New figures show that violent crimes are increasing across Idaho, but the overall crime rate is on the decline.

According to the latest crime report from the Idaho State Police, the overall crime rate dropped 3 percent, but the number of hate crimes, homicides and officers assaulted all increased significantly from 2006 to 2007.

Last year, police recorded 37 hate crimes across Idaho, up 85 percent, while 49 homicides were reported, 58 percent more than in 2006. Also last year 252 total assaults took place against officers and one officer – Moscow’s Lee Newbill - was killed in the line of duty, increasing the rate of officers assaulted by 12 percent.

The report does show some crimes decreased, including those against society, including drug use and pornography, and crimes against property such as robbery and arson.

The Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification releases the report each year in order to help law enforcement administrations determine their priorities in the fight against crime.

The Idaho State Police Multimedia Group, in cooperation with the Idaho Transportation Department and Swift Transportation will videotape the use of a runaway truck ramp on the Lewiston Hill Wednesday morning.

Occasionally, even a well-maintained truck will experience a mechanical failure, and ISP Lieutenant Allen Oswald says that when all else fails, a truck driver needs to know what to do.

Lt. Allen Oswald comments

Swift Transportation of Lewiston is providing a tractor-trailer combination and driver for the runaway truck ramp demonstration.

Oswald continues

The videotaped simulation will take place Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. During that time, both the northbound and southbound lanes at the top and bottom of the Lewiston Hill will be closed, but for no more than about five minutes.