Press Releases
09/24/2017
Gov. Malloy: Annual FBI Crime Data Shows Connecticut Saw Largest Decline of Violent Crime in Nation over Last Four Years
Federal Data Shows Overall Crime in Connecticut is at its Lowest Point in Fifty Years; Number of Murders at Lowest Point Since 1969
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today highlighted the release of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) annual state-by-state crime report for the 2016 calendar year, which shows that crime rates continue to decline in Connecticut, which has had the largest reduction in violent crime of any state in the nation over the last four years.
Since Governor Malloy took office in 2011, overall crime in Connecticut has declined by 18 percent, including a 20 percent drop in violent crime. The FBI is reporting that overall crime in the state is at its lowest point since 1967.
**For a report summarizing the FBI’s crime data and its impact in Connecticut, click here.**
**For a chart comparing violent crime rates in the states over the last four years, click here.**
“Because of smart, data driven policies and reforms to our criminal justice system, we have made Connecticut neighborhoods safer than they have been in nearly two generations,” Governor Malloy said. “As fewer people commit crimes and become incarcerated, we are not only improving communities but also saving taxpayer dollars and allowing the state to better focus our resources on education and social services. The data presented in today’s federal report could not have been possible without the hard work of our state and local police officers, probation and parole officers, correctional officers, prosecutors, judges, victim advocates, teachers, substance abuse and mental health professionals, and community advocates – each working every day to make our state a better place to live, work, and raise a family, and I thank them for their service.”
“This report highlights how Connecticut’s anti-crime and anti-violence initiatives are working to make residents and communities safer,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “I join the Governor in applauding law enforcement, the judiciary, educators, and community leaders for their work and commitment. They are on the frontlines keeping our communities safe.”
Notable statistics in the FBI’s annual crime trends report for Connecticut this year includes:
- The total number of murders fell by 32.8 percent, declining from 116 in 2015 to 78 in 2016. This is the fewest number of murders in the state since 1969.
- Connecticut witnessed the largest percentage drop of murders of any state in the country in 2016.
- Rape declined by 4.4 percent over the prior year.
- Property crime declined by 1.4 percent over the prior year.
- Burglaries declined by 2.3 percent over the prior year.
- Larcenies declined by 2.8 percent over the prior year.
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