Table 1

 Percent Change by  Population Group

 

 Table 2

 Percent Change by  
 Region

 

 Table 3

 Percent Change for  Consecutive Years

 

 Table 4

Offenses Reported  to Law Enforcement by State by City 100,000 and over in population

 

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For Release May 24, 2010

Preliminary figures indicate that, as a whole, law enforcement agencies throughout the Nation reported a decrease of 5.5 percent in the number of violent crimes brought to their attention for 2009 when compared with figures reported for 2008. The violent crime category includes murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The number of property crimes in the United States in 2009 decreased 4.9 percent when compared with data from 2008. Property crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. Arson is also a property crime, but data for arson are not included in property crime totals. Figures for 2009 indicate that arson decreased 10.4 percent when compared to 2008 figures.

 

The data presented in Tables 1 and 2 indicate the percent change in offenses known to law enforcement for 2009 compared to 2008 by population group and region, respectively. Table 3 reflects the percent change within the Nation for consecutive years (each year compared to the prior year). Table 4 presents the number of offenses known to law enforcement for agencies having a resident population of 100,000 and over and providing 12 months of complete data for 2009. In addition, Table 4 presents 12 months of 2008 data, where available, as a point of comparison. All data in this Report are preliminary.

 

PLEASE NOTE Figures used in this Report are submitted voluntarily by law enforcement agencies throughout the country. Individuals using these tabulations are cautioned against drawing conclusions by making direct comparisons between cities. Comparisons lead to simplistic and/or incomplete analyses that often create misleading perceptions adversely affecting communities and their residents. Valid assessments are possible only with careful study and analysis of the range of unique conditions affecting each local law enforcement jurisdiction. It is important to remember that crime is a social problem and, therefore, a concern of the entire community. The efforts of law enforcement are limited to factors within its control. The data user is, therefore, cautioned against comparing statistical data of individual agencies. Further information on this topic can be obtained in the annual Uniform Crime Report Crime in the United States, 2008. Data users can obtain assistance by sending e-mails to cjis_comm@leo.gov.

Report issued by Robert S. Mueller III, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. 20535

Advisory: Criminal Justice Information Systems Committee, International Association of Chiefs of Police; Criminal Justice Information Services Committee, National Sheriffs' Association; Criminal Justice Information Services Advisory Policy Board