Violent crime rates decrease in 2019
Jeremy McClure
The Sioux City Police Department’s Crime Analysists have completed their preliminary report of crime rates in Sioux City for 2019 and violent crime rates have decreased overall as compared to previous years.
Every year, the Sioux City Police Department reports these statistics to the FBI as part of its Uniform Crime Reporting or UCR. The department reports their numbers in a standardized set of categories that helps track crime trends in the community.
“The UCR helps us track trends but should not be used to compare our community to other communities,” said Chief Rex Mueller, chief of the Sioux City Police Department.
Mueller presented the latest rates to the City Council during a meeting on Feb. 3.
In 2019, Sioux City reported two murders and 279 Violent Crimes which are lower than in 2018. During the year, there was a slight increase in Property Crimes and Larceny/Thefts.
“These numbers will help us focus our enforcement and education efforts to areas that will help decrease these rates,” said Mueller.
While crimes rates have varied slightly, they have remained steady and the overall trend is an improvement from rates in 2016 and 2017.
One way the department measures the effectiveness of its approach to crime is through community surveys on the perception of crime and feelings of safety. The most recent survey covering 2017-2018 showed that citizen’s feelings of safety was high in the community.
“We make it a priority to be transparent and keep citizens informed regarding ongoing incidents, crime or public safety issues, and available statistics on crime,” added Mueller.
In responding to violent crime, the department utilizes a major offender approach and identifies individuals demonstrating increasing violent behavior. The department uses available resources to investigate these offenders and work with county and federal prosecutors to get the most appropriate sentences.
The department is also heavily invested in a Community Team Policing approach to law enforcement. By doing this, officers are empowered to work with community partners to address issues affecting crime and quality of life for citizens.
In 2019, officers participated in 443 community policing events and projects. These events and projects put officers in contact with community members and organizations to help build trust, communication, and increase community cooperation.
“Our partnership with the members of the community and numerous community groups are instrumental in helping us better serve the public, building close relationships with the citizens we serve opens up lines of communication, so the community actively participates with law enforcement in reducing crime” explained Mueller.
In the coming year, the SCPD will continue its commitment to its Community Team Policing approach and is also exploring methods and tools that will help officer better respond to the needs of the community.
Chart of previous crime statistics and 2019’s preliminary numbers.