Politicians love to cite crime data. It’s often wrong.

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Louisiana among states with fewer than 50% of police departments reporting data

When Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his presidential campaign in May, he proudly told the nation that Florida’s crime rate in 2021 had reached a 50-year low.

https://floridaphoenix.com/2023/10/27/politicians-love-to-cite-crime-data-its-often-wrong/?

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? Dallas, Fort Worth crime ticks down

Data: AH Datalytics; Chart: Axios Visuals Violent crime, including homicides, has dropped so far this year compared to 2023 in Dallas and Fort Worth. Why it matters: Most large U.S. cities are starting to see drops in violence after sharp increases during the pandemic. The number of homicides in 204 cities dropped 20% in the first three months this year compared to the same time last year, per an AH Datalytics report reviewed by Axios. State of play: Dallas has gotten national recognition for drops in crime while other large metros were still seeing increases. Chief Eddie Garcia credits his violent crime reduction plan, which is in its third year. By the numbers: Violent crime, including assaults and sex offenses, through March is down 9% compared to the same period last year in Dallas. Homicides are down more than 27% during that time. Fort Worth reported crimes, including robbery, assault and motor vehicle theft, dropped 21% in the first three months of the year compared to 2023, per state data. Fort Worth homicides are down more than 56% during that period. Between the lines: Analyzing homicide numbers can help assess a city's safety but reductions are only meaningful if other violent crimes, including assaults and robberies, are also decreasing. The bottom line: Dallas has received fewer 911 calls this year, compared to last. The city started directing residents last year to report non-emergencies online.