's reputation for professionalism brought us to the national stage in recent months.  Issues like automated traffic enforcement (speed cameras), enforcement of immigration laws by local police, and use of conducted energy devices (tasers) have caught the attention of federal, state, and local lawmakers.  Elected officials at all levels of goverment have come to Montgomery County to review our policies, procedures, and training as they develop public policy and best practices for law enforcement agencies around the country.  These issues and others continue to be of great interest to the public.  It is my intent for our agency to be transparent, accountable, and effective at keeping Montgomery County safe. 

     In closing, let me say, once again, how proud I am of the men and women who are the MCPD.  Sworn, non-sworn, and volunteer, we are blessed to have tremendously dedicated people.  We decided to feature a few of the "family connections" in our agency.  I recall, years ago, at a training conference, a very experienced police chief said that you can measure the quality of your organization by asking your employees if they would recommend joining the department to a family member.  You can see we are doing pretty well.

                                                                                  J. Thomas Manger                                                                                                   Chief of Police                                                                                      Montgomery County Department of Police