Domestic abuse fueling increase in violent crime in Cedar Rapids, but shots-fired incidents down

CEDAR RAPIDS — Police say tensions stemming from the pandemic seem to have contributed to an uptick in domestic abuse reports in 2021.

Violent crime reports increased 16.27 percent in the city, according to the Cedar Rapids Police Department, pushed upward by a spike in aggravated assaults, including domestic abuse.

Other cities also are reporting higher numbers of violent crimes and domestic violence during the pandemic.

In Cedar Rapids, 132 cases of domestic abuse were reported in 2021, up from 94 in 2020.

Incidents of stalking and harassment also increased to 330 in 2021, well above the five-year average of 209, which police said was in line with the increase in domestic abuse reports.

While aggravated assaults dropped considerably from 2020 — from 83 to 63 in 2021 — that total represents a 17 percent rise compared to the five-year average.

Armed aggravated assault cases increased to 160 in 2021 from 110 the previous year.

Pandemic impact

Police Chief Wayne Jerman said COVID-19 protocols generally increased people’s stress levels and may be part of the reason for the increase in domestic abuse, as people stayed home more.

“The fact that some are unemployed or have some other economic or financial uncertainty is a factor,” Jerman said. “But, then again, the fact that the victims are coming forward, we believe that they're having a greater comfort level in reporting it to the police.”

Jerman said the department has an assessment program that provides services to domestic abuse victims. Also, relationships between victims and law enforcement officers, the Linn County Attorney's Office and service providers are helping victims step forward to report abuse, he said.

If people are unsafe in their environment, police Sgt. Laura May encouraged them to reach out to Waypoint for services or for educational classes that serve both men and women.

Those seeking assistance, she said, may call (319) 363-2093 or (800) 208-0388, numbers that are answered 24 hours a day and will assist with safety planning or in other ways.

Other crimes

Seven homicides were reported in Cedar Rapids in 2021, down from 11 the previous year. The 2020 figure was nearly double the five-year average of six homicides.

Robberies also fell, with 63 reported in 2021 — down from the five-year average of 106, marking a 41 percent decrease. Again, police said, the lack of physical proximity driven by COVID-19 may factor into that downward trend.

Sex offenses/forcible rape reports also were down, which police suspect may be attributed to social distancing protocols to curb the spread of COVID-19. In 2021, Cedar Rapids police received 11 reports — below the five-year average of 29.

Fewer shots-fired

The year also saw a 24.5 percent reduction in shots-fired reports, with 123 incidents reported in 2021 compared to 163 in 2020.

In 2019, 99 incidents were reported, 117 in 2018, 104 in 2017 and 87 in 2016.

In 2021, police reported 28 separate shots-fired incidents where 39 individuals were hit by bullets, wounding 32 and killing seven.

Jerman attributed the success in reducing gun violence to group violence intervention, a violence reduction strategy that brings community members together with law enforcement and social service providers to deliver an anti-violence message to active street groups.

Though full-year data is not yet complete, Jerman said, those communications to individuals at risk of being involved in gun violence seem to be working.

“We really hope this continues and that the messaging is going to continue and will be received in a way that will persuade individuals who may be inclined to continue this type of lifestyle to take the community up on what they are offering,” Jerman said.

Property crimes

With the exception of catalytic converter thefts, property crimes decreased overall in 2021.

Reports fell to 3,952 from 4,513 in 2020, and also were lower than the five-year average of 5,005. Burglary reports dropped 41 percent from 2020.

“A lot more residents are home, they’re working from home and either they lost their jobs or some decided to look for jobs that offer remote employment,” Jerman said. “The opportunity to commit residential house break-ins or burglaries is not where it used to be.”

Jerman said technology such as video surveillance and crime prevention tips also help in this regard.

Catalytic converter thefts from vehicles, though, skyrocketed in 2021 to 109, up from just 31 reports in 2020.

The market has grown for the valuable metals in the converters, and cities around the nation are grappling with this problem, police said. Plus, catalytic converters can be removed from a vehicle in less than four minutes, Jerman said.

The department is weighing whether to lobby for legislative action to curb those thefts. If Iowa were to restrict the sale of catalytic converters, Jerman said, thieves may simply go to other locations where it’s lawful to sell the converters.

Jerman encouraged people to park in well-lit areas and to have the police intervene if any activity seems suspicious.

Although thefts from vehicle declined from 712 in 2020 to 515 in 2021, Jerman noted that firearm thefts from vehicles continue to happen too often. He urged responsible gun ownership practices to keep firearms properly secured.

In 2021, 51 firearms were stolen from vehicles in 42 reported incidents. Nine of those firearms were recovered but not before five of them had been used in other crimes. Two of the five were used in a shooting and a robbery.

“Nobody deserves to have their car broken into or their car entered when it’s unlocked,” Jerman said. “But the fact that an owner of a deadly weapon was irresponsible enough to leave it in a motor vehicle, it fell into the wrong hands.”

Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com