Houston police release summary of 2012 activity

According to statistical information released last week in the Houston Police Department’s annual summary, 2012 was another busy year.

The HPD’s six full-time officers and two reserves combined to submit 523 written reports documenting their most significant investigations and incident responses, an increase of 34 from last year’s total of 489.

The report showed that Houston officers made 293 misdemeanor arrests in 2012, compared to 264 in 2011. That figure included 134 arrests on stealing charges (up 47 from last year) and 25 on assault charges (an increase of 11 from 2011).

Officers also made 118 warrant arrests.

“The stealing cases can probably be associated with the economy,” HPD Chief Jim McNiell said. “We hate to see that, but we encourage people to protect their property. Keep your home’s doors locked, lock your vehicles, and make sure anything of value isn’t sitting in plain view.”

McNiell said much of the stealing takes place at Walmart, Houston’s biggest retail store.

“But due to the quality of asset protection officers there, they’re able to do a great job of assisting us in in identifying and apprehending people,” McNiell said. “Plus, their camera system is excellent.

“We have a no tolerance policy for stealing. If you’re caught stealing, you will be cited.”

Meanwhile, Houston officers issued 199 traffic citations in 2012, an increase of 88 from 2011. That total included 43 tickets for driving while intoxicated (the same number as last year), and 27 speeding violations (down from 46 in 2011).

“We’re pleased with the lack of an increase in the DWIs,” McNiell said. “Of course, we’d always like to see it be lower.”

McNiell said officers issued about twice as many warnings to drivers as citations.

“I’m glad to see that,” he said. “If you get stopped for a traffic violation, you stand a better chance of getting a warning than a ticket. It just depends on the nature of the violation.”

McNiell said that while the number of reports written by HPD officers is significant, it represents only a fraction of the total number calls they actually answer.

“I would say our officers probably handle about 4,000 calls a year,” he said. “Each officer keeps a log to document every call they answer, and it’s not uncommon for them to have several entries every day; even as many as eight or nine sometimes. We work 24 hours a day and 365 days a year; you start multiplying that out and the number gets pretty big.

“The service we provide is pretty unbelievable.”

HPD officers logged 70,805 miles in the department’s four patrol cars in 2012, and used 5,872 gallons of gas.

There were no murders, manslaughters, or robberies (taking something by force) in Houston last year, and there were only two reported rapes, and one incident involving a person firing a gun.

“Overall, our officers stayed busy,” McNiell said.

“You hate to see all the stealing and the assaults, but we really had a pretty safe year in the community and I think the citizens in general did a good job. Our officers also did a good job responding and helping people.

“Like any community the size of Houston, there will be issues with people at times not making good decisions, but most of the citizens here are darn good people who do a good job. We’re fortunate, and this is a good, safe place to live.”

Like any community the size of Houston, there will be issues with people at times not making good decisions. But most of the citizens here are darn good people who do a good job. We’re fortunate, and this is a good, safe place to live.”

A look at the numbers released by the Houston Police Department from 2012 and how they compare to the previous year: