MEMPHIS, TN – For those who live in high crime areas it might be hard to believe, but over the last five years Memphis area law enforcement has made huge strides in reducing crime.
The latest set of crime statistics released by the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission leaves little doubt major crime is headed downhill. But like all numbers, there are different ways to interpret them.
“These numbers indicate that we are really doing a great job here in Memphis in terms of reducing crime,” said Michelle Fowlkes, the Executive Director of the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission.
In the City of Memphis, major violent crime was down nearly 30 percent over the last five years, while major property crime was down nearly 39 percent.
In Shelby County, major violent crime was down 29 percent and major property crime was down almost 40 percent.
“What that says to me,” said Fowlkes, “is that our data policing is really working. And what that means, is that the Memphis Police Department and Sheriff Department are focusing on hot spots.”
Hot spots like the northern and southeastern sections of Memphis.
“We’ve seen significant decreases in crime in north Memphis and also the southeast,” Fowlkes told abc24.com. “So I think those two areas alone- those hot spots- are the reason why we’re seeing such significant decreases in 2011.”
Remember, the numbers under discussion occurred over a five year period.
A year-to-year comparison between 2010 and 2011 tells a different story. During that time frame, major violent crime is up 6.7 percent in Memphis, while in Shelby County it is up 5.6 percent.
“In our case, the five year mark is where we look at our benchmark in terms of our success,” Fowlkes said.
Those numbers show unquestioned success, with one big exception.
“Simple assaults, simple assault is still an area we’re not seeing the decrease we’d like to see,” said Fowlkes, “and quite frankly that’s because of domestic violence.”
There may be some light on the horizon in terms of domestic violence.
“The good news is the Family Safety Center will be opening at the end of April, which is sort of a one stop shop for victims of domestic violence.”
That is good news, just like the raw numbers.
“These numbers indicate to our citizens that we are doing something to reduce crime.”
In the process, safer neighborhoods and places for kids to play are also being created.
One other significant statistic: auto theft in Memphis over the last five years is down 60 percent.
Fowlkes calls that “tremendous.”
