KPD e-News Release: T.B.I. Report Shows Decrease in Crime in Kingsport
GENERAL NARRATIVE |
On May 6, 2014 the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released the 2013 Crimes in Tennessee Report. This annual report highlights reported crimes, arrests, and overall clearance rates of individual jurisdictions as well as the State of Tennessee as a whole. The 2013 analysis indicates that when it comes to crime and criminal investigations, the City of Kingsport is headed in a positive direction.
When comparing the 2013 data to that of the previous year, the Kingsport Police Department saw a 17.45% decrease in the more serious crimes known as Group A Offenses, which include some of the most violent crimes such as Murder, Rape, Aggravated Assault, and Robbery. There was also a 26.4% decrease in domestic violence incidents and a 27.96% decrease in simple assaults. The vast majority of property crimes, such as Arson, Burglary, Motor Vehicle Theft, and Vandalism, showed significant reductions as well. Two additional improvements pertaining to violent crime are noteworthy. Regarding the crime of murder, there were zero incidents reported in the City of Kingsport during 2013 as opposed to a total of two in 2012. And, there was a 30.43% reduction in weapon law violations from 2012 to 2013. Not only are less crimes being reported to the Kingsport Police Department, the department is also doing an even better job at solving these crimes. The Kingsport Police Department’s 2013 overall clearance rate was 41.49% which is not only an improvement over K.P.D.’s 2012 clearance rate of 37.04% but also exceeds the 2013 State of Tennessee overall clearance rate of 39.92%. One likely contributing factor in this recent crime downtrend is K.P.D.’s participation in the State of Tennessee’s Targeted Community Crime Reduction (TCCR) Grant. This grant has funded hundreds of additional law enforcement man-hours strategically placed in the traditionally higher crime areas of the city. There can be little doubt that increased police visibility is a significant deterrent to criminal activity. To view the 2013 Crimes in Tennessee Report, visit the following link: http://www.tbi.state.tn.us/tn_crime_stats/publications/2013%20Crime%20in%20Tennessee%20(SECURE).pdf |
RELEASING OFFICER | ||
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit |