Murders in the United States were down 11.6% in 2023, according to statistics released by the FBI Monday morning.
The murder rate went down from 6.2 per 100,000 people in 2022 to 5.7 per 100,000 people in 2023.
Violent crime, which is one of the top issues for voters in the presidential election, as a whole was down 3% from 2022 to 2023, according to the FBI.
An FBI official said the drop in murders represents the “largest drop” since the agency has been collecting data, the agency said in a call with reporters on Monday.
“An estimated 1,218,467 violent crime offenses were committed in 2023, indicating a rate of 363.8 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, down from the 2022 offense rate of 377.1 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants,” the Uniform Crime Reporting Program report released on Monday said.
Jeff Asher, a former CIA data analyst told ABC News murder fell at it’s fastest pace.
“Murder fell at the fastest pace ever recorded,” Asher who is a co-founder of AH Datalytics said. “That eclipses 1996 when murder fell by 9.1%, which was previously the largest one year decline ever recorded.”
Other crimes, like rape, decreased by 9.4%, aggravated assault decreased by 2.8%, and robbery decreased by 0.3%, according to the report.
Robberies also behaved differently during the pandemic and, unlike murders, went down during the shutdown and popped back up post-pandemic.
The number of law enforcement agencies who reported their data also increased from last year with 85.% of agencies actively enrolled in the FBI’s UCR Program and cover a combined population of 315,761,680 (94.3%) inhabitants.
All 12 cities that have 1,000,000 or more people reported data, the FBI said.
Historical versions of the U.S. flag fly over the entrance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters building on Sept. 15, 2024, in Washington, DC.
J. David Ake/Getty Images
A crime that increased in 2023 was motor vehicle theft, which increased 12.6%, the FBI said.
Overall, property crime decreased by 2.4%, burglary decreased by 7.6% and larceny theft decreased by 4.4%.
Hate crimes are up in the U.S. from 2022 to 2023, according to the FBI statistics – including the number of incidents, offenses and victims of hate crimes.
The FBI doesn’t specify which group is the most targeted.
Crime Rates Decrease by 11.6% in the US, Continuing to Influence Election Discussions
In recent years, crime rates in the United States have been a hot topic of debate among politicians, law enforcement officials, and the general public. With concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies at the forefront of many discussions, the latest data showing a decrease in crime rates by 11.6% is sure to have a significant impact on the upcoming elections.
According to the latest statistics released by the FBI, overall crime rates in the US have dropped by 11.6% compared to the previous year. This decrease is a positive sign for many communities across the country, as it indicates that efforts to combat crime and improve public safety are having a measurable impact.
One of the key factors contributing to the decrease in crime rates is the implementation of community policing strategies in many cities and towns. Community policing focuses on building strong relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve, which can help to prevent crime and improve trust between residents and police. By working together to address the root causes of crime, communities can create safer environments for everyone.
Additionally, advancements in technology have played a significant role in reducing crime rates. The use of surveillance cameras, predictive analytics, and other tools have helped law enforcement agencies to identify and respond to criminal activity more effectively. By leveraging these technologies, police departments are able to allocate resources more efficiently and target areas with high crime rates.
Despite the overall decrease in crime rates, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Certain types of crimes, such as cybercrime and domestic violence, continue to be major concerns for law enforcement agencies. Additionally, disparities in crime rates among different demographic groups highlight the need for continued efforts to address issues of inequality and social justice.
As the US heads into an election year, the decrease in crime rates is likely to be a major talking point for candidates at all levels of government. Politicians will be eager to tout their successes in reducing crime and improving public safety, while also addressing any remaining challenges that need to be addressed. Voters will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate a clear plan for addressing crime and keeping communities safe.
In conclusion, the recent decrease in crime rates in the US is a positive development that is sure to influence election discussions in the coming months. While there is still work to be done to address remaining challenges, the overall trend towards lower crime rates is a promising sign for communities across the country. By continuing to invest in community policing strategies, technology, and social justice initiatives, we can build safer and more secure communities for all Americans.
