Franklin police report fewer violent crimes but a spike in motor‑vehicle thefts

Chief Patterson told the Franklin City Council on Aug. 12 that the Franklin Police Department saw mixed results in its FY23 report: ‘‘we are almost down by 20 reports’’ in violent crime, a nearly 40% decrease, but property crime increased by about 26%, and ‘‘we have 50 motor vehicle thefts,’’ the chief said.

The chief said the department has pursued multiagency work, including membership on the Meherrin Drug Task Force and use of license‑plate readers and Flock and Ring camera feeds to track suspects across jurisdictions. He described targeted responses such as search warrants and a newly formed tactical team, and credited staff for recent arrests tied to those efforts.

Council members pressed the chief on recruitment. Patterson said the department is authorized for 29 officers but currently has several vacancies and trainees; he urged residents to refer candidates and highlighted youth outreach such as a Citizens Police Academy and an Explorer program. Patterson also supported extending the city’s take‑home vehicle radius to make Franklin more competitive with neighboring agencies.

Council and staff noted the department’s rising workload tied to mental‑health transports and emergency custody orders, which can take officers off the street for extended periods. Patterson said officers spend roughly 80 hours per involuntary detention and that the department is coordinating with the local community services board for better case handling.

The presentation closed with council members thanking officers and encouraging public participation in recruitment and neighborhood reporting. The council did not take formal action on personnel policy changes during the meeting; staff indicated they will pursue the take‑home vehicle radius recommendation for council consideration.