Hudson chief: crime trends steady, patrols stretched by visitors; National Night Out set for Aug. 4

Hudson Police Chief Jeff Holmes told the Western Wisconsin Journal that while official crime reports can make the city's per‑capita numbers look high, much of that is driven by nonviolent fraud and theft rather than stranger violence.

Holmes said the city's resident population is about 15,000 but that Hudson's service population is far larger: "we service it's anticipated we service about 85,000 people per day," he said, citing visitors to parks, stores and the river that increase calls for police service. He reported roughly 30 sworn officers on the force and said that staffing "is right on par" with commonly used standards (approximately two officers per 1,000 residents).

On violent crime, Holmes said the department averages about one homicide a year "which is pretty much been that average since 2002," and that most serious violent incidents involve people who know one another rather than stranger attacks.

Holmes described drug‑related challenges, recalling a heroin epidemic around 2012–2013 and saying fentanyl is a more recent concern. He explained enforcement complications tied to changing cannabinoid chemistry and federal farm‑bill provisions that make certain low‑THC products legally ambiguous in Wisconsin.

On technology and transparency, Holmes said Hudson adopted body cameras in 2014 and later incorporated dash cameras; the systems are now synced, which he described as important for investigations and for building community trust.

Holmes also addressed mutual‑aid arrangements: the county sheriff's Emergency Response Unit (ERU) now includes municipal officers because of staffing constraints, and Hudson currently has three officers assigned to that team, allowing the city access to specialized equipment without purchasing it.

The chief described operational pressure during events: a recent four‑day booster celebration produced about 300 calls for service (roughly 75 per day), which he said is a significant short‑term increase that strains resources and is largely driven by nonresidents.

On community outreach, Holmes previewed National Night Out, set for the first Tuesday in August (Aug. 4 this year), saying the department will host demonstrations (canine, pepper‑ball, taser), provide food and invite community groups to strengthen relationships.

Holmes closed by reiterating the role residents can play: "If you see something that just doesn't... it makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck or it just doesn't smell right to you, call us," he said.

The interview closed with a note that the program will follow up on the department's K‑9 program in a future segment.