The truth about the crime rate in Johnson County

Steve Howe regularly references the crime rate in Johnson County as a reason for him to remain District Attorney.  He uses the crimes per 1,000 people rate statistic from the KBI which reflects that over the last 15 years, the crime rate has stayed relatively flat overall.  

Unfortunately, this flat rate reflects the overall rate of crime and not the rate of violent or property crimes staying flat. Looking at the KBI crime statistics from Steve Howe's time in office, there has been a 28% increase in violent crime while property crime has gone down. 

Perhaps more concerningly than the 28% spike in violent crime during the 15 years in office is the fact that the crime rate hasn't been decreasing. Staying static isn't a win. Instead, it reflects the archaic views of the current District Attorney's Office and that their policies aren't making a meaningful impact to 1) be preventative and proactive; or 2) reduce recidivism.  I am not okay with a static overall crime rate and you shouldn't be either. 

As District Attorney, I'll work tirelessly to reduce the violent crime rate and enact policies to reduce recidivism. That's something my opponent can't say. 

-DG