DANVILLE, Va. – It’s been three decades since crime rates were this low in Danville.

The progress made since Police Chief Scott Booth was hired in 2018 was outlined during a Wednesday press conference at Danville City Hall.

Danville Police Captain Steve Richardson noted that during 2019, the total crime reported through the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) was the lowest since 1986. That includes most major categories: murder, burglary, and robbery.

The murder rate dropped 38%, from 8 to 5. Burglary rates in Danville in 2020 were among the lowest on record. Aggravated assaults have increased, up 14% from 63 to this year’s 72.

The crime solution rate for the Danville Police Department was also above the national norm.

Danville Police believe an increased emphasis on neighborhood patrols and community policing efforts contributed to the lower crime statistics.