Martinsville police will present its report detailing 2024 crime statistics and law enforcement activity at the city council’s 7 p.m. Thursday meeting at the city’s Municipal Building.
Released to the public near the beginning of each calendar year, the report offers a snapshot of overall public safety during the previous year.
“As we close another year and look ahead to the future, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we have accomplished together as a community,” writes Martinsville Police Chief Rob Fincher in his statement to the community. “This past year has been one of progress and resilience, and I am incredibly proud of the partnership between our police department and the people we serve.”
Last year’s report, which featured statistics from the 2023 calendar year, highlighted a 19% dip in all crime compared to 2022. This included property-related crimes, like larceny, which went from 238 in 2022 to 168 in 2023, and violent crimes, which went from 208 to 198 in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Fincher discussed last year’s report at a community meeting and said he was proud of the direction the city is going. Property crimes have been on a downward trend since a brief spike in 2018.
The 2024 report details a similar reduction in overall crime.
“Crime rates have declined by double digits, thanks to the dedication of our officers and the active engagement of our residents,” reads part of Fincher’s statement.
It also details some of the programs and statewide initiatives the department took part in last year.
“In 2024 Martinsville Police Department continued participating in Operation Bold Blue Line and Operation Ceasefire Virginia,” reads part of the most recent report.
Operation Bold Blue Line is described as a partnership with Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office to provide departments with equipment and manpower. Operation Ceasefire Virginia places an emphasis on reducing gun-related violence.
According to the report, the Martinsville Police Department has received the equivalent of $1 million in resources by participating in these programs.
Grants received in 2024 total $87,768, not including a $15,001 Department of Motor Vehicles grant. While the department used the DMV grant for a new radar unit, the $87,768 covered a myriad of projects, from a system to test drugs in the field to the city’s Flock gunshot detector.
The department also held a pair of drug takeback events last year. Combined, the department managed to secure 417 pounds of prescription medications.
