H.R. No. 478
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Irving Police Department has worked with
exceptional skill and dedication to ensure the safety of Irving
residents, and the city's crime rate was reduced to a record low in
2008; and
WHEREAS, Police Chief Larry Boyd and his officers have
undertaken a number of crucial initiatives to address the root
causes of crime and disorder; working in close cooperation with
city officials, the department prioritized code enforcement in
keeping with the "broken windows theory" that crime thrives when
neighborhoods are not clean and well kept; one of the most dangerous
streets in the area experienced a 75 percent drop in crime after
neglected buildings were targeted; in addition, 19 substandard
multifamily properties and three rundown motels across the city
were closed, prompting many landlords to swiftly address problems
at their properties; and
WHEREAS, The department also increased the police presence at
two troubled apartment complexes, resulting in remarkable
improvements; the department has used volunteers as a valuable
resource and has deployed five new cars for trained citizens to
patrol neighborhoods; in order to reduce vehicle thefts and
burglaries, the force added five sky-watch trailers; moreover, the
department participates in the Criminal Alien Program of United
States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and in a little over two
years referred to ICE a record number of arrestees believed to be in
the country illegally; and
WHEREAS, Since 2004, Irving's crime rate has fallen steadily
on an annual basis and has declined from 55.12 to 45.30 crimes per
1,000 residents over the past five years; the entire police force
has demonstrated exceptional diligence and professionalism, and
its members can take great pride in their successful efforts to
fight crime; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commend Chief Larry Boyd and the Irving Police
Department for their noteworthy achievements and extend to them
sincere appreciation for their outstanding work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Chief Boyd and the department as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
Harper-Brown
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 478 was adopted by the House on
February 17, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House