MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon Police Department has seen a steady increase in calls since COVID hit in 2020.
In 2022, calls totaled 14,400, up 12% compared to 2021 and 14% compared to 2020.
Police Chief Robert Morgan said that as of Dec. 27, 2023, the department received 16,300 calls for service.
“We’re up over the last two years. Our highest was 2019, prior to COVID; we were about 18,000 that year,” he told city council at its final meeting in 2023.
The department has 140 felony drug cases in the system currently and investigated 210 total that are pending legal process.
Relating to drugs, the department seized 64 grams of fentanyl.
“That’s the scary one,” Morgan said.
Additionally, the department seized the following drugs:
•57 grams methamphetamine
•4 grams heroin
•16 grams cocaine
• more than 1,000 grams marijuana
Other statistics include 22 guns taken off the street, investigating 160 domestic violence cases, and 34 sex offender investigations.
The MVPD hired five new officers and conducted around 1,500 hours of training.
Community advocate Dan Jackman responded to 498 calls. Domestic violence liaison Tara Hensley responded to 114 calls.
In addition to a retention grant of $4,000 to each eligible officer, the department received a $35,000 grant for the domestic violence liaison and a Justice Administration Grant of $15,000 for cameras. Both grants are renewed for 2024.
Traffic
Officers responded to over 300 traffic crashes and had around 2,500 arrests and citations. They conducted about 4,000 traffic stops, up from 2022.
Daytime Traffic Officer Justin Trowbridge wrote over 1,000 tickets and issued over 600 warnings.
“He balances out the number of citations he gives with the number of warnings he gives,” the chief said. “He has a high success rate in court.”
Trowbridge also responded to and investigated over 120 accidents. Morgan said the nighttime traffic officer is new to the position and is still used on patrol as well.
“But he’s also led the department in DUI arrests. We’ve had 20-plus DUI arrests from this young man,” Morgan said.
Responding to a question about illegal immigrants, the chief said there is a small population that is undocumented, but they do not stand out among police activities.
The primary issue is lack of a valid driver’s license.
As far as safety on Martinsburg Road, Morgan said the department ordered signs and is awaiting their arrival.
