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Florida Crime Rate Lowest It's Been In 42 Years, But Sees Uptick In Certain Crimes

Florida’s overall crime rate has dropped, and it’s the lowest it’s been in 42 years. But, despite the decline shown in a report released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there has been a slight uptick in certain violent crimes.

According to Florida’s 2012 Annual Uniform Crime Report, Florida’s crime rate dropped by 6.5-percent. Crimes, like burglary, robberies, and car thefts showed a significant decrease. But, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger says despite seeing a decline in overall non-violent and violent crimes, there were some areas that showed slight increases.

“Under violent crimes, overall they dropped 4.3 percent, but we are seeing an uptick in certain violent crimes. Homicides were up 2.4 percent last year, forcible sex offenses increased 2.7 percent last year as well. It’s certainly something we’re going to be keeping an eye on,” said Plessinger.

Plessinger says some of the overall declines could be attributed to a better economy, but she says her department does not know what’s contributing to the increases in certain crimes.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.