During the first 6 months of 2007, the crime rate in the City of Cowan has shown a significant decrease, according to the recent data received from the TBI. This is great news and clearly shows that the “Working Together for a Safer Community”, concept is alive and going strong in the City of Cowan. When the Community Oriented Policing Concept was put into effect in January 2005, the foundation was laid for a strong community involvement type atmosphere. This foundation assured the citizens that those that provided information to the Police Department on suspected criminal activity, that was occurring or about to occur, could remain anonymous. This concept was modeled after the crime stopper program, but allowed a more closer working relationship with the Police Department and the Citizens of Cowan. Based on information received from over 300 citizens the first year alone, various criminal activities was prevented and those dealing in illegal drugs felt the impact from the community working together. In 2006, the Cowan Citizens continued to work together with their Police Department and continued to provide the missing link to several illegal drug investigations that were being conducted. A pager system was put into place so that those with information could notify the Cowan drug investigators around the clock. This resulted in numerous drug arrests being made including a meth lab shut down in the late evening hours of Christmas Eve, when some say police are no where to be found on holidays. As we entered 2007, we made the decision to turn up the heat on illegal drugs in the City of Cowan, and did just that. We have made excellent progress and the citizens are enjoying a safer community all because they care and choose to take on those with criminal intentions and work close with their Police Department in providing valuable information on a daily basis. A very special “Thank You” to all the citizens of Cowan and a “Job Well Done” in “Working Together For A Safer Community”. Let’s keep our teamwork going to ensure our community stays safe.
Sincerely,
Chief Robert Reynolds