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Mill Creek reports drops in collisions and property crime; police near full staffing
Summary
Police presented 2024 statistics showing reduced collisions and property crime and increased traffic enforcement; the department reported one remaining vacancy and expected several officers to complete training by mid‑February.
Mill Creek Police Department leaders presented 2024 operational statistics on Jan. 14 showing reductions in collisions and property crimes and increases in traffic enforcement contacts and citations.
Department highlights included a 21% drop in collisions, a 28% reduction in vehicle thefts, and a 122% increase in traffic infraction activity and a 75% increase in total traffic contacts compared with the prior year, the chief reported. Staff also said property‑room throughput improved after hiring an evidence technician; evidence destruction and property releases rose as backlogged items were processed.
Staffing and operations: the chief reported the department had one vacancy and expected to move forward with at least one candidate from an entry‑level list. Three officers were in field training with projected releases to full patrol by mid‑February. Specialty positions added or filled included a second school resource officer assigned to Heatherwood Middle/High School and a second traffic safety officer; the department said it plans to pursue motor officer training later in the year.
Community outreach and PIO: the department said it is building out public information capability and will provide more frequent updates on crime trends and safety campaigns. Council members asked for clarification on reporting categories (prowl, burglary, robbery) and suggested using the department’s improved statistics for public communication about safety trends.
The department said the numbers represent progress on enforcement and evidence‑management processes and that full patrol staffing was expected within weeks as trainees complete field training.
