FBI confirms 2009 crime reduction in Rockford

From press release

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has recently released the 2009 Crime in the U.S. Report. This annual report captures the crime data reported across the United States and provides a neutral and comprehensive look at crime trends across the nation. As reported by the FBI, Rockford’s crime rate in 2009 was the lowest in the past four years. “Although the downward trend is good, there is still much work to do in order to decrease the crime rate,” stated Mayor Morrissey.

Rockford had a crime rate of 6,778.4 crimes per 100,000. The national trend demonstrates that violent crime has declined for the third consecutive year, and property crimes have declined for the past seven years. Locally in Rockford, the trend is similar with large decreases in burglaries, theft and vehicle thefts. There was a slight increase in robbery and murder offenses.

The 2009 Crime in the U.S. Report uses the Uniform Crime Index Rate (UCR) in its reporting format. The City of Rockford Police Department has moved to National Incident Based Reporting (NIBRS) for its reporting process. FBI analysts thoroughly review and translate all NIBRS-based reporting to UCR.

“Our department personnel continue to work towards an efficient and effective deployment strategy that includes community policing efforts, as well as focusing our tactics on high-risk locations and high-risk individuals. I am very proud of the efforts of the men and women of my Department,” said Chief Chet Epperson. “Our participation in Rock Stat, COMPSTAT, and working with our policing partners is an integral component of the overall Community Policing process along with the assistance of our neighborhood groups and citizens,” said Epperson.

“We must continue to have an engaged citizenry to reduce crime in our community. I want to thank our citizens and our police officers who continue to engage in crime reduction efforts,” said Mayor Morrissey.

From the Sept. 22-28, 2010 issue