Prince William County Police released its 2024 Crime Recap, March 28, announcing a decrease in violent crimes from 2023 through 2024 and a 96% approval rating.
The department highlighted the following statistics, the vast majority of which were positive.
Violent crime fell 7.4%, including a 12.0% drop in murder, 31.1% drop in forcible rape, 2.9% drop in aggravated assault and 11.9% drop in robbery.
Firearm-related cases decreased 12.8%, and firearms used in robberies fell 60.0%. Burglary offenses continued to decline, dropping 7.3% in 2024.
Police cleared all 2024 murder cases; none remain under active investigation.
Of Crimes Against Persons, police note that 73.3% are categorized as Simple Assaults.
Larceny offenses accounted for 49.9% of all Crimes Against Property.
Motor Vehicle Thefts rose slightly this year, at 3.6%, following a double-digit increase from 2022 to 2023.
Chief Peter Newsham stated that the department set a goal to work, "in a comprehensive and collaborative effort to reduce and prevent crime, make our roads safer, save lives, protect the vulnerable, and seek justice for victims."
To achieve that goal, the force increased its staffing throughout 2024, "by hiring outstanding police officers and professional staff employees, who reflect both the values and diversity of our community."
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved and allocated funds for new hires, and PWPD saw 55 recruits graduate last year, selected among 368 applicants.
Newsham noted that officers' competence allows the county to safely host national events, such as the Solheim Cup held at the Robert Trent Jones Country Club in Gainesville.
However, he said the agency's most significant accomplishment has been quietly serving the public to people's overwhelming satisfaction. "It is no surprise that once again, last year our department members earned the community's faith and trust with a 96 percent satisfaction rate for county police services."
The Chief praised his team for working "around the clock," and responding to over 200,000 calls for service. "I know that I speak for the entire community when I say that I could not be more proud of the tireless efforts and contributions of our members who have made the department one of the finest and most respected in the nation."
Bristow Beat may update this article to provide more information.
The full report can be found on the Prince William County Police website.
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