Sugar Land crime hits 20-year low

SUGAR LAND (KTRK) -- Sugar Land's crime rate hit a 20-year low in 2016.

The results were included in the Sugar Land Police Department's 2016 Annual Report.

According to the report, Sugar Land's crime rate decreased 1.7 percent from 2015 to 2016. The rate is 45.7 percent lower than the state average and 38.7 percent lower than the national average for 2015.

National and state crime rates for 2016 will not be published until later this year.

The overall crime rate is comprised of Part 1 crimes that include homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, thefts and auto thefts.

In addition to the lowest crime rate in 20 years, other department accomplishments in 2016 included the creation of Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, an infant child abduction drill called "Code Pink" at Sugar Land Methodist Hospital, the purchase of tactical vests for every patrol vehicle and the acquisition of off-road vehicles to patrol Cullinan Park.

Sugar Land Police Chief Doug Brinkley credits a strong police presence, community partnerships, public education, a commitment to technology, training and departmental leadership for Sugar Land's historically low crime rate.