Dave Clark
The number of crimes reported in Anderson County dropped again last year, continuing a six-year trend, District Attorney General Dave Clark announced Monday.
Crime was down 10.5 percent in Anderson County in 2012, Clark said.
“That is a remarkable result in a single year,” he said.
The 10.8 percent drop in Anderson County compares to an average 2.8 percent in Tennessee.
Citing new statistics from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Clark said crime in Anderson County is down by 27.5 percent during the past six years. The number of reported crimes in the county has dropped every year since 2007, when 7,387 crimes were reported. In 2012, 5,351 crimes were reported.
“These results come from considerable planning and the deliberate effort of many people,” Clark said.
The news in Oak Ridge is even better, he said, citing an 11.5 percent drop in crime in 2012.
A report distributed by Clark showed that, while crime was down, the percentage of cases solved was up, from 32.65 percent in 2006 to 41.19 in 2012. The average daily jail population was also up, from 165.6 in 2006 to 321 last year.
The number of Circuit Court indictments has also increased, with almost twice as many in 2012, when there were 680, as in 2006, when there were 356. The number of indictments peaked in 2010 at 1,677.
Clark said the drop in crime is good news for the economic development and law enforcement communities.
The county is becoming safer, but more work remains, and residents can help, he said.
“While we are proud of the accomplishments so far, we are not satisfied,” Clark said. “More progress in fighting crime is needed. The drug problem and associated crimes that plague many communities are a particular challenge. We expect to continue to work together to make Anderson County a better and safer place to live and work.”
Steve Dittner says
Good news for us in Anderson county/Oak Ridge. Look to see a “new” police chief claim all the credit?
John Huotari says
Steve,
I did a follow-up story where I asked Oak Ridge Police Chief Jim Akagi about the crime reduction in the city.
He said it’s hard to say exactly what caused the drop, but there are several factors that could have contributed, including increased officer visibility, proactive policing, and the Neighborhood Watch program. Also, the patrol division is fully staffed, the chief said.
The story is available here: http://bjq.6af.mytemp.website/2013/05/02/proactive-policing-officer-visibility-neighborhood-watch-help-reduce-crime-chief-says/
Jason Allison says
I haven’t seen Akagi claim anything more than what he has done, yet. I can’t answer for ACSO but Oak Ridge has been hard at work in their efforts to reduce crime.
Jason Allison says
As per comment policy you are required to use your real name or not to comment.
Larry Gilreath says
It probaby is the direct result of all the phone booths installed in OR, where Superman can change into costume and help out the local officers.