Crime Down in Waitsburg, WW Co.

WAITSBURG -Both the City of Waitsburg and Walla Walla County show significant drops in crime across the board in 2013. Walla Walla County Sheriff John Turner gave an update at the March 17 Waitsburg City Council Meeting, and said he is proud of a depart­ment that is "doing a good job."

Turner presented the Sheriff's Office year-end report, noting drops in assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle thefts in Waitsburg in 2013. "This is a good trend and we'll do everything we can to keep that trend going," said Turner.

When asked if he knew the reason for the decrease, Turner said, "I'd like to think we're doing a good job. The deputies are super conscientious." Turner also credited the addition of a Crime Analyst Technician (CAT) position for the suc­cess of the department. By reviewing statistics, depu­ties are able to work with more focused control and effort.

"One of the new things the Sheriff's Department started in the last couple of years, as a team, is meet­ing to have roll call at the beginning of every shift," said Turner. "The CAT takes a look at crime trends and provides information to both patrol and detec­tives so that when they're out doing their job, they have a specific, focused effort. It lets patrol focus on specific problems and specific areas."

Turner also noted that every major category of reported crime was down a total of 19% across the county. He said a decrease of 4 to 5 % can be attrib­uted to a "typical flux and flow" but that a drop of 19% is very significant.

"I'm really proud of the team. They've really done a good job of embracing a new way of doing things. This focused patrol has re­ally worked," said Turner.

Sheriff's Office Statistics for Waitsburg 2012 vs. January 1, 2013- Dec. 31, 2013

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