Florida crime down in the first half of 2017

Crime continues to fall across Florida according to the 2017 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report. The report shows Florida’s crime volume dropped two percent or roughly 6,300 fewer reported index crimes compared to the first six months of 2016.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Each and every day, the brave men and women of Florida’s law enforcement community selflessly work to keep our neighborhoods safe and as Florida’s crime rate continues to drop, we’re reminded of their important and life-saving work. Today, Floridians and visitors are the safest they’ve been in nearly a half -century and we will continue to fully support our law enforcement members as they work to make the Sunshine State the safest place to raise a family.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “Throughout my career I have worked closely with our brave law enforcement officers, and the continued decline in Florida’s crime rate is a testament to their hard work, dedication and sacrifice. I want to thank all of our law enforcement officers and our state prosecutors for their continued success fighting crime and protecting Floridians.”
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Our declining crime rate is a true testament of our law enforcement community’s commitment to keeping our state safe. I offer my deepest appreciation for the sacrifices that the men and women in blue have made for the well-being of Florida’s families, friends and neighbors.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam said, “Florida’s crime rate continues to fall, and I credit the hard work of the thin blue line, the men and women in uniform who selflessly and courageously pursue their mission to keep Florida safe. We must continue to provide our law enforcement community with all the support we can so they can continue to help keep Floridians and visitors safe.”
The crimes of murder, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and larceny were down in this report while the crimes of rape and motor vehicle theft increased. Domestic violence fell one percent, with domestic violence murder and aggravated assault down while rape and stalking were up.
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “Every day across Florida law enforcement officers at the state, local and federal levels work together to keep Florida citizens safe. Because of our partnerships Florida’s citizens and visitors are the safest they’ve been in more than 46 years.”
Florida Sheriffs Association President and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said, “The continued reduction in crime, throughout the state of Florida, is a direct result of the coordinated efforts of law enforcement, from the highest-ranking leadership to our patrol officers and deputies. From innovative task force operations to dedicated education and enforcement, we stay committed to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.”
President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and Miami Shores Police Chief Kevin Lystad said, “As Florida’s crime continues to drop, I commend law enforcement leaders and officers across the state! Their unwavering dedication coupled with the laws we have in place to deter those bent on committing crime are clearly working. The Florida Police Chiefs throughout the state remain committed to working with our state and federal partners to keep Floridians 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.