It is hard to believe 2014 is over. It was generally a safe year for the Northside and I hope 2015 is as well. I will provide crime data for 2014 in the next issue.

In the meantime, here are a few tips on what you can do to make 2015 a safe year for you and your family:

• Lock your vehicle and house doors at all times.
• Do not keep valuables in your vehicle.
• Report suspicious activity to police right away.
• Watch over your neighbors and their property.
• Join your neighborhood association or watch group.
• Be an active member of your neighborhood.
• Follow the traffic laws.

As the population continues to age, it becomes more important for us to watch over the seniors that live in our community. Check in with them regularly and do not hesitate to call the police if something doesn’t look right. The “community care taker” role is one of the most important parts of being a police officer.

By the time you read this, the department will have completed the annual assignment process. The North Police District will have only six new faces this year, which is extremely low and a benefit to the Northside. We will be losing some talented staff and appreciate what they have done for the Northside community and the North Police District.