Crime is down across Florida according to the 2019 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report. The report shows Florida’s crime volume dropped 6.1 percent, or 17,079 fewer reported index crimes, compared to the first six months of 2018.
Governor Ron DeSantis said, “The positive results of the 2019 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report are reassuring that our policies to fight crime are working. I applaud the efforts of our state’s police chiefs, sheriffs and men and women in uniform for their tireless work day-in and day-out to protect and serve our communities. By working together, we will continue to embrace policies and procedures that lead us toward a safer, brighter future for all Floridians.”
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Because Florida law enforcement officers work every day to make their communities safer, our state is prospering, our economy is booming, and millions of tourists choose to spend their free time and money here. We owe the brave men and women of Florida law enforcement a great debt of gratitude and respect. As Attorney General, I look forward to continuing to work with these courageous Floridians to help build a stronger, safer Florida.”
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Florida’s crime rate continues to drop statewide, and this is a great testament to the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement community. These brave men and women work day and night to keep our communities safe and their commitment to cracking down on crime is why there’s no better place to live, work, and raise a family than right here in the Sunshine State.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried said, “The dedication to public safety of Florida’s law enforcement officers makes our state and communities safer places to live and work. Their selfless efforts go above and beyond their oath every day to ensure Floridians and visitors are better protected. Their commitment to justice is crucial to Florida’s success, and I am incredibly grateful for the valiant service of all our law enforcement professionals.”
Overall, both violent and property crimes were down in this report. The index crimes of murder, rape, robbery, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft were down, while aggravated assault and domestic violence crimes increased slightly.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “FDLE and Florida’s law enforcement partners continue to work closely together to prevent and solve crimes. Our collaborative efforts in prevention and innovative approaches to investigations help us all in protecting Florida’s communities, families and visitors.”
Pinellas County Sheriff and Florida Sheriffs Association President Bob Gualtieri said, “This crime reduction did not happen by accident—we are equipped with the necessary tools and support to fight crime. One of the most important tools is Florida’s Truth in Sentencing law, which for 25 years has ensured criminals serve at least 85% of their sentence. Criminals should serve the sentences imposed by judges instead of being released early to prey on more victims.”
Florida Police Chiefs Association President Chief Kenneth Albano, Temple Terrace Police Department said, “Florida’s Police Chiefs’ top priority is keeping all our communities safe. This reduction in our statewide crime rate is simply a visible sign that we are having some degree of success. In order to continue to be successful in doing this, we must remain ever vigilant, continue to forge stronger more resilient ties of understanding and trust within our local communities and develop even greater working relationships with our local and state law enforcement partners.”
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 HERE.
FDLE began tracking crime statistics in 1971.
