Recently compiled crime statistics from the Bellevue Police Department for 2021 indicate a 2.3% reduction in overall crime throughout the Bellevue Community, as compared to 2020 numbers. This is encouraging considering Bellevue has grown by approximately 15,000 citizens over the past couple of years due to an aggressive annexation plan.
Bellevue Police Chief Ken Clary stated that, “As Bellevue continues to grow and prosper, the vision and scope of the Bellevue Police Department must grow as well.” Chief Clary has been working with Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike, City Administrator Jim Ristow and the Bellevue City Council on a plan for growth and communication that has led to a strong partnership between the city administration and the police commanders towards a dedicated pursuit of improving the public safety of our community. According to the City of Bellevue’s soon to be released Annual Report, the Bellevue Police Department is expected to expand from 100 sworn officers to 111 sworn officers by the end of 2022.
A highlight from the 2021 report is a significant decrease in violent crime, including a combined 25% decrease in calls for service for robberies and burglaries.
“Public Safety has been this Administrations number one priority since day one”, said Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike. “Seeing the lower numbers and the significant decrease in violent crimes over the past year is great news for all the citizens of Bellevue. I will continue to work to ensure that the Bellevue Police Department has the personnel and resources necessary to continue to respond to Bellevue’s public safety needs with the goal of getting those numbers even lower.”
Additional findings from the Bellevue Police Department’s 2021 crime statistics include:
- Auto thefts and attempted auto thefts fell by 9%
- Destruction of property crimes fell by 6%
- Shoplifting reports fell by 29%
- DUI Enforcement rose by 9%
Chief Clary and Mayor Hike would like to thank the men and women of the Bellevue Police Department as well as the great support and involvement of Bellevue residents and businesses for continuing to make Bellevue a safe place to live, work, and play.