Oct 3, 2011

US Crime Statistics

The latest US crime statistics compiled by the FBI shows that crime rates are continuing to decline steadily across the United States. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, released in mid-September, the volume of violent crimes and property crimes in 2010 was markedly lower than the number of similar crimes reported across the nation in 2009. This marks the fourth year in a row that the rates have dropped year-over-year, suggesting that law enforcement officials are making important gains in their fight against certain kinds of crime.

The Federal Uniform Crime Report

The FBI’s Uniform Crime Report is an annual compilation of US crime statistics collected from every jurisdiction around the country. It includes statistics on violent crimes and property crimes reported by federal and state law enforcement agencies, local and county governments and law enforcement officials in universities and colleges. Last year, the FBI collected data from over 18,000 law enforcement agencies from around the country to compile its report.

Violent Crime and Property Crime

Violent crimes include murder, non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, aggravated assault and rape. The number of such crimes dropped by 6 percent in 2010 compared to 2009, according to the US crime statistics compiled by the FBI. Property crimes, meanwhile, were about 2.7 percent lower in 2010 compared to 2009. Examples of property crimes include burglary, petty larceny, arson and theft of motor vehicles. Of these crimes, motor vehicle theft and arson showed the biggest declines according to the FBI’s latest US crime statistics. The volume of arson, for instance, dropped nearly 3 percent year over year, while incidents of motor vehicle theft dropped by close to 7.5 percent.

Data Used for Trend Analysis by Authorities

The FBI has been methodically collecting US crime statistics from around the country every year since 1930. The numbers are used primarily to assess and monitor the different kinds of crime being reported around the country. The information is used to identify trends and to develop effective law enforcement responses for dealing with the trend. The information is also often used to justify additional investments and training in specific areas of law enforcement.

Crime Statistics Serve Other Purposes

US crime statistics are also used for all sorts of others purposes by municipal planners, realtors, sociologists, criminologists and the media. They are, for instance, an important consideration when it comes to real estate transactions. Areas with high crime rates often have lower home values and higher insurance rates compared to low-crime areas. Similarly, crime rates heavily influence the amount of taxpayer money that is set aside each year by city planners for law enforcement purposes. Sociologists and psychologists analyze the data to try and understand the socioeconomic and demographic factors that contribute to high crime rates in certain areas. National crime statistics also play a vital role in the political arena. Often, crime statistics, particularly those involving violent crime, are used for partisan politics by politicians.

Though the FBI’s annual compilation of US crime statistics has sometimes been criticized as being faulty and unscientific, it still provides one of the most comprehensive and unbiased records on crime and law enforcement in the country. Check the crime statistics in your neighborhood and contact us for a free alarm system quote from the top alarm companies.

Home Security News

Installing a Home Security System?

Did you know that installing a security system is not only a great way to minimize the risk of a break-in or burglary, but it can also lower your home insurance payments? Insurance companies recognize that homes are indeed more secure when they have a home security system installed by one of the top alarm companies.

TopAlarmCompanies.com offers quotes from only the best, most well known business and home security companies. By working with leading providers like FrontPoint, Vivint, GE, Pinnacle, Smith & Wesson, and, of course, the ADT Security Systems Authorized Dealer Program, we can assure you that we are providing quotes from the highest rated security companies in the business.

Not to mention, these six companies use state-of-the-art technology to keep up with the changing market. Features like wireless alarms and touch screen control panels are what consumers want, and these companies offer them along with expert technicians and a skilled customer support staff.

Protect America has been given a five star rating for four years in a row by TopConsumerReviews.com. With their line of affordable home security packages starting at about $30 and free installation, Protect America is offering home security at a price most Americans can afford.

Vivint is one of the most modern, high-tech home security companies. With services that integrate your security system with energy management and home automation, Vivint makes a compelling, "green" option for people that want a top home security company.

ADT Security Systems - ADT is certainly the largest and most well known security provider. Not only do they work with homes and businesses, but their security services are so sophisticated that government agencies also use them.

Protection 1 trails only ADT in the number of customers it has in the US. And, with 60 branch offices, Protection 1 also has locations in nearly every US state, making them a home and business security company that you can even contact in person if need be.

FrontPoint Security touts that their wireless security systems are "virtually undefeatable." The company also notes that it has no hidden fees, all the while providing modern, high-tech home security features like a security app for your smart phone.

Security Networks boasts an A+ Better Business Bureau rating is just one indication of the great customer service they offer. Making use of services like WeatherNet for alerts on dangerous weather, and IDnet for identity protection, Security Networks truly strives to make all aspects of your life more secure, not just your home.