MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Shelby Crime Commission released statistics for various crimes committed from January to February 2016, and the numbers are staggering.
According to the report, the major violent crime rate in the county was up nearly 25% for the county, and 22% for the city of Memphis when compared to the same time last year.
In this report, major violent crimes include murder, rape, aggravated assault and robbery.
The statistics are even more astonishing when you compare murder rates.
In both the city and county, the murder rate increased more than 47%.
“This increase is unacceptable and will require a collaborative effort among law enforcement and our community,“ Interim Police Director Michael Rallings stated. “Deploying officers into areas that have been deemed “high crime” areas might help diffuse some situations, but that will not solve the problem entirely. We can even hire more officers to help with the call load, but without community involvement, we cannot change the direction that we are going. Law enforcement, along with every citizen, plays a role in the safety of the community. We must work together if we want to make a positive change.”
Domestic violence calls also increased in the county, but actually dropped 1% in the city.
Burglaries, auto thefts, and other robbery related offenses decreased by 4%, according to the statistics.
To see the full report, click here.
