Crime rate in UH dropped 32 percent in 2018

Chief Dustin Rogers at UHPD's first "Coffee with a Cop" event.

The crime rate continues to drop in University Heights, in part due to the hard work of the University Heights Police Department (UHPD).

Serious “Part I” crimes dropped by 32 percent in 2018, according to the UHPD’s annual report, as presented to UH City Council last month. Adult and juvenile arrests fell 12 percent.

Under Police Chief Dustin Rogers, the UHPD has implemented methods to enhance agency consistency, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness. Crime has decreased during this time. The decline in theft was a large contributor to the reduction in the overall crime rate, with 264 cases in 2017, and only 171 in 2018.

"Part II" crimes, including less serious offenses, decreased by 15 percent during this time period as well. The Investigative Bureau has also seen success in the last year, with 42.4 percent of cases cleared.

Rogers credited all members of the UHPD, and all of those in the community, who collectively worked together to have a positive impact on crime in 2018.

“Our department personnel are dedicated professionals who take pride in providing ethical and diligent service to the community; their hard work and sacrifice is noticed and appreciated, and it’s a privilege to work alongside them,” said Rogers.

In 2018, the UHPD also implemented programs aimed at strengthening the relationship between police and citizens via community engagement and social media presence. New initiatives include Coffee with a Cop, Police National Night Out, and increased use of Facebook and Nextdoor.

Calls for police service dropped from 24,182 in 2017 to 20,559 in 2018. This drop is likely due to the significant reduction in crime, plus [the UHPD’s] active and more engaged role in the community.

The UHPD will host its second National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Purvis Park.

Maya Khawam

Maya Khawam is an intern at University Heights City Hall.

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Volume 12, Issue 7, Posted 12:35 PM, 06.27.2019