TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Crime in Tallahassee is the lowest it's been in five years and police are thanking the community for getting involved.
TPD says it's going to be a busy summer, but a fun and safe one, too.
It's time to walk the block. Tallahassee police are ready for "Operation Safe Neighborhoods."
For the past four years, TPD has gone into different parts of town, checking on residents and handing out safety information.
"It's a good time to come out and meet some different people and have a conversation and hopefully, you know, make an impact," said TPD Chief Michael DeLeo.
Police have added more than 50 employees over the past four years. Chief Michael DeLeo said the increased presence is making a difference.
"Over the last four or five years, our response time to emergency calls has dropped. So, that means we're getting to people quicker," said Chief DeLeo. "So, that's definitely an improvement in service."
TPD is still working on moving into a new “public safety complex.” It won’t happen this summer, but the goal is to encourage residents to come here for more than just reporting crime.
"How do we normalize relationships? Because that's how we develop trust -- and that's how you develop faith in each other," said Chief DeLeo. "So, the scope of the project is large."
Summer programs for the Police Athletic League are in full swing and officers will team up with the Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy for a field day at FAMU Thursday.
DeLeo said this, along with community-driven public safety meetings, have helped fight crime.
"When you see that the passion for the people who live in the neighborhood and what they care about and how they wanted to grow it -- and we can help support them and be part of it -- but they've taken charge," said Chief DeLeo.
