Serious crime in areas protected by St. Louis County Police Department officers has decreased in 2012, dropping to its lowest level since 1969. The total population served directly by county police is more than 410,000.
Index crime statistics comparing 2012 to 2011 in the municipalities served by county officers, as well as unincorporated St. Louis County, show an overall reduction of 8.7 percent.
The county police team stated in a news release the following update:
- Eight homicides were reported in 2012, which is a decrease of nearly 53 percent.
- The number of rapes decreased 20.6 percent.
- Robbery decreased 12 percent.
- Burglary decreased 21.1 percent.
- Arson decreased nearly 11 percent.
- Larceny decreased by 7.2 percent.
- Motor vehicle theft increased by 13.3 percent.
- Aggravated assault increased by 2.4 percent.
These crime numbers include offenses reported in a community more recently contracted with the county police department last March—the City of Dellwood. In Missouri, a St. Louis County police spokesperson said only the Kansas City Police Department is responsible for more residents in their service area.
St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley stated in the release he commended the St. Louis County Police Department and Chief Tim Fitch in this important success. "The pro-active programs and partnerships the county police have established in our community are reflected through these statistics. The County Police Department is more than living up to the standards that the residents of St. Louis County expect and deserve."
Fitch stated in the release: "I am very proud of our patrol officers, detectives and support personnel because this decrease emphasizes their continued dedication and commitment to the community. It is a great accomplishment to have a reduction in crime reported from the previous year. It was this time last year we reported 2011 as being the lowest number of crimes in 41 years, and we reduced that number this year."
He stated their emphasis will continue to be to ensure the safety of everyone within St. Louis County.
