The breakdown
According to the data, the number of traffic citations increased by 50% between 2023 and 2024, while the number of warnings grew by 33%.
Perez said the department has focused more on traffic enforcement and ensuring road safety due to concerns from residents.
During a community survey, residents voiced concerns about traffic along Main Street, River Road and Herff Road alongside other city roadways.
“We are here, we are going to continue to be out there enforcing those laws,” he said. “The survey was good because it kind of gave us a more narrow picture of where we can focus our efforts.”
Between 2023 and 2024, the total number of crimes slightly increased from 1,541 to 1,628. Minor crimes and misdemeanors made up the majority of crimes, representing 1,254 of the 1,628 in 2024.
Of the major crimes, larceny was the largest category, increasing from 273 in 2023 to 277 in 2024. The second largest major crime was motor vehicle theft, with 32 cases in 2023 and 39 in 2024.
For minor crimes, the largest single category was narcotic laws, despite a less than 1% decrease between 2023 and 2024.
Offenses regarding unlawful possession of alcoholic beverages and liquor products saw the largest increase when comparing crimes defined as minor.
What else?
As for animal control, Perez said the number of strays and other intakes increased, while the shelter count decreased. The city also had an increase in wildlife cases, which involved any animal other than a cat or dog.
Alongside seeing an increase in animal intakes, there was also an increase in animal outcomes, with most animals being adopted or fostered.
