Crime continues to fall across Florida, according to the 2018 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report, released Tuesday in Tallahassee. The report shows Florida’s crime volume dropped 8 percent, or 24,564 fewer reported index crimes, compared to the first six months of 2017.
Said Gov. Rick Scott in a Florida Department of Law Enforcement news release, “In Florida, families expect to be able to find a great job, ensure their kids get a top-notch education, and live in a safe and strong community,” Scott said. “As Governor, I have fought every day to deliver on these priorities so that every family in Florida has the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Today’s announcement of Florida’s crime rate continuing to drop shows why Florida is the best place to raise a family and succeed. Of course, none of this success would be possible without the incredible work and constant sacrifice of the brave members of Florida’s law enforcement who have helped us reach a 47-year low in crime. We will never stop working to make sure every family in Florida is safe and that our law enforcement has the support they need to continue their life-saving work.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi added, “Florida’s falling crime rate is a testament to the hard work and selfless actions of our courageous law enforcement officers and dedicated prosecutors. These public servants work nights, weekends and holidays, putting themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe—and I am eternally grateful for their service to the state of Florida.”
Said Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, “Florida’s steadily declining crime rate is evidence of the hard work and commitment of our law enforcement professionals who sacrifice so much to protect our friends and loved ones. Our first responders are the fabric of our communities and I cannot thank these brave men and women enough for the differences they’ve made in the safety and well-being of all Floridians. While we must stay vigilant, I am grateful that we continue to move towards a safer, better Florida.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam said, “The continued reduction of Florida’s crime rate is all thanks to the tireless and selfless efforts of our law enforcement community. Today our law enforcement officers face extraordinary challenges, yet they continue to courageously protect Floridians and visitors. While the job of safeguarding Florida is never over, we should be grateful for the brave men and women who protect our communities and make our state the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
Overall, both violent and property crimes were down in this report. The index crimes of robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft were down while murder and rape increased slightly. Domestic violence crimes were also lower in this report.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “Florida’s law enforcement partnerships work seamlessly together to proactively prevent and solve crimes. I appreciate the dedication of our law enforcement in protecting Florida’s communities, families and visitors.”
President of the Florida Sheriffs Association and Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “As a state, this report demonstrates we are continuing to move in the right direction to ensure public safety of all Floridians, which is the number one goal of Florida’s sheriffs. We are pleased to see a decrease in violent crimes, burglaries, and aggravated assaults and we will continue to lead the way in each of our counties.”
President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and Florida State University Police Chief David Perry said, “The hard work of dedicated law enforcement professionals in our state continues to have positive results as Florida’s crime continues to decline. The Police Chiefs leading our agencies are committed to working with community members as well as their local, state and federal partners to keep Floridians and those visiting our state safe.”
The Semi-Annual UCR calculates crime volume, the number of index crimes known to law enforcement. The report, including county-by-county breakdowns, can be found on FDLE’s website.
FDLE began tracking crime statistics in 1971.
