COVINGTON TO EMBARK ON FIRST FULL YEAR AS CHIEF

Chief Calls On Community To Be 'Eyes And Ears' Of Department

SENECA - Even though he knows 2009 promises to throw its share of
curveballs his way, Seneca Police Chief John Covington said it's
always a good idea to set goals for the department.

"It's always healthy to have expectations," Covington said with a
smile. "Even though sometime they don't work out the way you want them
to."

Ready to embark on his first full year as the head of the department,
Covington said those expectations include a renewed focus on fighting
drug activity in the city, as well as fostering a close bond between
the community and the department.

"One thing we have to focus on is continuing to modernize the
department, and to have our officers be proactive and not reactive,"
Covington said. "We need to be active in this community. It's greatly
advantageous for police officers to have a tight bond with the
community. They can be our eyes and ears out there. They can help us
solve a lot of crimes."

Seneca saw a significant drop in assaults in 2008 when compared to the
previous calendar year. In 2007 Seneca had 160 documented cases of
assault, while statistics up to Dec. 7, 2008 show only 117 cases.
Burglary and criminal domestic violence both remained static, as
Seneca saw more than 30 criminal domestic violence cases and roughly
70 burglaries in 2008, similar to 2007. Despite the drop in assaults,
the crime continues to be the most prevalent violent crime in the city.

Drug arrests in 2008 saw a 12-percent increase over 2007, a statistic
Covington actually sees as a positive.

"Drug cases are up significantly," he said. "That's due to enhanced
enforcement efforts we've made over the last year. We want those
arrests to be up. We've doubled our efforts against narcotics in this
city."

After a period of sustained spikes in drug cases, Covington said, it
is his hope that the fight against narcotics in Seneca will eventually
result in fewer arrests, indicating a "downsize" in drug activity.

Covington explained that drugs are often the root of numerous other
problems in the city, as such activity often results in assault,
burglary and larceny in order to either steal money directly or take
items that can be pawned off for money in order to purchase narcotics.

Covington believes Seneca residents' aversion to drug activity in the
community is also contributing to more cases being made against those
peddling illegal substances in the area. Once again, Covington said a
community-department partnership has helped.

"I'm sure it's a contributing factor," he said. "The public sees we're
trying to do our jobs. They know drug cases are many times tied to
other crimes. When someone is addicted, they're going to assault
someone, rob someone, whatever they have to do to get money to buy."

To Covington, the department and the community's fight against drugs
is one of utmost importance. The Seneca-native and second-generation
police chief said his close bond with his hometown motivates him to
get drugs off the streets.

"I certainly feel that being from this area, loving this area, being
born and raised here gives you more incentive, and it makes it more
rewarding when you do make a case," he said. "It gives you a sense of
satisfaction."

Community involvement is not limited to drugs, however. Covington
noted two recent burglary cases in which arrests were made - arrests
made due to Seneca residents coming forward with information.

He urged the community to maintain vigilance and cooperation with
police in 2009. Criminal domestic violence, which occurred a
documented 30 times in Seneca in 2008, is also an area in which
residents can help.

"That's the number of reported cases. Common sense tells you there's a
lot of domestic violence that doesn't get reported," he explained.
"That's where it's important to work with the community and to
continue programs to let people know there are avenues for assistance,
and that it's important to report violence."

BUDGETING

Covington said he's already gotten a jumpstart on the 2009 budgeting
process. It's a step he says is vital to the modernization of the
department. That modernization will include enhanced training, as well
as new equipment. He expects to turn in his budgeting requests in April.

The chief is currently in the process of assessing the department's
needs and prioritizing them so he will have a better idea how to
present his requests during the next budgeting cycle.

"When you ask for something, you need to justify it when you go before
the mayor and council. You need to show why you need it, and how it
benefits the city," he said.

Further down the road, Covington said, a new law enforcement building
will be needed. The department has grown by leaps and bounds in both
size and capability, Covington explained, yet the building is the same
size today as it was when his father, Pat Covington, was chief. The
city is currently in plans to move the department to the old J.N.
Kellett Elementary School building in several years.

"One of the department's biggest assets is the city's mayor, city
administrator and council," Covington said. "Anytime we've needed
something, they've stepped up."

The goals are multi-faceted, but direct. Through modernization and a
honed emphasis on community involvement, Covington looks to make his
police department a more effective crime-fighting unit in 2009.
Creating an atmosphere of friendship between the city's people and
those who protect them is the key, he explained.

"You do that by being an open, accountable department. You have an
open-door policy, and you hire and keep in place officers of integrity
who care about the public."