Kentucky State Police has recently published their 2023 Crime in Kentucky report on July 1, highlighting an increase in reported offenses related to serious crimes such as human trafficking and animal cruelty.
According to the report, there has been a significant increase in human trafficking offenses from 43 in 2022 to 60 in 2023, indicating a rise of almost 40%. Kentucky State Police (KSP) stated that this increase might be attributed to the intensified training of law enforcement, educational, and service professionals, along with the nationwide efforts to raise community awareness.
According to KSP, the number of reported animal cruelty cases has increased by 35%, with 991 offenses reported in 2023 compared to 734 in 2022. The rise in cases is attributed to individuals who abuse multiple animals simultaneously, causing harm and suffering to innocent creatures.
In 2023, Kentucky reported a total of 239,930 Group-A Offenses, marking an increase of over 2,000 from the previous year’s 237,818 serious crimes. Among the most frequently occurring offenses were larceny/theft (56,462), drug/narcotic offenses (53,119), assault (50,833), destruction/damage/vandalism of property (21,767), motor vehicle theft (13,535), and burglary/breaking and entering (11,070).
According to the report, there has been a decrease in various crimes including homicide, burglary, robbery, sex offenses, kidnapping, and gambling. It is noteworthy that homicide rates have been declining for the third consecutive year.
Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat from Kentucky, firmly believes that even one crime committed is unacceptable. He emphasizes that law enforcement and government officials are tirelessly working towards preventing crime, safeguarding Kentucky families, and providing support to victims. During the start of his second term, he promised to continue his efforts in creating a better Kentucky for future generations, and his administration remains steadfast in fulfilling this commitment each passing day.
To report any information to law enforcement, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. urges individuals to call 911 or one of KSP’s 16 posts. To report confidential tips, the KSP website tip form can be used.
According to Burnett, safeguarding all 120 counties in Kentucky necessitates a collective effort among law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, and he is pleased to report that our state is excelling in this regard. Every day, we are making strides in the right direction. Burnett urges the citizens of Kentucky to remain alert and attentive to their surroundings, keeping a watchful eye out for any unusual developments, and to remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding our most vulnerable population – our children.
Since taking office, Beshear’s administration has prioritized public safety and has successfully secured a pay increase of over $18,000 for KSP troopers and officers.
According to the Kentucky State Police (KSP), the report’s statistics are gathered by receiving offense and arrest data from law enforcement agencies across the state. KSP mandates that the data be submitted through the National Incident-Based Reporting System, which is the FBI’s standard reporting system.