During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on rising crime rates, particularly concerning juvenile involvement in criminal activities. Ed Dobash raised concerns about the increase in juvenile arrests and the overall crime statistics in the area, specifically referencing a troubling trend in homicides.
Chief Cooper responded to Dobash's inquiries, noting that while adult arrests have decreased slightly, juvenile arrests have surged this year. He confirmed that within Kingman city limits, there have been three homicides reported so far, which is already higher than in previous years, with three months still remaining in the year. Notably, juveniles have not been directly involved in these homicide cases, although they are increasingly implicated in burglaries, thefts, and vehicle thefts.
The conversation highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of crime trends and the factors contributing to the rise in juvenile offenses. Chief Cooper indicated that some incidents mentioned by Dobash, particularly those near the community college, fall under the jurisdiction of the sheriff's office, suggesting a collaborative approach may be necessary to address the broader crime issues affecting the community.