March 3, 2010 > Police Chief talks about crime reduction Police Chief talks about crime reduction By Meenu Gupta Photos By courtesy of Frank De Smidt Milpitas Police Chief Dennis Graham spoke to Milpitas Rotary Club on Monday, February 22. Chief Graham gave Milpitas Rotarians his report on the reduction of crime in Milpitas over the past years, answering a series of questions from the audience. When asked about the use of deadly force, he said it has not been required and the discussion determined only a small percentage of police officers nationally have had to do so. Graham mentioned Milpitas High youth programs that help reduce gang influence and crimes. His presentation was well received and he offered to speak before the Milpitas High School student Rotary Interact Club soon. According to California Department of Finance Population Estimates, Milpitas' population was 69,135 in 2008, increasing to 70,817 in 2009. In 2009, crime rate went down 4.1%, taking into account a population increase of 2.4% (1,682 additional residents) from 2008 to 2009. In 2009, rate of violent crimes like murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault went down 13.5%. Auto-thefts have declined, from 252 incidents in 2008 to 215 in 2009 while arsons have dropped from 22 in 2008 to 19 last year. According to Federal Bureau of Investigation's Crime Index, total crime incidents have dropped in Milpitas from 2,243 in 2008 to 2,203 last year. "2009 was the lowest crime rate since 1970, lowest in 40 years," Chief Graham told TCV. When asked about who he would credit for the City's low crime-rate he said, "There are many factors, one of them is that we on a weekly, monthly and daily basis track our crime occurrences and look for trends, so that we can look for resources and stop any emerging crime trends as soon as possible. I also credit my officers for coming up with crime fighting ideas." "Whenever residents see any suspicious activity or certainly any criminal activity, they should call us and we will take appropriate action."