Deputy director reports spike in juvenile aggravated assaults and jail population pressures

Raleigh County Deputy Police Director Aaron Friedline told commissioners on May 21 that the county is seeing an uptick in aggravated assaults and noted pressure on detention capacity.

Friedline said aggravated assaults in the county rose from 28 to 53 when comparing January–April of last year to the same period this year — an increase he described as roughly 80 percent year‑to‑date — and that a notable share of the cases involve juveniles. He reported the county jail population in county‑only counts at roughly 132, and said the broader counting that includes juveniles or persons housed elsewhere brought that figure to about 147 as of that morning.

Friedline described operational responses, including coordination with community corrections to provide layered supervision for higher‑risk juveniles (curfew checks and spot checks) and noted that nearby county detention centers (Gary County referenced) are full, which affects placement options. He also flagged ongoing traffic enforcement operations (a Click It or Ticket emphasis through June 1 paid in part by KDOT) and said a Citizens Academy pilot concluded that week with positive feedback and potential fall training plans.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about patrol and park safety (motorized bikes on trails) and requested that staff suggest signage or coordinate with municipal parks departments. Friedline said Manhattan Parks and Recreation controls signage in city parks and he would forward a recommendation.

Friedline also noted that the law board had published a 1.88 percent proposed budget increase that included a 1.5 percent pay consideration for RCPD employees; he said the published figure was not a final approved budget.

Next steps: Friedline said the department will continue coordination with community corrections and patrol to address juvenile behavior, will refine any signage recommendations for trails in coordination with municipal parks staff, and anticipates further budget refinement during county budget processes.