The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department measures crime differently than the agency that compiles the annual statewide crime report, and got a different result for 2009-2010.
The Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs’ report shows violent crime dropped 4.3 percent and property crime fell 8.3 percent in the unincorporated parts of the county.
The Sheriff’s Department’s statistics show slight increases in both categories – 4 percent in violent crimes and 7.5 percent in property crimes.
The difference comes in how crimes are counted, sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said. The sheriff’s figures cover every crime associated with a single incident.
For example, if a person was the victim of an assault and a car theft, the Sheriff’s Department would count the crimes in two categories.
The state report would count only the most serious offense – the assault.
The Sheriff’s Department’s method will become the new standard for all law enforcement agencies by 2013.
As for what the most recent statistics indicated, “We are surprised that crime is noted to be down in 2010,” Sheriff Paul Pastor said. “I believe that we are seeing an uptick in violence from the 2010 figures.”
Sheriff’s officials attributed the increases to early releases of inmates from prison, less supervision of convicted offenders and fewer deputies on the streets to handle calls.
“It makes for a perfect storm,” Troyer said.
Pastor said he worries the amount of property crime might be underreported.
“I am concerned that people may not be reporting property crimes because, with budget cuts, we have had to prioritize our response,” the sheriff said. “I want to urge people to report property crimes if they are victims of property crime.”
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