Kentucky Crime Data 2023 Shows Increase in Human Trafficking, Animal Cruelty

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Kentucky's crime report is in and overall crime is about the same in 2023 as it was in 2022.

The Kentucky State Police released the 2023 Kentucky Crime Report on Monday. The 308-page report looked at all reported crimes in 23 categories and compared 2023 to 2022. Kentucky state law requires the report to be compiled annually.

In addition to state totals, the report also provides snapshots of reported crimes in each county in 2023.

Gov. Andy Beshear said in a letter pinned to the report that it paints a picture that law enforcement and communities can use to improve their communities.

“This report, the 2023 Kentucky Crime Report, provides information that allows law enforcement to be more proactive and aware of trends while empowering local communities to redirect resources and create programs to combat and reduce crime. Kentuckians deserve a clear picture of the communities in which they live, and this report provides that transparency,” Beshear wrote.

In 2023, Kentucky saw an overall crime increase of 0.89%, from 237,818 reported crimes in 2022 to 239,930 in 2023, according to the report.

The report shows that crime rates remained stable across most categories, while homicides, burglaries, robberies, sex crimes, kidnapping and gambling all saw declines.

Kentucky State Police said homicide rates have declined over the past three years.

The report said gambling-related crimes saw the biggest drop, with an 87.5% reduction.

Crimes down in Kentucky

“One crime committed is one crime too many,” Beshear said in a news release. “Our law enforcement and government leaders remain focused on deterring crime, protecting Kentucky families, and providing services to victims. At the start of my second term, I pledged to remain committed to creating the better Kentucky we all want for future generations, and every day, my administration reaffirms that promise.”

Kentucky has also seen an increase in certain types of crimes such as human trafficking, animal cruelty, assault, blackmail and prostitution.

Crime on the rise in Kentucky

According to KSP, the increase in human trafficking crimes could be linked to increased training. Police said animal cruelty is on the rise, but cases typically involve more than one animal at a time, increasing the number of reported crimes.

“Protecting Kentucky’s 120 counties requires collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement, and I’m proud to say our state is doing just that,” KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said in a news release. “That’s why we see progress every day. I encourage Kentuckians to stay vigilant about their surroundings, take note of changes and stay focused on protecting our most vulnerable population: our children.”

The full report can be viewed on the Kentucky State Police website.