The Jamestown Police Department released its 2020 annual report that indicated the total number of violent crimes in the city rose from 191 in 2019 to 251 last year, which was an increase of 31%. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

The total number of violent crimes in the city of Jamestown increased by more than 30% in 2020.

Earlier this month, the Jamestown Police Department released its 2020 annual report that indicated the total number of violent crimes rose from 191 in 2019 to 251 last year, which was an increase of 31%. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, of which three of the four categories increased in 2020.

The number of murders went from none in 2019 to one in 2020; robberies increased from 22 in 2019 to 38 last year; and aggravated assault rose from 153 in 2019 to 198 in 2020. The number of reported rapes decreased from 16 in 2019 to 14 last year.

The total of 251 violent crimes in 2020 represented a six-year high for the city. In 2015 there were 239; in 2016 there were 216; in 2017 there were 187; and in 2018 there were 211.

“The 2020 year has brought numerous challenges to the Jamestown Police Department,” said Tim Jackson, Jamestown Police Department chief and city public safety director. “Like police departments across the nation, we must continue to protect and serve the people of Jamestown regardless of the current COVID-19 pandemic.”

“I am pleased to report that even during this unprecedented pandemic, the officers, detectives and staff of the Jamestown Police Department have continued to provide the best possible service to the residents of Jamestown.”

In 2020, property crime totals lowered slightly, going from 1,142 in 2019 to 1,120 last year, which is a 2% decrease. Property crime totals include burglary; larceny/theft; motor vehicle theft; and arson, of which only one of the four categories increased in 2020. Burglaries increased by 27, going from 223 in 2019 to 250 in 2020. The number of larcenies and thefts in 2020 decreased by 39, going from 861 in 2019 to 822 last year. The number of motor vehicle thefts dropped by 6, going from 36 in 2019 to 30 in 2020. The number of arsons lowered by 4, decreasing from 22 in 2019 to 18 last year.

The total of 1,120 property crimes in the city was one of the lowest totals in the last six years. In 2015 there were 1,335; in 2016 there were 1,466; in 2017 there were 1,193; and in 2018 there were 1,049.

Jackson said in 2020 the Jamestown Police Department saw a considerable amount of change within the department. He said former Chief Harry Snellings, Capt. Todd Isaacson, Det. Neil Bogosian, Det. Melody Peach, Det. David Kianos and officer Shawn Keppel retired while officers Russell Buesink and Tony Zolnowski transferred to other departments. He added that Carter Obergfell, Ross Olszewski, Josh Eddy, Nick Mitchell, Jakki Ahlbin, Brian Park and Kyle Liuzzo all started their law enforcement careers at the Jamestown Police Department this year. Also, since K-9 Promber passed away unexpectedly in July of 2020 from a medical condition, K-9 Officer Erik Kraft has a new partner in K-9 Kal.

“This year also saw the promotion of several officers in the Jamestown Police Department,” he said. “Lt. Scott Forster was promoted to captain to oversee the operations division, replacing Capt. Todd Isaacson. Sgt. Rob Bender and Sgt. Sam Piazza were both promoted to lieutenant, officer Kyle Mann and Josh Nickerson were both promoted to sergeant, and officers Mike Morganti, Doug Weaver and Kyle Sorenson were promoted to detective. Finally, officer Emma Ward was promoted to the role of domestic violence officer and officer Matt Rhinehart was promoted to the role of community services officer.”

Jackson said the Jamestown Police Department remains committed to completing Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Executive Order.

“This process involves evaluating current police practices and policy through community stakeholder meetings,” he said. “The Jamestown Police Department is on track to meet the April 1, deadline.”

This year will bring many new initiatives to the Jamestown Police Department, Jackson said.

“A Citizens Police Academy is tentatively scheduled for early (this) year, which will allow city residents an inside look at police training,” he said. “Also, a Big Brother/Big Sister program is currently being developed to allow officers to work as mentors with area youth. The Jamestown Police Department will continue to serve the citizens of Jamestown through just and fair law enforcement and a commitment to service.”