The semi-annual Uniform Crime Reporting statistics for the first half of 2014 indicate the number of violent crimes in Escambia County decreased by 16.3 percent with the total index crimes down 11 percent compared to the first half of 2013.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has submitted the UCR statistics, which are required by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Other positive trends included a reduction in property crimes by 10 percent. Most significantly, instances of robbery fell 39.2 percent.

Sheriff David Morgan thanked “the outstanding work of the men and women of

the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, to the citizens of Escambia County that have formed

Neighborhood Watch Programs, to the Board of Crimestoppers and all that partner with us in

the never-ending struggle with those in our communities that would do us harm.

“These statistics indicate a downward trend in crime that, combined with the reduction last year, gives

me hope that “we” are winning this struggle, irrespective of the naysayers and some members

of the media that only highlight the problems in our community as opposed to heralding the

successes.”

For a comparison of the first six months of 2013 and 2014, click here.