Crime rates down in Lincoln despite growing population and increasing technology demands

Year by year, Lincoln is getting safer, despite an ever–increasing population.

“Basically since 2007 we have enjoyed an increasing decline in the overall crime rate, Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister said.

2018 was no different. Bliemeister said serious “part one” crime rates were down seven percent.

“Part One” crimes include the more serious crimes including murder, rape, aggravated assault, arson and several types of larcenies.

Violent crimes are also down three percent.

But the department is keeping those numbers dropping with one of the smallest forces in the nation.

There’s 1.21 officers per every 1,000 Lincoln citizens.

How they still keep crime rates down, Bliemeister said has a lot to do with Lincoln’s residents.

“The number one reason is the cooperation of almost 300,000 people,” Bliemeister said. “You don’t get that elsewhere.”

He said fewer people are falling victim to thieves.

“People are taking ownership, changing their practices, not leaving valuables out, keeping the car locked,” he said.

Those larcenies dropped more than 7 percent from 2017.

He said the 9 p.m. routine has played a big role in that.

Bliemeister also said the future will likely bring more staff to the department. Including at least one to focus on the growing emphasis on technology.

“Video– we have all seen how powerful it can be. Whether that’s from a store, a home, Ring doorbells,” Bliemeister said.

He said video, along with cell phone data, is helping them clear crimes, but also placing a heavy burden on their resources.

Last year they processed more than 1200 videos and ten years ago only 100.

A few more notable figures from the presentation:

Felony arrests haven’t been higher since at least 99 percent.

Bliemeister said it’s partially because the 2008 crime bill that categorized more crimes as felonies.

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There were 30 shootings in Lincoln in 2018. 11 caused injuries, 3 caused deaths.

The three are Jessica Brandon, Stacy Talbot and Edgar Union Jr. 

Dijah Ybarra was Lincoln’s fourth homicide, on December 31. She died from stab wounds. 

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Mental health calls are up just over four percent from last year but 25 percent from the five year trend.

Bliemeister said they take a significant amount of officer time and many resources in the community.

But this number isn’t included in the statistics from above. Things like mental health calls, disturbances, car accidents (there were more than 9,000 in 2018) are still huge demands on police resources.

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To review these statistics yourself, go to the Lincoln Police Department’s website.