Perceptions distorted by cable news, social media, & politics
Roseville, Calif. – Turn on cable news or click on social media and it quickly becomes apparent that every crime and misdeed gets amplified and shared to maximum effect in the digital age. One might assume the prevalence of crime is bad everywhere. The evidence shows otherwise.
Fear and anger helps keep users tuned in and logged on while generating clicks and profits in the process. For many, it presents a widely distorted view that their community is becoming overrun by crime when the opposite may be true. Roseville was recently ranked among the safest cities in the U.S.
The old news maxim “if it bleeds, it leads” is used to full effect to keep viewers in a state of worry, anger, and fear, facts be damned.
How does the actual data from our local enforcement agencies compare to what many perceive when it comes to local crime? Decades of data collection from our local law enforcement agencies provide some clarity. The odds of being a victim of both property crime or violent crime are lower today than 30-40 years ago, when the population of South Placer was was just a fraction of what it is today. Let that sink in.
Roseville in 2023
The Roseville PD has adopted the new National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and 2023 data is the first year included in reporting below. Designed to improve the overall quality of crime data collected, it will make comparison with years prior to 2023 more difficult. This is aimed at establishing a new baseline and and providing more accurate and detailed view of crime in communities going forward. When Roseville PD release their next annual report in 2025, it will have a one year data comparison.
Rocklin, safer now than 1980
The same trend of declining crime continues in Rocklin with crime down 13% in 2023. Population growth has reduced residents odds of becoming a victim of crime. Rocklin residents had higher odds of being a victim of crime in 1980 than they do today, according to Uniform Crime Report. Check out the chart below from Rocklin PD annual report which shows data from 2005 through 2023.
Live, work, & play
There are many challenges of growth and not all may be viewed as positive. However, when it comes to the crime rate in South Placer County, the data has shown that the explosive growth experienced has not had a negative impact on the actual crime rate. Quite to the contrary, residents’ safety odds have improved dramatically and that’s terrific news for our communities and business environment!
So, the next time you turn on cable news, social media or hear propaganda on local crime, take note on the long term trend of declining crime rates. It’s just another reason why Placer County is an incredible place to live, work, and play.
Welcome to the brighter side!
Crime Data Collection
Law enforcement agencies that submit crime data to the FBI are being encouraged to implement the new National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Designed to improve the overall quality of crime data collected, future reporting will include NIBRS data. This is aimed at establishing a new baseline and and providing more accurate and detailed view of crime in communities.
Roseville 2023 Summary
