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Offense Summary Report

Below are our year end statistics which show that the overall crime rate in Cass County was lower in 2006 than in 2005. Cass County’s crime rate has continued to fall, as has the national crime rate. Most Cass County crimes were reduced by significant numbers, such as assaults, burglaries, domestics, drugs, vehicle thefts and stealing, to name a few. In addition to an increased emphasis on more and better trained deputies, it is my opinion that the reduced drug usage and crimes related to drug abuse account for the majority of the decreases. This also is partially due to the change in the law regarding psuedoephedrine purchases. We have and will continue to target the illegal manufacture, dealing, and use of drugs.

There were some crimes reported that increased in 2006. Two of these increased crimes being fraud and sex offenses. These reported crimes are on the increase largely because of the internet and the ease by which to commit these crimes with today’s computer aged technology. Because I recognize the need to address both of these reported crimes, we have assisted in creating Missouri’s only multi-county task force investigating the “solicitation of children for sex” on the internet. I have also increased the training of our investigators to trace the fraudulent use of credit cards and banking transfers.

Another reported increased crime was the criminal damage reports of which most are damaged (smashed) mailboxes and private property damage involving drunk drivers.

The statistics show that more and better trained deputies have an impact on criminal activity. Looking at the numbers since 1999 we have shown a steady decrease in criminal activity in most areas. The Sheriff’s Office has also increased the number of warrant arrests throughout the same period and I believe that also has had an impact on decreasing criminal activity.

Using the combined decreased numbers in reported crimes and considering the increased growth of approximately 15 % during the last 7 years, per capita, Cass County is one of the safest areas in the greater Kansas City metropolitan areas.

~ Sheriff Dwight Diehl