Middle Police See Results in Rio Target Area

COURT HOUSE – A program enacted at the start of the year by Middle Township Police Department has led to a 55 percent reduction in reported crime and a 15 percent reduction in crashes compared to the same time period in 2012.
The Data-Driven Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety (DDACTS) program uses data correlated with high crime and high accident areas so that police can focus their attention on a specific area, in this case, a one-half square mile area in Rio Grande surrounding the intersection of Routes 47 and 9.
“We kind of knew Rio Grande would be our area,” said Police Chief Christopher Leusner. “But the data confirmed that, showing that almost one-third of all crashes occurred in that one-half square mile.”
While the program needs additional time to conclusively confirm whether or not the increased police presence is having an impact, Leusner is happy with the progress thus far.
“We felt this was something useful and important to our area,” said Leusner. “And the numbers are certainly encouraging at this point.”
In 2012, police made 573 car stops in that area of Rio Grande. When the program was presented earlier this year to Middle Township Committee, Leusner predicted 2,000 car stops for 2013. As of June 15, officers have made 1,067 traffic stops, a number that, according to Leusner, puts the department on track for 2,000 stops by year’s end.
“An officer spends about 20 minutes at a car stop, and that high visibility has an effect on the area,” said Leusner. “The cars riding by see the police are there doing something.”
The increased police presence in the area of Rio Grande not only acts as a deterrent to criminal activity, it also allows for the police to respond to calls more quickly.
The next phase of the program will focus on local ordinances, particularly quality-of-life issues.
“We get a lot of complaints by residents about panhandling,” said Leusner. “And while panhandling is protected by the First Amendment, we can do something if it becomes aggressive.”
Leusner also said the department would be stepping up its enforcement of open container laws.