Crime rates continue increasing
AIRWAY HEIGHTS - Department presentations and budget talks took center stage at the Nov. 13 Airway Heights City Council meeting.
City Manager Albert Tripp emphasized the need for significant reductions in initial budget proposals to achieve overall fiscal balance.
One of the most notable areas facing budget cuts is the Airway Heights Police Department, with a proposed reduction of $2.4 million.
Police Chief Brad Richmond disclosed that these funds were initially earmarked for hiring new officers, as recommended by a 2022 Public Safety Needs Assessment.
The assessment, based on staffed numbers from 2021, recommended a substantial increase in the police force by 2024.
Richmond outlined the goal of expanding from 10 officers, three detectives, two corporals, three sergeants, one lieutenant, and one chief to 21 officers, five detectives, four corporals, six sergeants, three lieutenants, and one chief.
Richmond justified the expansion by presenting a comparative analysis of criminal activity from Jan. 1 through Nov. 7 in 2019 and 2023.
The data revealed a significant surge in total calls for service, from 8,505 in 2019 to 18,314 in 2023, reflecting an increase of nearly 10,000 calls.
Richmond highlighted specific crime categories, noting notable spikes in homicides, assaults, sex crimes, and abuse cases among others.
Addressing the challenges, Richmond highlighted the department’s achievements in implementing updated practices and procedures, including compliance with body cameras and public disclosure laws.
He underscored the success of new training standards, facilitating enhanced communication and regional collaboration.
Looking to the future, Richmond expressed the department’s intent to strengthen its patrol division command and control structure for more efficient investigations.
He emphasized the importance of developing local and regional relationships, continuing funding for license plate reading cameras, seeking additional grants, and exploring opportunities for specialized classes without relying on city funds.
As the Airway Heights City Council considers budget allocations, the challenge lies in determining which funding cuts will be made and which programs will take priority.
Richmond stressed the department’s commitment to providing adequate service to the city, focusing on combating human and drug trafficking, and building on the successes achieved in the past year.
The council faces the crucial task of balancing budgetary constraints with the community’s safety needs in the coming decisions.
Matthew graduated from West Virginia University-Parkersburg in 2011 with a journalism degree. He's an award-winning photographer and enjoys writing stories about people.
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