COEUR d’ALENE — The number of reported crimes dropped statewide and in Kootenai County last year, according to a recent Idaho State Police uniform crime report.

Kootenai County saw an almost 10% decrease in reported crime in 2024, with 7,079 offenses reported in total, 905 fewer than the year before. The rate of reported offenses has varied over the past few years, from a peak of 7,984 in 2023 to a low of 6,022 in 2020. 

A total of 7,079 “Group A” offenses were reported last year, according to ISP’s data, a decrease of 9.7% since 2023, when the rate of such offenses rose about 6%. Group A offenses include a wide range of crimes, including violent and sexual offenses, drug-related violations and theft offenses. 

Drug-related crimes were the most frequently reported, with 1,335 drug/narcotic violations reported in total, as well as 1,220 “drug equipment” violations. There were reported 1,244 simple assaults in 2024, as well as 1,210 reported larceny/theft offenses. 

A single murder was reported in Kootenai County last year, while 61 cases of rape and nine cases of statutory rape were reported, according to ISP. There were 126 weapons law violations and 14 reported cases of animal cruelty. 

The county saw 529 reported DUI cases last year — a decrease of 137 reported cases since 2023 — five of which involved juvenile drivers. There were 190 reported cases of disorderly conduct and 115 nonviolent family offenses. A total of 314 liquor law violations were reported, according to ISP, an increase of 177 reported violations over the prior year. 

Police arrested 6,420 people in Kootenai County last year, a decrease of about 8% since 2023. The number of juvenile arrests dropped from 900 in 2023 to 680 in 2024. The county’s arrest rate is 3,397 per 100,000 population. 

Within the last five years, the number of total arrests in Kootenai County was lowest in 2020, with 5,034 occurring, and highest in 2023, with 6,979 arrests occurring. 

Statewide, a total of 72,012 Group A offenses were reported last year, a decrease of 4.8% since 2023. Based on that figure, the statewide crime rate is 3,610 per 100,000 residents. 

Crimes against property made up the bulk of these offenses, totaling 27,489. This includes 11,229 reported cases of larceny or theft, 5,782 reported cases of destruction of property and 5,097 reported fraud offenses. 

Most reported crimes against society were drug/narcotic violations, with 12,813 occurring last year, followed by 11,327 drug equipment violations. There were 1,181 weapons law violations reported statewide in 2024, as well as 101 reported cases of animal cruelty. 

Simple assault cases were the most frequently reported crime against persons, with 11,149 reported statewide last year, followed by 3,490 cases of aggravated assault. 

There were 30 reported murders throughout the state, a number that equates to one murder occurring every 12 days, according to ISP, as well as 636 reported rapes, an increase of 40 over the prior year. ISP estimates that rape occurs every 13.8 hours in Idaho. 

Idaho saw 13 reported cases of human trafficking. Of these, 11 cases involved commercial sex acts and two cases were related to “involuntary servitude.”