2004 Annual Report
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Substance Abuse Issues Remain - Reduced Police Force Results in Fewer Calls for Service
As the year 2004 came to a close, a review of the reported crime data revealed that the declines observed from 2002 to 2003 have unfortunately turned around now showing some increases compared to 2003. When the activity was looked at in July, it would have appeared that the crime rate for the year would have been at most a repeat of 2003 and perhaps an even lower crime rate. The last three to four months of the year have demonstrated a sudden increase. Enough of an increase to have most crimes show an increase over last year.
This event is compounded by the reduced staffing of the Department. The Department is in the process of recruiting two officers. This recruitment process has been hampered by the uncertainty of staffing related to the School Resource Officer position. The timing of recent resignations was beyond our control and the replacement situation is not encouraging.
We know that the next two basic police academy classes are full. The impact of this is that it will be no sooner than one year from now there will be any new officers on the street should the selected applicants not have any prior experience. The problem is not unique to Montpelier as most agencies in Vermont and in the nation have been affected by the low number of qualified applicants and the demand for officers in a shrinking budget climate. Emergency responses have been and will be managed in a timely manner in any event. Areas of activity that are impacted will be in the area of motor vehicle enforcement activity, foot and mountain bike patrols, and “routine” patrol. This is further impacted by the rising crime rate.
As noted in the chart below the number of reported rape incidents have increased by 100%. Burglaries have increased by 50%. The reported number of larcenies has increased by 5%. However, the reports of thefts include an increase of about 27% in the number of reported shoplifting incidents.
The number of reported vehicle thefts has declined from last year. As noted last year this crime is easy to prevent if the owner/operator would only remove the keys from the vehicle. The same can be said for thefts from motor vehicles. A simple crime prevention measure such as locking up the car and/or removing valuables can help to prevent this crime from occurring. Most thefts of this nature can be attributed to a need for cash that can be obtained from converting the stolen property. This in turn helps feed the substance abuse.
Crime Stats
| UCR Reports |
1999
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2000
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2001
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2002
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2003
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2004
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| Rape | 4 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 12 | |
| Robbery | 1 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | |
| Aggrevated Assault |
3 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | |
| Burglary | 28 | 54 | 35 | 52 | 22 | 33 | |
| Larceny | 344 | 348 | 418 | 403 | 282 | 295 | |
| Motor Vehicle Theft |
18 | 22 | 20 | 16 | 20 | 10 | |
| Arson | 2 | 7 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 4 | |
| Total Part I | 400 | 449 | 492 | 489 | 336 | 356 | |
| Domestic Abuse |
119 | 117 | 87 | 58 | 30 | 46 | |
| Total Activity |
15,549 | 16,965 | 16,038 | 15,786 | 16,133 | 14,831 | |
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Robbery: forceably taking something from another Burglary: forceably entering into a building in which something is subject to theft Larceny: stealing |
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The amount of staffing has an impact on the total amount of activity that the Department can realistically engage in. As seen above total activity is down. This is reflected in the number of motor vehicle enforcement activities that can be undertaken. With fewer officers there are fewer hours to spend on this activity. The Department fields a significant number of requests for increased patrol activity in various neighborhoods. While every effort is made to spend some time in those areas, the amount of crime reports will shift those activities to a later time, if at all.
In the year 2004 there were 226 persons arrested and /or charged with 291 offenses compared to 253 persons in 2003. The combination of an increase in crime and a decrease in arrests is more than likely a direct result of reduced staffing.
For example, the funding for an officer position that would be used for investigations was eliminated in the FY 05 budget. The amount of investigative time required for a sexual assault is quite extensive. That investigation is therefore managed by the patrol officers who then are not able to respond to calls for service, and if they do it delays any of the follow up work needed.
At least two persons died in Montpelier during 2004 as a result of substance abuse. While the high activity of street sales that were observed in 2001 was not repeated this past year, the problem remains and in some cases the outcomes are not positive. The increase in thefts and burglary would seem to indicate that we may be in for an increase in substance abuse related crimes.
In December 1999 the Police Department accepted funding for a School Resource Officer in the amount of $124,773. This funding was for three years and the Police Department covered the remainder of the necessary funding during that three years. Following that time frame the School District and the City shared in the funding of this program.
While time and space do not allow a full accounting of this program in this forum, it can be summed up by stating that the program has created work for the Department. There are more contacts for the resolution of criminal cases as well as the intervention and prevention of cases. The ability to provide a safe learning environment for all of Montpelier students is a worthwhile goal and there is every indication a great deal of progress has been achieved. That there were virtually no assaults in the schools this past year is but one example.
The achievements of the past year have been many and the response from community members has been heartening as we work together to deal with the complicated issues of the day. The first year involvement with the Capital Community Justice Center is an opportunity for the department to look to alternative methods to deal with crime and other social issues that will eventually improve the quality of life in the community. We look forward to the challenges that 2005 will bring us. Mission Statement
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The
ultimate responsibility for peace, good order, and law enforcement
rests with the community of citizens in a democratic society.
The complexity of modern society dictates that police efforts
must be coordinated and directed by the services of law enforcement
professionals.
Therefore, the Montpelier Police Department will be devoted to providing professional and quality police services, and will strive to remain effective, efficient, and responsive to the changing needs of our community while providing a safe environment that enhances the quality of life in Montpelier. |
Contact Us
| Police Department Montpelier City Hall 1 Pitkin Court Montpelier, VT 05602-2950 (802) 223-3445 FAX (802) 223-9518 Website: http://www.montpelier-vt.org/police/index.cfm |
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Page updated August 17, 2007
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