FBI Releases 2015 Crime Statistics, East Contra Costa Stats Provided

On Monday, the FBI released its annual compilation of crimes reported to its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program by law enforcement agencies from around the nation. Crime in the United States, 2015 reveals a 3.9 percent increase in the estimated number of violent crimes and a 2.6 percent decrease in the estimated number of property crimes last year when compared to 2014 data.

According to the report, there were an estimated 1,197,704 violent crimes committed around the nation. While that was an increase from 2014 figures, the 2015 violent crime total was 0.7 percent lower than the 2011 level and 16.5 percent below the 2006 level.

Among some of the other statistics contained in Crime in the United States, 2015:

• The estimated number of murders in the nation was 15,696.
• During the year, there were an estimated 90,185 rapes. (This figure currently reflects UCR’s legacy definition. Learn more about the revised rape definition.)
• There were an estimated 327,374 robberies nationwide, which accounted for an estimated $390 million in losses (average dollar value of stolen property per reported robbery was $1,190).
• Firearms were used in 71.5 percent of the nation’s murders, 40.8 percent of robberies, and 24.2 percent of aggravated assaults.
• Property crimes resulted in losses estimated at $14.3 billion. The total value of reported stolen property (i.e., currency, jewelry, motor vehicles, electronics, firearms) was $12,420,364,454.

Full Press Release

East Contra Costa County

Antioch:

Editors Note – Antioch voters passed Measure C in November 2013 which the police chief and the city council said it would reduce crime.  Antioch has seen drops in its overall violent crime each of the past two years.  In 2010, Antioch’s population was 102,000… as of 2015 it stands at 112,698.

Brentwood

Editors Note: Brentwood has remained steady on its crime while adding “overage” officers to keep staffing levels consistent, but crime has slightly increased due to population. In 2010, the population was just 51,481… as of 2015, it was reported to be at 58,784. In the coming year, they will open their own dispatch center which they anticipate will reduce crime.

Oakley

Editors Note: Oakley saw jumps in crime in every category between 2014 to 2015 except for burglary while had the same amount of murders.  It is yet to be seen how Oakley moving towards its own Police Department will impact its numbers. Like Brentwood, Oakley has seen a population growth from 35,682 people in 2010 to 40,141 in 2015.

Pittsburg

According to the FBI

• In 2015, there were 13,160 law enforcement agencies that reported their staffing levels to the FBI. These agencies reported that, as of October 31, 2015, they collectively employed 635,781 sworn officers and 277,380 civilians, a rate of 3.3 employees per 1,000 inhabitants.

Caution Against Ranking

Each year when Crime in the United States is published, some entities use the figures to compile rankings of cities and counties. These rough rankings provide no insight into the numerous variables that mold crime in a particular town, city, county, state, tribal area, or region. Consequently, they 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. The data user is, therefore, cautioned against comparing statistical data of individual reporting units from cities, metropolitan areas, states, or colleges or universities solely on the basis of their population coverage or student enrollment.

For more information, visit https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2015/crime-in-the-u.s.-2015/tables/table-8/table-8-state-pieces/table_8_offenses_known_to_law_enforcement_california_by_city_2015.xls