NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
August 16, 2002


RESIDENTS BELIEVE CLEARWATER IS A SAFE PLACE

Clearwater residents nearly unanimously agree that their coastal paradise is a safe place in which to live, work and do business, accordingly to a survey conducted by the Police Department, Chief Sid Klein announced today.

In this, the seventh survey conducted in the last 12 years, 91% of the respondents believe the city is a safe place. Nearly 89% believe their own neighborhood is safe.

"The results of this year's survey are extremely pleasing," said Chief Klein, "because the 'customers,' our residents' level of satisfaction and comfort with their Police Department has increased in each year the survey has been administered."

"Clearly employees' of the Police Department are committed to serving the citizens of Clearwater and have made an impact on our community."

The statistically valid survey was mailed to over 3,000 residents in zip code areas, which closely corresponded to the three district patrol zones. The department views the survey as a "report card" for how well it serves Clearwater's residents. "I'd say we made the Deans List this year," Chief Klein said.

The survey asks residents to form opinions about neighborhood safety, their opinions of agency personnel they have been in contact with, overall opinions of the agency, and solicits open-ended comments regarding any police or crime-related issues.

Attached to this news release is the Executive Summary of the survey. Results of the survey are also located on the Police Department's web site at www.clearwaterpolice.org. A complete copy of the final report is available by contacting Sergeant Doug Griffith, the Project Coordinator at 727-562-4347.

For additional information, contact Public Information Officer, Sergeant Doug Griffith at 727-562-4347



SID KLEIN
Chief of Police