Today, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has released its annual crime report. The statistics are from a reporting period of January 2012 to December 2012.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is very proud of the statistics for the year but also realize that there is always ways to improve.
In Columbia County, a total crime rate decrease of 12.2% was achieved from the same reporting period last year. The 12.2% decrease in the overall crime rate is applicable to unincorporated Columbia County. Overall, with all reporting agencies grouped as an average, the crime rate in Columbia County is down 6.2%,
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement bases the Crime Index off seven (7) vital statistic crimes:
Homicide
Burglary
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sexual Offenses
Aggravated Assault
Larceny
The statewide average clearance rate for solving crimes is 24.6%. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office achieved an agency case clearance rate of 46.3%, a 10.9% increase over the same reporting period last year.
Overall, crime is down in Columbia County which is very encouraging. In addition, the case clearance rate is significantly higher. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office attributes this success to the dedication and hard work of the men and women of CCSO. The continued community partnership with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is a significant factor to the decrease in crime and the success of more cases being solved.
Sheriff Mark Hunter said today, “I am very encouraged by these statistics. Columbia County has been experiencing growth over the past several years and your Sheriff’s Office employees have kept pace with the growth and have dedicated themselves to serving our community. The crime solve rate of 46.3 % is a testament to that dedication. I am very proud of the men and women of your Sheriff’s Office and also of the important and necessary partnership we have fostered with our community.”
