Ludington police calls increased in 2014.

Chief Mark Barnett

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.

LUDINGTON — Police activity in Ludington increased by 553 calls in 2014 compared to 2013. Ludington Police Department’s number of complaints investigated increased by 507, the number of arrests increased by 71, traffic citations decreased by 37 and parking violations decreased by 488 citations.

The increase in calls also comes with one less officer, a vacancy that has been left opened since May 2009.

“As you know, a large portion of the department’s activity is officer initiated,” Chief Mark Barnett said in his report to City Council, during its regular meeting, Monday, April 27. “With fewer officers there are fewer crimes detected, arrests made and citations issued.”

Highlights of the department’s annual report included:

– In 2014 there were 29 more reported person crimes than in 2013.

– In 2014 there were 45 more property crimes compared to 2013.

– In 2014, there was an increase of 60 of what Barnett described as “the most problematic public order crimes” compared to 2013.

Significant incidents for the police department in 2014 included:

– The arraignment of Sean Phillips, charging the Victory Township resident with open murder of his infant daughter, Katherine Phillips. The effort was a joint effort with Mason County Prosecutor’s Office and Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

– May 13, 2014 bomb threat and extortion attempt at Rite Aid Pharmacy.

– Aug. 25, 2014 home invasion that resulted in charges against Jon Lloyd Maccune of criminal sexual conduct first degree, home invasion first degree, CSC third degree, domestic violence and habitual offender.

– Oct. 26, 2014 stolen firearm investigation in 500 block of South Emily Street.

– Dec. 16, 2014 bomb threat at Tendercare which resulted in the arrest and conviction of Dayvin Michael Flickinger.

– An additional home invasion in the 700 block of East Filer Street, date not mentioned.

Barnett also talked about some projects the police department is involved with. These included:

– Senior outreach program.

– Reserve marine unit

– Digital forensic lab

– Networking group, which includes area schools and law enforcement agencies.

– Neighborhood Watch.

– Landlord property management.

– Sex offender monitoring

– Drive Safe, Drive Sober New Year’s Eve. program.

– Movies in the Park