Fewer crimes were committed in the rural and unincorporated areas of Black Hawk County in 2014, according to figures released by Sheriff Tony Thompson.

The annual year-end report shows a favorable downward trend in overall crimes, but the number of reported burglaries and criminal mischief were higher than 2013. Statistics show that sheriff's deputies responded to 97 burglary calls in 2014, compared to 54 the previous year. The number of criminal mischief crimes also rose, from 63 to 71 during the past 24 months.

“I am frustrated with the increase occurrence of burglaries in the county over the last year,” Thompson said. “Unfortunately, these are largely attributable to a very small number of offenders, most of whom are already caught for the crimes they committed, but it is clear how one or two individuals can so acutely skew the overall data for the year.”

Burglaries and criminal mischief weren't the only types of crime that had higher figures in 2014. The report shows aggravated assaults increased from one in 2013 to four last year and robbery cases rose from zero to three. Incident of automobile theft also went up, from nine to 13.

Overall, less crime occurred outside the populated areas of Black Hawk County in 2014. According to the report, there were 156 fewer incidents when comparing the numbers from 2013. There were 944 total crimes in 2013 and 788 last year.

The 2014 report shows there was an increase in other notable statistics. The number of arrests rose from 4,107 in 2013 to 4,176 last year, and the daily jail population average went up to 267 from 252 in 2013. Jail bookings, however, fell from 9,040 two years ago to 8,685.

“You'll note that jail bookings are down, but the average daily population is dramitcally up,” Thompson pointed out. “For several months, we have had to hold Black Hawk County inmates in other county jails due to overcrowding. This is the result of several things, but most notably, more offenders are being arrested on much more serious offenses. Never before in the history of the jail have we held as many forcible felony-charged offenders as we currently have in custody.”

The sheriff's report shows deputies responded to 13,758 calls for service in 2014. The previous year, there were 13,769 service calls in the county.


Black Hawk County Sheriff's Department - 2014 Crime Report

“A” Offenses20132014Other Notable Stats20132014
Arson00Calls For Service1376913758
Aggravated Assault14Dispatch Center Calls132431126581
Assault – Domestic119Arrests41074176
Assault – Simple1914Fatal Traffic Accidents61
Burglary5497Injury Traffic Accidents6273
Criminal Mischief6371Property Damage812
Drug Violation282231Citations Issued45324519
Kidnapping20Civil Processes Served1840217518
Robbery03Avg. Daily Jail Population252267
Murder00Jail Bookings90408685
Sexual Offenses107
Thefts7266
Motor Vehicle Larceny913
Entice/Exploit Child01
“B” Offenses 20132014
Liquor Law Violation171
OWI313180
Public Intoxication3230
Family Offenses612
Runaway66
Suspicion812
Bad Checks21
Trespass1214
All Other Offenses3125
TOTALS944788

 

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