Tempe residents are safer than in past years, according to recent crime reports published by the FBI and the city.
The FBI released its 2003 Uniformed Crime Report on Monday, stating violent crime is down 18 percent in Tempe since 2002.
Although crime was down in Tempe, Scottsdale saw an 86 percent increase in homicides from 2002 to 2003, while Phoenix saw a 36 percent increase in homicides during the same period.
Mesa homicides decreased by 36 percent.
Tempe also saw a decrease in homicides, rapes and assaults in that period, with three fewer murders and 178 fewer cases of assault, down from 10 and 811 respectively.
According to city officials, these numbers are continuing to decrease along with the population. More than 5,000 residents moved out of Tempe from 2002 to 2003.
Tempe police Sgt. Dan Masters said he does not believe the decrease in population was a factor in the crime rate.
According to Masters, the decrease in crime is due to several other factors.
"It's a combination of crime prevention efforts and the direction of the chief to get officers back into neighborhoods and conduct solid investigations," Masters said.
Between 2002 and 2003, Tempe was authorized to have 326 officers on staff, including patrol officers and detectives, seven more than 2001. No number was available for 2004, but Masters said that the city is continuing to expand its staff.
Social work senior Nora O'Connell said the presence of officers on the streets is obvious.
"There are tons of them," O'Connell said. "Especially on the weekend."
Although burglary increased 3 percent in 2003 in Tempe, the city has seen a 43 percent decrease so far this year, contributing to the overall drop in crime in the city.
O'Connell said knowing the city is safer is comforting.
"I feel safe as far as bigger crimes go," she said. "I don't fear bigger crimes such as murder."
Reach the reporter at jenna.eckenrode@asu.edu.
