Crime in Decatur is decreasing

Overall crime in Decatur is lower compared to the same period last year.  The total number of offenses in January – February 2022 (n = 613) is 24% less compared to January – February 2021 (n = 807) (data from the National Incident Based Reporting System, NIBRS, and includes crimes against persons, property, and society).  There has also been a noticeable reduction in the number of shootings the last five months.  The number of shootings in October 2021 – February 2022 (n = 39) is 56% less than in October 2020 – February 2021 (n = 89), and is similar to the number of shootings from October 2019 – February 2020 (n = 38). 

I want to thank our Decatur Police officers, community leaders, and citizens for their heroic efforts to help reduce the surging gun violence and other crimes Decatur experienced in 2020 and 2021.  Thanks to everyone’s efforts, there are many reasons to predict that the downward trend in crimes including gun violence will continue throughout 2022 as community violence intervention programs such as peace and youth summits, youth after-school and employment opportunities, and initiatives by the Decatur Police Department continue and expand.