The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension released a report this morning that shows that violent crime rates are at their lowest levels in half a century. This is brilliant news as it will bring new business and people to the area. The low numbers will encourage people to move to the area because people who are preparing to move long distance want to know that they are moving to a safe place.
The report compared the 2016 crime statistics to every other year on record and found that crime levels in Minnesota are back to where they were in 1966. Moreover, the report shows that violent crime occurs at about half the rate that it did in the 1980s and 1990s.
The Crime Report
There were nearly 131,000 criminal incidents reported in 2016, which leaves with a crime rate of 2,400 per 100,000 people. That marks the lowest crime rate since 1966. Most of the drop has been seen in some of the city’s most populous counties, as Hennepin County has experienced a 17 percent drop in crime since 2009, while Ramsey County has seen a 30 percent drop during the same period.
Here’s a closer look at some of the findings from the BCA report on crime in Minnesota:
- There was a four percent decline in crime statewide between 2015 and 2016.
- The number of homicides in Minnesota dropped from 130 in 2015 to 100 in 2016 – a 23 percent drop.
- Violent crime, including rapes and major assaults increased in 2016, but only by less than one percent.
Sex Trafficking Numbers Spike
If you’ve been following our blog, you know that we are really focusing on helping victims of sex trafficking. The Twin Cities is a hub for sex traffickers, and with the Super Bowl and Final Four on the horizon, we’re going to have perfect conditions for traffickers in the near future. But if you look at the numbers from the BCA report, it’s clear that the problem is already here.
According the the BCA report, there were 235 reports of sex trafficking in Minnesota in 2016. That’s a huge jump from 2015 when there were 119 reports. However, police suggest that the reason there were so many more incidents in 2016 was because the department made concentrated efforts to cut down on sex trafficking.
“You’re seeing more efficient and better investigations, which is really important, and especially with the Super Bowl coming,” said St. Paul police Cmdr. Ken Sass. “Prostitution is the oldest profession. We look at the supply and demand side, which is why we do the John stings, as well.”
Minneapolis police Sgt. Grant Snyder echoed Sass’ comments, saying he’s pleased that the sex trafficking incident reports are rising, because that means more women are being taken out of the trade and more perpetrators are being put behind bars.
“When you look at this statistical increase, that’s really exciting for us to see, because that tells us that people are really starting to work these cases,” said Snyder.
It’s great to see that crime continues to fall in Minnesota, but always remember that if you end up in trouble, make sure your first call is to Avery Appelman and his outstanding legal team at Appelman Law Firm at (952) 224-2277.
