devote so much time, energy and talent to their service on the Board, greater trust has been built between our police officers and members of the public. That is important progress. We are proud to learn that use-of-force complaints against police officers were 18% lower in 2006 than in 2005. That, too, is significant progress.

Perhaps the most encouraging progress in connection with law enforcement and deterrence is the remarkable decrease in the rate of serious crime in Salt Lake City. As crime has increased in most large cities in the United States this past year, Part One Crimes, which include homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, arson, burglary, larceny, and auto theft, are down 8% from 2005 and 10.7% from 2004. Signifying tremendous progress, this marks the lowest level of serious crime in Salt Lake City in fourteen years.

Our police department was the first in the state to voluntarily institute a system to gather data so that we could have a better idea of whether racial profiling was occurring. That system will continue into the future to ensure that Salt Lake City avoids the practice of racial profiling, which is unjust, divisive, and erosive of trust between law enforcement and much of the community. That is important progress.

The Police Department and our entire community were faced with a very difficult child abduction and homicide case this past year. The tragic loss of adorable six-year-old Destiny Norton evoked a highly emotional response and accusations against the Department. Despite those accusations and intense scrutiny, our officers conducted themselves throughout the case with professionalism, honesty, and compassion. We are all proud of those who served with such distinction in our Police Department during this extremely challenging period.

We also honor the many hundreds of good people from throughout our community who assisted in so many ways during the search for Destiny. The tenacity and love demonstrated during those difficult days was inspiring and reminded us, once again, how this community pulls together when the need arises.

During the coming year, the Police Department will work in collaboration with our City Attorney�s Office to more effectively prosecute public nuisances. The Police Department will continue its progress in ramping up its efforts to recruit sworn and non-sworn officers, particularly within the minority community.