During Tuesday morning’s meeting of the Brownwood City Council, Police Chief Ed Kading reported crime in Brownwood decreased by 41% over 2020 crime statistics.

There were significant decreases in violent crime, theft, and stolen vehicles. Clearance rates on reported crime rose to 47%, up from 31% in 2020.

The City of Brownwood did experience a significant increase in DWI cases with one officer making 38 arrests in 2021 for DWI, a sign that problem-oriented policing is working, according to the report.

Patrol shifts are sharing intelligence as a consistent shared action plan has been put in place. Focusing on problem areas, specific offenses, specific offenders, investigative technology upgrades, and enhanced communication between divisions has made a world of difference, the report states.

The Brownwood Police Department has improved its communication style with the community, according to Kading, listening to their concerns, building trust, and getting more cooperation by showing more compassion and empathy.

Since passage of the juvenile curfew, the Brownwood Police Department has detained 12 juveniles violating the curfew and written 3 citations. All cases were initiated by a call for service, dangerous behavior, or suspicious activity.