2023 Kentucky crime data shows uptick in human trafficking, animal cruelty

FRANKFORT, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Kentucky’s crime report card is in, and overall, crime is close to the same in 2023 as it was in 2022.

Kentucky State Police released the 2023 Crime in Kentucky report on Monday. The 308-page report looked at all reported crimes across 23 categories and compared 2023 to 2022. The report is required by Kentucky state law to be compiled annually.

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In addition to state totals, the report also provides snapshots of each county’s reported crimes in 2023.

Gov. Andy Beshear said in a letter pinned to the report that the report paints a picture that law enforcement and communities can use to improve their communities.

“This report, the 2023 Crime in Kentucky report, provides information for law enforcement to be more proactive and aware of trends while allowing local communities to reroute resources and create programs to combat and reduce crime. Kentuckians deserve a clear picture of the communities in which they live, and this report provides them that transparency,” Beshear wrote.

In 2023, Kentucky saw an overall increase in crime of 0.89%, from 237,818 reported offenses in 2022 to 239,930 in 2023, per the report.

The report shows crime rates have remained steady in most categories while homicide, burglary, robbery, sex offenses, kidnapping, and gambling all saw declines.

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Kentucky State Police said homicide rates have declined for the last three years.

The reported noted that gambling offenses saw the largest decline, with an 87.5% reduction.

Crimes that saw a decline in Kentucky

“One crime committed is one too many,” Beshear said in a news release. “Our law enforcement and government leaders remain focused on deterring crime, protecting Kentucky families and providing services to victims. At the beginning of my second term, I pledged to remain committed to creating that better Kentucky we all want for future generations, and every day, my administration reaffirms this promise.”

Kentucky also saw an increase in a handful of types of crimes like human trafficking, animal cruelty, assault, blackmail, and prostitution.

Crimes that increased in Kentucky

KSP said the increase in human trafficking offenses could be related to increased training. Police said animal cruelty is on the rise, but the cases also usually involve more than one animal at a time, adding to the number of reported offenses.

“Protecting Kentucky’s 120 counties requires a collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and I am proud to say that our state does this well,” KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said in a news release. “It is because of this that we are seeing progress being made every day. I encourage Kentuckians to stay vigilant of their surroundings, take notice of changes and remain focused on protecting our most vulnerable population – our children.”

The full report can be viewed on the Kentucky State Police website.

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