Photo by Chris DiGiamo
The District has seen a five percent decrease in total crime compared to 2015, according to police statistics. However, D.C.’s homicide numbers are drastically up when compared to data between 2011 and 2014.
As 2016 comes to a close, there’s a nine percent decrease in violent crimes. This includes an 18 percent decline in homicides—from 160 this time last year to a current 132. Overall, there were 162 homicide cases in 2015.
Mayor Muriel Bowser and Kevin Donahue, deputy mayor for public safety and justice, touted the declines during their recent announcement about police body-worn cameras. But when looking at years prior to the Bowser administration, homicide counts were much lower. MPD reported 105 homicides in 2014, 104 in 2013, 88 in 2012, and 108 in 2011.
Ward 7, in particular, has seen a notable increase in homicides this year, even as the city’s overall numbers have gone down.
The increase in homicides over the last two years comes as MPD faces a shortage on the force. About two months before announcing her retirement, former D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier said that, with 3,750 officers, this is the smallest force since 2004. In the past, MPD has had as many as 4,100 officers, she said.
Among other violent crimes, sexual abuse offenses are currently up by three cases compared to this time last year. Assault with a dangerous weapon and robbery are down by 6 and 13 percent, respectively.
Meanwhile, there’s a four percent decrease in property offenses so far this year.
In an effort to deter crime and assist police investigations, Mayor Bowser launched a rebate program earlier this year for people who purchase, install, and register security camera systems on the outside of buildings in the District. At the time, burglaries were down 19 percent from February 2015. Currently, they’re down by 16 percent as compared to December 2015.
Other decreases in property crimes include motor vehicle theft, theft from auto, and arson, which are down 13, 3, and 65 percent respectively, compared to this time last year.
