Police figures show crime down in 2007
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‘Statistics show 2007 was another successful year in the history of the McMinnville Police Department,’ said Sewell in the report. ‘The employees worked very hard in making a positive impact on the total quality of life for our residents.’
In 2007, crimes against society declined 10.83 percent, crimes against the person declined 11 percent, and traffic accidents were down 8.3 percent.
Also, the investigative case clearance rate was 53 percent, which is far above the national average for case clearances and shows the determination of officers to bring those responsible to justice, Sewell reported.
There were 574 crimes against persons reported in 2006. These offenses include murder, kidnapping, abduction, rape, domestic violence, aggravated assault and simple assault. In 2007, the number fell to 508.
Crimes against society also showed a reduction, dropping from 120 to 107. These offenses include drug violations, gambling, pornography, prostitution and weapons law violations.
There are two areas which have shown an increase in activity, the total number of arrests made by the department over the past few years and crimes against property.
‘ In 2003, there were 1,005 arrests made. The number inched to 1,045 in 2004. It was 1,064 in 2005, and 1,175 in 2006. But arrests decreased to 1,077 in 2007.
‘ Crimes against property increased from 1,012 in 2006 to 1,032 in 2007. These offenses include arson, burglary, forgery/fraud, theft, motor vehicle theft and robbery.
Along with investigative efforts to solve crimes, the department began programs like National Night Out, Citizens Police Academy, McMinnville CARES, McMinnville Police Department Tip Sheet, and Police Trading Cards in an effort to increase positive interaction between the department and residents and decrease crime.
Although this is the first bound and formally presented annual report offered by the department, it won’t be the last.
‘This report will help to provide a clearer understanding of the structure of our department, our mission, our challenges and the work that we accomplished addressing those challenges,’ said Sewell. ‘It also represents our sincere commitment to address the public safety concerns of each citizen, business owner and visitor in the city.’
The decrease in crime and the increase in community support and involvement is accredited to city-wide teamwork and professionalism.
‘As chief of the McMinnville Police Department, I am proud to be associated with such a professional group of men and women,’ said Sewell. ‘The teamwork atmosphere is obvious when I see the interaction of our elected officials, city administration, and every employee of the city.’
For more information about the 2007 report, contact McMinnville Police Department at 473-3808.
Going down
‘ Crimes against persons ‘ down 11%
‘ Crimes against society ‘ down 10.8%
‘ Total arrests ‘ down 9.1%