Violent crime decreased 10 percent from 25,452 to 23,004, and murder dropped 12 percent from 401 to 354. Robbery and aggravated assault went down respectively 13 (from 12,087 to 10,492) and seven percent (from 12,090 to 11,208). Reports of various types of sex crimes, all categorized in the report as rape, increased by nine percent, from 874 to 950 reported incidents. Part of the increase is the result of a change in protocol which has resulted in more comprehensive reporting of sex crimes.

“Our latest crime data shows reductions in most major categories of crime. While crime rates can be influenced by any number of variables, there is no question that an important part of the equation is the skill and dedication of the men and women of our law enforcement community,” said Acting Attorney General Lougy. “I am encouraged by this downward trend in the overall crime index and violent crime. Going forward, our commitment is to continue working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners at every level to further reduce crime in New Jersey.”

The annual UCR, prepared by the State Police Uniform Crime Reporting Unit, measures offenses committed during the period spanning from January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2014. The report contains data on the rate of reported Index Crimes – offenses which fall into seven crime categories, including the four violent index crimes of murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, and three nonviolent index crimes of burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft. The UCR also contains separate statistical reports on bias crimes, carjacking and domestic violence.

Click here to view the data.

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