EDITOR:

I was surprised by Councilwoman Henry’s criticism of the Roswell Police in last week’s Neighbor given that she has been responsible for oversight of the Police Department for the last two years.

Any crime is too much, but you can be proud that Roswell is doing a good job of preventing crime. Contrary to Ms. Henry’s claim, Roswell’s violent crime rate is down. Based upon 2008 FBI crime statistics published in the AJC, Roswell ranked better than Milton, Alpharetta, and Sandy Springs (Johns Creek ranking not available.). For 2009 the FBI index crime rate is down 1 percent for Roswell. For Roswell crime statistics, see www.roswellgov.com, click on City Services, then Police Department.

Protecting the safety of Roswell residents is my top priority and always has been. The biggest item in Roswell’s budget this year, 26 % of the total, is allocated to police. Ms. Henry voted against this as being too costly. Under my leadership, Roswell has added 32 police officers, became the first city in Metro Atlanta to offer a Crime-Free Housing Program, www.crime-free-association.org., and saw the District Attorney open an office in North Fulton. I am working with Judge Downs to start a Drug Court in North Fulton. As a consequence of these and other crime prevention programs, Roswell is consistently ranked one of the safest cities in the nation and was ranked 18th safest city in U.S. over 75,000 in 2008.

I will continue to do everything I can for you to make Roswell an even safer city.

Jere Wood

Mayor of Roswell