Some crimes increased significantly in rural Black Hawk County in 2020, but the overall amount of illegal activity was mostly equal to the numbers reported the previous year.

An annual report released by Sheriff Tony Thompson shows there were fewer calls for service and jail bookings during the past 12 months. However, Thompson noted there were “measurable increases” in burglaries, drug violations, sexual offenses and drunk driving.

According to the figures, deputies made 214 OWI arrests last year, 100 more than in 2019. Drug violations rose from 213 to 295. Sexual assaults went from three to 16, and burglaries increased from 67 to 74.

Thompson attributed the higher numbers to his department’s focus on drugs and drunken driving. The COVID-19 pandemic was also a factor in the crime numbers.

“When people are cooped up, held more-closely together for longer periods of time, substance abuse crimes and sexual assaults usually increase," Thompson said. "Our staff also increased their attention on drugs and drunken driving arrests to ensure roadway safety this past 12 months.”


UCR REPORTABLE OFFENSES

“A” Offenses20192020
Arson12
Aggrevated Assaults26
Assaults – Domestic1112
Assaults – Simple2010
Burglary6774
Criminal Mischief3842
Drug Violations213295
Kidnapping12
Robbery00
Murder01
Sexual Offenses316
Thefts7951
Larceny of Motor Vehicles1319
Entice/Exploitation of Child11
“B” Offenses
Liquor Law Violation07
OWI100214
Public Intoxication1111
Family Offenses23
Runaway39
Suspicion55
Bad Checks1620
Trespass52
All Other Offenses813
Totals599816
Other Notable Statistics
Sheriff's Office Calls For Service8,4736,906
Total Dispatch Center Calls106,59599,270
Arrests3,8632,675
Fatal Traffic Accidents42
Injury Traffic Accidents4827
Property Damage Accidents272164
Citations Issued2,9332,739
Civil Processes Served12,4148,926
Warrants Served4081,367
Average Daily Jail Population266.5222.0
Jail Bookings6,5654,952
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