Dear Citizen and Visitor,

November 2011 marked my fourth anniversary with the Alexander City Police Department. As a Department we faced many challenges in 2011, most notably the marked increase in Crimes against Property-Theft and Burglary. The increase we experienced can be attributed, in a large degree, to the struggling economy and the skyrocketing prices
paid for copper and scrap metal. 59% of the Burglaries and 44% of the Thefts reported are directly related to metal theft and vacant or unsecured property. The Patrol Division and the Detective Divisions have been working very hard to apprehend the thieves responsible and there have been numerous arrests made as a result of their investigations.

The Department will continue to be proactive in addressing these crimes and apprehending the offenders, as well as continuing to stress crime prevention techniques to members of our community. In addition, the Department is in the process of adapting the Intelligence Led Policing model to our Agency so we may be more effective and efficient utilizing our resources to identify, interrupt, apprehend, and prosecute criminals in our Community.

On April 27th, 2011, our Community and our neighbors in Tallapoosa County suffered from Tornado devastation in one of the worst weather days in the history of this state. I am proud of the way our Fire, EMS, Police, Public Works, Utilities, and countless members of the Community immediately responded and came to the aid and comfort of so many in need.

In early January, 2012, the Command Staff reviewed our Goals and Objectives for 2011 and as a Department we accomplished over 93% of them. I am grateful to the Command Staff and all members of the Police Department for their hard work and commitment to excellence with respect to meeting our goals, and moving the Department forward.

Also in 2011 we continued our efforts in both Crime Prevention and Community Education with the establishment of new Neighborhood Watch Groups and our Citizens Public Safety Academy. In addition, our Law Enforcement Partnerships continued to be strengthened and we will continue to work closely with all of our Community Groups and Federal Agencies as we strive to provide excellence in policing in 2012.

In closing, the Command Staff and I look forward to the challenges we face in 2012. Our continued support from the Mayor and Council as well as the Citizens of this Community is greatly appreciated. I welcome your input, comments, or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me, or any member of the Command Staff.

Sincerely,
Charles B. Rafford
Chief of Police