Connecticut crime numbers down as new analysis begins, but local police report different numbers
The state is now reporting quarterly, but local departments such as Westport generally report yearly.
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The state has released its crime numbers, and they are down. But not every police department sees the same thing.
The state is now reporting quarterly, but local departments such as Westport generally report yearly.
Ronnell Higgins, the commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection for the state of Connecticut, says crime fell by 14.1% in the first three quarters of 2024, compared to the same time in 2023. Previously, statewide crime statistics were provided annually and were more than one year old once they were released.
Westport police are showing some of the same trends as the state but not all.
"Our trends are very similar to the state, but we have a slight uptick in our burglaries," says Westport Police Lt. Eric Woods.
"This is for the most serious areas of crime. Crime against person, crimes against property and crimes against society. Starting today, we will release crime statistics on a quarterly basis. We are doing this to drive our decision making," says Higgins.
Westport police say people in town have become more aware of crimes and that there are more police on the streets.
Eight months ago, Higgins hired an epidemiologist and data scientist to track and identify crime trends much as epidemiologists do with diseases, informing both the public and practitioners.
