You might have noticed an increase in the number of incident reports over the past few weeks published in the Times-Journal. This has nothing to do with any supposed increase in crime.

What this has to do with is the quality of reporting being created by the Selma Police Department and the innovations brought about by technological upgrades thanks to the bond issue approved a number of years ago.

What these reports show is not a criminal problem in Selma, but criminal problems in particular areas of Selma.

This is important to point out, as the police department works to manage resources in a time when both are less than anyone would like.

This use of technology, gives police a cheat sheet of sorts about where crime is a habitual problem and where police patrols and resources should be directed.

As the city budget remains tight, our police and fire departments have to work smarter and more efficient with the funds they are afforded.

It would be nice to have a fire station on each corner and a police officer walking every street. That’s just not going to happen.

We just hope the emphasis on the use of technology ultimately makes a difference in curtailing and calming crime in some of Selma’s hottest spots.