Chief of Police Announces Crime at Seven-Year Low in Capital City
Chief of Police Tyke Hunt presented the Charleston Police Department’s yearend report to City Council on Monday, March 7, 2022. During the presentation Chief Hunt shared that most major crime areas are at or near a seven-year low. These positive trends can be attributed to the proactive steps being taken to address public safety, collaboration between City Departments and stronger relationships with community members.
“Our City is currently at or near a seven-year low in most major crime areas,” said Chief of Police Tyke Hunt. “This would not be possible if we did not have amazing community members willing to work with us and support from our City Departments—especially our CARE Office, Refuse Department and Fire Department. Together, through what I like to call an ‘all city’ approach, we have initiated and encouraged positive change in our communities.”
“Our police officers put in long hours and a tremendous amount of hard work, around the clock, to help ensure Charleston continues to be a vibrant community for our residents and visitors. They do so with grit, passion, and a heartfelt commitment to building relationships within our community,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “The City will continue to work in collaboration with the Charleston Police Department to prioritize public safety and strengthen relationships within the community.”
Key findings of the report include:
- Burglary, breaking and entering into motor vehicles, malicious wounding, motor vehicle theft, breaking and entering into buildings, and robbery are all at a seven-year low—with larcenies being at almost a seven-year low.
- Response times have improved since last year and are down by approximately 45 seconds.
- Response to resistance and aggression is holding at the 25 percent decrease of previous years.
- Charleston has maintained a 25 percent decrease in traffic crashes and fatalities, which are up in most cities.
- Calls for service [to Metro 911] are at a seven-year low.
