<p>October 14, 2016</p>
<p>Recently, City of Rocky River residents have expressed concerns about high-profile crimes and crime rates to City officials and on social media. These concerns prompted Police personnel to research Calls for Service statistics from 2011 through September 30, 2016. That research indicated that Calls for Service for violent and property crimes in the City have been consistent over the last five years, with no significant changes in 2016 through September 30th.</p>
<p>Over the last several years, Police Chief Kelly Stillman has made efforts to keep the public better informed about their community and Police Department including a Rocky River Police Department Facebook Page and utilization of Nixle and Ready Notify notification systems. He has also appointed a Public Information Officer specifically for improved communication with the media and the public, including more comprehensive weekly updates to the media about crime and other police activity and proactive press releases sent when there is the need notify the public about a specific event. Those efforts, combined with public engagement on social media forums, have helped to create a greater public awareness which can sometimes be perceived as an increase in crime. </p>
<p>Rocky River remains a safe community in which to live and work. However, no level of violent or property crime is deemed acceptable. The Police Department continues to work to investigate crimes that have occurred, proactively prevent crimes from occurring, and build relationships in the community to enhance crime prevention and awareness.</p>
<p>Several community outreach events are being planned over the next several months. On Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 7:00 PM, at Memorial Hall, Police Chief Kelly Stillman, Westshore Enforcement Bureau Special Agent in Charge Jeff Capretto, and Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Detective John Morgan will discuss crime prevention and solutions at a community forum. Residents are invited to attend a Coffee With a Cop event on Sunday, November 13th, 2016 from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM at Erie Island Coffee. And applications for the 7th Citizen Police Academy, scheduled to begin in January 2017, will be available beginning Tuesday, October 25, 2016. </p>
<p>To continue to keep Rocky River safe, we encourage all residents to be aware of their surroundings, protect their homes and belongings by locking house and car doors, and to promptly report unusual or suspicious behavior to police at 440-331-1234. </p>
<p>Mayor Pam Bobst and Chief Stillman remain available to address additional questions or concerns about these or any other issues. </p>
