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Police report shows modest rise in total offenses but declines in aggravated assault; drug and firearms seizures up
Summary
Chief Sands presented preliminary WASPIC data showing a slight rise in total offenses, a reduction in aggravated assaults, and an increase in drug and illegal‑firearms seizures attributed to proactive street‑crimes work; staffing additions were noted and national night out plans announced.
Moses Lake Police Chief Sands presented preliminary 2024 crime data from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPIC), reporting a slight uptick in total offenses while noting declines in aggravated assaults and an increase in drug and illegal‑firearms seizures driven by proactive policing efforts.
Why it matters: The data provide a snapshot of public‑safety trends that inform policing priorities, resource allocation and community outreach.
Chief Sands said the clearance rate was “up slightly” and that the homicide count reflected classifications that included narcotics‑related deaths and a vehicular homicide; he said narcotics investigations yielded a large warrant operation outside the city that produced cash, drugs and firearms. Sands reported a sharp increase in drug‑offense statistics for street‑crimes team activity and said that team took more than 50 pounds of drugs off the streets. He said the team also removed 95 illegally possessed firearms.
Sands urged caution in interpreting raw numbers: for example, a high kidnapping figure in the report reflects a mix of case types, including custodial interference. He also noted that property crimes — notably thefts and burglaries — remain the highest category by volume.
On staffing, Sands said the department had not reached its target staffing level for 2025 but had new hires in background or academy training; one new hire started the day of the meeting and others are in the background process.
Sands also previewed community events: National Night Out in early August will be downtown and the department plans to participate; the department will also hold its annual “Battle of the Badges” in September.
Discussion versus decision: This was a briefing; no policy change or formal action was taken.
What’s next: Chief Sands will publish the finalized WASPIC data when available and continue recruitment and enforcement initiatives.
