2024 was Normals busiest year for police service calls [Video]

NORMAL (25News Now) – Normal Police Department identified achievements and challenges from the year, from new officers on the force to pop-up parties.

Police said hiring new officers and being involved with events are their biggest wins from the year. They’ve made it a focus to be more engaged with their community, attending or planning over 300 events this year.

Officers at Normal Police Department said 2024 was one of their busiest years for service calls to date, with officers being called into the field to unlock cars, help in a mental health crisis, or monitor suspicious people.

“Crime is not necessarily up, but the need for police services is. That’s why we’re focusing so heavily on recruiting good officers, so that we can break that down a little bit and provide the community with the assistance that they need,” said Darien Bachman, a community engagement officer.

Several officers were added to …