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Auburn police cite falling crime trends, new tools and a revived block-watch push
Summary
Police officials told the community that overall reported crime declined, described regional cooperation and new tools (20 Flock cameras added last year; grant to buy an additional ballistic-comparison machine), and encouraged residents to restart block-watch groups.
Auburn police briefed residents Wednesday on recent crime trends, technology investments and community-based prevention efforts, while urging public engagement and stronger accountability for repeat offenders.
The police chief said the department’s in-house data show overall reported crime in 2024 was down compared with 2023, though he cautioned those figures are "unofficial" until submitted to the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). The department recently added about 20 Flock Safety cameras and plans to add 20 more this year; staff said the cameras have helped recover stolen vehicles, locate missing people and identify suspects who drove into the city.
Police described a regional approach to prosecution and analysis, noting they successfully applied for a state grant "in excess of $200,000" to purchase an additional ballistic-comparison machine (the transcript described it as a regional tool to compare shell casings and reduce backlog for nearby agencies). The department said the new machine will be available to surrounding jurisdictions.
On staffing, police said the city was authorized for 10 additional officers this budget cycle and that an entry-level recruit takes roughly a year to be fully trained on the street. The chief described changes to detective deployment and said officers work closely with human services staff to address issues in parks and other public spaces.
Commander Adams presented a streamlined process for restarting neighborhood block watches and said residents should name a captain and co-captain as liaisons to the department. "When you stay consistent, when you continue to have these meetings and communicate with your neighbors, you'll be more effective and help us be more effective with you," Adams said.
The meeting included questions about juvenile prosecution and sentencing policies; the mayor and chief said Auburn continues to press regional prosecutors and state legislators for changes to accountability provisions they consider insufficient for repeat juvenile weapons offenses. No new criminal or procedural ordinances were adopted during the meeting.
