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RIFLE — Calls for service in the Rifle Police Department were down 8.5 percent in 2009 over 2008, mainly due to a decrease in Rifle's population over the past year. However, property crimes and thefts were on the increase, while police staffing is seeing a decrease.
In the 2009 annual report, Police Chief Daryl Meisner said the department processed 1,208 crime reports, with one crime reported for 7.84 persons in 2009 over 7.08 in 2008. Total number of calls for service were 14,690 in 2008 and 13,591 in 2009.
“We believe that the reduction (in crime) has something to do with the population,” Meisner said.
He added that he suspected the reduction in population was largely due to the decrease in the number of oil and gas workers in 2009.
Property crimes rose in 2009, with a 22 percent increase in burglaries. Police solved the majority of the reported burglaries.
The main increase was in property crimes, with burglaries, car trespassing and shoplifting, Meisner said.
“We think it has something to do with the economy and the higher rates of unemployment and underemployment,” he said.
Despite the economy, the Rifle Police Department did participate in a number of community outreach programs, including the annual Safety Fair and Bicycle Rodeo, where they provided more than 150 bicycle/skate helmets in an effort to prevent serious head injuries; participation for the first time in the National Night Out program, in which police get together with citizens to prevent crime; and the “Touch a Truck” event.
“We use a police car and an all hazards response vehicle,” Meisner said. “It's a positive interaction with the kids.”
The department has also been involved in other community-oriented activities, including business crime prevention assessments, liquor enforcement, a monthly column in the Rifle Citizen Telegram; and providing staff and support to numerous parades and community events.
But in the tough economic times, the department, like other city departments, is seeing less funding in its 2010 budget and the loss of three staff positions.
The budget for 2010 will see nearly a $219,000 reduction — or about 9 percent — from 2008.
Two of those position are currently vacant— an identify theft specialist/records assistant and a patrol officer — both of which are not being filled. A third patrol officer position will also be vacated in March with the resignation of an officer.
“It remains to be seen whether that position will be filled,” Meisner said. “At this point, we'll have to wait and see.”
The reduction in the budget and police staffing could have some effects on how the department can provide services to the community.
“It may be that we'll be much slower to respond to certain calls,” Meisner.
Although crime was slightly less than it was less year, Meisner said 2010 will be more difficult with a smaller staff.
“We'd like to be more responsive to the community than we're capable of with our current staff,” he said.
In the 2009 annual report, Police Chief Daryl Meisner said the department processed 1,208 crime reports, with one crime reported for 7.84 persons in 2009 over 7.08 in 2008. Total number of calls for service were 14,690 in 2008 and 13,591 in 2009.
“We believe that the reduction (in crime) has something to do with the population,” Meisner said.
He added that he suspected the reduction in population was largely due to the decrease in the number of oil and gas workers in 2009.
Property crimes rose in 2009, with a 22 percent increase in burglaries. Police solved the majority of the reported burglaries.
The main increase was in property crimes, with burglaries, car trespassing and shoplifting, Meisner said.
“We think it has something to do with the economy and the higher rates of unemployment and underemployment,” he said.
Despite the economy, the Rifle Police Department did participate in a number of community outreach programs, including the annual Safety Fair and Bicycle Rodeo, where they provided more than 150 bicycle/skate helmets in an effort to prevent serious head injuries; participation for the first time in the National Night Out program, in which police get together with citizens to prevent crime; and the “Touch a Truck” event.
“We use a police car and an all hazards response vehicle,” Meisner said. “It's a positive interaction with the kids.”
The department has also been involved in other community-oriented activities, including business crime prevention assessments, liquor enforcement, a monthly column in the Rifle Citizen Telegram; and providing staff and support to numerous parades and community events.
But in the tough economic times, the department, like other city departments, is seeing less funding in its 2010 budget and the loss of three staff positions.
The budget for 2010 will see nearly a $219,000 reduction — or about 9 percent — from 2008.
Two of those position are currently vacant— an identify theft specialist/records assistant and a patrol officer — both of which are not being filled. A third patrol officer position will also be vacated in March with the resignation of an officer.
“It remains to be seen whether that position will be filled,” Meisner said. “At this point, we'll have to wait and see.”
The reduction in the budget and police staffing could have some effects on how the department can provide services to the community.
“It may be that we'll be much slower to respond to certain calls,” Meisner.
Although crime was slightly less than it was less year, Meisner said 2010 will be more difficult with a smaller staff.
“We'd like to be more responsive to the community than we're capable of with our current staff,” he said.
