First, the yearly crime stats were released recently.  The article written by Val Walton for the Birmingham News is on the Hoover Police website:  www.hooverpd.com
 
Hoover PD uses NIBRS to report our crimes to the FBI.  (National Incident Based Reporting System).  We formerly used UCR (Uniform Crime Reports).  All law enforcement agencies in Alabama were asked to go to NIBRS rather than UCR a couple of years ago.  Currently, we are still the only agency in the State which fully utilizes NIBRS.  The main difference between NIBRS and UCR is that NIBRS categorizes things by incident; you could have multiple events in the same incident.  
 
            We also take the extra step, when we release our crime stats to the media, of including the “unfounded” calls.  We believe this is important, as it gives our residents a better understanding of what occurs in Hoover.  When the FBI releases their yearly crime statistics, only crimes which have been reported are listed, and not the end result after investigation.  If our Detectives determine that a case is “Unfounded”, it does affect the numbers.  There are many reasons that a case could be unfounded.  The case could have occurred in another jurisdiction; the case could be reported to us to hide something else.  In any case, no call becomes “unfounded” without thorough investigation.
 
            I have to give credit to our residents for having been very good partners with Hoover PD over the past year.  I have used Bluff Park as an example, and will continue to do so.  A timely 911 call can make the difference in apprehending a suspect, or the suspect getting away.  I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to contact Hoover PD (911) if you see a suspicious situation.  Bluff Park residents who called us quickly in 2009 were responsible for several arrests; if our officers get the information quickly, they are in the area that much sooner.
 
            Secondly, there is a current news story about a female suspect we are seeking in connection with the thefts of wallets and purses from elderly shoppers at WalMart on US 280.  While this is not in Bluff Park, it does remind us all that we need to use care when we are shopping.  Leaving wallets and purses unattended while shopping invites theft, and can ultimately result in identity theft.  
 
            As always, please feel free to contact Hoover PD if you have any questions.  
 
CPT Jim Coker
Hoover Police Department
205-444-7700 Non-Emergency
205-822-5300 or 911 Emergency