Kentucky homicide rates drop for the third straight year, state police report says

LEXINGTON, Ky. — For the third year in a row, homicide rates in Kentucky have dropped statewide, according to a new crime data report from Kentucky State Police.

Released Monday, the 2023 Crime in Kentucky Report details crimes in Kentucky, the occurrence by county, and the rate compared to previous years’ reports.

For the last three years, homicide rates have been declining, according to the report. In 2022, state police recorded 571 homicides. In 2023, the number dropped nearly 2%, with 562 recorded homicide offenses. In 2021, 647 homicide offenses were recorded.

The annual data indicates crime rates remained stable with a decline in offenses for homicide, burglary, robbery, sex offenses, kidnapping and gambling.

“Protecting Kentucky’s 120 counties requires a collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and I am proud to say that our state does this well,” KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said. “It is because of this that we are seeing progress being made every day. I encourage Kentuckians to stay vigilant of their surroundings, take notice of changes and remain focused on protecting our most vulnerable population – our children.”

Human trafficking, animal cruelty increases

The report suggests two large increases in reported offenses in serious crimes — human trafficking and animal cruelty. From 2022 to 2023, human trafficking offenses rose 39% — from 43 reported offenses to 60.

State officials believe the rise in human trafficking reports may be related to an increase in training for law enforcement, service and education professionals, as well as a nationwide push for heightened community awareness.

Animal cruelty continues to be on the rise, some of which may be because individuals who are reported for animal cruelty often are abusing multiple animals at one time.

Homicides drop in Fayette County

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