Crime rates increase statewide

Violent crime in North Dakota rose in 2008, as well as the overall crime rate per capita, states a crime report recently released by the North Dakota attorney general.

The crime rate in North Dakota remains one of the lowest in the country, but crime index offenses reported by law enforcement increased 2.5 percent to 12,850 offenses, up from 12,532 in 2007. One area of concern is the 16.8 percent increase in violent crimes to 1,035 reported incidents in 2008, up from 886 in 2007.

The largest increases in violent crimes were the 23.2 percent jump in aggravated assaults at 738, up from 599. Forcible rapes jumped 9.9 percent to 222 last year, compared to 202 the previous year.

A positive in the report is the number of murders came in at four, the lowest total since statewide crime reporting statistics began to be kept in 1978.

Det. Lt. Mark Hanson of the Williston Police Department said the department has seen an increase in the number of calls for service from 2007 to 2008 and is likely to see more of that in 2009 and beyond.

He said the crime rate in Williston is fairly normal for a municipality of its size, but there are factors that could contribute to more reported crime.

"It looks like it was a fairly normal year. The local economy is going to be a contributing factor to where these things go in the future, with more people moving to the city," said Hanson.

Hanson said calls for service totaled 4,163 in 2007 and were up sharply in 2008 to 5,522, as reported in the department's 2008 Annual Report.

Hanson said crimes such as theft and vandalism are on the rise with the increasing activity and influx of people in 2008.

"These issues are always a concern. I think as long as the oil activity is strong in the area, which likely will be for a long time, we're going to see an increase and fluctuations from year to year," said Hanson.

The state 2008 crime report shows the Williston Police Department recorded a total of 466 arrests.

Police arrested 51 people for larceny or theft, 49 people under the category "other assault," 20 individuals for vandalism and 10 people for motor vehicle theft.

Williston police arrested seven people for forcible rape, seven for aggravated assault and seven for burglary. Williston had one arrest for arson and one for robbery in 2008.

Hanson said the department does what it can do be proactive in its approach.

He said calls for service are reactive, but things such as workforce needs and preparing for the coming year based upon the previous years statistics and budget are long-term, proactive activities the department works to achieve.

While certain crimes may be on the rise, Hanson feels the department is more than prepared to face any current and future crime issues.

"We're at full staff and I think we're staying on top of things that are going on in the city of Williston. If the crime rate continues to grow with the increasing population, then the P.D. will also have to grow in the future," said Hanson.

The 68-page 2008 state crime report is on the North Dakota Attorney General Web site at www.ag.nd.gov. by clicking on the 2008 crime report link on the main page.