APD Annual Reports - 2019 Annual Report | Page 38

Geographic Policing - South 2019 FOCUS: • Violent Crime • Increasing Neighborhood Participation • Reducing Retail Thefts & Burglary of Motor Vehicles The South Patrol District contains the largest land mass area in all of the city. The district is comprised of expansive retail corridors, residential neighborhoods and multi-family housing areas. In 2019, crime drivers included robberies, aggravated assaults, and retail thefts committed by shoplifting suspects. Each year, the South Retail District Unit focuses on the Parks at Arlington Mall, the Arlington Highlands, and the commercial retail area surrounding Interstate Highway 20 and S. Cooper Street. Burglary of motor vehicle prevention is a top priority for the unit.   The district used police explorers and volunteers to assist with crime prevention efforts. Burglary of motor vehicle report cards were placed in high traffic shopping areas to alert residents of the dangers of leaving 38 | 2019 Annual Report valuables in plain view or doors unlocked. Volunteers assisted by patrolling shopping centers in the C.O.P. Mobile program and skywatch towers. On Halloween, the district hosted the annual Trunk or Treat event which attracted hundreds of families. During Thanksgiving, the district provided special baskets filled with turkeys and all the fixings to families who were in need this past holiday season.   The district’s special enforcement team continued to focus efforts on known offenders, illegal guns and illicit drugs. Several high profile arrests were made in conjunction with drive-by shootings and aggravated assaults. The team conducted high visibility traffic enforcement in areas where crime is elevated. The criminal investigation division of the South District investigated 5415 offenses and prepared 502 arrest warrants for criminal cases.