Indiana Crime Wave: 2015

In 2015, Indiana saw a disturbing trend: violent crime rates continued to rise nationwide, and the Hoosier State was no exception. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, which collects and analyzes crime data from law enforcement agencies across the country, Indiana experienced a 0.4% increase in violent crime rates compared to the previous year.

This uptick in violent crime was part of a larger national trend. In 2015, the U.S. saw a 3.9% increase in violent crime rates, with murder and non-negligent manslaughter rates rising by 11.0%, according to the FBI UCR. Meanwhile, property crime rates, including burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, decreased by 4.6% nationwide.

The rise in violent crime in Indiana was driven by a 4.1% increase in aggravated assault rates, which accounted for the majority of violent crimes in the state. Murder and non-negligent manslaughter rates remained relatively stable, decreasing by 0.9% compared to 2014. The UCR program reported that the most violent crimes in Indiana were committed in urban areas, with Indianapolis experiencing a 6.4% increase in violent crime rates.

Indiana’s crime trends in 2015 mirrored those of other Midwestern states, where economic decline and poverty were major factors contributing to the rise in violent crime. The opioid epidemic, which was gaining momentum in 2015, also played a role in the increase in violent crime rates, as users turned to crime to support their addiction. Law enforcement agencies in Indiana responded to the uptick in violent crime by increasing patrols and implementing community policing initiatives.

The FBI UCR program provides a critical framework for understanding crime trends at the national, state, and local levels. By analyzing crime data, law enforcement agencies and policymakers can develop targeted strategies to address the root causes of crime and reduce violent crime rates. In Indiana, the 2015 crime statistics highlight the need for continued efforts to address poverty, economic inequality, and the opioid epidemic, which are all critical factors in the state’s crime trends.