St. Cloud Police Chief: Violent Crime Decreased in 2014, Compared to 2013

ST. CLOUD - The number of serious crimes committed in St. Cloud in 2014 was down, compared to the year before. And, serious crimes remains flat over a five-year period.

Police Chief Blair Anderson talked about the numbers during a presentation this (Monday) evening. He says the perception of crime in St. Cloud doesn't match-up with reality.

For cities that are similarly situated to us in terms of size, and population, and area that sort of thing, we have 22 percent less violent crime than the national average.

Anderson says the number of robberies did go up last year, compared to the year before. However, the number of reported rapes, and arson were both down. St. Cloud did not have a murder in 2014, down from one the year before. Burglaries were about the same.

Anderson also says almost all of the men involved in a string of shootings last year have been brought to justice.

All but one of the individuals that were involved in those string of shootings last year were arrested, prosecuted, and either plead guilty or were convicted, and are in prison now.

The police department also announced some structural changes to the leadership. Lieutenants Jeff Oxton and Jim Steve were sworn-in to the two new Commander positions. The department is going from having two Assistant Chiefs downs to one, with the addition of the two Commander positions.

The St. Cloud Police Department has 102 sworn officers, with the goal of eventually getting to 112.