Newark, NJ — January 7, 2009 — Today’s press conference highlighted some public safety accomplishments from 2008 and the plan for 2009.
Reduction of Overtime Expenditures
- In 2008, there were 77,823 fewer hours of overtime incurred than in 2006. This is a 20% reduction in overtime hours.
- Because collective bargaining agreements provide for yearly raises in salary, the monetary costs associated with overtime usually rise. Contrary to this norm, the Department has been able to reduce overtime expenditures by $3.7 million since 2008.
- The $3.7 million saved through reduction of overtime is the equivalent of paying the salary of 120 new police officers for one year.
Operation Impact
- Implemented on June 4, 2008.
- Infuses high crime areas with a saturation of uniformed personnel.
- Officers are deployed based upon crime trends identified through Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis.
- Crime and enforcement activity analyzed and reassessed on a daily basis.
- Within the targeted areas, Operation Impact has resulted in:
- 844 Arrests
- 861 Field Interrogations
- 1,260 Summonses Issued
- 67% Reduction in Murders
- 67% Reduction in Shootings
- 20% Overall Crime Reduction
Reduction of Murders and Shootings
- Among cities with populations of 200,000 residents or more, Newark is leading the nation in reducing murders.
- In one year, murders are down 32%. Since 2006, murders are down 38%.
- Since 2006, there are 32% fewer victims of shootings.
- For the first time since 1961, Newark had 43 consecutive days without a single murder. AColumbia University professor had placed the odds of this happening at one in 11,482.
Reduction of Citizen Complaints Against Police
- The Department’s crime-fighting efforts have been achieved while simultaneously reducing police misconduct.
- The reduction of citizen complaints against police represents the community’s enhanced perception of police legitimacy.
- The reduction of citizen complaints against police is a testament to the increased professionalism exemplified by individual officers as a result of effective management controls.
Implementation of Cutting Edge Technology
Implementation of Records Management Systems (RMS)
- Computerized system for tracking, storing, and retrieving police records in a highly secured system.
- Allows for instantaneous access to critical information from police reports.
- Increases accuracy of police reports.
Use of Live Scan Technology
- Inkless, electronic fingerprinting technology.
- Instantly transmits fingerprinting to FBI and State Police for criminal identification purposes.
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV)
- 109 video cameras placed throughout the City.
- Digitally recorded and monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Gunshot Recognition Technology
- In the process of implementing ShotSpotter Gunshot Recognition Technology that will instantly pinpoint the location of gunshots in real time.
