Governor Rick Scott Announces Florida’s 2012 Uniform Crime Report

The following news release was issued by the Office of Florida Governor Rick Scott today, May 16, 2013:

Floridians safer today than any time in the last 42 years

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott today announced the 2012 Annual Uniform Crime Report.  The report shows Florida’s crime rate dropped 6.5 percent compared to 2011.  The total number of crimes fell 5.7 percent from last year which translates into 43,536 fewer crimes in 2012.  The number of violent crimes was down 4.3 percent or 4,218 fewer crimes reported. The complete 2012 Annual Uniform Crime Report, including county-by-county breakdowns, can be found on FDLE’s website at www.fdle.state.fl.us/fsac/ucr/.

Governor Scott said, “It is because of the hard work of Florida’s law enforcement community that we can celebrate today’s great news about Florida’s crime rate. Having a low crime rate is important to my goal of creating jobs and opportunities for Florida families, and making our state the best state in the nation to live, work or raise a family.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “The decrease in crime in our state is a direct reflection of the outstanding job our law enforcement officers and prosecutors do to make Florida a safe home to its residents and guests. With this steady decline in our crime rate for the forty-second consecutive year, I am hopeful that we will see across-the-board declines, specifically in the number of reported domestic violence homicides and sex-related crimes.”

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey said, “While Florida’s population continues to increase, the number of crimes continues to fall. This report is good news for Florida families, businesses and visitors. I commend our law enforcement professionals in their efforts to keep us safe.”

Highlands County Sheriff and Florida Sheriff’s Association President Susan Benton said, “The results of the 2012 Uniform Crime Report are testimony to the dedication and courage of each and every Florida Sheriff, deputy sheriff and law enforcement officer in the state. We are making a difference day by day and through such joint initiatives as the Florida Sheriffs Task Force, whose recent five-week operation focused on protecting our youth from the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs.”

The Florida Police Chiefs Association President, Chief Dennis Jones of Tallahassee Police Department, stated, “These numbers demonstrate the quality of law enforcement officers we have in our state.  As law enforcement agencies and its officers are required to do more with less, I am proud of the dedication they have demonstrated in keeping our citizens and communities safe.”    

President of the Florida Prosecuting Attorney’s Association, State Attorney Bill Eddins, said, “The Florida Prosecuting Attorney’s Association is pleased that the number of crimes committed in the State of Florida has continued to decline. It is especially important to note the number of violent crimes has dropped more than four percent as compared to 2011.  We believe that this is due in part to the dedication and hard work of prosecutors and law enforcement officers throughout Florida.  We appreciate both the Governor and Legislature for providing us the tools necessary to continue to protect the citizens of our State.”

Non-violent crime decreased 5.9 percent or a reduction of 39,318 reported crimes compared to 2011.  The value of stolen property decreased by 9.1 percent while the value of property recovered increased 2.7 percent.  Total arrests increased 0.8 percent from 2011.

Overall domestic violence fell 3.3 percent.  While there were 3,635 fewer victims of domestic violence in 2012, cohabitants continue to be the largest group of victims in this category, with spouses remaining the second largest group. 

Crimes committed by firearms continue to drop in 2012, down 2.0 percent with 489 fewer crimes committed with guns in 2012. 

The report also contains information on officers killed feloniously.  Two law enforcement officers and one correctional officer died from criminal causes while on duty during 2012.  In addition, two law enforcement officers died accidently during the course of duty.

FDLE began tracking crime statistics in 1971.