By introducing and implementing a number of new strategic policing initiatives in recent years, the Irving Police Department (IPD) has literally made history by decreasing crime for seven consecutive years—a record for the city. Among these innovative strategies is the IPD’s Problem Solving Team. Comprised of one sergeant and four patrolmen, the Problem Solving Team tackles crime by identifying and responding to criminal trends in a specific area. Trends are identified by the analysis of crime statistics and anecdotal evidence.
“Typically, areas addressed by the Problem Solving Team are those that haven’t responded well to traditional policing methods,” said Sgt. Jason Mullins, the Problem Solving Team’s supervisor. “The goal of our unit is to address the root causes of crime and make the city a safer place.”
Examples of the success achieved by the Problem Solving Team can be found in two Irving neighborhoods that were previously known for high-crime such as the Tudor Lane and Walnut Hill areas. In the Tudor Lane area, the Problem Solving Team is credited with having achieved an 80 percent reduction in Part-1 crimes. In the Walnut Hill area, there has been a 74 percent reduction in Part-1 crimes. Because of the successes achieved in the Walnut Hill and Tudor Lane areas, police continue to look for different areas of the city that may respond to and benefit from the Problem Solving Team’s specialized training and experience.
Most recently, IPD has identified an area in southeast Irving on which to focus the efforts of its Problem Solving Team. Even though the city saw an overall reduction of crime during the 2010 calendar year, this particular area, which is bordered by S.H. 356, Loop 12, Shady Grove and Balleywood, experienced a significantly greater number of calls for service and criminal activity than other reporting districts during this same period.
In its effort to continue the city’s downward trend in crime, IPD will send its Problem Solving Team into this area to identify and address root causes of crime and to develop and foster relationships with its residents and businesses to promote their involvement in this problem-solving process. “Involving our residents and businesses is essential to a project like this,” said Sgt. Mullins. “By partnering with the community, our team is able to drive out the criminal element and insure that steps are taken to address the root causes that may have previously enabled or even promoted criminal behavior in the area.”
In the coming months, residents and businesses in this area can expect to see an increase in the number of officers working this part of town. In addition to increased enforcement activities, these officers will be working closely with other divisions within the police department as well as with other city departments such as Corporate Communications, Code Enforcement, Housing and Human Services, Real Estate and Development, Intergovernmental Services and Public Works.
“Reducing crime and increasing public safety must be a community effort,” said Mullins. “The success we have had in recent years really points to the great partnerships we have with the various police units, different departments in the city, and the community at-large.”
If you would like to become involved in the police department’s efforts in this area or simply have questions about the Problem Solving Team, you may contact Sgt. Mullins at (972) 721-3549 or at jmullins@cityofirving.org.
