OXFORD – The Village of Oxford Police Department saw a record breaking number of arrests and complaints in 2009, citing a number of felony investigations and an increasing trend in the demand for their services over the last few years.

“Our numbers show an increase of activity all across the board. We had to get more aggressive in the shifts we work, with limited resources and a limited budget – it’s all about officer awareness and community participation,” said Oxford Police Chief Richard Nolan. “2009 is looking to be our busiest year on record.”

Nolan said traditionally the Oxford Police has been a “community based” police force working with local citizens in low-level complaints and performing other services such as aiding people in car lock-outs, but in the last few years he has seen an increasing trend of higher level criminal activity that’s changing the role of the small town police force.