SAFETY IS IMPROVING

Why Is This Important?

The level of crime in a community is a significant factor affecting quality of life as well as the economic health of a region. Incidence of cri me poses an economic burden and creat es fear, frustration, and instability, and diminishes a sense of community.

How Are We Doing?
Solano County, despite a recent spike in 2006, has seen a long term decrease of in the number of felony offenses per capita. From 2007 to 200 8, the number of felony offenses per 100,000 people decreased 16 percent in Solano County and 6 percent in California. The numbe r of felony offenses per 100,000 people has decreased 15 percent in Solano County and 21 percent in California since 1996. In 2008, Solano County had 1,875 felony offenses per 100,000 people - 150 more felony offenses per 100,000 people than Solano Count y's low in 2004 .

While violent crime is down nationwide, part of the decreasing number of felony arrests in the county is due to fewer arrests being made per crime reported. Law enforcement agencies have not been immune from the recent economic downturn and as a result have had fewer resources to makes arrests. From 2007 to 2008, violent crime reports decreased 5 percent, while arrests decreased 15 percent.