Crime statistics have been compiled for 2016 and show the City of Pensacola had a 10.2 percent decrease in its total crime rate last year.
“This is a new historic low for overall crime within city limits for more than 20 years,” said Pensacola Police Chief Tommi Lyter.
The 10.2 percent reduction in the total crime rate was the result of a 7.6 percent reduction in the violent crime rate combined with a 10.6 percent reduction in the property crime rate last year.
“This decrease is the result of an excellent partnership between police and the community and demonstrates the hard work and dedication of Pensacola Police officers,” said Mayor Ashton Hayward. “For the past seven years public safety has been my top priority, and I am extremely proud of our police department for this accomplishment.”
Lyter also attributed the decrease to economic vibrancy, development and revitalization in the downtown areas as well as on the west side of Pensacola.
“All of these factors work together to reduce crime,” Lyter said. “Mayor Hayward’s push for economic development coupled with increased community outreach lends itself to lower crime rates.”
The statistics were sent by the department to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for review and approval before being released to public.
Lyter said officers will continue to coordinate with neighborhood associations and work closely with the Mayor’s office to reduce overall crime rates even further.
The state experienced a 4.4 percent decrease in overall crime last year, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.