We have been busy, and so have you. You are no longer just patrolling the streets, responding to calls. Now, more and more, you are working with citizens and community leaders to solve problems that contribute to crime. You are not just locking up criminals. You're stopping crime before it starts, and you're efforts are succeeding.
Crime rates are down again, across the state.
Since 1996, the rate of violent crime has dropped 14 percent, and the rate of property crime over 12 percent. You can take a lot of pride in those numbers. We all know that many things contribute to rising or falling crime rates, but effective police work is a big part of the picture. So I thank you not just as Governor but also as a citizen and a parent. I want our children to grow up in a safe community.