Crimes committed in Naperville’s downtown have decreased by 11 percent from 2012 as a result of a new police enforcement strategy aimed at proactively addressing liquor-related offenses and increasing public safety.
The top five crime calls recorded in the downtown from January through October of 2013 totaled 397 offenses, down from 447 offenses recorded from January through October in 2012. The top five crime calls include criminal damage, disorderly conduct, fights in progress, theft and juvenile complaints.
“The Police Department has taken a proactive approach to address crimes occurring in our downtown so that a safe and friendly environment can be maintained for all those visiting and enjoying the area,” Investigations Commander Brian Cunningham said. “We’ve especially been vigilant in responding to and addressing liquor-related concerns through a variety of methods – all of which have helped decrease the overall total of crimes that take place in the downtown. Our strategy is working and we will continue to be vigilant in keeping the downtown area safe.”
The following proactive tactics were initiated in the fall of 2012 as part of the new police enforcement strategy:
- A quarterly action plan for liquor-related activity was developed that included the participation of patrol, traffic, investigations and the downtown liquor establishments.
- The Special Operation Group (SOG) was realigned to include a tactical unit equipped to handle liquor related issues.
- The Liquor Liaison Detective position was realigned to allow for more training, inspections and enforcement.
- A weekly downtown activity report was created which notified officers of ongoing events in the downtown liquor establishments.
- Uniformed and plain-clothes officers were increased on Friday and Saturday nights and also during high-profile dates (e.g. holiday weekends).
- Officers received additional training on specific liquor-related offenses.
- Fire Department personnel were utilized during high-activity periods to conduct capacity checks and potential fire code violations.
As part of implementing the new police strategy, additional officers were assigned to the downtown on high activity dates during the peak hours of 10PM to 3AM. The team helped address all liquor-related concerns and increased communication with the liquor establishments. Officers increased bar inspections and a Liquor Liaison Detective provided additional training and guidance to liquor establishments.
Members of police also attended monthly meetings with key stakeholder groups in the downtown such as the Naperville Restaurant Association, Naperville Downtown Advisory Commission, Downtown Naperville Alliance, and the Naperville Development Partnership to address concerns, increase communication and work together to maintain safety in the downtown. These groups worked together to create a best practices manual that serves as a key tool in establishing safe guidelines for restaurants and bars.
“We are very fortunate to have strong collaboration and communication between the businesses and the Naperville Police Department,” Naperville Development Partnership Chairman Scott Wehrli said. “This combined effort ensures that the residents and visitors of our community enjoy a safe and pleasant environment.”
