The California Department of Justice has released their annual reports on homicide, use of force, and other crimes in California, as well as the first-ever “crime guns” report as mandated by AB1191.
The reports found that the homicide rate declined 5%, while property crime and violent crime rates rose about 6%.
The inaugural “Crime Guns in California” report details patterns and trends associated with recovered firearms used in criminal activity, also known as crime guns. The researchers interviewed a variety of sources for the report, including firearm dealers.
Attorney General Rob Bonta welcomed the release of the new report and the others documenting trends for 2022.
“Having access to good data is a cornerstone of responsible public policy,” Bonta said in a press release. “The data released today is essential for understanding, preventing, and combating crime.”
While crime rates in California have steadily declined over the past three decades, gun violence remains a significant threat to public safety.
According to the report, gun violence death rates in the state were well below the national average, yet accounted for approximately 75% of all homicides in California in 2022.
Bonta called that number “unacceptable.” He noted that his office is committed to work with law enforcement and the community to get crime guns out of the hands of criminals and off the streets.
The California Incident Based Reporting System, a new crime-fighting tool rolling out among law enforcement agencies statewide, may help address the concerning numbers.
The DOJ is working to certify more than 600 reporting agencies that have completed the transition of CIBRS. The system will provide more in-depth information about specific incidents of crime including crime guns, and will be widely available to law makers, police agencies, and members of the public.
Bonta encouraged all Californians to look at the data themselves, so it can help guide conversations on the state criminal justice system.
