Is Connecticut Becoming A Safer Place?

Crime rates in Connecticut decreased again in 2016, according to the latest edition of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual state-by-state crime report, a fact touted by Gov. Dannel Malloy Monday, adding that the Connecticut had the largest reduction in violent crime of any state in the nation over the last four years.

Overall crime in Connecticut has declined by 18 percent since 2011, when Malloy took office, which includes a 20 percent drop in violent crime. According to the FBI, overall crime in Connecticut is at its lowest point since 1967.

"Because of smart, data driven policies and reforms to our criminal justice system, we have made Connecticut neighborhoods safer than they have been in nearly two generations," said Malloy in a statement. "As fewer people commit crimes and become incarcerated, we are not only improving communities but also saving taxpayer dollars and allowing the state to better focus our resources on education and social services. The data presented in today’s federal report could not have been possible without the hard work of our state and local police officers, probation and parole officers, correctional officers, prosecutors, judges, victim advocates, teachers, substance abuse and mental health professionals, and community advocates – each working every day to make our state a better place to live, work, and raise a family, and I thank them for their service."

To view a report summarizing the FBI’s crime data and its impact in Connecticut, click here, and to view a chart comparing violent crime rates in the states over the last four years, click here.

"This report highlights how Connecticut’s anti-crime and anti-violence initiatives are working to make residents and communities safer," added Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman. "I join the Governor in applauding law enforcement, the judiciary, educators, and community leaders for their work and commitment. They are on the frontlines keeping our communities safe."

Notable statistics in the FBI’s annual crime trends report for Connecticut this year includes:

• The total number of murders fell by 32.8 percent, declining from 116 in 2015 to 78 in 2016. This is the fewest number of murders in the state since 1969.
• Connecticut witnessed the largest percentage drop of murders of any state in the country in 2016.
• Rape declined by 4.4 percent over the prior year.
• Property crime declined by 1.4 percent over the prior year.
• Burglaries declined by 2.3 percent over the prior year.
• Larcenies declined by 2.8 percent over the prior year.

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