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Caldwell police chief reports declines in major crimes, credits targeted patrols
Summary
The Police Chief said Caldwell saw a 0.32% drop in Part 1 crimes in 2024 (three fewer victims) and a 30% fall in shooting incidents versus 2023, while domestic violence rose 16%. He credited real-time analysis and targeted patrols and outlined staffing and equipment investments.
Police Chief, Caldwell Police Department, reported that the city finished 2024 with a slight overall reduction in serious crimes and notable drops in shootings and traffic crashes.
"The city of Caldwell ended 2024 down 0.32% in part 1 crimes," the Police Chief said, noting that this change corresponds to three fewer victims compared with the prior year. He listed homicide, robbery, aggravated assault and burglary among Part 1 offenses; the transcript omits one listed offense term.
The chief highlighted traffic-safety gains despite a small annual increase overall: traffic-related incidents rose 0.4% from the prior year, but crashes fell 22.6% during the last three months of 2024. "In Caldwell Boulevard, we saw a 32% decrease in crashes there," he said, adding hit-and-run incidents were down 10% and injury crashes down 6.9%.
He attributed several improvements to targeted patrol tactics informed by real-time crime analysis focusing on heavy-traffic corridors, graffiti, juvenile problems and vandalism. "It's directed, specific, and effective policing at its best, and it's truly making a difference," the Police Chief said.
On property crime and theft, the chief said property crimes dropped 32% in the last four weeks of January and that theft finished the year even with 2023 figures. He credited proactive foot patrols in retail areas, citing Walmart and "D and B supply" as examples where officers have worked to deter crime and build trust.
Violent-crime specifics drew attention: shootings fell 30% compared with 2023 and 28% compared with 2022, homicides decreased from three to one (a 66% drop), and reported rapes declined 12%. Aggravated assaults were down about 2.8%; domestic violence incidents rose by about 16%, which the chief highlighted as an area needing community attention and survivor support.
The chief also described personnel and equipment updates: the Professional Standards Bureau led hiring of "dozens" of new sworn and civilian staff; the department is authorized for 91 sworn officers and is expected to be fully staffed by the end of June. Recent purchases include ballistic shields, decontamination units, a Bearcat rescue vehicle and two police drones, and the department will use a public safety training center to train with the Caldwell Fire Department later this year.
"Together, we are making Caldwell safer 1 step at a time," the Police Chief said, closing with thanks to officers, the council and the mayor for budget support and urging continued vigilance in 2025.
The briefing provided a snapshot of 2024 crime and safety metrics, departmental staffing and equipment plans; no formal motions or votes were recorded in the transcript.
