Huntsville Reports Crime Decrease in 2020

Published on January 29, 2021

The Huntsville Police Department is reporting a significant decrease in crime across the City in 2020. Preliminary reports indicate homicides dropped 26%, burglaries 19%, automotive break-ins 11%, and robberies 31%.

The lower rates contradict others within the region reporting an increase in violent offenses last year. Nationally, cities of a similar size to Huntsville didn’t see the overall drop in crime, according to FBI data currently available.

Law enforcement analysts are examining the swings in increases and decreases, including challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Huntsville Police point to positive community involvement, combined with police commitment as a powerful tool in protecting the public and improving the quality of life.

“Even as the pandemic tested all of us in 2020, our police officers

did not take a day off,” said Huntsville Police Chief McMurray. “Patrol officers, specialized units, and investigators worked hard to combat crime and solve cases, and it shows.”

Captain Dewayne McCarver, Huntsville Police Criminal Investigations Division Commander, noted the increased level of civic participation in fighting crime.

“Our Community Watch program grew to about 20,000 residents, and we worked with 160 community groups throughout the last year on crime-fighting solutions,” he said. “This involvement makes a difference.”

Police also credit the 26 officers and investigators serving in a full or part-time capacity with the department’s local, state, and federal partners to help stop and solve crimes. These include the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (ALEA).

“Decreasing crime only happens when the community wants to get involved,” McMurray said. “The eagerness of everyone in our neighborhood groups during this time of uncertainty with COVID-19 makes us honored to work side by side.”

Final crime numbers for 2020 will be published in the Huntsville Police Annual Report in early spring. A copy of the report will be available to the public online at huntsvilleal.gov/police/operations.