Monroe Baffled By Crime Wave

Monroe, NY - Time and again in recent weeks, the usually tranquil Village of Monroe has been hit with some eye-opening crimes - the type you might expect in an urban area.

Reports in 2005 of felony-level crimes in the 3.5-square-mile village rose for the fifth year in a row, according to village police statistics. There were 463 felony complaints, a nearly 70 percent increase over the 274 reported in 2001. Police could not provide a breakdown of the types of felony complaints.

Police say the crime, coupled with a manpower shortage, is taking its toll. Preoccupied with more time-consuming investigations, they have less time to patrol and to prevent crime, less time for the sort of community policing they're used to.

The 18-member squad is hoping to increase its ranks. Bolstering its cause is a recent report by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, which analyzed Monroe's calls for police service and concluded the department needs five more patrol officers.

Requests for more cops will inevitably collide with financial concerns, as village trustees plan the next budget this spring. They're scheduled to discuss the manpower report on Jan. 17.