Violent crimes down last year in LaPorte County, but jail had busy year, police report

LAPORTE — Violent crimes have been down throughout the unincorporated areas of LaPorte County final yr, as have been alcohol-related crash investigations, in accordance with statistics from the county sheriff’s division.

Main crime investigations decreased by 10% final yr (549) over 2020 (607) with vital reductions in these involving homicides, kidnapping, rape, theft, housebreaking and motorcar thefts, the division stated.

“We’re very happy by the sharp discount within the violent crime classes,” LaPorte County Sheriff John T. Boyd stated.

“Violent incidents are very traumatic for the victims and harmful for everybody concerned,” he stated.

The division stated it investigated 11 deadly crashes throughout 2021 as in comparison with 10 in 2020.

There was additionally a drop throughout this era in alcohol-related crash investigations, the division stated. The division reported 67 such investigations final yr as in comparison with 75 in 2020.

“Excessive-visibility site visitors enforcement stays certainly one of our largest priorities,” Boyd stated. “Consequently, we’re very happy with the discount within the general variety of alcohol associated crashes. It’s our perception that our enforcement efforts, zero tolerance of those that function whereas impaired and our ongoing public consciousness initiatives performed a major issue within the discount.”

Whereas main crimes have been down final yr, the LaPorte County Jail reportedly booked in 4,049 individuals in 2021, which was a 25% enhance over the yr earlier than.

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“The typical each day inhabitants of inmates confined to the jail was 306,” the division stated.

The division stated it issued 2,302 site visitors citations in 2021 and 4,803 warnings.

“We’re happy that deputies are utilizing their discretion to situation warnings and citations when essential to appropriate the driving behaviors of motorists on all LaPorte County roadways,” the sheriff stated.

“Transparency with the residents of LaPorte County stays a prime precedence for the sheriff’s workplace,” Boyd stated.

The division’s annual report, together with jail division report, is out there for viewing at laportecountysheriff.com/statistics.

“Residents are strongly inspired to evaluate the reviews, which give rather more detailed info,” Boyd stated. “The reviews additionally present the taxpaying residents of the county a chance to teach themselves as to how their tax {dollars} are utilized.”

“Every report highlights the laborious work, dedication and dedication of the women and men of the sheriff’s workplace,” he stated. “All the workers stays targeted on enhancing public security for all and retaining LaPorte County an exquisite place to reside, work and go to.”