The department continued its transformation into an agency that has totally integrated the community-oriented policing philosophy. A new Mounted Police Unit was funded both by donations from the business community and by a raffle of a donated classic car. Residents made the department's first Civilian Police Academy a success; 30 residents learned the history and procedures of the police department and gained an understanding that will enhance community support for the department. The community joined the police in pledging zero tolerance for illegal guns on the streets. Driven in part by information from residents, the new Gun Suppression Program resulted in the arrest of many dangerous suspects, the recovery of hundreds of guns, and a 24-percent decrease in the number of shots-fired calls compared with the same period last year. The community also donated space, equipment, and volunteers to answer phones at two new "storefront" police offices. Six storefronts now operate in the city. In 1995 the department identified juvenile crime as a major priority and realized that truancy is a major cause. Monthly truancy sweeps have helped to reduce the number of youth not attending school. During the year, crimes against persons dropped 7 percent, led by decreases in homicide, rape, and other serious crimes. Data and information are provided for the work of each departmental division, along with offense and arrest data, data on calls for service, and complaints against police.