NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released its 2016 ‘Crime in Tennessee’ report on Thursday, and the report reveals a slight overall increase in reported instances of crime in the most recent reporting year.
The annual study compiles data reported from each law enforcement agency in the state through the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System (TIBRS). The TBI’s sophisticated crime reporting system, in place for more than 15 years, provides an updated and comprehensive picture of the successes and challenges facing communities across Tennessee.
- Reported instances of Murder increased 11.6% from 2015 to 2016.
- Forcible Rape offenses decreased 2.8% in the same time period.
- The number of individuals arrested in connection to reported crimes decreased by 1.9% from 2015 to 2016.
- Juveniles accounted for 6.6% of all arrests, down from 7.0% in the previous year.
- More than half – 51.3% — of all reported offenses in the category of ‘Crimes Against Persons’ were domestic violence-related.
- Drug/Narcotic Violations increased 9.5% in the previous year.
- The number of DUI arrests continued to trend downward in the past year.
“We’re extremely thankful for our dedicated law enforcement partners,” said TBI Director Mark Gwyn. “Together, they helped us compile a thorough snapshot of crime in Tennessee. We now hope every department takes this information and works to further address the key crime issues facing their communities and our state.”
