FRANKFORT, Ky. — The serious crime rate dropped in Kentucky last year, according to a new report from Kentucky State Police. Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., announced the findings from the annual statewide crime report, which revealed fewer reports and arrests for homicides, drug offenses and robberies.

“Today’s report is encouraging news that we are moving in the right direction when it comes to fighting crime across the commonwealth. We are taking this momentum and announcing more ways we are better protecting all of our families,” said Beshear, standing with KSP Commissioner Col. Phillip Burnett Jr. and Lt. Mike Bowling.

The 2022 Crime in Kentucky report shows that from 2021 to 2022, in 23 categories, overall reports of serious crimes decreased by nearly 10%, and arrests decreased by 6.2%. Of the 23 categories, 16 saw a decrease in arrests and 18 saw a decrease in crimes reported.

The data showed a 6.9% decrease in homicide arrests and a 33% decrease in reports of homicides. There was a more than 13% decrease in drug and narcotic offense reports, as well as a 16% decrease in reports of robberies. Other crimes that had a rate decrease included fraud, human trafficking, pornography and obscene material and prostitution offenses.

The data was pulled from the National Incident-Based Reporting System, which is the standard reporting system for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Animal cruelty is one of the categories that saw an increase in both reports and arrests, according to KSP. They attirbute some of the increase to a violation code being added for the crime and more law enforcement bringing the crime to light.