KSP Releases 2023 Crime Report
Captain Paul Blanton
July 1st, the Commonwealth of Kentucky released the 2023 Crime in Kentucky report (the report can be viewed in its entirety at https://wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/ /wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2023-CIK-FINAL-1.pdf) 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 in 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.
“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 at www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/tip.
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 is 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 incident-based reporting system. Four agencies in Kentucky submit through their specific 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.
Since taking office, Gov. Andy 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 before the 2023-2024 school year that more school resource officers are protecting Kentucky’s schools than ever before.
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 at https://governor.ky.gov/attachments/Human-Trafficking-Brochure.pdf
