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Jan 16

Year in review: Police release 2015 annual crime statistics and complaint data

Posted on January 16, 2016 at 10:51 am by Clay Curtin

For the third year in a row, the police department released its annual crime statistics and complaint data. The police department strives toward the goal of a safer city through continued collaboration as a cohesive department and working with community partners, including Menlo Park residents and businesses. In 2013, the Police Chief committed to transparency by annually reporting the outcome of complaints filed against police personnel. 

In 2015, the police department responded to over 21,000 calls for service, conducted over 10,400 traffic stops, wrote more than 4,000 reports and arrested nearly 1,400 individuals. The resulting 2015 crime statistics showed a 39 percent decrease in violent crimes from 2014, which consists of homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Property crimes rose slightly (5 percent), which involves burglary larceny, auto theft and arson. 

In 2015, the police department received 24 complaints out of 39,771 officer contacts. In 2014, the department received 31 complaints. Out of the 24 complaints: two were sustained, two were not sustained, seven were exonerated, two are still currently under investigation or pending, seven concluded with no finding, one was unfounded, and three were withdrawn by the complainant before the investigation was completed.

The use of body cameras has allowed supervisors to review incidents mentioned by complainants immediately. This review allows for an examination of a situation as it happened based upon the facts, as opposed to recollection. The police department is constantly striving to decrease the number of complaints by being transparent and professional in all contacts and service to the public.