Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay presented a report on 2019 crime stats and strategies to combat that during a report at Tuesday's Wichita City Council meeting and workshop.
Chief Ramsay said last year's increase in justifiable, or accidental homicides, was the third highest number since 2001. Overall, 91% of all homicide cases in 2019 were solved.
Fewer rapes were reported last year than in 2018, and in 14% of the cases the suspect was a stranger to the victim.
Chief Ramsay said the public's assistance in solving all crimes is critical. "Last year was a record year for us as far as tips received. And I think a lot of that has to do with our community policy efforts and community engagement," he said.
That engagement, including the city's youth, will play a part in WPD's 2020 crime reduction plans. The use of technology will be an important factor as well.
