Chaska Police Department

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 22, 2002

4:33 PM

Contact Person: Scott M. Knight, Chief of Police

Two City Hall Plaza

Chaska MN 55318

952.448.4200

CPD IS WELL ABOVE AVERAGE IN CLEARING CRIME

A crime is deemed cleared upon the arrest and/or charging of an offender. Each month every law enforcement agency is required to report to the State of Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension all crimes committed in their jurisdiction. The monthly reports consist of the number of reported crimes, types of crimes, and whether or not anyone has been arrested or charged, as a result of police investigative work. This information is ultimately given to the FBI by each State in the Union for the purposes of crime analysis on a national level.

(Please refer to accompanying graphs…)

In the year 2000, the statewide reported average of crimes cleared was 48%. Chaska’s clearance rate for that year was 65%. In the year 2001 the state average was 43%, and Chaska Police Department’s clearance rate came in at 64%.

“So far for 2002, we continue to be high performers,” said Chief of Police Scott Knight. “Our clearance rate is presently running at 68%. In September our rate reached 75%, and again in October we hit the same clearance mark – 75%”, Knight added.

“Being able to clear crime at these rates does not just happen”, Knight said. “First of all, everyone of our officers is very committed to our community, and the police profession. Our department culture is built entirely around serving, and an attitude of strike-while-the-iron-is-hot. Our patrol officers will take any call they may get as far toward conclusion, as is reasonably possible”, said Knight.

Reports are not taken and then held for a detective to handle, at some later point in time. Many cases are solved before a detective even sees the report. Detective Sergeant Jon Kehrberg, who has command responsibility for Chaska’s investigative unit, is quick to compliment the work of the patrol and school officers, “they cover all the bases”, he said.

“Jon and his crew are top drawer also”, said Knight. They are very motivated, and do amazing work. And, they do it tirelessly. “The call load we face is increasing exponentially.”

“I am a blessed Police Chief”, said Knight, adding, “My job is to provide training, equipment, and resources, and then get out of the way and let them do their jobs.” Clearly the Chief’s method works.

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