Semi-Annual Report on Crime - News is Good

October 12, 2010

According to the 2010 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report, crime in Florida is down 4.8 percent from the first half of 2010 over the same period last year. Total violent crime (murder, forcible sex offenses, robbery and aggravated assault) is down by 10.7 percent for the first six months of the year while total non-violent crime (burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft) declined 3.8 percent. Domestic violence offenses declined 2.4 percent, however, there was a 5.8 percent increase in domestic violence murder.

Considering that many Sheriffs’ Offices experienced significant cuts in their budgets and had to re-structure their agencies as a result, Florida Sheriffs Association President Hamilton County Sheriff Harrell Reid says he is pleased. “I think this is a reflection in the quality of Sheriffs we have in our counties today, to be able to manage change without the level of service suffering. And I think it says a lot about our partnership through the Florida Sheriffs Association working to benefit individual communities.”

Florida Governor Charlie Crist credited law enforcement for the overall good report as well, saying, “I commend Florida’s law enforcement agencies for their commitment and dedication to keeping Floridians and visitors to our state safe.”

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey said the first six months of the year typically provide a good picture of the direction for rest of the year and added, “The fact that we had 19,000 fewer crimes is a positive sign.”

See the full report (scroll down to semi-annual reports)