In a recent government meeting, city officials presented a comprehensive analysis of crime trends and police response in the community, revealing a significant decrease in crime rates over the past several years. The presentation, initially shared with the city council earlier this year, focused on crime data segmented by patrol districts and city council wards, highlighting specific areas of concern and resource allocation.

Rebecca, a key presenter, emphasized the importance of understanding crime data through actual police reports rather than calls for service, which can include non-criminal incidents. The analysis covered a five-year period, indicating that while the city has seen an increase in overall calls—approximately 57,000 in 2023, up 8% annually—serious crimes have decreased by about 40% for part one crimes and nearly 47% for part two crimes.

The presentation also addressed the mapping of crime hotspots, particularly in commercial areas, and clarified that some data anomalies were due to technical mapping errors rather than actual crime spikes. Notably, the area identified as a hotspot at the intersection of 117th and Highway 65 was attributed to these mapping issues rather than a significant crime problem.

Chief of Police added that resource deployment is based on patrol areas rather than council wards, ensuring that officers are strategically assigned to areas with higher needs. He noted that two officers are specifically dedicated to the North Town area, which has a high concentration of retail businesses.

Looking ahead, the department is implementing a new automated license plate recognition system, which aims to enhance crime response capabilities. This system will allow for real-time tracking of stolen vehicles and assist in urgent situations like Amber Alerts.

Overall, the meeting concluded with a positive outlook on community safety, with officials encouraging ongoing communication between the police department and city planners to address any emerging concerns as the city continues to grow. The data presented reassured the planning commission that despite an increase in calls, crime rates are trending downward, reflecting effective policing and community engagement.