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Craig Police report clearance rates, training and staffing concerns in 2024 annual report
Summary
Chief Michael Cochran presented the department’s 2024 annual report and February statistics: the FBI‑formatted clearance rate was about 54.9%, the department filed roughly 496 arrests in the period referenced, and training and accreditation milestones were highlighted alongside ongoing staffing gaps.
Police Chief Michael Cochran presented the Craig Police Department’s February update and the 2024 annual report to council on March 25, emphasizing crime statistics, training, staffing and evidence management.
According to the FBI‑formatted reporting in the annual report, the department’s clearance rate for the referenced reporting period was roughly 54.9%. Chief Cochran said the department recorded approximately 496 total arrests (482 adults and 14 juveniles) in the referenced year and detailed monthly and categorical breakdowns for offenses, DUIs, traffic accidents and animal control incidents. The department reported 66 DUIs in 2024 and 145 traffic accident reports; Chief Cochran noted monthly variance and that July was historically a busy month for DUI contacts.
Staffing and training were key themes: the department reported 2,574 collective training hours in 2024 across topics including CPR, firearms, driving and DUI enforcement. The department is a 29‑person organization (23 certified officers and six civilian staff) and experienced a staffing shortfall during 2024 — about 21% below full capacity at one point; two recruits were in the academy but three certified positions remained open at the time of reporting.
Chief Cochran also summarized property and evidence statistics (over 7,200 items currently in evidence storage, controlled destruction of adjudicated narcotics, and more than 24,400 evidence file uploads in 2024) and a use‑of‑force review showing mostly soft techniques, a small number of less‑lethal deployments and one officer firearm discharge reported in 2024.
Chief Cochran said the department received accreditation through CACP (Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police) and highlighted the value of the CrimeWatch platform for community engagement and public outreach, reporting high site visits and social reach.
Why it matters: The report provides an annual snapshot for public accountability, showing crime trends, departmental capacity, training investment and the status of evidence and accreditation work. Council asked that the report be posted publicly online for community access.
