Anniston, AL – The Anniston Police Department has recently published its annual report for the year 2023, showcasing a downward trend in crime rates and emphasizing positive strides towards a safer community. The comprehensive report delves into various aspects of crime statistics, response calls, arrests, and the specialized units contributing to law enforcement efforts.
In 2023, the Anniston Police Department recorded a total of 1,693 reports for Part 1 crimes, which include both violent and property crimes. Notably, there was a 6.36% decrease in Part 1 crime compared to the previous year. The report illustrates a visual representation of the total number of Part I crimes reported over the past five years, indicating a steady decline.
Breaking down the types of crimes, there were 433 violent crimes and 1,260 property crimes reported in 2023. Violent crimes, encompassing offenses such as homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated assault, constituted 25.6% of reported incidents. On the other hand, property crimes, including burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, accounted for the majority at 74.4%. Notably, 60.04% of violent crime cases and 38.64% of property crime cases were cleared.
Comparing the figures with data from 2016, where Anniston experienced a staggering 2,534 Part I crimes, the positive trend becomes evident. Over the past several years, there has been a significant decrease in crime rates. In 2023 alone, there was a 33.18% decrease in Part I crime, a 25.22% decrease in property crime, and an impressive 45.32% decrease in violent crime compared to 2016.
The Anniston Police Department responded to 42,048 service calls in 2023, serving a total population of 41,007 residents. Of these, 21,562 reside within the city limits, and the remainder is within the police jurisdiction. Only four percent of the calls were related to Part I crimes, with violent crime accounting for just one percent.
The report emphasizes the importance of accurate population figures when calculating crime rates. It underscores that inflated crime rates may result from considering only the city population, neglecting areas outside city limits covered by police departments.
The Anniston Police Department Street Crimes Unit plays a crucial role in addressing street-level violent crime and its underlying causes. In 2023, this unit made 218 felony arrests, 181 misdemeanor arrests, and served 562 outstanding warrants. Their efforts resulted in the seizure of 39 illegally used firearms, showcasing their commitment to community safety.
The report also sheds light on the prevalence of animal-related calls, ranking among the top three reported annually. In 2023, animal control officers handled 2,865 complaints, emphasizing the department’s multifaceted approach, including education, follow-up visits, arrests, and citations, to enforce state and local regulations.
The Anniston Police Department’s 2023 annual report reflects a commitment to transparency and community safety. The positive trends in crime reduction and the department’s proactive initiatives contribute to building a safer environment for residents. To view the full report visit the Anniston City website.
