During the early 1990s the crime rate in Ogden as measured by the FBI was in the high 70s while the top cities in the state hovered around 100 (lower is better). Ogden hired a new police chief, Jon Greiner, who made some significant changes in the department, focusing on being proactive and getting ahead of crime.
In the past 10 years we have added 20 percent-plus more additional officers to our police department. We have also funded technology that gives our officers more crime-fighting tools. We have implemented innovative approaches like The Good Landlord Program and two years ago hired a "zero-tolerance" Crime Reduction Unit.
Ogden has also undertaken a major redevelopment program in downtown and in our neighborhoods. We have completed redevelopment on more than 70 acres and have about 140 acres under redevelopment right now. Additionally, we have transitioned many marginal neighborhoods into owner-occupied middle-income communities.
The results of these efforts have been impressive. Crime is down dramatically. Our crime rate is now 55, according to the latest statistics released by the FBI. The next closest city to Ogden in crime rate is Taylorsville. We are on track to have an even better year this coming year when next year's statistics are released.
Clearly we want this information out to let people know that Ogden is a different place than many imagine it to be. This last week one of the new stations did an article on the top malls for crime. They remarked that they were surprised that neither of the two Ogden malls was on the list at all. We're not surprised and we hope soon the state will recognize the remarkable improvements that have taken place in Ogden. Ogden is a safe town.
I think Ogden's story is important because it tells other communities that the right plan and implementation can change the paradigm. One of the reasons I ran for this office was because a former city official told me that "you can't do anything to change crime. It has always occurred and always will."
I'm surprised at how many people really believe that, especially when there have been remarkable changes in other high-profile cities like New York City. Crime will always exist in New York City as it will in Ogden, but we can significantly reduce crime. In fact we have done so.
There will be some that won't believe that Ogden is as good as I'm painting it to be. To them I ask that they come to Ogden and see for themselves. Walk our streets and experience the change. There is much more for us to do in Ogden, but we are encouraged by the progress.
Godfrey is the mayor of Ogden.
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