The Canandaigua Police Department’s 2024 Annual Report sheds light on crime trends, major cases, and persistent staffing challenges affecting law enforcement efforts in the city. The department, led by Chief Mathew Nielsen, documented an increase in calls for service, significant drug and violent crime investigations, and the continued impact of a national police staffing shortage.
The department handled 55,345 calls for service in 2024, including nearly 9,600 calls to 911, with an average response time of just over three minutes. Arrests totaled 485, with 82 felony cases and 121 misdemeanor cases. Officers also responded to 310 mental health-related calls, with 233 leading to hospitalizations or interventions under New York State Mental Hygiene Law.
Traffic enforcement remained a priority, with officers conducting over 3,300 traffic stops and issuing 2,321 tickets. Speeding, aggressive driving, and DWI enforcement were key focuses, leading to 30 arrests for driving while intoxicated, including 16 cases involving blood alcohol levels above .18%.
The department also saw an uptick in drug-related investigations, with officers focusing on narcotics sales and illegal drug activity. Notably, one large-scale bust resulted in the seizure of an AR-15 rifle, several high-capacity magazines, cash, and crack cocaine.
Several high-profile cases were highlighted in the report. In January, Robert Taylor was arrested and later convicted for first-degree assault after stabbing a man. In February, Kyle Houle was charged with second-degree robbery for an attack and theft. A significant case in May involved the exploitation of an 11-year-old child in Canandaigua. The department worked with the FBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, leading to the arrest of a suspect in Texas and ongoing investigations in Ohio. In December, officers arrested Leon McDaniel for attempted homicide after a shooting in which an innocent bystander was wounded. The rapid response of officers, including the use of a tourniquet to control the victim’s bleeding, was credited with saving lives.
One of the department’s biggest struggles in 2024 was staffing. The report detailed difficulties in hiring and retaining officers, consistent with a nationwide trend in law enforcement shortages. Despite these challenges, the department hired seven new officers and continued to provide extensive training to maintain high standards of policing.
The department emphasized its commitment to community policing, participating in initiatives such as “Shop with a Cop,” “National Night Out,” and bike patrols. Officers also conducted property checks, educational programs, and mental health interventions through the Crisis Intervention Team.
As the department moves into 2025, its goals include addressing staffing concerns, enhancing crime prevention efforts, and strengthening partnerships with the community.
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