Government
BY EMILY LINCKE
Violent crime drops 26% in Humble over 5 years From 2020-24, violent crime in Humble dropped by 26% and property crimes decreased by 11%, Humble Police Department Chief Ken Theis said during a Feb. 13 Humble City Council meeting. Quote of note Violent crime incidents in Humble Aggravated assault Auto theft Burglary of a motor vehicle Burglary Homicide Robbery Sexual assault
Humble tightens rules against businesses On Feb. 27, Humble City Council unan- imously passed an ordinance, which amended four sections of city code. What’s changing? According to Feb. 27 meeting documents, the ordinance: • Adds definitions for commercial proper- ties and home occupations • Adds provisions for home occupations regarding vehicular traffic generation, property signage and selling goods directly from the home • Bans home-operated businesses focusing on auto repair/sales, and homeschools for people outside of the occupant’s family • Imposes a maximum daily fine of $500 for people in violation of the new ordinances
“That’s a testament to our police officers, the men and women that are out here patrolling day and night, pushing the criminal element outside of our area,” Theis said. Diving deeper In 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic hit, recruiting new police officers became more difficult for HPD, Theis said. From 2020-24, HPD reduced the crime rate through: • Improvements to its lateral transfer program to recruit more officers • Increases in officer pay • Putting more officers on the streets
0
250 500 750 1,000
796
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
661 657
765
686
Overall change: -26%
SOURCES: CITY OF HUMBLE, HUMBLE POLICE DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
• Crime-reducing initiatives such as license plate reader programs and the real-time crime center
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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION
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