ANNUAL REPORT 2023

I am honored to present the Clayton Police Department's Annual Report for 2023. This comprehensive report encapsulates crime statistics, our budget, organizational framework, Internal Affairs cases, use of force, and other critical data concerning our police department.

First, we must acknowledge the tragic event in November when one of our community members, Joshua Harris, a devoted husband, and father, tragically lost his life while confronting armed criminals attempting to steal his vehicle. Thanks to the dedication of our detectives and the support from Major Case Squad, the criminals responsible for this reprehensible act have been identified and will face justice. While occurrences of this magnitude are rare in Clayton, (only the third homicide in my 24-year career) it serves as a stark reminder that violence can occur in even the safest communities. It underscores the importance of the collective efforts between the police, the community, and other public officials to prevent future violence.

Violent crimes, namely robbery and aggravated assault, remain rare in Clayton. A single armed robbery and eight instances of aggravated assault were reported in Clayton throughout 2023. Furthermore, in 2022, the nationwide surge in car thefts, attributed to security vulnerabilities in Kia and Hyundai models, had ramifications for Clayton’s crime statistics. However, in 2023, a notable 41% reduction was observed, with only 36 automobiles reported stolen.

The reduction in car thefts can be attributed to local officials advocating for increased accountability for juvenile offenders, resulting in consistent detention by the County’s Family Court. The strategic deployment of license plate recognition cameras in Clayton over the past two years also played a pivotal role in thwarting car thefts. These cameras promptly alert officers upon detecting stolen vehicles, facilitating rapid police intervention. Additionally, the LPR cameras provided crucial information in solving the November homicide.

Ensuring the safety of our educational institutions and training for active threats therein is paramount for our police department. Wydown Middle School served as the location for training simulations of critical incidents, wherein our officers were challenged to respond swiftly and make sound decisions amidst high-stress scenarios. The Clayton Fire Department was included in the training to practice coordinated rescues.

School safety was further augmented by the addition of a third School Resource Officer (SRO) in 2023. SRO Ryan Riley assumed responsibility for safety at the elementary schools, while SRO Whittaker and SRO Boeger are assigned to Clayton High School and Wydown Middle School, respectively.

Amongst 25,116 calls for service in 2023, only one internal affairs complaint was lodged against our officers in. Our officers were engaged in only nine (9) instances of use-of-force. The incidents were predominantly of a minor nature. These statistics illustrate the exceptional standards and professionalism upheld by our personnel.

In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to our team for their exemplary service. They consistently meet the community's expectations by maintaining visibility in neighborhoods, offering professional and equitable treatment to citizens, and responding promptly to emergencies. The Clayton Police Department remains steadfast in our commitment to protect Clayton, and we appreciate the constant support from the community.

Respectfully,

Mark J. Smith

Chief of Police