POLICE TRANSPARENCY:
2020 CRIME STATISTICS
Henrico County’s new Chief of Police, Eric English, is ushering in an era of transparency with crime data and police statistics. His goal: working together for a safer Henrico.
As part of the Division’s new vision, to be cutting edge public-safety leaders dedicated to equality and civic trust, the information provided on this site is intended to promote transparency and dialogue with the public.
Data-driven policing is an important tool in preventing, deterring, and responding to crime and quality of life concerns in our communities.
Using data, the Division is able to optimize resources, identify crime trends and fulfill our mission to provide innovative and collaborative police services for a safe and thriving Henrico.
“Everybody has a role in public safety. It’s important for the public to know and understand what is happening in their communities and within our agency. By working together we can address concerns that matter to you.
This is just the beginning. We will continue to evolve and seek ways to improve our data reporting, enhance transparency and demonstrate accountability across the Division.”
-Chief Eric English
After reviewing the following 2020 crime data, we invite you to review Henrico’s 2020 Crime Demographics & Residency Data, 2020 Use of Force Report, and the 2020 Vehicular Pursuits Report.
Contents
Part I Crime
Violent Crime
Non-Violent Crime
Criminal Offenses
Traffic Data
Emergency Communications
Additional Resources
Police Resources
Crime Alerts
Public Data
Police Policies
Personnel Demographics
Partner Resources
DMV Treds
FBI Crime Data Explorer
Community Policing Act Data
About Crime Data
Henrico Police utilizes FBI’s Uniform Crime Report (UCR) reporting methodology, commonly referred to as Part I Offenses. It does does not contain information about all known criminal offenses that have occurred in Henrico County. Instead, Part I Offenses include violent offenses (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and non-violent offenses (burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft and arson).
In the future, Henrico Police will transition to NIBRS methodology, as the FBI retired its UCR Program January 1, 2021.
Total Part I Crime
In 2020, Henrico experienced a 12% decrease across the total number of Part I Offenses from 2019, as well as a 12% decrease from the county’s five-year average.
The decrease in county-wide Part I crime in 2020 is attributed primarily to a decrease in burglaries (33%), rapes (31%), and larcenies (12%) when compared to 2019. Compared to the 5-year average, we see even more dramatic decreases in burglaries (58%) and rapes (42%).
Sadly, in 2020 there was an increase in aggravated assaults (16%) and a significant increase in homicides (114%) compared to 2019. When compared to the 5-year average, we still see an increase in both Part I offenses.
Crime naturally fluctuates year-to-year; while identifying significant spikes in crime over a short period of time is important, it is equally important to identify crime trends over a long period of time. Of course 2020 was a year like no other and COVID-19 undoubtedly impacted criminal activity.
Nevertheless, the reduction of crime and safety of the public remains the top priority of the Henrico County Police Division.
Violent Crime
In 2020, Part I Violent Offenses in Henrico increased approximately 8% from 2019. When compared to the 5-year average, however, total Part I Violent Offenses are down 7%.
- Homicides trended up in 2020, with a 114% increase from 2019 and 7% increase from the 5-year average.
- Beginning in 2018, there has been a steady decrease in rapes, with a 31% decrease from 2019 and 42% decrease from the 5-year average.
- Robbery saw a slight decrease in 2020, however there has been a 27% decrease compared to the 5-year average. Robberies has trended down since peaking in 2016.
- Aggravated assaults trended up in 2020, with a 16% increase from 2019 and 15% increase from the 5-year average.
Non-Violent Crime
In 2020, Henrico saw a 13% decrease in total Part I Non-Violent Offenses from 2019, and a 12% decrease from the 5-year average.
- There was a 33% decrease in burglaries from 2019; 58% decrease from the 5-year average.
- Compared to 2019, residential burglaries decreased 40%; toolshed burglaries decreased 60%; and commercial burglaries increased 4%.
- Auto thefts remained statistically unchanged in 2020, with just one less incident than in 2019. There was a 4% increase from the 5-year average, however.
- While total larcenies decreased 12% from 2019, there was an increase in parts or accessories stolen from vehicles (19%), including a spike in catalytic converter thefts. License plates are the most common items stolen off of vehicles.
- 67% of larcenies from autos were from reported unlocked vehicles in 2020.
- In 2020, 212 guns were stolen from vehicles; 75% were from reported unlocked vehicles.
Criminal Offenses
In 2020, Henrico saw significant increases in firearms offenses and drug overdoses compared to both 2019 and the 5-year average.
- Total firearm offenses increased 58% from 2019; 77% from the 5-year average.
- There was a staggering 73% increase in total drug overdoses from 2019; an 88% increase in total non-fatal overdoses and 4% increase in fatal overdoses.
- 83% of drug overdoses in 2020 were from heroin and opioids.
- Repeat overdoses victims accounted for 25% of all overdose victims.
- Compared to 2019, felony arrests decreased 21% and misdemeanor arrests decreased 27%.
Traffic Crashes & Charges
After a global pandemic was declared in March 2020, daily activities across Virginia were significantly altered. Schools, businesses and restaurants were closed. Events were cancelled. Telework increased. Stay at home orders were issued. Accordingly, traffic on our roadways decreased, as did traffic arrests and charges in 2020.
- There was a 29% decrease in DUI arrests from 2019, and a 27% decrease from the 5-year average.
- There was a 35% decrease in traffic-related charges from to 2019, and a 29% decrease from the 5-year average.
- Compared to 2019, reportable traffic crashes decreased 24%, however, traffic fatalities increased 12%.
- Pedestrian fatalities decreased 21% from 2019.
Emergency Communications
The Henrico Emergency Communications Center made and received 497,211 calls. That equates to 1,358 calls every day; 56 calls every hour; and nearly 1 call every minute.
- 911 calls decreased 4% from 2019; 7% from the 5-year average.
