The Kinston Police Department's recent quarterly report reveals a significant increase in several categories of crime compared to the same period last year, reflecting substantial shifts in public safety dynamics across the city. The report, covering data from July to September 2024, shows a rise in offenses such as assault, burglary, and motor vehicle theft, while drug-related incidents and certain non-violent crimes saw varied trends.

Police Chief's Perspective

"I feel our numbers this year will mirror our numbers from last year, with a slight increase and slight decrease in certain categories," said Kinston Police Department Police Chief Keith Goyette. "As I have said in the past, as a police department, it is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective when evaluating and celebrating statistical data. While it’s important to acknowledge our successes, we must remain vigilant in understanding that crime trends can fluctuate due to various factors beyond our immediate control."

Chief Goyette added, "The latest data indicates a rise in crime over this quarter compared to the same period last year. This uptick spans various types of offenses, suggesting multiple underlying factors contributing to the increase. While temporary fluctuations in crime rates can occur, this trend underscores the need for intensified community engagement, strategic policing, and effective resource allocation. Our department remains dedicated to analyzing these patterns comprehensively and adapting our approaches to address this issue. The safety and well-being of our community continue to be our top priority, and we are committed to reducing this trend through proactive and collaborative efforts."

Major Crime Increases

Assault offenses saw a notable surge, with aggravated assaults jumping 188% from 17 incidents last year to 49 this year. Simple assaults also rose by 138%, reaching 157 reported cases. Intimidation incidents more than tripled, increasing by 222% to a total of 58 cases.

Property crimes similarly escalated. Burglary and breaking and entering incidents climbed 164%, and motor vehicle theft rose by 200%, from 6 to 18 incidents. Other larceny offenses, including shoplifting, spiked 363%, reflecting an increase from 16 to 74 cases.

Drug Offenses Show Mixed Results

Drug violations, categorized under narcotics offenses, presented a mixed picture. Drug-related violations slightly decreased by 5%, from 87 last year to 83 this year. However, violations concerning drug equipment saw a more significant decline, dropping 26% to 23 incidents.

Weapon Law Violations and Violent Crimes

Weapon law violations also saw a modest decline of 13%, with 54 cases reported this year. Meanwhile, incidents involving murder and non-negligent manslaughter doubled from one to two cases, and forcible rape cases increased fourfold, reaching a total of four reported incidents.

Changes in Reporting Standards

The Kinston Police Department's report notes that data for this year was compiled using the same National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) statistics that are sent to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). This marks a shift from previous years, where data was gathered from officer field reports.

"Some stats may seem significantly inflated or deflated due to changes in data collection methods," said Jacob Foy, Crime Analyst for the Kinston Police Department. "However, the current year numbers are reliable, and as we transition away from our old system, year-over-year data will become more concise."

Overall Trends

Overall, Group A offenses, which encompass more serious crimes, increased by 88%, from 505 incidents last year to 949 this year. Conversely, Group B offenses, which include less severe crimes such as disorderly conduct and driving under the influence, saw a 54% decrease, with reported incidents dropping from 419 to 194.

One standout statistic is the 1,900% increase in driving under the influence cases, rising from 0 to 19 incidents, suggesting a significant uptick in law enforcement vigilance or shifts in community behavior. Additionally, the city recorded a 650% rise in stolen property offenses.

Looking Forward

The Kinston Police Department emphasized that despite changes in data collection methods, the information remains valuable for assessing crime trends. "We are committed to providing reliable, transparent data to the community, and we will continue to refine our processes," Foy added.

The report suggests that while the city faces increased challenges in violent and property crimes, efforts to tackle these issues, including adjusting data collection and analysis, are ongoing.

For more information, visit the Kinston Police Department's official website or contact Crime Analyst Jacob Foy at jacob.foy@ci.kinston.nc.us.