NCJ Number
57228
Date Published
1979
Length
68 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT DESCRIBES THE WORK OF ENGLAND'S ESSEX POLICE FORCE DURING 1978 AND REPORTS ON CRIME IN THE AREA DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
Abstract
IN 1978, CRIME FELL BY 3.4 PERCENT FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR, MAINLY BECAUSE OF A DECREASE IN PROPERTY CRIME. A TOTAL OF 50.444 INDICTABLE OFFENSES WERE REPORTED. THERE WERE 36.6 OFFENSES PER 1,000 POPULATION, COMPARED TO 31.9 IN 1974. THEFT OF OR FROM MOTOR VEHICLES ROSE 7.2 PERCENT; VANDALISM, 14.6 PERCENT. JUVENILE CRIME APPEARED TO DECREASE. THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE KILLED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ROSE TO 170, ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF REPORTED ACCIDENTS STAYED CONSTANT. IMPROVED POLICE PAY RESULTED IN AN INCREASE IN RECRUITING AND A DECLINE IN TURNOVER. A COMMUNITY SERVICE BRANCH WAS ESTABLISHED TO WORK WITH GOVERNMENT AND SOCIAL AGENCIES TO DEAL MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH JUVENILE OFFENDERS, CHILDREN AT RISK, SCHOOL LIAISON, AND MISSING PERSONS. POLICE MANPOWER DEPLOYMENT WAS ALSO REVIEWED. ADVISORY COMMITTEES WERE FORMED TO IMPROVE POLICE FORCE WELFARE, EFFICIENCY, AND PERSONNEL PRACTICES. COOPERATION WITHIN THE POLICE SERVICE AND WITH GOVERNMENT, COURT, AND CORRECTIONS STAFF WAS ONE OF THE MOST ENCOURAGING FEATURES OF THE YEAR. EXTENSIVE TABLES PRESENT DATA ON THE NUMBERS AND TYPES OF CRIMES, INVESTIGATIONS, TRAFFIC OFFENSES, AND POLICY AGENCY ADMINISTRATION, OPERATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES. DESCRIPTIONS OF SPECIFIC CASES ARE ALSO PRESENTED. (CFW)