MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Shelby Crime Commission has released the countywide and city of Memphis crime statistics for October 2015.
The reported major violent crime rate for January-October 2015 was down 2.0 percent countywide and 1.4 percent in the city of Memphis, compared to the same period in 2014.
The reported major violent crime rate was down 18.4 percent countywide and 14.3 percent in Memphis, compared to the same period in 2006, which is the baseline year for Operation: Safe Community.
Major violent crimes include murder, rape, aggravated assault and robbery.
Murder rates in Shelby County declined 9.5 percent for this time period over 2014 and 16.1 percent compared to 2006. In Memphis, the murder rate was down 8.2 percent over 2014 and 11.9 percent compared to 2006.
The major property crime rate also continued to decline. Countywide, the rate of major property crimes (burglaries, auto thefts, and other theft offenses) dropped 6.1 percent in 2015 compared to 2014 and 35.7 percent compared to 2006.
In Memphis, the decline in 2015 compared to 2014 was 6.6 percent and 33.9 percent compared to 2006.
The reported domestic violence crime rate for January-October 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 was down 4.9 percent countywide and 5.2 percent in the city of Memphis.
While data going back to 2006 is not available for reported domestic violence offenses, Operation: Safe Community in 2011 began tracking this crime category and uses it as a baseline year.
Compared to the 2011 baseline year, the reported domestic violence crime rate was down 18.1 percent countywide and 19.0 percent in Memphis. Domestic violence offenses include homicides, all assaults, kidnapping/abduction, and all forcible and non-forcible sex offenses, based upon victim to offender relationships.
Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong emphasized the need for continued vigilance.
“While we are gratified that violent crime rates are down, citizens of Memphis can expect a continued strong police response,” Armstrong said. “We ask that residents continue to and increase cooperation with the department to help close cases as a critical tool in reducing future crime.”
For details, visit these websites:
- Operation: Safe Community — memphisfastforward.com/publicsafety
- Memphis Shelby Crime Commission — memphiscrime.org
