Delaware’s Opioid Epidemic: Crime Statistics 2018

Delaware’s crime landscape in 2018 was dominated by the devastating opioid epidemic, which had a profound impact on the state’s crime statistics. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Delaware reported a significant increase in violent crimes, with a 14.6% rise in murders and non-negligent manslaughters, marking the highest rate in over a decade.

Nationally, the opioid crisis was taking a toll on communities across the United States. In 2018, the FBI UCR reported a 3.5% increase in violent crime, with 17.5 murders and non-negligent manslaughters per 100,000 inhabitants. Delaware’s rates were higher, with 22.2 per 100,000. This uptick in violent crime can be attributed, in part, to the opioid epidemic, which contributed to a surge in violent interactions and related crimes.

Delaware’s overdose deaths, a direct result of the opioid crisis, continued to rise in 2018. According to the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, there were 547 overdose deaths in the state, a 12% increase from the previous year. This staggering number highlights the scope of the epidemic and its impact on the state’s crime statistics.

The opioid crisis also led to an increase in property crimes, including burglary and larceny-theft. In 2018, Delaware reported a 10.3% rise in larceny-theft, with 4,143 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants, exceeding the national average. This trend is consistent with national data, which showed a 3.5% increase in property crimes.

In response to the crisis, law enforcement agencies and community organizations in Delaware launched initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic and reduce crime. These efforts included increased funding for substance abuse treatment, expanded access to naloxone, and targeted community outreach. While the data suggests that the crisis has had a lasting impact on Delaware’s crime landscape, these initiatives signal a commitment to addressing the root causes of the epidemic and working towards a safer, healthier community.