TBI annual crime study shows decrease in reports, rise in homicides
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation on Monday released their 2015 “Crime in Tennessee” report.
The report reveals an overall decrease in reported instances of crime in 2015, the most recent reporting year. See the full report at http://tn.gov/tbi.
In 2015, more than half a million crimes were reported across the state, which is actually less than previous years.
“Of the most serious crimes reported to TBI, it’s actually down 2.1,” said Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Public Information Officer Josh DeVine. “So I think when you look at the report it’s actually a bit of encouraging news.”
The TBI is reporting serious crime was down slightly in 2015 but that homicide rates were up.
The TBI compiles data from all state law enforcement agencies plus colleges and universities to create its annual report.
The number of DUI arrests decreased from 27,182 in 2014 to 23,709 in 2015. Reported methamphetamine offenses increased from 4,362 in 2014 to 6,276 in 2015.
The crime reporting system, in place since 1997, provides an updated and comprehensive picture of the successes and challenges facing communities across Tennessee, according to a TBI release.
The annual study compiles data from each law enforcement agency in the state through the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System.
Although serious crimes overall in Tennessee were down by about 2 percent, there was a more than 9 percent increase in homicides and a 2 percent increase in reported forcible rape cases.
“All of the crimes that are increasing are not surprising because it’s just a sign of the times,” resident Gladia Perry said. “It’s going up all the time, and I can’t see it coming down.”
According to the report, simple assaults were the most reported crime in Madison and Gibson counties. Statewide, nearly 70 percent of these assaults were a result of domestic violence.
“Fighting crimes in communities across Tennessee is an ongoing process,” DeVine said. “So we really hope this study is a resource for communities and law enforcement agencies.”
With so much information available through TBI, locals say they’re interested in sharing the crime report with friends.
“I think it’s something we should share with those who don’t look it up,” Perry said. “We should share and let everybody know these numbers are staggering and it’s scary.”
Even though these number may be shocking to some, TBI officials say residents and police can use them to focus on the crime issues in their area.
“This gives a good snapshot of what’s happening in a particular community when it comes to crime, and with anything knowledge is power,” DeVine said.
With crime numbers coming in from across the state, you may be tempted to compare your local law enforcement agency with another, but TBI officials discourage comparing numbers because there are factors like demographics and socioeconomic status that contribute to crime and have an impact on the types of crimes in the area.
