Officials Say 'Outreach Efforts' Led to Decline in Forcible Rape
December 2011
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - "When you're raped, all you're thinking about is surviving," said Susanna Parkinson, Sexual Assault Intervention Specialist at the Shelby County Rape Crisis Center. "The trend to me is that some people are like 'Oh well, another rape.' We should be careful not to embrace violence."
Far from embracing violence, local law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and other stakeholders are reducing it in key areas, such as Forcible Rape, according to the most recent Crime Trends Report compiled by the University of Memphis Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Data shows a 13.5 percent drop in Forcible Rape cases in Memphis during the first 11 months of 2011, when compared to the same time last year. In Shelby County, the decrease was greater at more than 15 percent during this time.
Colonel Mike Ryall of the Memphis Police Department's Sex Crime Bureau says the decline in rapes is not coincidental. "I attribute a drop in aggravated sexual crime to two things: aggressive investigation and aggressive prosecution," he said. Citing the MPD and Shelby County District Attorney General's Office as examples, Ryall said teamwork between these and other agencies leads to more arrests and subsequent decreases in crime. "When the criminal elements team comes together, they (law enforcement and prosecutors) provide a strong united front for abolition of that crime and send a message not just to suspects and aggressors but also to victims, that we are providing a safehaven for victims."
Parkinson said such safehavens are important so that victims are not re-victimized. Although she said the number of patients seen at the Rape Crisis Center appears unchanged, several factors may contribute to seeming differences, including how sexual crimes are defined. According to the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System or TIBRS, Forcible Rape is "any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person's will." It may also include cases in which victims are incapable of giving consent to sexual activity due to mental or physical incapacity or being underage. Conversely, Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation define Forcible Rape as the "carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will," a category that includes rapes, assaults, and attempts to commit rape.
However the crime is defined, Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr. says the numbers are moving in the right direction due to joint initiatives from several agencies. "This shows the importance of our outreach efforts through Operation: Safe Community. Additionally, we believe the many services offered at the new Memphis and Shelby County Family Safety Center, operated by Shelby County Government, will continue to help curb crime," said Mayor Luttrell.
Collective efforts by community leaders, agencies, and citizens show a commitment to reducing violence, while increasing community involvement. Parkinson added: "We all have to take responsibility for reducing violence in the lives of people around us, individuals and as a community, because together we are stronger."
Major Property Crime Down in Memphis and Shelby County
But Law Enforcement Warns Against Getting Too Comfy
November 2011
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Tis' the season to be cautious. Despite recent decreases in burglaries and theft, local law enforcement officials say citizens of Memphis and Shelby County should still be alert during the holiday shopping season.
"Because of late night [shopping] hours, it's probably best to go with someone," said Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong. "Always be aware of your surroundings. And it's best to let someone know where you're going so, in the event something does happen, someone will know where you are."
Taking these precautions could help to continue the downward trend in Major Property Crime areas, which include theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. According to the most recent Crime Trends data, released for October 2011, car theft in Memphis is down nearly 20 percent this year, as compared to the first 10 months of last year. Slight decreases also occurred in burglaries and other theft offenses citywide.
MPD Director Armstrong says citizens should not take improved property crime rates for granted. "It's best not to get a false sense of security, even when it is not the holiday season," he said.
In Shelby County, more significant decreases were seen, as motor vehicle theft dropped more than 20 percent, burglaries dropped nearly 10 percent, and theft offenses decreased nearly seven percent. The decline is even greater when compared to benchmark year 2006, when Operation: Safe Community began.
Shelby County officials say they agree that taking small precautions could make a big difference. "Park in high pedestrian and vehicle traffic areas, make sure you remove all your valuables when leaving your car, and check your surroundings to make sure they look safe before you get out of the car," advised representatives from the Shelby County Sheriff's Office."
"The holiday season can be a festive time, but it can also be a dangerous time when people don't take the necessary precautions," warns Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham. "Taking a few extra steps to ensure your safety can mean the difference between safety and becoming a victim."
About the Crime Report
To view the complete OSC Monthly Crime Trend Report, visit "The Results" page and click "Current Stats". Data was compiled by the University of Memphis Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. It is based on Crime Reports submitted by the Memphis Police Department to the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System or TIBRS. The Report includes information on several offenses, such as murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, drug and weapon violations, and simple assault.
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