Murfreesboro Police officials released Monday that overall reports of Part I crimes to police in 2012 decreased by 

-8% from 2011. Crime trend data indicates there were decreases in three (3) areas of reportable crime, increases in four (4), and no change in one (1).

 

Chief of Police Glenn Chrisman (pictured) stated: “One of the top priorities of the Mayor, Council, City Management and the Police Department is to create safe and livable neighborhoods throughout our city. In 2012, officers and detectives focused on reducing residential burglaries through the use of traditional and innovative strategies. While we are proud to report reductions in reported burglaries, larcenies and motor vehicle thefts, the increase in reported rapes, robberies, and assaults is unacceptable. In 2013, we will continue our efforts at reducing personal and property crimes throughout the City of Murfreesboro which affect the quality of life for our citizens and visitors.”

 

Arrests have been made in two (2) of the four (4) reported homicides while the two (2) unsolved cases remain a priority. Two (2) reckless homicide cases involving infants who died as a result of parental actions were also reported but do not meet the criteria for reporting in the Part I crime index. The parents responsible in those two cases have been charged or are awaiting criminal prosecution.

 

In response to the increase of thirty (30) additional reported rapes, the department will continue to offer Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) classes for women at various locations throughout the city. Also, criminal investigators working with the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) will continue to pursue criminal investigations and 

prosecutions of these reported incidents. Over half of the reported rapes were linked to an acquaintance. Police remind women to say “no” clearly and firmly, be repetitive, and remember that offenders look to take advantage of situations in which a potential victim’s judgment and ability to act defensively is impaired.

 

Robberies increased by nine incidents, or 7% in 2012. Many of the robberies involved a single suspect robbing an individual rather than a business. Twenty-eight (28) of the reported robberies involved businesses. Officers offer the following advice to avoid being the victim of a robbery. Be aware of your surroundings and if you observe 

suspicious activity report it immediately. Businesses should practice good cash control by maintaining the minimum amount of cash in drawers as well as maintain working alarms, lighting, and surveillance cameras.

 

Consistent with state and nationwide traffic trends, 2012 saw an increase in fatal vehicle crashes in Murfreesboro. Two (2) fatalities were reported in 2011 and nine (9) in 2012. Of the nine (9) fatalities on Murfreesboro roadways reported in 2012, four (4) involved single vehicles that left the roadway due to speed or some impairment. Two (2) involved a failure to yield the right of way, and two (2) others involved lane violations. Two (2) of the fatal crashes were alcohol-related. In 2013, the Murfreesboro Police Alcohol Countermeasures Team (MPACT), Motorcycle Unit, and officers assigned to traffic enforcement will  continue to address DUIs, speeding, red light violations and any other unsafe driving behavior. Motorists are encouraged to drive the posted speed limit, buckle up for safety, obey traffic signs and signals and avoid distracted driving habits. Most importantly, don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 

Officers responded to a record number of 106,102 calls for service in 2012, a 5% increase over 2011. On average, this equates to 301 calls for service per day. Officers and detectives were responsible for over 11,500 criminal charges, a 20% increase. Uniformed officers issued 17,908 citations and 24,334 warning citations in traffic-related cases and 23,494 parking citations. The MPACT Unit and other uniformed officers initiated 824 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) related arrests. The Automated Red-Light Enforcement System began operating in June of 2008 and issued 24,111 citations in 2012, bringing the total number of citations to over 74,000.

 

Chief Chrisman stated: “I am proud of the outstanding work of the men and women of the Murfreesboro Police Department. The dedicated police officers, detectives, police/fire dispatchers and all our support staff work tirelessly to provide service and safe neighborhoods for residents and visitors to our city. Our officers and employees will continue to strive for service excellence, seek justice for crime victims, and to hold criminals responsible for their actions.”

 

The City of Murfreesboro consists of over 55 square miles and continues to steadily grow in population reaching 108,755 certified residents. Middle Tennessee State University has also seen significant growth and currently has over 26,000 students enrolled.

 

A category-by-category breakdown in the crime statistics is as follows: 

 

Total reports of Part I crimes decreased overall from 6,555 in 2011 to 6,026 in 2012, a decrease of -8%.

 

Reports of Homicide increased from 3 in 2011 to 4 in 2012, an increase of 33%.

 

Reports of Rape increased from 29 in 2011 to 59 in 2012, an increase of 103%.

 

Reports of Robbery increased from 125 in 2011 to 134 in 2012, an increase of 7%.

 

Reports of Assault increased from 1,685 in 2011 to 1,869 in 2012, an increase of 11%.

 

Reports of Burglary decreased from 1,352 in 2011 to 896 in 2012, a decrease of -34%.

 

Reports of Larceny decreased from 3,185 in 2011 to 2,889 in 2012, a decrease of -3%.

 

Reports of Motor Vehicle Theft decreased from 173 in 2011 to 172 in 2012, a decrease of -1%.

 

Reports of Arson remained the same with 3 in 2011 and 2012.