JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Is the homicide rate decreasing in Jacksonville?
There was a violent night in Jacksonville on Monday, with three people shot and one fatality. However, the data indicates that such nights may be becoming less common.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the number of homicides in the city is lower this year compared to the same period last year. The database shows that there have been 14 fewer homicide victims so far, which is approximately a 25 percent reduction.
On average, there has been one homicide every four days in Jacksonville, based on the available data. This year, 41 people have been killed, whereas by this date last year, the number stood at 55.
While these numbers could still be lower, advocates against crime believe that any reduction in homicides is beneficial for the community. M.A.D. D.A.D.S., an organization that has been working for 20 years to build trust in violence-stricken neighborhoods and encourage anonymous crime tips, emphasizes the importance of visible police presence and building trust with communities.
AJ Jordan from M.A.D. D.A.D.S. acknowledges that although there has been a 25 percent decrease in homicide victims this year, many families are still suffering.
He believes that when the community sees visible efforts from organizations like M.A.D. D.A.D.S. and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, makes a difference and helps build trust, leading to more people speaking up.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters attributes the lower homicide rate to effective policing and community partnerships.
In a statement to First Coast News, he credits the hard work of the men and women of JSO, proactive policing by patrol and the violence reduction section, successful operations by various units, and the agency’s relationships with community partners as contributing factors to the downward trend in homicides and violent crimes.
Jordan hopes that the new mayoral administration will enhance programs that provide funding for after-school activities and guidance for young individuals. First Coast News reached out to Mayor-elect Donna Deegan’s campaign team for a response, but they did not provide one.
Compared to the previous two years, 2022 witnessed a higher number of homicides, with 164 recorded, according to data from the Florida Times-Union, a news partner of First Coast News.
Here is the complete statement from Sheriff T.K. Waters:
“The reduction in homicides is the result of multifaceted policing and community partnerships. Fundamentally, it is the hard work, day-to-day, by the men and women of JSO that is contributing to the downward trend in homicide and violent crime numbers. Proactive policing by both patrol and the violence reduction section, as well as successful operations by narcotics and other units, have played a significant role in reducing crime. Our relationships with community partners and our work in prevention through our violence reduction section are also factors in the decline of homicide numbers. Prevention, intervention, and enforcement—these are all aspects of the downward trend, made possible by the dedicated work of the public servants at this agency.”
