Virginia Crime and Arrest Trends 2008 - 2017

Virginia Crime and Arrest Trends 2008-2017 describes Virginia violent and property index crime and arrest trends, and drug arrest trends, for the decade 2008 – 2017.  The companion report, Virginia, U.S. and Bordering States Index Crime and Drug Arrest Trends 2008–2017 examines Virginia’s ten-year and one-year crime trends and drug arrest trends are compared with trends from the U.S. and from the five states that border Virginia (Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia).

Understanding these trends is important because the numbers of crimes and arrests reported are “leading indicators” for other parts of the criminal justice system, including prosecutions, court caseloads, and correctional populations. They also provide public safety officials with information to guide policies, legislation and resources aimed at preventing and reducing future crime.