Dayton not experiencing the same nationwide spike in violent crimes

DAYTON — Many cities across the country have seen a spike in violent crime, especially in the last three months, however Dayton has not experienced the same pattern.

News Center 7′s Mike Campbell spoke with Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl and a psychologist about these crime trends.

While Dayton experienced higher crime rates earlier this year, the city seen better news from the last three months.

“Those big decreases offset some of the increases early on,” explained Chief Biehl.

Local officers did deal with overall increases in homicides and other violent crime in the last year.

“The increase in violent crime and gun crime in particular, began to occur in the latter part of last year,” said Chief Biehl.

Homicide rates are up 13 percent in the lat 12 months, and violent crime is up 4 percent overall.

However that rate is still below the largest 50 cities in the US, where the homicide rate is up 24 percent.

Psychologist Dr. Kathy Platoni attributed the violence to the injustice people are feeling, saying that it can lead to frustration and spark the violence.

Dr. Platoni also said the concerns created by COVID-19 could also be a factor.

“The degree of uncertainty and anxiety, which is rampant across the country, can be a factor leading to violence,” explained Dr. Platoni.

This fact is why Chief Biehl says he’s surprised to see the recent drop in violent crimes recently.

Since the start of protests over George Floyd’s death, Dayton’s homicides are down 48 percent and violent crimes overall are down by 21 percent.

“There’s a sense of connection and a willingness to work through difficulties,” explained Chief Biehl.

The chief says Dayton residents have shown maturity, and he has tried to ensure the department’s patrol officers are showing the same maturity, in reacting to crime and working to prevent it.

“My message has been, be very thoughtful and very strategic,” said Chief Biehl.

Cox Media Group