SUISUN CITY — The ongoing effort by the Police Department to work with the community has resulted an eight-year low in the number of serious crimes in Suisun City.

Overall, the number of the most serious crimes declined 26% (or 226 incidents) in 2009 compared with 2008.

Suisun City recorded a crime rate of 26 crimes per thousand residents, nearly equaling Vacaville’s rate of 25 crimes per thousand.

Significant declines in robbery, burglary and theft demonstrate a particular correlation with the department’s increased focus on strengthening the Neighborhood Watch program, Police Chief Ed Dadisho said.

The Police Department also saw a decrease in the number of calls for service, which allowed patrol officers to be more proactive in the community. The result was an 18% increase in officer-initiated arrests and citations, which further reduced the number of criminal acts in the community, Police Chief Ed Dadisho said.

While the department instituted a number of changes to better utilize patrol officers, a reinvigorated Neighborhood Watch program has paid significant dividends.

Since 2007, the number of Watch groups rose 45% across the City following significant outreach efforts through local churches, schools and businesses, as well as a presence at major civic events.

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