By introducing and implementing a number of new strategic policing initiatives in recent years, the Irving Police Department (IPD) is literally making history by decreasing crime for six-plus years—a record for the city.
In Irving, traditional policing measures such as beat patrols are augmented by 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 the area. Trends are identified by analysis of crime statistics and anecdotal evidence.
“Typically, crimes addressed by the Problem Solving Team are those that haven’t responded well to traditional policing methods,” said Sgt. Jason Mullins. “The purpose is to address the root causes of crime and make the city safer for all.”
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 for having achieved a 72 percent reduction in offenses in just the past three years. In the Walnut Hill area, there has been a 36 percent reduction in calls for police service and a 24 percent reduction in criminal activity in the area. Even with the successes achieved in the Walnut Hill and Tudor Lane areas, police continue to pay special attention to these locations to maintain and sustain the new level of safety.
The success of the Problem Solving Team is the result of intra-departmental, interdepartmental and community partnerships. The Problem Solving Team works closely with various divisions within the Police Department including the Patrol Division, Special Investigation Unit (Narcotics and Vice), Tactical Units and Crime Analysts.
Corporate Communications, Code Enforcement, Housing and Human Services, Real Estate and Development, and Intergovernmental Services and Public Works have all worked closely with the Problem Solving Team as well as external partners including YMCA, Calvary Church and Irving Independent School District.
“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.”
In Irving, traditional policing measures such as beat patrols are augmented by 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 the area. Trends are identified by analysis of crime statistics and anecdotal evidence.
“Typically, crimes addressed by the Problem Solving Team are those that haven’t responded well to traditional policing methods,” said Sgt. Jason Mullins. “The purpose is to address the root causes of crime and make the city safer for all.”
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 for having achieved a 72 percent reduction in offenses in just the past three years. In the Walnut Hill area, there has been a 36 percent reduction in calls for police service and a 24 percent reduction in criminal activity in the area. Even with the successes achieved in the Walnut Hill and Tudor Lane areas, police continue to pay special attention to these locations to maintain and sustain the new level of safety.
The success of the Problem Solving Team is the result of intra-departmental, interdepartmental and community partnerships. The Problem Solving Team works closely with various divisions within the Police Department including the Patrol Division, Special Investigation Unit (Narcotics and Vice), Tactical Units and Crime Analysts.
Corporate Communications, Code Enforcement, Housing and Human Services, Real Estate and Development, and Intergovernmental Services and Public Works have all worked closely with the Problem Solving Team as well as external partners including YMCA, Calvary Church and Irving Independent School District.
“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.”
