Criminal case clearance rate is higher than national average
Retiring Kingman Police Chief Bob Devries presented his last annual report during the March 3 City Council meeting. His biggest regret is that some manpower challenges limited Kingman Police Department (KPD) proactivity in 2019.
“We did see a decline in our traffic stops,” Devries said. “We had a significant drop but our traffic division was cut and our officers were down by 20%.”
Devries told council members arrest numbers were down slightly in 2019 but still pretty consistent with recent year’s past. He noted the Department typically logs a little more than 2,000 adult and juvenile arrests each year.
Devries said property crimes were down last year as were domestic violence cases. And the agency boasts a very strong criminal case clearance rate.
“The national average right now for clearing major crimes is 62%,” the Chief said. “The Kingman Police Department, I’m very proud to say, we’re at an 83% clearance rate. That’s again, something that this community can be very proud of.”
Devries lists achieving accreditation status last fall as a major KPD accomplishment for 2019. Vice Mayor Travis Lingenfelter agrees.
“That demonstrates to the whole community a certain level of commitment and dedication to what you guys do and I’m very proud of that and I know the community is too,” Lingenfelter said.
Chief Devries also highlighted a new text survey tool that the City uses to measure customer service satisfaction following public involvement with police and fire personnel.
“We’re achieving a 97% customer satisfaction rate, which for law enforcement services, that’s phenomenal,” Devries said. “I’m extremely proud of our staff and the service they provide and the professionalism they carry forward.”
“Those numbers are amazing,” said Council member Jamie Scott Stehly. “Thank you for your hard work. I’m going to miss seeing you up here Chief.”
Mayor Jen Miles also praised Devries as he prepares to retire this spring.
“I’ve been very blessed and fortunate to have a phenomenal team. They do a great job day in and day out,” Devries.
