The Bismarck Police Department presents its 2011 Crime and Traffic Analysis Report. The report contains a summary of the incidence of crimes, calls for service, and traffic related statistical information. Overall, crime reported in Bismarck increased by 6.47% (increase of 512 reported crimes).
Statistical information concerning the incidence of crimes is primarily divided into Group A offenses which includes the more serious personal and property crimes; Group B offenses which includes misdemeanor crimes; and miscellaneous offenses. Serious crimes, identified as the Group A offenses, increased by 6.59% in 2011 in comparison to 2010. Misdemeanor crimes, identified as the Group B offenses, increased by 6.30% in 2011 in comparison to 2010. Miscellaneous offenses reported the police decreased by 14.02% in 2011 in comparison to 2010.
Crimes Against Persons experienced an overall 25.26% decrease in occurrence in 2011 compared to 2010. Within this category, forcible rape increased by 70% (34 offenses in 2011 compared to 20 in 2010) and Other Sexual Assaults decreased by 6.25% (75 offenses in 2011 compared to 80 in 2010). Aggravated Assaults decreased by 30.19% (111 offenses in 2011 compared to 159 in 2010). Simple Assaults decreased by 3.7% (647 offenses in 2011 compared to 672 in 2010).
Crimes Against Property experienced an overall 19.77% increase in occurrence in 2011 compared to 2010. In this category, the most significant increases occurred in Thefts from Motor Vehicles which increased 81% (431 offenses in 2011 compared to 238 in 2010), Motor Vehicle Theft which increased 46.99% (122 offenses in 2011 compared to 83 in 2010), Counterfeit/Forgery which increased 87.76% (92 offenses in 2011 compared to 49 in 2010), and Burglary which increased 21.93% (228 offenses in 2011 compared to 187 in 2010). Drug Violations increased by 44.19% (385 offenses in 2011 compared to 267 in 2010) and Drug Paraphernalia violations increased by 43.17% (325 offenses in 2011 compared to 227 in 2010).
Bismarck Police officers responded to a total of 32,999 calls for service in 2011. This is an increase from 31,590 calls for service in 2010. Of these 32,999 calls for service, 4037 were calls received through 911.
Officers issued 12,869 traffic citations in 2011, arrested 601 drivers for DUI, and investigated 3,820 motor vehicle crashes. These 3820 vehicle crashes caused 1 fatality, 488 injuries, and an estimated $12,032,891 in property damage.
There were 7975 parking citations issued, including those issued in the downtown business area.
It is important to remember when discussing crime statistics; these statistics represent persons within our community who have been victimized. While we are very pleased with the decreases in most categories of crimes against persons, we are very concerned with the significant increases in some categories of crimes against property. Many of these crimes against property such as burglaries, thefts from motor vehicles, and motor vehicle thefts are crimes of opportunity. We strongly encourage all residents to take appropriate measures to safeguard their property, which includes locking homes, closing garage doors, removing valuables and keys from their vehicles and ensuring vehicles are locked.
The Bismarck Police Department is committed to providing the best service possible to those who have been a victim of crime and working in partnership with the community in order to continue to reduce the incidence of crime in our community and maintain Bismarck’s status as an extremely safe community in which to live.