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 CRIME STATISTICS RELEASED OVERVIEW OF 2008 CRIME TRENDS - Overall Major Crimes were down in Seattle in 2008 by 4%. This followed a large decline in crime in 2007 that saw the crime rate fall to a forty year low. Several trends within the 2008 crime statistics are important to note. First, unlike 2007, crime reductions in 2008 did not occur in all crime categories. Instead, the overall decline was driven by large reductions in aggravated assaults and vehicle thefts. At the same time there were citywide increases in other crimes – notably rape, robbery and non-residential burglary. Also unlike 2007, crime did not decline throughout the city last year. North, East and Southwest Precincts showed crime decreases, but South and West Precincts saw an increase in Major Crimes. As the crime trends in South and West Precincts became apparent, the Department intensified its efforts to address them. Precinct commanders were allocated additional overtime resources for proactive patrol in, and rapid response to, crime hotspots. Task forces and specialized units, such as Gangs, were also made available to supplement and support the work of Patrol units. The Department took this same approach to crime flare-ups in other precincts as well. The concerning trend seen in 2008, however, was the outbreak of violence by and against young people. Early in the year, a young man was murdered at a private party. That incident was followed by four other incidents in which juveniles were killed. Fortunately, both the community and city government came together to express not only concern, but also determination that this situation should not be allowed to continue. What has emerged is the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, a broad-based community/governmental action plan, in which the Department is an enthusiastic partner. The causes of youth violence are many and complex and addressing them will not be easy. Among the advantages we have here in Seattle, however, are active and concerned community members devoted to making a difference in kids’ lives. The Department is confident that, with such an important public safety building block in place, we will together forge safer communities throughout the city. A NOTE ON THE POSTING OF CRIME DATA - As you explore this website, you will find links to Major Crime Statistics for all of 2008, and a new monthly posting of major crime data for the first four months of 2009. Our plan is to provide monthly and year-to-date crime information on an ongoing basis at both citywide and precinct levels, and to make these statistics available approximately one month after the close of the previous month. We hope you find the newly released crime data to be both useful and informative. |
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