Bend Police Department reviews the numbers, taking a look at what’s in the new 2023 annual report

(Update: Adding video, comments from Bend Police)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --  Bend Police have just released their 2023 annual report, and we took a look Monday at some of what it shows and tells. 

"We're able to release our 2023 annual report this month, which is something we look forward to, to inform our community about the work that we're doing," Police Chief Mike Krantz said Monday.

Seven people compiled the Bend Police Department's 2023 annual report. 

Records and evidence manager Ariel Vee said, "Records responded to 3,921 public records requests and background checks last year. That's a little lower than 2022, when we responded to 4,075 requests."

The department's record and evidence manager says police also released more than 100 animals, either found and returned or taken to the Humane Society, and collected more than 700 pounds of prescription medication from the community through the lobby kiosk. 

Vee said, "Evidence took in 4,866 items last year. That's down a bit from last year, or from 2022, when we took in 5,270 items."

One issue hurting the department -- staffing. And its not just Bend Police finding it difficult to fill positions. Departments all across the country are dealing with a shortage of officers. In 2023, officer resignations were up 47% compared to 2019.

Chief Krantz said the lack of officers has likely led to the drop in DUII arrests

He said, "We really don't think that's because there's less people out driving while intoxicated. We had some some staffing issues that impacted some our ability to continue to staff the traffic position for a short time."

The annual report also shows new partnerships have helped to reduce police involvement in mental health calls. 

 "Overall, we've had less responses to mental health calls, and that's really a direct result of our partnership and the great work the Deschutes County  Behavioral Health team is doing around the CCRT response team, and they have really stepped up and taken well over 1,000 calls in 2023," Krantz

Currently, there are 106 officers. The department can currently employ up to 112, and is looking to fill those six open positions.