We seek to address the violent crime issue that has been on the rise within our community, and the outlying area.

The City of Ashland, like most communities has seen an uptick in violent crimes over the last 10 years. Being in a rural area with a small tax base, traditional policing techniques have proven to be unreliable and less efficient than the more modern approaches of hot-spot policing and problem-oriented policing. By utilizing data that will be collected using new software for analytics, crime reporting, and anonymous reporting, the Ashland Police Department will be able to identify trouble areas and address those areas using evidence-based programs to address the problems.

These new systems will allow for flexibility as the hot spot might shift from location to location. Through the measurables obtained, we would be able to allocate resources and deal with the problems within the identified hotspots. Citizens residing within the communities that are identified as hotspots would have peace of mind know that our department is seeking ways to address the growing concerns with the increases in violent crimes.

We would also deploy new camera technologies purchased with grant monies that would serve as a deterrent to crime, and partner with the East Metro Alabama Crime Center to monitor, and review camera footage from the deployment to assist in identifying those responsible for the crimes being committed in the areas identified.

Our partnership with the group conducting the study would provide insight on a regular basis to see how and what results were coming from the adjusted response. This partnership would also provide insight into training needs as well as improving the work product of the officers involved.