FBI Report: California Violent Crime Down In 2009

 Posted on December 16, 2010 in Criminal Defense

Reported violent crime was down last year in America according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is the third consecutive year that Americans saw lower violent crime rates. Across the country allegations of violent crimes were down 5.3 percent in 2009 when compared to 2008. More than 1.3 million violent crimes were reported in the United States in 2009, according to the FBI.

California violent crimes reportedly fell 5.8 percent in 2009 from the previous year. FBI statistics show that California reported 174,459 violent crimes in 2009. The California violent crime rate in 2009 was roughly 472 alleged offenses per 100,000 residents.

Allegations of murder and non-negligent manslaughter are listed by the FBI as among the violent crimes. Murder and manslaughter dropped 7.9 percent last year. Allegations of robbery declined 7.6 percent, aggravated assaults fell 4.8 percent and reports of California burglary dropped 3.2 percent.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation statistics are based upon allegation of crime resulting in arrest. The FBI issues an annual report called "Crime in the United States." The report compiles arrest and offense statistics voluntarily reported by law enforcement agencies across the United States.

Roughly 96 percent of the United Sates Population is represented in the statistical data. Law enforcement agencies that participate provide the data to the FBI. The crime report statistics do not show how many of the reported allegations ended with a conviction of a crime.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation, "About Crime in the U.S.," 13 Sep 2010