Kentucky Releases 2023 Crime in Kentucky Report
Crime remains stable compared to previous year
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 1, 2024) – Today, the Commonwealth of Kentucky released the 2023 Crime in Kentucky report published by the Kentucky State Police (KSP). The annual statewide crime report indicates crime rates have remained stable with a decline in offenses for homicide, burglary, robbery, sex offenses, kidnapping and gambling. For the last three consecutive years, homicide rates have been declining.
The two largest increases for reported offenses of serious crimes were human trafficking and animal cruelty. KSP believes the rise in human trafficking reports may be related to an increase in training for law enforcement, service and education professionals, as well as a nationwide push for heightened community awareness. Additionally, animal cruelty continues to be on the rise, some of which may be because individuals who are reported for animal cruelty oftentimes are abusing multiple animals at one time.
“One crime committed is one too many,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “Our law enforcement and government leaders remain focused on deterring crime, protecting Kentucky families and providing services to victims. At the beginning of my second term, I pledged to remain committed to creating that better Kentucky we all want for future generations, and every day, my administration reaffirms this promise.”
“Protecting Kentucky’s 120 counties requires a collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and I am proud to say that our state does this well,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. “It is because of this that we are seeing progress being made every day. I encourage Kentuckians to stay vigilant of their surroundings, take notice of changes and remain focused on protecting our most vulnerable population – our children.”
Commissioner Burnett stated that anyone with information to report to law enforcement is encouraged to call 911 or one of KSP’s 16 posts. Citizens may also report tips confidentially through the KSP website tip form.
The statistics published within the Crime in Kentucky report are collected through the receipt of offense and arrest data, which are submitted to the KSP by law enforcement agencies throughout the commonwealth. KSP requires law enforcement to submit their data through the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which is the standard reporting system for the FBI. NIBRS data are submitted electronically to the state in one of two ways: through the state’s free reporting tool, known as KYOPS, or through an agency’s own incident-based reporting system. Four agencies in Kentucky submit through their own reporting system: Louisville Metro Police Department, Winchester Police Department, Owensboro Police Department and Nelson County Sheriff’s Office. Copies of these agencies’ data can be found in the appendices of the report.
The statistics are a snapshot of offense and arrest data at the time of release. Reports received after the release date and updates to previously submitted data can affect prior totals. Therefore, data are not static and are subject to changes after publication.
Throughout his time in elected office, Gov. Beshear has made increasing public safety, deterring crime and fighting human trafficking and sex offenses a core mission. The Beshear-Coleman administration believes every single Kentuckian has the right to feel safe in their community, workplaces and schools, and the Governor has taken steps to increase public safety. In the last two years, his administration has secured a historic more than $18,000 pay increase for KSP troopers and officers. Due to these increases and the tireless efforts from the KSP recruitment branch, more than 1,000 sworn personnel are now wearing the badge of honor, the highest number since 2017.
The administration has also recorded the three lowest recidivism rates in over a decade. This year, Gov. Beshear announced a new website to support Kentuckians seeking second chances find a job, get an education or continue recovery. The site also connects business leaders with resources to help them hire second-chance talent.
Gov. Beshear has also supported training for local law enforcement officers by raising the current training stipend to an all-time high, and the state supported the construction of a new training facility in Richmond.
Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has awarded nearly $10 million in grant funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in purchasing the tools and resources that will not only allow them to protect Kentucky communities but will also ensure their safety as they stand on the front lines every day. In August 2023, the administration awarded $2.1 million in grant funding to enhance public safety, curb the sale of illegal drugs and fight addiction.
Last year, Gov. Beshear signed into law House Bill 380, expanding the eligibility of potential peace officers to include individuals who are not yet 21 but will reach this statutory requirement by the time certification is completed to help law enforcement agencies expand their workforce.
Thanks to the administration’s efforts to improve school safety, the Governor announced prior to the 2023-2024 school year that more school resource officers are protecting Kentucky’s schools than ever before.
In July 2023, Gov. Beshear broke ground in Richmond on a new law enforcement training facility named in honor of Jody Cash, who lost his life in the line of duty May 16, 2022, while serving as chief deputy of the Calloway County Sheriff’s Department, to enhance the safety of Kentucky’s nearly 8,000 peace officers who risk their lives every day to protect Kentucky families.
Gov. Beshear also reminds Kentuckians of the legal duty to report suspicions of children involved in the commercial sex trade at 877-KYSAFE1 and to local law enforcement. Other concerns about possible trafficking activities should be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. To learn more about the signs of human trafficking click here.
# # #