CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Cape Charles Police Department responded to 1,237 calls for service in 2025, reflecting a modest decline from the two previous years while maintaining high levels of patrol activity, according to annual statistics released this month.
Of the total calls, 1,156 occurred within town limits, with an additional 81 calls handled outside Cape Charles under mutual aid or assistance agreements.
Police reported a total of 38 arrests during the year, including:
- 8 felony arrests
- 30 misdemeanor arrests
Traffic enforcement remained steady, with officers issuing:
- 331 traffic summons
- 467 parking tickets
The department also conducted 942 building checks, a routine practice aimed at preventing property crimes and increasing police visibility, particularly during overnight hours and the tourism off-season.
Patrol Presence
In addition to calls for service, officers logged significant patrol time throughout the community:
- 634 hours of foot patrols within town
- 339 patrol hours in the Bay Creek area
Foot patrols are frequently used in the Historic District, business corridors, parks, and waterfront areas, particularly during festivals, holiday weekends, and peak tourism periods.
Long-Term Call Trends
The 2025 total represents a decrease from recent highs but remains above pre-2020 levels. Over the past decade, calls for service have trended upward alongside increased tourism, population growth, and seasonal activity.
Annual totals since 2014 include:
| Year | Calls for Service |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 754 |
| 2015 | 905 |
| 2016 | 692 |
| 2017 | 798 |
| 2018 | 783 |
| 2019 | 868 |
| 2020 | 1,086 |
| 2021 | 1,257 |
| 2022 | 1,189 |
| 2023 | 1,483 |
| 2024 | 1,480 |
| 2025 | 1,237 |
The peak years of 2023 and 2024, both exceeding 1,480 calls, coincided with record tourism levels and increased event activity following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public Safety Outlook
Town officials have previously noted that policing demands in Cape Charles fluctuate seasonally, with significant increases during summer months, special events, and holiday weekends when the town’s population can more than triple.
Despite the lower total in 2025, police activity levels — including patrol hours, building checks, and enforcement — remained consistent, reflecting an emphasis on visibility, community policing, and proactive prevention.
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