Police report: calls up, investigative workload rising and LPR/bodycam audit completed

The New Prague Police Department presented an annual snapshot on March 16 showing calls for service increased from 7,449 to 8,139 over the year and identifying investigative workload and digital forensics as growing operational pressures.

Tim, delivering the report, said investigations now require more computer work, search warrants and forensic analysis, and the department has one detective who handles multiple duties. "One thing that we are noticing is the investigation part of our job is getting more difficult every day," Tim said. "Finding those things and investigating these things becomes more difficult. It becomes more conversations, more paperwork, more digging." He said staffing and detective assignments were being monitored to avoid long response times for investigations.

The report also covered vandalism in parks tracked after camera installations from May through October, with staff noting unreported incidents are being captured and followed up. Tim referenced recent audits of body‑worn cameras and license plate reader programs; auditors reviewed the city’s approach and staff will share audit results when received. Tim said the department participates in regional task forces and a Tri‑County SWAT team and noted unique jurisdictional coverage across two counties.

Council members asked about traffic accident concentrations (highways, the high school area) and trends in injury severity; Tim said statewide distracted driving and impaired driving remain primary contributing factors and that the department receives Office of Traffic Safety data each month.

The council requested the police continue annual reporting and more detailed year‑end analysis on fatalities and contributing factors.