State report shows crime rate in Florida dropped

Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – A report by the Florida Division of Regulation Enforcement exhibits crime in Florida has decreased by 8.3 p.c.

The report breaks down crime in by counties for 2021. The crimes embody homicide, rape, theft, aggravated assault, housebreaking, larceny and motorized vehicle theft.

Crime in a number of Panhandle counties decreased. In Calhoun County crime decreased by 2.8 p.c. In Okaloosa County crime declined by 10.3 p.c. Bay County noticed one of many largest drops, lowering by 17.4 p.c.

“I’m more than happy with what I see,” mentioned Sheriff Tommy Ford, Bay County. “We don’t use this as a mission accomplish banner, we use it as a barometer that what we’re doing is both engaged on just isn’t, and I’m considering on this case it exhibits that how we’re approaching crime as a group, as a system, as an entire is working.”

The sheriff mentioned he’s conscious that there’s all the time room for enchancment, which is why he and his workforce are devoted to tackling the opioid disaster head on.

“One of many issues that this (report) doesn’t actually take note of is the drug state of affairs,” mentioned Ford. “That’s one thing that we combat very exhausting. We’re seeing quite a lot of opioid associated deaths. Two days in the past, we made the most important fentanyl seizure that we’ve ever seen at 2.5 kilos so we’re aggressive in attempting to get medicine off the streets.”

Not all panhandle counties noticed a lower in crime. Holmes and Walton Counties have been amongst people who skilled a rise.

Dustin Cosson is a Chief on the Walton County Sheriff’s Workplace. He mentioned a number of elements can play a task in an uptick in crime.

“So, once you see a rise, it’s a must to take a look at a bunch of different numbers with that enhance. With that enhance in inhabitants there’s a rise alternative for crime to occur, Cosson mentioned. “So, when you may have a rise in alternative for crime to occur, you’re going to have extra crime.”

Cosson mentioned his workforce is actively strategizing on methods to continually crack down on crime.

“Hopefully what we’ll see over the subsequent two-three years is form of a plateau so we sort of take a look at these peaks and valleys and we alter ourselves, and the way we reply to sure conditions primarily based off these peaks and valleys.”

Copyright 2022 WJHG. All rights reserved.