Rochester Sees Drop in Some Crimes, Uptick in Crisis Calls

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- There was a drop in reports of most violent crime and dozens of pounds of drugs seized in Rochester last year.

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That’s according to the Rochester Police Department’s annual report. The report, which summarizes the notable activity from the department’s patrol, Investigations, Services and Community Services divisions was released Tuesday morning.

Overall Rochester Police responded to 62,162 calls for service last year, which is an 8% increase compared to 2022. 1,998 of those calls were for a person in crisis, which is an 18% increase from 2022 and 62% increase compared to five years ago, the report says.

Kim David/TSM

Reports of robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, sex crimes, kidnapping/abduction and arson all declined for a second straight year. Incidents involving weapons violations and driving under the influence saw increases for the second straight year.

RPD Annual Report

2023 also saw an increase in simple assault, motor vehicle theft and pornography/obscene material, according to the report.

RPD Annual Report

Police also reported seizing more than 35 pounds of narcotics last year. The report breaks down the drug seizures:

9.57 pounds of fentanyl (equates to 43,000 pills)
18.2 pounds of meth
17.2 pounds of ketamine
436 grams of cocaine
101 grams of crack

Drug investigation activity led to police recovering 76 guns. Law officers also processed over 500 calls made to the narcotics tip line and the crime stoppers website.

RPD Annual Report

The department saw a drop in responses to drug overdoses last year. Overdose calls decreased 29% from 2022 to 89 last year.

2023’s report also details training the officers underwent and community outreach programs such as Safe City Nights. The full report is available by clicking here.