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In 2024, national crime rates decreased again in a trend beginning in 2023. Across the country, murder rates went down 16% compared to 2023.
A recent Gallup poll shows that 56% of Americans, down from 63% in 2023, believe that crime is on the rise. The poll also shows a decrease in those who say there is more crime than a year ago.
Experts believe that local increases to police forces, as well as more community partnerships and volunteer programs, may have contributed to the decline. Many also cite the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress passed in 2022 and was the first legislation addressing gun control in nearly 30 years. The bill provided funds to stop dangerous people from accessing guns across the country as well as enhanced background checks for gun buyers under the age of 21.
Last August, the Department of Public Safety released the 2023 Annual Crime Report. While overall crimes increased, violent crime such as murder decreased. In 2023, the number of criminal offenses reported in Alaska increased by 1.4%, the highest of which was robbery. The 2024 crime rates for Alaska will be released later this year, and we look forward to learning if the downward trend in violent crime continues.
Improving public safety and making wise use of our public safety resources is important to all Alaskans and is one of our legislative priorities.
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