The Storm Lake Police Department has released its annual report, detailing the SLPD activities and enforcement trends during the past year.
   "It is an honor and a privilege to serve this community, one we do not take lightly," Chief Chris Cole wrote in the report's introduction.  

  Police officers responded to over 48,000 calls for service during 2025, or an average of approximately 133 calls per day.
   During the year, the department recorded a nearly 12 percent decrease in Part 1 Uniform Crime reports - the most serious class of offenses – as compared to the previous year.
   "This reduction is a reflection of the hard work, dedication and daily commitment of the men and women of the police department, whose efforts continue to make a positive impact in our community," Chief Cole said.
   The department improved on technology throughout the year, and is currently fully staffed, with the exception of one officer who is deployed with the military.
   The year came with its challenges as well, which included an armed standoff incident early in 2025. It saw an increase in juvenile arrests, which the SLPD is addressing with community-based prevention and intervention partnership efforts as well as enforcement.
   The annual report additionally shares community demographics, service and lifesaving awards, incident and arrest breakdowns, accident and injury data, highlights from detective investigations, and photos from the department's many public outreach and events programs.
   Chief Cole spoke of the dedication of the SLPD team. "The work they do is not easy, but it is meaningful, and it is strengthened every day by the support of the community we serve… We remain committed to serving Storm Lake with professionalism, compassion and dedication in the year ahead."
 
The full report is available for viewing online at: https://www.stormlake.org/DocumentCenter/View/5542/2025-Police-Department-Annual-Report-