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.
In 2007, the jail farmed-in 316 inmates, bringing in over $700,000 in revenue. Based on the figures, the department would’ve spent roughly $651,525 last year to farm-out an average of 21.5 prisoners it would have had in excess daily. The old jail, located on Court Street in Norwich, could only hold 54.
“I think they’re getting things in line,” said Greene Supervisor Jack T. Cook, adding that he was encouraged by 2007 data, pointing out that there’s still room for more out-of-county inmates to be housed. “I think they’re doing pretty good in their second year.”
The department has also been able to cut costs by consolidating food expenses with the Area Agency on Aging.
When asked by supervisors if the number of farmed-in prisoners was expected rise significantly in the future, Cutting offered a conservative prediction.
“(Three hundred and sixteen) is a fair number,” said Cutting. “I’d hate to look much past that.”
The Undersheriff said that older county and municipal jail facilities are likely upgrading around the state, which may flatten out the need for prison space.
The jail is operating on a $5.45 million budget in 2008, with a tax levy of $903,400.
Accreditation
In 2007, the department earned New York state Accreditation in Law Enforcement, Corrections, and 911 communications, making it one of six counties in the state with that distinction. The Civil Department is undergoing its accreditation reviews later this spring, department officials said.
The Sheriff’s Office was also honored by the New York State Department of Correctional Services for it’s efforts housing inmates from Madison County after that jail was evacuated following a large train explosion in Oneida.

Other report statistics
• There were 8,857 Fire/EMS calls.
• There were 551 motor vehicle accidents, including five fatalities.
• Of the drivers involved, 149 were between the ages of 18 and 23.
• Inmates completed nearly 4,000 hours of work programs doing various community service projects, cleaning cemeteries and planting gardens.