Spring Trends and Effective Response Strategies
Published on April 01, 2026
As the frost thaws and the weather begins to warm, a familiar pattern emerges for local law enforcement: an uptick in calls. Warmer weather gets more people out, more interaction, and oftentimes, more conflict and illegal behavior. It’s nothing new in Lawrence or other cities with similar climates.
The numbers show it. January 2026 calls for service were 6,619 and March hit 7,154. (see Calls for Service Chart) The good news, so far, is that March of 2026 calls were lower than March 2025, which were 7,449. The bigger picture shows some decrease as well (see Crime Statistics 2020-2025). Since 2020, calls to report Crimes Against Property decreased significantly. We’ve also seen a slight decrease in Crimes against Persons, while Crimes Against Society – which includes drug crimes, obscene material, gambling, weapons violations, etc., -- have gone up from 527 to 714. As a whole, the first quarter numbers for Crimes Against Property, Persons, and Society, however, have increased. (see Group A Crimes First Quarter Comparisons 2025-2026)
LKPD Commanders watch these trends and have strategies in place to effectively react, knowing a rise in reported crime may not necessarily mean an increase in criminal activity. LKPD’s Proactive Reaction to Recent Crime Trends.
To serve the public efficiently and effectively, the department has expanded its team of Community Service Technicians (CST’s). These technicians offer a "low-barrier" way for residents to report non-emergency incidents where no immediate suspect is present, such as:
- Criminal damage to property
- Theft and Larceny
- Vandalism
- Criminal Use of a Financial Card
Community members are encouraged to use the Lawrence Crime Reporting App“See Click Fix”, the corresponding website, or speak directly with a Community Service Technician by calling non-emergency dispatch at (785) 843-0250. These civilian professionals are trained in LKPD policy and procedures. They’ll ensure incidents are documented without the need for a traditional officer dispatch. This system streamlines the process for citizens and frees up sworn officers to focus on higher-priority incidents.
The impact of this program is already visible. In February, CSTs handled 195 reports; that number grew to 226 completed reports in March. LKPD Commanders analyze these trends regularly and shift resources as needed to better serve the community. While seasonal increase in activity is expected, the department remains focused on balancing enforcement with accessibility.
Through the years, experienced law enforcement professionals have learned to combine data -- calls for service, reported crimes, staffing levels, and more -- to get a more accurate picture on illegal activity.
Increases can reflect proactive policing and increased reporting avenues. By leveraging technology and specialized personnel, like the Community Service Technicians and Mental Health Units, LKPD will continue to adapt its response to the changing needs of our community.