Community-Centered Approach to Fighting Crime Produces Results

FDLE Report Shows Crime is Down in Tallahassee

June 24, 2019

Today, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement released the latest Community Uniform Crime Report (UCR), which shows that overall crime in Tallahassee / Leon County is down by 7.6 percent compared to last year. The report shows a 6.6 percent decrease in violent crime and a 7.8 percent decrease in property crime.

This decline reflects a five-year low in the local crime rate and marks the second lowest in 20 years. This is the third consecutive year that Tallahassee has seen a reduction in violent crime and the second consecutive year for a reduction in overall crime.

This positive trend is the result of a concerted effort to apply community policing strategies throughout the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD). This approach builds stronger connections between residents and law enforcement officers and seeks to find collaborative solutions to community issues, from minor infractions to systemic problems.

To address systemic issues that can lead to crime, the City of Tallahassee implemented a variety of community-centered programs, including Operation Safe Neighborhoods, which promotes public safety by organizing community walks through Tallahassee’s neighborhoods; TEMPO, which aims to reach those youth most at risk and provide a better alternative through education and employment; Splash & Jam, which provides free late-night activities throughout the summer in City community centers; and the Neighborhood Public Safety Initiative, which encourages a holistic, boots-on-the-ground approach to identifying and mitigating factors that make neighborhoods more susceptible to crime.

Community engagement plays a key role in enhancing public safety. Residents can learn more by visiting Talgov.com/TPD. Citizens are also encouraged to take part in neighborhood watch programs and report suspicious activity by calling 891-4200. If citizens wish to remain anonymous, they may call Crime Stoppers at (850) 574-TIPS. For emergency situations, call 9-1-1.

To stay informed about public safety initiatives and to get timely information related to incidents, visit Talgov.com. Stay engaged by following the City and TPD on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.