NORWICH – There was an increase in major crimes and felony drug arrests in 2007, according to an annual report compiled by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office.

Overall, law enforcement calls through the dispatch center went up 67 percent, from 11,934 in 2006 to 19,883.

One glaring statistic: There were five murders last year compared to zero in 2006.

“We’re experiencing a record number of calls,” said Undersheriff Ernest Cutting. “We’ve seen an increase in homicides and much more drug activity.”

Felony drug arrests for a controlled substance went from 2 in 2006 to 18 in 2007. Reported sex crimes were also up just over 50 percent, from 41 to 62.

Possible factors: “The economy is going to play a role,” said Cutting, adding that the demographics of the county are changing, with migrating urban populations entering the area. “Drug use is also going to play a role.”

Three of the five murders involved drugs or alcohol.

Cutting said the spike has resulted in more man hours for investigations, adding, however, that the department was able to stay within its budget.

Chenango County Correctional Facility

According to the report, the Chenango County Correctional Facility had a daily average inmate population of 75.1 in 2007, its first full year in operation. Depending on whether or not the prisoners are single or double bunked, the jail can hold between 133 and 162 inmates. There are around 78 prisoners in the jail currently.

“We have quite a bit of capacity,” Cutting told the county Board of Supervisors at a recent presentation.