COEUR d’ALENE — Crime continues to decrease in the Lake City, according to new data published by the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.

The agency’s 2024 report shows that a total of 637 part 1 crimes were reported last year. The category includes offenses such as aggravated assault, robbery, arson, rape and homicide. That’s a 12% decrease from 2023, continuing a decade-long trend. 

According to the annual report, part 1 crimes decreased by more than 69% between 2014 and 2024 in Coeur d’Alene, a decade in which the city’s population grew to more than 57,000 people. 

Capt. Dave Hagar said the Coeur d’Alene Police Department takes a data-driven approach to crime prevention, called intelligence-led policing, that has contributed to decreasing crime rates. 

In decades past, Hagar said, law enforcement agencies used annual crime data to guide their policework for the year ahead — a reactive approach rather than a proactive one. Modern police analyze crime data on a daily basis and respond accordingly. 

“Random patrols provide random results,” Hagar said. “We’re looking to see where the crime is based on input from the community, so we can address it right now.” 

Coeur d’Alene police officers are tasked with three main duties, Hagar said: respond to 911 calls for service, investigate crime and arrest perpetrators, and connect with the community. 

All three elements contribute to lower crime rates and increase the effectiveness of the agency. Hagar emphasized the importance of police officers building trust and familiarity with the communities they serve. 

“People call us because they know we’re going to address things,” Hagar said. “It makes this a safer place to live.” 

Part 2 crimes dipped about 5% between 2023 and 2024, from 3,709 reported incidents to 3,415. This category includes crimes such as driving under the influence, disturbing the peace, trespassing and drug-related offenses. 

The Coeur d’Alene Police Department has 121 employees, including 99 sworn officers. Hagar said all these employees contribute to the decreased crime rates that help maintain the quality of life in Coeur d’Alene. 

“You have a much lower chance of being a victim of crime here in Coeur d’Alene than you do in a lot of other places,” he said. 

To read the full report, visit www.cdaid.org/police.