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Partnerships with the Department of Justice, the US Attorney for the Northern District, <br />and other law enforcement agencies have been effective ways to target resources and remove <br />violent offenders from the streets. We have established a Federal, State and Local Firearms and <br />Violent Crimes Task Force. Project Disarm has taken 27 cases for federal prosecution. We are <br />implementing a two year Youth Anti-violence grant. These efforts support the daily work of <br />patrol officers and give us tools to act quickly and effectively. Partnerships with the community <br />are another irt~portant component of our conunitxnent to serve and protect. Neighborhood <br />Watch, Weed & Seed, Commercial Corridor Action Teams, the COP Leadership Group and <br />business and neighborhood associations provide goad communication and teamwork. These <br />efforts complement the excellent leadership and dedicated officers in our department. Together <br />they are helping to bring down the crime rate in South Bend. <br />Major crimes are down 4% from 2003. Rapes were down 9%; Residential Burglary was <br />down 7%; Arsons declined 15%. Robberies and Motor Vehicle Theft rase slightly; all other <br />categories declined. Murder is the most violent and the most visible of crimes. The number can <br />fluctuate significantly from year to year. In 2004 there were ten murders in South Bend. This is <br />still too many, but it shows a positive trend, down 38% from 2003. Not since 1985 have there <br />been fewer than ten murders in South Bend. By getting violent criminals offthe streets and by <br />enforcing additional penalties on gun related crimes, we are making headway. Since I became <br />mayor, we have made impressive progress in improving the safety of our residents. Murder, <br />Burglary, and Arson rates are half what they were in 1996. <br />Robbery is down a third Other crimes are down 25%. <br />Total Major Crimes have declined a third. We have much <br />yet to do, but with goad partnerships with the community <br />and other agencies, we will continue to keep South Bend <br />Safe. <br />One way the Police Department is working to break <br /> <br />barriers is through expanded contact with youth in positive <br />situations. For the l la` year the Police Youth Recreation <br />Program brought mare than 1,450 young people to various <br />youth centers. This program allows police to establish <br />positive relationships with young students from diverse <br />A-1$ <br />