Despite what some politicians say, crime rates are decreasing

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ohio Capital Journal): Despite frequent political claims to the contrary, crime rates across the U.S. — including Ohio — have been steadily decreasing in recent years. According to data from the FBI and the Ohio Department of Public Safety, both violent and property crimes have seen significant drops since peaking in the early 1990s. Nationally, violent crime rates have fallen by about half, and property crime has dropped by more than 60% over the past three decades.

In Ohio, this trend mirrors the national data. Violent crime rates in the state have generally been on the decline, although there have been slight upticks in certain categories, such as homicides and gun-related violence in recent years, primarily in urban areas like Cleveland and Columbus. However, these localized increases do not reflect a statewide surge in crime, despite some political rhetoric suggesting otherwise. Overall, Ohio's crime rates are significantly lower than in previous decades.

Criminal justice experts attribute these long-term declines to various factors, including advances in policing strategies, improved social services, and demographic changes, with an aging population being less likely to commit crimes. Moreover, the pandemic-related economic struggles and social unrest of 2020 contributed to a temporary spike in certain types of violent crimes, but these levels are now normalizing again.

However, the report emphasizes that some politicians continue to use crime as a talking point, often exaggerating the situation for political gain. These claims frequently ignore the broader, long-term trend of declining crime rates. Experts caution that sensationalized narratives about crime can contribute to unnecessary public fear and drive misguided policy responses, such as calls for harsher sentencing or increased incarceration rates, rather than addressing the root causes of crime.

The article concludes that while addressing pockets of violence in certain communities remains important, the overall picture of crime in Ohio and the U.S. is one of sustained reduction, contrary to the narrative some politicians push.

Full article here.