The Farmers Branch Police Department has joined several other Texas cities, along with communities across the nation, in subscribing to a web-based service that plots crime occurrences in their jurisdictions. Crimereports.com retrieves data on a daily basis from a police database and plots crime occurrences onto a Google map. The public can access the site at
www.crimereports.com or click on the link from the Farmers Branch Police Department page on the City of Farmers Branch web site at www.farmersbranch.info .
We have an outstanding program here in Farmers Branch where citizens can learn about police work and law enforcement, called the Citizen's Police Academy. There are several slots available for the next academy, which will begin in early September. You can find more information about the program
here. If you're interested, contact Lieutenant Mike Blum for all details. His email is mike.blum@farmersbranch.info
Tim
This story was just posted on the Dallas Morning News web site. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals dropped CFBISD from a lawsuit filed by Shannon and David Croft challenging the daily moment of silence in schools.
The 5th Circuit said the law is “clearly secular — to promote patriotism, thoughtful contemplation and nondiscrimination.” The state also said that allowing students to pray during the moment of silence protects religious freedom, which is a constitutional right.
Way to go, 5th Circuit.
Tim
I appreciate the hard work of Gary Greer and the other leaders on the FB City staff. They had some very tough decisions to make, decisions that had an impact on individuals who have worked for the city and served its citizens. I appreciate the dedication and service of those individuals who were affected by these budget decisions.
The city - first and foremost - exists to serve it's citizens. We have the lowest municipal cost and tax burden than any other in the metroplex. Energy costs and state mandates have increased our expenses exponentially. The other options available to the city are to cut services or raise taxes. I don't want to see us do either of those.
I thank Gary Greer for being proactive in developing a budget for 2008-2009 that maintains the level of services our citizens expect and deserve.
And regarding legal fees...we're paying double our total legal fees this year to paint a water tower. These decisions are not being driven by our upholding the law and carrying out the will of the people.
TIm
Google thought my blog was spam. They temporarily shut it down, but it's back.
Tim
