The police department responds to a wide variety of calls for service ranging from nuisances to felonies committed in the City of Canton.  In addition, the department assists other agencies in varying degrees, from on-scene assistance to information and intelligence as it applies to criminal activity.  This department continues to maintain an excellent rapport with the local Sheriff’s Office, the Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Highway Patrol as well as all surrounding law enforcement agencies, both in Lincoln County and surrounding jurisdictions.

During 2009, the police department recorded 2,890 entries for the log, or an average of 7.91 calls/entries per day. 

One of the primary functions of law enforcement is the maintenance of safe driving conditions for the public, inclusive of enforcing speed limits, parking restrictions, and the removal of intoxicated drivers from the roads.  The department conducted 1,126 traffic stops in 2009 and responded to 66 vehicle crashes of which eight involved injury to one or more persons involved in the crash and 18 crashes involving a hit & run situation.  There were a total of 43 arrests made for Driving While Intoxicated ranging from first offense to felony arrests (three or more in a ten year period).  In addition, there were 82 citations issued for illegal speed and 873 written or verbal warnings for illegal speed and/or other traffic violations.

The department responded to four Aggravated Assaults (felony) and 17 Simple Assault cases (misdemeanor).  Fifteen burglaries were reported and there were 17 cases involving fraud or forgery.  Thirty-nine cases of theft were reported to the department.  Six stolen cars were reported, nine incidents of trespassing, and 16 reports of liquor law violations.  Thirty cases of vandalism were reported and 16 responses made to 911 hang-ups.  Thirteen cases involving mental illness were reported.

The department worked eight cases of a missing person, 29 incidents of a runaway either from home or from the Keystone facility involving a juvenile.  Welfare checks were performed 23 times during the year and officers responded to one unattended death.

Additionally, the department responded with the Canton Inwood Ambulance to 127 medical calls.  Officers usually provide assistance on these calls until medical personnel arrive on scene and then assist the EMT’s in any way possible.

The department escorted 25 funerals, responded to 16 fires/fire alarms, 16 incidents of domestic violence and 68 alarms at local residences and/or businesses.  Animal calls, loose dogs or other situations, totaled 250 calls for 2009.

This information is only a synopsis and is not intended to provide detailed information regarding the investigations or outcomes of those investigations.