Police Chief Dino Sgambellone
LAPD News:
Chief Dino Sgambellone released crime statistics through the fourth quarter of 2023, which were compiled by the Records Section of the Los Alamos Police Department.
In April of 2021, the Los Alamos Police Department transitioned from UCR, a Summary Reporting System (SRS), to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).
NIBRS was created in the 1980’s to offer more detailed crime reporting. While UCR is based on a hierarchy of crime types and therefore counts only the most serious crime at one event, NIBRS counts all crimes that occur and provides more context to actual crime within the community.
NIBRS tracks what are commonly known as Part 1 & Part 2 crimes and categorizes them as:
- Crimes Against Persons;
- Crimes Against Property and
- Crimes Against Society.
The full report can be accessed on the Police Department website by selecting Crime Statistics for 2023 on the main page: https://www.losalamosnm.us/Government/Departments-and-Divisions/PoliceDepartment
Overall, crime reported to police in all categories rose 17%, with Crimes Against Persons decreasing 35%, Crimes Against Property increasing 31%, and Crime Against Society increasing 17%. Consistent with crime reported to police in 2022, larceny/theft and fraud cases continue to drive higher crime rates within the community. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant in their neighborhoods and should secure personal belongings, vehicles, and residences. Please feel free to contact the Police Department if you would like more information on crime prevention strategies for homes and businesses.
With respect to Fraud, if it seems too good to be true, it likely is. Do not provide personal identifying information such as social security numbers and bank account information. Fraudsters will request such things as converting your cash to gift cards or cryptocurrency. They will identify themselves as government officials. They will demand payment while threatening to stop your benefits or because you have a warrant for your arrest. If at any time you remain unsure about a particular phone call or email, please contact the Police Department at 505.662.8222 prior to sending any personal identifying information or money.
You may also consider contacting the FBI on fraud and scams, which helps with tracking offenders and those who have a foreign nexus. General fraud or other criminal complaints can be reported to the FBI by calling 202.324.3000 or online at https://tips.fbi.gov/home. Additional information about scams, frauds, and cybercrime reporting options can be found at https://www.usa.gov/stop-scamsfrauds and www.ic3.gov.
“The Los Alamos Police Department appreciates the community’s involvement in maintaining an exceptionally low crime rate and high quality of life. The Police Department remains committed to being an effective partner with our citizens, community partners, and business owners.” –Chief Sgambellone
For more information on crime prevention, call Sgt. Chris Ross at 505.663.1874. To discuss this report with Chief Sgambellone, or any other issue regarding public safety, contact the Chief at 505.662.8227.