The DeKalb Police Department faced several challenges during 2007 as criminal activity increased, accidents increased, several officers were injured and key personnel retired or left for other opportunities.  Although non-emergency call response had to be delayed at times, I am proud to say that the employees of the police department worked hard to meet the challenges of increased activity while fewer personnel were available to respond to calls. 

I anticipate criminal activity to continue to rise not only in DeKalb but across northern Illinois as the region experiences dire economic times and gang/drug activity increases throughout the region.  Coordinated efforts at all levels of law enforcement will need to continue and will most likely need to increase to stem the rise in this type of criminal activity.  Throughout the region our youth are at risk as gangs recruit, safety in our schools is at issue and the peaceful existence we desire in our neighborhoods is threatened. 

The number of crimes that are used to determine DeKalb’s crime rate rose 5% in 2007 and less serious crimes rose 8%.  DeKalb’s crime rate still remains below the overall crime rate for the United States and for Illinois.  With the exception of an occasional rise, DeKalb’s crime rate has been on a general overall decline since 2000.  It is my goal to continue that trend.  It is through hard work and police/community partnerships that will keep DeKalb safe.  DeKalb experienced several series of burglaries and robberies in 2007 that accounted for the rise in serious crime.  Please refer to the “Noteworthy Cases” section of this annual report to read about many of the arrests in those cases. 

DeKalb was awarded a traffic enforcement grant in the amount of $136,326.00 from the Illinois Department of Transportation on October 15, 2007.  Enforcement activity began during November 2007.  One officer will be dedicated to increased traffic law enforcement on north Annie Glidden Rd., west Lincoln Hwy., and Sycamore Rd. in an effort to reduce the number of traffic accidents on those segments of roadways.  The grant is funded with federal highway traffic safety monies. 

The final parcel of property for the future police station was purchased.  The next step toward realizing this goal will be to hire an architect firm in 2008. 

I want to express my appreciation to Lt. Dan Gerace and Lt. Jim Kayes for over 63 years of combined service to DeKalb and congratulations on their retirement from the police department.  I would be remiss if I did not also thank Officer Jim Spartz for his 16 years of service to the community.  Jim and his family moved out of state to pursue a wonderful opportunity and the entire department wishes them well. 

The entire police department thanks you for the opportunity to serve you.