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SK Police report released |
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Friday, 26 June 2009 |
Increase in arrests is not due to more crime but to better training and
enforcement
By CARL CRITZ
KINGSTON - The Town of South Kingstown saw an overall increase in police arrests from 2007 to 2008, but recorded a marked decrease in other crimes such as burglary, according to the police department’s annual report issued May 12.
It was reported that 60,085 calls were placed to the police department in one year, and surprisingly, the amount decreased by 4,909 calls compared to 2007. Overall police made 934 arrests, 116 more than in 2007.
In the seven major crime classifications identified by the department of justice, 642 arrests were made, an increase of over 133 from last year.
The number of arrests for the offenses of driving under the influence, liquor law violations, disorderly conduct, aggravated assault, robbery, and larceny increased significantly.
As indicated by the report, the increase is not an indicator of a more dangerous community but rather an aggressive approach by uniformed police officers that are better trained and prepared to detect criminal activity afoot. This vigilance has led to an increase in successful prosecution of offenders.
Though juvenile arrests increased slightly, the department reflected that many young people are getting the message that alcohol and drugs do not mix with driving. However, there was a significant increase in the number of youths arrested for other liquor law violations.
Working together with the juvenile division of the police department and area schools, the number of arrests is equally indicative of a more proactive approach to combat the problem of juvenile abuse of illicit substances.
Assault arrests increased in 2008, including twelve felony assaults which involved either a weapon or causing significant harm to the victim.
Narcotic investigations resulted in the seizure of $35,749 in cash, as well as a vehicle in 2008. The funds were processed by the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General. In turn South Kingstown received $24,789 and the vehicle, and will be using the funds to augment its narcotics program.
Though the number and monetary value of burglaries decreased in 2008, the percent of propercty recovered has dropped from 39 percent in 2000 to just under 13 percent last year. Only $63,000 worth of goods out of approximately $496,800 worth of stolen items were recovered.
The SKPD issued 1,098 parking tickets in 2008, to the tune of $26,975. The most heavily ticketed area by far was Matunuck Beach Road in the vicinity of the Ocean Mist Lounge, with 346 tickets issued. Only 796 of these tickets have been paid to date, leaving 302 violations still pending.
The 55 members of the South Kingstown police department traveled over 732,000 miles in their vehicles, a 28,000 mile increase from 2007. To accomplish that amount of driving the department used 51,045 gallons of gasoline, amounting to about 14 miles per gallon.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 04 September 2009 )
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