Sammy Bailey believes felonies are down in the city because people are calling the Lampasas Police Department to report suspicious activities.

“With all of us working together, we are making a difference in our community,” said the assistant chief of police.

The number of felonies is the lowest reported since 2003, Ms. Bailey said.

It also helps that the department is fully staffed. Eighteen certified officers and four reserves help keep the streets safe, Ms. Bailey said.

The newest reserve in training is Lampasas High School graduate Larry Wilson.

Statistics show the LPD cleared more cases in 2011 than it had through the end of the previous year. Ms. Bailey attributes that to a good police presence on the streets, in addition to clearing cases in 2011 that were from 2010.

Misdemeanor cases also are at a long-time low.

“The number of cases reported is the lowest since prior to 1998,” she said. “We have a good clearance rate, and people feel comfortable calling us to report anything they see that might be suspicious.”

Calls for service are up because the population continues to increase, Ms. Bailey said.

“More people, more calls. And we still provide community services you won’t find in a lot of other police departments,” said the assistant chief.

Police make themselves available for house watches, funeral escorts and unlocking vehicle doors.

“We are here to serve our community,” she said.

While Ms. Bailey believes road construction has been the impetus for additional vehicle accidents over the last year, driver inattention also plays a role.

“We average several calls a week that are in a construction zone. Drivers need to continue to pay attention since a number of streets still don’t have traffic lights up and running,” Ms. Bailey said.

While highway construction continues, some portions of Key Avenue face traffic diversions, and officials have encouraged drivers to be extra cautious during the remainder of the project.

“And please pay particular attention to folks crossing at crosswalks,” Ms. Bailey said. “They have the right of way, and vehicles need to yield to pedestrians.”

While getting used to a four-way stop sign at Fourth and Western has taken some adjustment, Ms. Bailey believes it has been a plus.

“It has slowed drivers down and helps with the traffic control,” she said. “I think drivers pay more attention closer to the downtown area, too.

“ I hope after construction is completed, the Texas Department of Transportation will leave the four-way stop sign up,” she added.

While traffic lights are up at some intersections, not all of them have been replaced, and Ms. Bailey encouraged drivers to pay close attention when merging onto Key Avenue or turning down side streets.

“The construction has been difficult for everyone, but I think it will all be worth it at the end.”

Other year-end statistics show animal complaints jumped significantly from 2010 to 2011. Many of the calls were concerning loose animals. Ms. Bailey encouraged residents to be aware of where their pets are and to not let them roam freely.

In addition, 911 calls have doubled over the past year, and Ms. Bailey partially attributes that increase to the police department dispatching all fire department calls in the city limits, as well as to the increase in accidents.

“We hope to see a safe 2012, and the year is off to a good start thus far,” she said.

Ms. Bailey shared some simple tips to keep folks safe in 2012. “Obey all speed limit signs, and yield at yellow lights. Don’t try to beat the light before it turns red,” she said.

In addition, the assistant chief encouraged travelers to wear seat belts and motorcyclists to wear a helmet.

“And please slow down in inclement weather and in construction zones,” she said.

The LPD appreciates residents’ willingness to contact the department to ask a question, seek information or report suspicious activity in the city’s neighborhoods, Ms. Bailey said.

“We are here to serve the community, and we appreciate our residents who are helping us to make Lampasas a safe place to live, work and raise their kids.”