ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Police Department has released its crime statistics for the 2012 year, showing all crimes across the board have decreased.
According to the department, there has been a 43 percent decrease in violent crimes since 2006. In 2012, 5 of the 20 murders in the city limits have been domestic. In 2010, 9 domestic murders were reported.
"I'm happy to report that our continued efforts to reduce violent crime in the city of Orlando should result in the reduction of violent crime for 2012," said Lt. Dean Deschryver.
But Police Chief Paul Rooney said despite the decrease in violent crimes, there's still work to be done.
"We're 44 percent down in domestic violence related homicides but one is too many," Rooney said.
Rooney highlighted three high-profile cases, including Nicolette White, who was stabbed to death by her live in boyfriend; a 2-month-old baby, who was beaten to death by her father; and Debra Banner, whose husband shot and killed her.
OPD has also put a dent in the sale of counterfeit goods. More than $600,000 worth of fake Gucci and Louis Vuitton were confiscated the weekend of the Florida Classic alone.
OPD is also focusing on community outreach projects with the elderly, where they encourage officers to get to know the elderly people in areas they patrol.
Rooney also commented on the numerous OPD officers that have ended up on the wrong side of the law in 2012, most recently, Roderick Johnson who was arrested on accusations of raping a woman he arrested.
"It's been a rough week," Rooney said. "It's been a rough couple of weeks with some of the headlines."
Rooney described the officer mishaps as one of the biggest challenges of the year.
"From time to time, officers make mistakes, sometimes very serious mistakes, sometimes career ending mistakes," Rooney said.
One officer was caught on surveillance leaving a convenience store with bottles of wine without paying for them, two others have been let go for misconduct and other officers face serious charges.
Rooney said he's not proud of what has happened with his officers, but says the department will thoroughly investigate each case.