Sean C. Morgan
Sweet Home police have been a little busier lately, but that’s typical of the summer.
Call volumes are running similar to the past two years. So far this year, the Sweet Home Police Department has had 4,408 calls as of July 25. In 2012, SHPD had 4,357 by the same date, and in 2011, the department received 4,440 calls.
“We’ve been running consistently within the last couple of years,” said Police Chief Jeff Lynn. “We haven’t noticed a spike in any one particular category.”
Anyone who is interested can see calls and approximate locations by visiting the department’s website at sweet-home.or.us and clicking on crime statistics to visit crimereports.com, Lynn said.
“This time of year, we’ve had some alcohol-fueled events recently,” Lynn said. “Last weekend (July 20-21) was a busy weekend.”
During the summer, call loads typically peak, Lynn said. How busy police are depends on the time of day. The summer season is in the same ball park as the past couple of years.
While busy with summer call volumes, police are getting ready for the Jamboree, Friday through Sunday, Lynn said. “Things will be consistent with the things we did last year.”
The Jamboree increased its paid security presence last year, and it took a lot of the work off police hands inside the event. That will continue this year.
Outside the event, the department will still increase the number of officers working, Lynn said.
Other city agencies, including Lebanon, and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office will assist and augment patrol efforts while Sweet Home officers generally respond to calls.
Outside of Sweet Home, the Oregon State Police will increase patrols on Highway 20 and Highway 228, trying to prevent problems coming into and going out of Sweet Home, Lynn said. The troopers will also be in the area if local officers need help.