Tampa's Crime Fall to an low not seen since 1997

Today TPD held a press conference to announce that for 2005 the number of UCR Part I (major) crimes reported is 24,976.

Over the last 3 years, Tampa's crime has decreased 29% or 10,404 fewer crimes. For 2005 crime has reduced 16. 8 % (5,037 crimes), 2004 12.2% (4,169), 2003 3% (1,198 crimes)

The last time the crime rate was this low was 1977 with 24,057.

Comparisons:
2005
Population 333,040
Police officers 1,006
Officers per 1000 residents 3.02
Land area 112 sq. mi

1977
Population 273,500
Police officers 587
Officers per 1,000 reisdents 2.14
Land Area 84.4 sw. mi.

In 1981 there were 46,807 crimes
1987 56,468
1994 51,510
1996 42,871
2002 35,380

There were several reasons attributed but closer working relationships between residents and police was one. Decentralizing the community policing and making every officer responsible for crime reduction in thier neighborhoods. Crime Analysis was another. Being able to see crime hotspots quickly and act accordingly.