We’d like you to work together over the next few weeks on a story examining the Dallas Police Department’s clearance rates for seven crimes: murder, rape, aggravated assault, residential burglary, business robbery, theft and auto theft. This story will help explain the daunting task that police have in solving (or clearing) certain offenses and how some crimes get more attention and resources devoted to them simply out of a realistic expectation of which ones can be solved.

We should begin with a short intro on clearance rates in general (which tend to be higher and which lower, how DPD stacks up against national clearance rates, and the pressure police are under to keep them under control, particularly for violent crimes).

The rest of the story would be broken into vignettes — you’ll divvy these up — on individual crimes from this year. Ideally we’d use solved cases to illustrate offenses with high clearance rates and unsolved crimes for those with low rates. Our Dallas police reporters may be able to help point out good candidates for some of these vignettes. They can also tell you which police official to talk to about certain crimes.

Each month, police release a “green sheet” that lists how many murders, robberies, burglaries, etc., were committed and the clearance rates for each. The June numbers should be out soon, and we’ll get you a copy as soon as they land.

I know you’ve both got other irons in the fire, so let’s sit down and talk about this after Selwyn returns later this week. Thanks.”

Cute film. Couple of laughs. McConaughey takes his shirt off.

Volume One, Issue Seventeen

Recently, I’ve found myself lacking time to pick up a book and just read. Between work and college applications, there aren’t enough hours in the day. But I managed to slip in a trip to the library and I found four novels that I’m really excited about picking up. Now all I have to do is find the time.

But then today, under dire boredom, I googled my name and this popped up.

“WOW !! This was an amazing article. I am a nine year veteran of the force, and very seldom do you come across a story, that truly brings a tear of enjoyment to your eyes and make you extremely proud to wear the BADGE. I take my hat off to the guys/gals in the Dallas Police Department. An as a fan of Dallas SWAT! I am very empress with the sincerity you’ll have shown here. STAY SAFE OUT THERE, from your comrade on the East Coast. “

Someone had reposted my article on the PoliceOne website and there was about two pages of comments on there.

And then some politician posted my second story on his website as well. No feedback but still, more people might read it that way.

2. “You look nervous. Why are you nervous? You’re doing good.”

3. When the boss is away, the workers will play be bored out of their minds.

4. “Is that where you guys are going to plan you next intern outing to? Houston. New Orleans. San Francisco.”

5. Never ever trust a police report. Right shoulder, my ass.

6. “Yeah, well, I’m waiting for Christina to start on that.”

7. Just call me verbose. Actually, verbose would be an understatment.

8. No self-respecting journalist is at work before 9:30 a.m. Yet at 7:45 a.m. there are still no good parking spots.

9. It’s always good to go talk to people even if you already interviewed them over the phone. Who knows, you might have spelled his name wrong if you didn’t.

10. “You have a lot of information. It’s good but it’s a lot. Like twice as much as we need.”

And then this morning, I asked my mom about what she thought and he answer was an immediate and swift “no.”

Me: “Why?”
Mom: “Because you are going to have a very heavy workload and if you’re going to be going to all those school board meetings on Mondays and SAT prep classes another weekday, you’re going to be very stressed.”
Me: “So why don’t I drop the SAT prep class?”
Mom: “Not happening. You’ll get more money for just one or two more points than you would at a little job. Besides, I’d much rather you join more extracurricular activites than get a job.”

Ironic because last summer she was busting my chops about getting a job. And now she’d only be comfortable about me “working two hours on a Saturday. Not six.”

Do I like working? Yes and no. It’s nice having my own money. It’s nice having something to do during the day.

But somedays I just don’t want to go. Somedays I’m really bored at something that’s supposed to keep me busy.

Yet if gas prices keep going the direction they’re headed, I’m going to need the job just to pay for the gas to get there.

All’s well with this production, especially the performance of “Helena.”

Nobody seemed to mind. Maybe it was because all the kids played. Or maybe it was because we played in front of the houses whose kids joined in on the fun.

But nobody called the cops on us. Or filed lawsuits. Or get caught up in a “liability panic.”

Sorry, kids. But it looks like you need to give up, go home, and waste your joyful summer in front of televisions, video games, and computer screens.