News Releases

Mobile Police Identify Emerging “Hot Spot”

Jun 30th, 2015

In keeping with the technique of "hotspot policing", the Mobile Police Department has identified the Village Green Area as a community experiencing an increase in criminal activity. The Village Green Area encompasses the following six apartment complexes: French Quarter, East-Wick, Cedar Trace, Wakefield, Azalea Pointe, and Clear View. This area was determined to be related to approximately 550 crimes in the first six months of 2015, a 34% increase from 2014. Most notably there have been six shooting incidents in the past thirty days with an overall 133% increase in "shots fired" calls so far this year. Mobile Police Chief James Barber announced the Department has begun Directed Patrol Operations and will continue to deploy other problem-solving techniques such as: warrant service, safety check points, mounted patrols, curfew enforcement, and probation checks all as part of "Operation Summer H.E.A.T." (Heightened Enforcement and Apprehension Tactics). Mobile Police Chief James Barber said, "Research has shown that 10% of a city's geographical area can be responsible for up to 60-80% of all crimes committed. Focused police operations can have a significant impact on a community's crime rate." In a more strategic effort, MPD will work closely with the apartment managers and residents of the area to ensure the future safety of their community.

Mobile Police would like to encourage citizens to call 911 and the non-emergency police phone number (208-7211) to report crime in their areas. Hotspot policing will continue in Mobile and citizens can help identify residential problem areas.