The Auburn Police Department has released its 2024 annual report, highlighting crime statistics, department initiatives, and community engagement efforts. The report also included a farewell message from Chief James T. Slayton, who retired at the end of 2024 after 27 years with the department.
In his message, Slayton reflected on his tenure, noting key accomplishments such as achieving department accreditation in 2023 and expanding community engagement programs. He emphasized the importance of transparency and trust between law enforcement and residents, particularly through programs like the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, which fosters connections between officers and local youth.
The report detailed a decline in several crime categories compared to the previous year, including a 64% drop in burglaries, a 46% decrease in robberies, and a 21% reduction in domestic incidents. However, the department saw a 13% rise in DWI arrests. Overall, APD responded to 28,928 calls for service in 2024, a slight decrease from the previous year.
Looking ahead to 2025, the department outlined several goals, including securing funding for a statewide initiative aimed at reducing domestic violence, implementing evidence-based policing strategies, and upgrading police radios. A new license plate reader project is also in development to assist in crime investigations.
APD also emphasized its commitment to officer training and public engagement. In 2024, officers completed over 15,000 hours of training, including reality-based exercises and specialized tactical instruction. Additionally, the department maintained strong ties with the community through events like National Night Out, Shop with a Cop, and Cones with Cops.
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