New Report Shows Morristown Crime, Accidents Down

MORRISTOWN, NJ - It looks as if the street of Morristown continue to grow safer each year, according to the latest annual report for 2019.

"Overall, traffic accidents were reduced by five percent. We will continue to partner with TransOptions and remain focused on pedestrian and bike safety by expanding existing programs," Director of Public Safety Michael C. Corcoran Jr. said. "Crime in Morristown continued to decrease by close to seven percent and by more than sixty percent over a ten-year span."

Morristown Police record all crimes that take place in accordance with the Uniform Crime Reporting standard established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Each month, staff in the Police Records Unit record each crime and submit those preliminary numbers to the UCR. unit of the New Jersey State Police.

2019 ended with overall crime numbers continuing to decrease, a trend seen over the past several years.

It should be noted that until 2017, 2018, and 2019 numbers are officially adopted and published by that agency, they must remain as preliminary, officials said:

• In terms of homicides, there were none Morristown. In fact according to the UCR data there hasn't been a murder in Morristown since 2008.
• Rape cases in Morristown more than doubled from 2018, where there were two reported cases. In 2019 there were seven.
• Robberies remained steady with nine in 2018 and 2019.
• Aggravated Assault went up to 27 from 19.
• Burglary dropped from 14 to nine.
• Theft fell to 158 from 177.
• Stolen vehicles went from 11 to four.
• Two cases of arson were reported, up from zero.

"Our Fire Bureau battled several structure fires including an unprecedented two separate house fires in one night," Corcoran noted. "While challenging at times, those responding to all fires rose to the occasion and clearly demonstrated why the designation of 'Morristown’s Bravest' is so fitting.

The Department of Public Safety also set goals for 2020 focusing on:

• Pedestrian & Traffic Safety
• Police Bureau Accreditation
• Increase Fire Bureau Training & Mutual Aid Alliances

Last year the Police Department focused on increasing community engagement through an increased social media presence, worked towards achieving accreditation and decrease traffic accidents.

You can read the full report on the website.

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