For Immediate Release
November 14, 2014
 
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Crime continues to fall across Florida according to the 2014 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report.  The report shows Florida’s crime volume dropped 2.4 percent or 8,133 fewer crimes committed compared to the first six months of 2013. 
 
Governor Scott said, “Florida is on a path to a 44 year crime low, which is great news for Florida families, communities and visitors. It is thanks to the hard work of our brave law enforcement officials that Florida is reaching these historic crime lows, and we’ll continue working to keep Florida a great and safe place to find opportunities, raise a family and live the American dream.”
 
Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “Our dedicated law enforcement officers continue to sacrifice their own safety for our communities, and I applaud them on a job well done in continuing to make Florida a safer place to live and raise a family.”
 
The Semi-Annual UCR calculates crime volume, the number of index crimes known to law enforcement. While crime was down overall, violent crime was up slightly, 0.1 percent.  Nonviolent crime was down 2.8 percent.  Index crimes including robbery, burglary and larceny all fell during this reporting period while murder, forcible sex offenses, aggravated assault and motor vehicle thefts increased. 
 
Law enforcement officers made 444,558 arrests from January through June 2014.  The report also contains information on officers killed feloniously.  Three law enforcement officers died from criminal causes while on duty in the first six months of the year while one died accidently during the course of duty. 
 
“Florida continues on the right track in its fight against crime,” said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey. “My gratitude and respect to those on the front line.”
 
“The results of the 2014 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report, which speak to the first half of this year, is testimony to the interagency cooperation and dedication of each and every Sheriff, Deputy, and law enforcement officer in the state,” said Florida Sheriffs Association President St Johns County Sheriff David Shoar. “The Sheriffs of Florida will continue to aggressively fight crime, educate citizens and find innovative ways to serve our communities.”
 
“We appreciate the leadership the Governor and Commissioner Bailey have provided to make Florida a safer place,” said Jupiter Police Department Chief Frank Kitzerow, President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association. “I also want to commend our men and women in uniform, working around the clock to protect Florida's residents and many guests.”
 
Overall, domestic violence rose nearly a half percent.  The number of domestic violence murders increased during the reporting period, but the number of manslaughters decreased.  Cohabitants continue to be the largest group of victims of domestic violence related offenses. Law enforcement continues to make domestic violence a priority encouraging more victims to come forward and report these crimes. 
 
“While overall domestic violence incidents experienced a slight increase the initial six months of the year, we are deeply concerned about the 19.4 percent increase in domestic violence murders,” said Tiffany Carr, President/CEO of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence.  “We are committed to work with our law enforcement partners to address this significant increase and to keep domestic violence survivors and their children safe and hold perpetrators accountable.”
 
The 2014 Semi Annual Uniform Crime Report, including county-by-county breakdowns, can be found on FDLE’s website at 
 www.fdle.state.fl.us/cms/FSAC/UCR/UCR-Archives-(1).aspx

FDLE began tracking crime statistics in 1971.
 
For Further Information Contact:
Gretl Plessinger, Samantha Andrews or Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001