Crime in Colorado 2018: Steady Rise in Violent Crimes

Colorado experienced a steady rise in violent crimes in 2018, marking a concerning trend for the state’s law enforcement agencies and residents. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, which collects and analyzes crime data from law enforcement agencies nationwide, Colorado saw an increase in violent crimes, including aggravated assault, robbery, and murder.

In 2018, Colorado reported 6.1% more violent crimes compared to the previous year, a significant jump that outpaced the national average. The UCR Program reported a 5.3% increase in violent crimes nationwide, with 380.6 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants. Colorado’s rate of 437.8 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants was nearly 26% higher than the national average. The state’s law enforcement agencies struggled to keep pace with the rising crime rates, with many departments facing resource constraints and budget shortfalls.

The 2018 crime surge in Colorado was not limited to violent crimes. Property crimes, including burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, also saw a significant increase. According to the UCR Program, Colorado reported 8.1% more property crimes compared to the previous year, with a total of 2,434.8 property crimes per 100,000 inhabitants. The state’s property crime rate was nearly 10% higher than the national average.

The uptick in crime in Colorado was part of a larger national trend in 2018. Many law enforcement agencies across the country reported an increase in violent and property crimes, with some attributing the surge to a combination of factors, including economic uncertainty, social media-facilitated gang activity, and the opioid crisis. In Colorado, local law enforcement agencies pointed to the state’s growing population and urbanization as contributing factors to the rise in crime.

As Colorado continues to experience rising crime rates, the state’s law enforcement agencies and residents are left to wonder what the future holds. Will the uptick in crime continue, or will a concerted effort by law enforcement, policymakers, and community leaders be enough to reverse the trend? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the FBI’s UCR Program will continue to monitor and analyze crime data from Colorado and nationwide, providing valuable insights and trends to inform law enforcement strategies and community safety initiatives.